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Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First in Fourth T20I Against India

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

India vs Bangladesh: Toss Bangladesh Chose to Bowl vs India

In the fourth T20I match between India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and elected to bowl first on a cloudy day in Sylhet. India had already secured the five-match series 3-0.

Both teams made debuts in this match. Bangladesh introduced 14-year-old medium pacer Habiba Islam, left-hand batter Rubya Haider, and legspinner Shorna Akter. India, on the other hand, handed a debut to 33-year-old legspinner S Asha and rested offspinner Shreyanka Patil. Seamer Titas Sadhu also made her first appearance in the series, replacing Renuka Singh.

Asha, who became the first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in the Women’s Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore, is now the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 12 scalps. This match also marked Harmanpreet Kaur’s 300th international appearance.

Bangladesh Playing XI:

1. Dilara Akter
2. Murshida Khatun
3. Rubya Haider
4. Nigar Sultana (capt & wk)
5. Ritu Moni
6. Habiba Islam
7. Rabeya Khan
8. Nahida Akter
9. Shorifa Khatun
10. Marufa Akter
11. Shorna Akter

India Playing XI:

1. Shafali Verma
2. Smriti Mandhana
3. D Hemalatha
4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)
5. Richa Ghosh (wk)
6. Deepti Sharma
7. S Sajana
8. Pooja Vastrakar
9. Titas Sadhu
10. S Asha
11. Radha Yadav

Categories: Cricket

Gary Kirsten’s Appointment Boosts Pakistan’s White-Ball Hopes

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Pakistan’s limited-overs skipper, Babar Azam, expressed optimism about the appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of the white-ball side, believing it will significantly enhance the team’s performance. Kirsten, a seasoned coach with experience guiding India and South Africa, has been contracted for two years.

Azam highlighted Kirsten’s extensive experience and his proactive approach in planning for the upcoming World Cup. He revealed that Kirsten is actively involved in strategy discussions with the team management and is providing valuable insights. The skipper emphasized that Kirsten’s daily communication with the team ensures constant feedback and support.

Addressing concerns over team selection, Azam dismissed any internal rifts and stated that the squad for the Ireland tour will be finalized based on form and fitness. He clarified that the top-order batting positions are not set in stone and decisions will be made in the best interests of the team.

Azam also acknowledged the need to provide opportunities for young players like Ayub, Azam, Irfan Khan, and Usman Khan. He emphasized that these players require time to settle into international cricket and the management will fully support them in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Regarding Pakistan’s strategy against India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, Azam emphasized that the team plans against all eleven players and does not focus solely on one individual. He acknowledged Kohli’s exceptional abilities but stressed that Pakistan will devise a comprehensive plan to counter his threat.

Azam expressed confidence in the team’s unity and his own leadership abilities. He attributed his previous success as captain to the support of his teammates and expressed gratitude for the board’s backing.

Categories: Cricket

Gavaskar Slams Kohli’s Rant, Praises Dhoni’s Legacy

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has strongly criticized Virat Kohli’s recent outburst against critics who have questioned his strike rate and struggles against spin bowling. Kohli had lashed out at “pundits” after Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) match against Gujarat Titans (GT) last weekend.

Gavaskar questioned why Kohli, who has repeatedly stated that he ignores social media criticism, would react to “outside noise.” He also slammed broadcasters for repeatedly airing Kohli’s rant on television.

“That particular post-game interview has been shown on this channel earlier as well, right now, on this particular program it has probably been shown half a dozen times. I hope that Star Sports recognizes that when that is being shown, asking where are the critics, the critics are the commentators. Your Star Sports commentators are the ones from whom the questions are being asked,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

Gavaskar’s comments come amid a resurgence of an old video in which he praised former Indian captain MS Dhoni. In the video, an emotional Gavaskar recalled the moment when Dhoni signed his shirt during IPL 2023.

“It was a very emotional moment for me (getting the shirt signed by MS Dhoni). MS Dhoni has done a lot for Indian cricket. If I have 2 minutes to live, I would like to witness Kapil Dev lift the 1983 World Cup trophy and MS Dhoni hit the World Cup winning six and the way he rolled over his bat after hitting the six,” Gavaskar had said.

Gavaskar’s contrasting reactions to Kohli and Dhoni have sparked discussions about the different standards applied to players. Some have argued that Gavaskar’s criticism of Kohli is unfair, given that he has been a vocal supporter of Dhoni in the past. Others have defended Gavaskar’s comments, arguing that Kohli’s outburst was unprofessional and disrespectful to the commentators who have criticized him.

Categories: Cricket

Mumbai Indians Face SunRisers Hyderabad in Crucial IPL 2024 Clash

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad Clash in IPL 2024 at Wankhede Stadium

Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad will face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. Both teams have contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with Mumbai languishing at the bottom of the points table and Hyderabad occupying a comfortable fourth position.

Mumbai Indians’ Struggles and Hyderabad’s Resurgence

Mumbai Indians have endured a disappointing campaign, winning only six of their 11 matches. Their recent loss to Kolkata Knight Riders by 24 runs further dented their hopes of making the playoffs. Jasprit Bumrah has been their standout performer, scoring 106 fantasy points in the last match.

SunRisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, have enjoyed a resurgence under the leadership of Abhishek Sharma. They have won four of their last five matches, including a thrilling one-run victory over Rajasthan Royals. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been their top fantasy performer, scoring 113 points in the last match.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Wankhede Stadium pitch is expected to favor batters, with good stroke play and minimal assistance for bowlers. The average first-innings score at this venue is 169 runs, and the team batting first has a 40% win rate.

The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius, humidity of 82%, and winds at a speed of 3.52 m/s.

Head-to-Head Record

In the 22 matches played between these two teams, the batters have been the primary contributors to fantasy points. In their previous encounter, Abhishek Sharma was the Man of the Match, while Heinrich Klaasen and Tilak Varma topped the fantasy points charts for Hyderabad and Mumbai, respectively.

Fantasy XI Picks

Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

* Travis Head (Mumbai Indians)
* Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)
* Abhishek Sharma (SunRisers Hyderabad)

Other Key Players:

* Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)
* Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)
* Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians)
* Gerald Coetzee (SunRisers Hyderabad)
* Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SunRisers Hyderabad)

Categories: Cricket

Aaron Finch Lauds Ravindra Jadeja’s Versatility, Praises Sunil Narine’s Form

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Former Australian skipper Aaron Finch has hailed Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as a “class player” due to his exceptional versatility that brings balance to any team he represents. Jadeja’s recent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have further solidified his reputation as a top-class cricketer.

In Chennai Super Kings’ victory over Punjab Kings on May 5, Jadeja showcased his all-around abilities. He scored a valuable 40 runs and claimed three wickets, playing a pivotal role in his team’s triumph. Finch, who has witnessed Jadeja’s brilliance firsthand, was impressed by his performance.

“Ravindra Jadeja is such a versatile player, which makes him so effective. With the ball, he would have loved more wickets,” Finch said. “He’s been economical, going at under eight per over throughout the tournament. Leading with three wickets today (Sunday), he showed he is an absolute class player.”

Finch was particularly impressed by Jadeja’s ability to return with figures of 3/20 in his full quota of four overs while defending a modest total of 169. “Three wickets for just 20 runs when the Punjab Kings were chasing a total of 170 odd runs is just superb. It just shows why he’s one of the best players in the world,” the Australian said.

Finch also praised Kolkata Knight Riders’ Sunil Narine, another versatile player who has been in exceptional form this season. The 2021 World T20-winning Australian skipper believes that it is extremely difficult to contain Narine for a long period of time.

“It’s truly remarkable, isn’t it? I mean, seeing Sunil Narine stride out to open the batting. Before this season, you’re thinking, if we can just keep him quiet for a couple of balls, he’ll try and do something and play a big shot. But this season, he’s not only getting off to explosive starts but also batting smartly and seizing control of the innings,” Finch said.

The 35-year-old Narine smashed 81 off just 39 balls to power KKR to a comfortable 98-run win over Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday night. In the process, Narine also became the fourth player to score more than 450 runs and take 10 plus wickets in a single IPL edition.

Categories: Cricket

Delhi Capitals Face Rajasthan Royals in Must-Win IPL Clash

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Delhi Capitals’ playoff hopes hang in the balance as they face a formidable Rajasthan Royals in a must-win clash on May 7 at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi. The Capitals have endured an inconsistent campaign, winning five and losing six of their last 11 games. Victory in their remaining three matches is imperative, but even that may not be enough to secure a top-four finish.

Rishabh Pant, the Capitals’ skipper, will need to lead from the front with his aggressive batting. The Australian sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has shown glimpses of brilliance in recent games, will also be crucial. However, the Capitals’ bowling attack faces a stern test against the Royals’ potent batting lineup.

The Royals, on the other hand, have been in scintillating form, winning their last three matches. Their batting unit boasts a plethora of match-winners, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag. The Royals’ bowling attack, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin, has also been impressive.

The Kotla pitch is expected to be a flat track, favoring the batters. The Capitals’ bowlers will need to find a way to restrict the Royals’ free-scoring batsmen, while Pant and Fraser-McGurk will have to shoulder the responsibility of chasing down a potentially high total.

The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams desperate for a victory. The Capitals will be hoping to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Royals will be aiming to consolidate their position in the top four.

Categories: Cricket

Pant Recalls IPL Moment with Samson: ‘Maaro Bhai, Dono Maarenge’

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Delhi Capitals’ Rishabh Pant Recalls IPL 2017 Moment with Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has reminisced about a light-hearted moment with his former teammate Sanju Samson, who now leads the Rajasthan Royals. During an interaction on Jio Cinema, Pant shared an anecdote from the 2017 IPL season when Samson inquired about their game strategy while playing for the Delhi franchise against the Gujarat Lions, led by Suresh Raina.

Pant revealed their on-field chemistry, saying, “We had a great chemistry together. Sanju came asked what would be the gameplan. I said, ‘Maaro bhai, dono maarenge (Let’s hit, brother; we’ll both strike).'”

Both Pant and Samson have been in impressive form in the ongoing IPL and have been selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The prospect of seeing them bat together for the national team is an exciting one for cricket fans.

Looking ahead, the Delhi Capitals, under Pant’s leadership, are set to face Samson’s Rajasthan Royals in the 54th match of the IPL 2024 season in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. This encounter is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure their positions in the league standings.

Rajasthan Royals have slipped to the second spot on the points table after a recent victory by Kolkata Knight Riders over Lucknow Super Giants. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are placed sixth, having accumulated 10 points from 11 matches. Both teams are eager to improve their standings, and the upcoming match is expected to be a high-stakes battle.

Categories: Cricket

Dinesh Karthik’s Rescue Act Keeps RCB’s Playoff Hopes Alive

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Dinesh Karthik, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has emerged as a crucial cog in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) resurgence in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After a disappointing season last year, Karthik has rediscovered his form, proving his worth as a reliable finisher in the twilight of his IPL career.

In RCB’s nail-biting victory over Gujarat Titans on Saturday, Karthik played a pivotal role in rescuing his team from the brink of defeat. Chasing a modest target of 148, RCB found themselves in a precarious position at 117/6, with Noor Ahmad and Joshua Little wreaking havoc with the ball.

However, Karthik’s unbeaten 21 off just 12 deliveries proved to be the difference-maker. His quickfire knock, which included two boundaries and a six, kept RCB’s playoff hopes alive.

Speaking after the match, Karthik revealed an amusing anecdote about his mindset during the chase. “I started with a tea, then after four overs, I had a cappuccino, thinking I might not have to bat,” he said. “But then these things happened, and I had to bat.”

Karthik’s innings was a testament to his experience and composure under pressure. With Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli providing a solid foundation with a 92-run opening partnership, Karthik was initially content to relax in the dressing room.

However, the collapse that followed forced him to reassess the situation. He entered the fray with the team in dire straits but remained unfazed, guiding RCB to a crucial victory alongside Swapnil Singh.

Karthik’s resurgence has been a major boost for RCB, who have now won three consecutive matches to climb to seventh in the standings. The 38-year-old’s ability to finish games with aplomb has made him an invaluable asset for the team.

With IPL 2024 likely to be his last in the tournament, Karthik is determined to make the most of his opportunity. His performances so far suggest that he is still a force to be reckoned with, even in the twilight of his career.

Categories: Cricket

IPL’s Impact Substitute Rule: Hazlewood Raises Concerns

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Impact Substitute Rule in IPL: A Double-Edged Sword?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) introduced the “Impact Substitute” rule in 2024, allowing teams to name five substitutes, one of whom could replace a player in the playing XI. While the rule has led to high-scoring games and deeper batting lineups, Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood has expressed reservations about its long-term impact.

Hazlewood believes the rule may need “a bit of tinkering” as it has made it difficult for bowlers to attack in the Powerplay. With batters like Tim David coming in at lower order positions, bowlers feel less inclined to take wickets early on.

“I’m not sure it’s a great rule,” Hazlewood said. “The conditions have come into play a little bit lately with bowlers having a bit of impact, but I mean, you’ve got (batters) like Tim David at number eight, sometimes number nine.”

The rule has also contributed to the record-breaking scores in the current IPL season. Sunrisers Hyderabad has twice broken the record for the highest score in the competition’s history, and even a target of 262 was chased down by the Punjab Kings.

Hazlewood acknowledges that the rule has made the games more entertaining for fans, but he believes it may need to be adjusted to ensure a more balanced contest between bat and ball.

“Obviously, the crowd loves it – there are 200-plus scores nearly every night – and it’s good for batters, but it might need a bit of tinkering,” he said.

Hazlewood, who missed the ongoing IPL season due to the birth of his child, is part of Australia’s 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Baggy Greens will kick off their campaign on June 6 against Oman in Barbados.

Categories: Cricket

Hazlewood Laments Smith, Fraser-McGurk Omissions from World Cup Squad

By Nilay May 6, 2024 0

Australia’s veteran paceman Josh Hazlewood has expressed his belief that rising star Jake Fraser-McGurk will eventually don the Australian colors, despite his omission from the 15-man World Cup squad. However, Hazlewood lamented the absence of both Fraser-McGurk and former captain Steven Smith, acknowledging that Smith’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the Caribbean.

The Australian selectors’ decision to exclude Fraser-McGurk and Smith from the World Cup squad sparked controversy, with many fans expressing frustration over the snubbing of the 22-year-old T20 sensation. Hazlewood, who was among the non-IPL squad members attending a training camp in Brisbane, acknowledged Fraser-McGurk’s exceptional talent but sympathized with the selectors’ dilemma.

“He’s a special talent, there’s no doubt about that,” Hazlewood said of Fraser-McGurk. “But it’s tough to fit him into that top order with the experience we have there. Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, and David Warner are all established players, and the middle order is also very strong.”

Hazlewood expressed confidence that Fraser-McGurk’s time will come, emphasizing his youth and potential. “He’ll definitely get his chance,” Hazlewood said. “He’s only young, and I think he’ll be in the team sooner rather than later.”

Hazlewood also expressed disappointment over Smith’s omission, citing his batting prowess in spinning conditions and his leadership qualities. “Marshy will miss having him as captain,” Hazlewood said. “Smudge is someone you can always turn to for advice on the field. And his batting and fielding are also top-notch.”

Hazlewood, who missed the IPL this year due to the birth of his son, expressed mixed feelings about the tournament’s recent developments. While acknowledging the entertainment value of high-scoring matches, he questioned the impact of the impact sub rule.

“Batting line-ups seem to be never-ending now,” Hazlewood said. “You have guys like Tim David coming in at number eight or nine, and it makes it difficult to attack and take wickets in the powerplay. It’s an interesting rule, but it might need some tweaking.”

Categories: Cricket

Bangladesh Opt to Bowl First in Fourth T20I Against India

Gary Kirsten’s Appointment Boosts Pakistan’s White-Ball Hopes

Gavaskar Slams Kohli’s Rant, Praises Dhoni’s Legacy

Mumbai Indians Face SunRisers Hyderabad in Crucial IPL 2024 Clash

Aaron Finch Lauds Ravindra Jadeja’s Versatility, Praises Sunil Narine’s Form

Delhi Capitals Face Rajasthan Royals in Must-Win IPL Clash

Pant Recalls IPL Moment with Samson: ‘Maaro Bhai, Dono Maarenge’

Dinesh Karthik’s Rescue Act Keeps RCB’s Playoff Hopes Alive

IPL’s Impact Substitute Rule: Hazlewood Raises Concerns

Hazlewood Laments Smith, Fraser-McGurk Omissions from World Cup Squad

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