Ireland Women Seal Series Win with 15-Run Victory over Sri Lanka Women

Ireland Women Seal Series Win with 15-Run Victory over Sri Lanka Women

Ireland Women secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in their ODI series against Sri Lanka Women with a hard-fought 15-run victory in Belfast. After posting a competitive 255 for 5, Ireland’s bowlers, led by Arlene Kelly’s three-wicket haul, restricted Sri Lanka to 240 all out.

Amy Hunter (66) and Leah Paul (81) laid the foundation for Ireland’s total with half-centuries, while Rebecca Stokell’s unbeaten 53* provided a late boost. Sri Lanka’s chase was anchored by Harshitha Samarawickrama’s maiden ODI century (105) and Kavisha Dilhari’s all-round performance (53 runs, 2 wickets).

However, Ireland’s bowlers tightened their grip in the middle overs, with Kelly, Jane Maguire, and run-outs playing a crucial role in derailing Sri Lanka’s chase. Samarawickrama’s century marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, making her the third player to reach the three-figure mark in ODIs.

Ireland’s victory was a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt to different conditions. Despite losing early wickets, they rebuilt their innings through partnerships and set a challenging target. Sri Lanka’s spirited chase kept the match competitive, but Ireland’s bowlers ultimately proved too strong.

The win extends Ireland’s unbeaten streak in ODIs to four matches and puts them in a commanding position in the series. The third and final ODI will be played on August 12, with Sri Lanka looking to salvage some pride and Ireland aiming to complete a clean sweep.

Deepti Sharma's Six Seals The Hundred Women's Title for London Spirit

Deepti Sharma’s Six Seals The Hundred Women’s Title for London Spirit

Deepti Sharma’s Heroics Lead London Spirit to The Hundred Women’s Title

In a thrilling finale at Lord’s, Deepti Sharma’s match-winning six propelled London Spirit to a four-wicket victory over Welsh Fire Women, securing their maiden The Hundred Women’s title.

Chasing a modest target of 116, London Spirit faced a stern test after losing six wickets for 110 runs. However, Deepti remained unfazed, guiding her team to victory with an unbeaten 16 off 16 balls.

Earlier, Welsh Fire Women had posted a competitive 115-8, thanks to Tammy Beaumont’s 21 off 16 and Jess Jonassen’s 54 off 41. London Spirit’s bowlers, led by Tara Norris and Sarah Glenn, kept the pressure on, restricting Welsh Fire to a manageable total.

As the chase reached its climax, London Spirit needed 11 runs from the last 12 balls. Deepti, who had already contributed with the ball by taking 1-23, stepped up with the bat. Her calculated shots and composure ensured that London Spirit stayed on track.

With 4 runs needed off 3 balls, Deepti displayed nerves of steel, launching Hayley Matthews’ delivery over the boundary to seal the victory. Her six not only won the match but also capped off an incredible tournament for the all-rounder.

London Spirit’s innings saw several key contributions, with captain Heather Knight’s 24 off 18 and Georgia Redmayne’s 34 off 32 providing a solid foundation. However, it was Deepti’s finishing touch that stole the show.

Rishabh Pant's Test Captaincy Prospects Questioned After Duleep Trophy Squad Announcement

Rishabh Pant’s Test Captaincy Prospects Questioned After Duleep Trophy Squad Announcement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the squads for the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, scheduled to commence on September 5. Notably, India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will make his return to red-ball cricket in the tournament.

Pant has been included in ‘Team B’ but surprisingly, he has not been appointed as the captain. Instead, Abhimanyu Easwaran has been entrusted with the leadership role. This decision has raised questions from former India cricketer Aakash Chopra, who believes Pant should be considered for the Test captaincy.

“Rishabh Pant is not a captain. He has been selected in Abhimanyu Easwaran’s team. He is playing under Abhimanyu Easwaran’s captaincy, which is absolutely okay. However, is Rishabh Pant not even a candidate for Test captaincy? I am a little surprised,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Chopra emphasized Pant’s exceptional performance in Test cricket, highlighting his centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia. He believes Pant’s consistency and aggressive style of play make him a suitable candidate for the captaincy.

“I am not aligned with this personally because the best avatar of Rishabh Pant you have seen is as a Test cricketer. He is the only wicketkeeper in the history of Indian cricket who has scored centuries in South Africa, England, and Australia in Test matches. The way he plays in Test cricket and the consistency with which he scores, he was the captaincy candidate in my opinion,” Chopra added.

Chopra also expressed curiosity about India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir’s views on Pant’s captaincy potential. “However, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, and even Abhimanyu Easwaran are captains, but Pant is not a captain, and that is a huge takeaway in my opinion,” he said.

“A new era has started. So I will be very curious to know what Gautam’s opinion is with regards to Rishabh Pant the captain,” added the ex-India batter.

Mohammed Shami Set for Ranji Trophy Return, Eyes International Comeback

Mohammed Shami Set for Ranji Trophy Return, Eyes International Comeback

Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, is poised to make a much-anticipated return to competitive cricket after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year. The experienced pacer is expected to represent his state team, Bengal, in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation journey.

According to sources, Shami is likely to feature in at least one of Bengal’s initial Ranji fixtures, either against Uttar Pradesh on October 11 in an away game or versus Bihar in Kolkata on October 18. However, considering the short two-day gap between the matches, it is improbable that he will participate in both encounters.

Shami’s return to domestic cricket could potentially pave the way for his international comeback, with a possible appearance in one of the Test matches against New Zealand later this year. The Test series against New Zealand kicks off on October 19 in Bengaluru, with additional matches scheduled in Pune on October 24 and Mumbai on November 1. Shami is anticipated to participate in one of these games before heading to Australia for the major tour.

The 34-year-old speedster last represented India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2022. Since then, Shami has not played any competitive matches due to undergoing ankle surgery in the United Kingdom in February of this year, which ruled him out for at least six months.

Although there were reports suggesting Shami might be available for the Duleep Trophy, it has been determined that he is unlikely to be fit for the tournament. The selectors are cautious about rushing his return prematurely, prioritizing his long-term fitness for the upcoming Test series in Australia.

Shami, one of India’s leading pace bowlers, has taken 229 wickets in 64 Tests, including six five-wicket hauls and 12 four-wicket hauls. His return to the national team will be a major boost for India’s bowling attack, which has been missing his experience and skill.

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My 'Guru' and the Architect of My Dreams

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My ‘Guru’ and the Architect of My Dreams

Khaleel Ahmed: MS Dhoni, My ‘Guru’ and the Architect of My Dreams

Indian pacer Khaleel Ahmed has expressed his profound admiration for legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, describing him as his “guru” and sharing anecdotes that illuminate their exceptional bond.

In a candid conversation with Aakash Chopra on his YouTube channel, Khaleel, who made his ODI debut in the 2018 Asia Cup, recalled a cherished moment when Dhoni, captaining the team in Rohit Sharma’s absence, entrusted him with bowling the first over against Afghanistan.

“Mahi bhai is not my friend, not my elder brother, he is my guru,” Khaleel emphasized, revealing a deep respect that transcends typical teammate dynamics. He explained how this gesture fulfilled a childhood dream, inspired by watching his idol Zaheer Khan open the bowling for India.

“Since my childhood, I wanted to become the bowler who took the first over from India since I had watched Zaheer Khan growing up. In the Asia Cup, Mahi bhai asked me to bowl the first over. I ran so hard, away from the huddle thinking that if I give it time he might change his mind,” Khaleel confessed, stressing the significance of the moment and the immense trust Dhoni placed in him.

Khaleel also shared the story behind a viral photo of him receiving flowers from Dhoni. The incident took place during India’s tour of New Zealand, where Dhoni gifted him flowers he had received from fans.

“We were in New Zealand, Mahi bhai’s fans had given him flowers, he passed it onto me and some fans took a photo, it was quite memorable for me,” the pacer added.

Dhoni, who last played in IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings, continues to be revered for his leadership qualities and his ability to nurture talent. While his future in IPL remains uncertain, his legacy as a captain and mentor continues to inspire a generation of cricketers.

Pakistan Drops Spinner Abrar Ahmed for First Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan Drops Spinner Abrar Ahmed for First Test Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s decision to exclude leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and uncapped batter Kamran Ghulam from their 17-man squad for the first Test against Bangladesh has drawn criticism from former cricketer Basit Ali. Ali believes that the selectors should have included a genuine spinner in the squad, especially considering the predicted rain during the match.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad on Saturday, opting for an all-out pace attack with Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the charge. Naseem Shah, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shehzad, and Mir Hamza will provide support. However, Ali argues that the management has failed to consider the conditions and should have included a specialist spinner.

“A genuine spinner should have been in the squad,” Ali said. “The management has failed to read the conditions. Rain is predicted, and a spinner would have been crucial.”

Abrar and Kamran have been released to play for Pakistan Shaheens in a four-day game against Bangladesh ‘A’ starting Tuesday. The PCB stated that Abrar needs match practice ahead of the second Test, which begins on August 30. Both players will rejoin the Test squad before the second match.

Pakistan last played a Test with an all-pace attack in 2019 against Sri Lanka. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha is now the only spin option available for the first Test. Agha has been consistent in Test matches since 2023, claiming crucial wickets for Pakistan.

The decision to drop Abrar and Kamran has raised questions about Pakistan’s strategy for the series. With rain expected, the inclusion of a spinner could have provided a significant advantage. However, the selectors have opted for an aggressive approach, relying on their pace attack to dominate Bangladesh.

Sachin Tendulkar Introduces Reverse Swing to Grassroots Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar Introduces Reverse Swing to Grassroots Cricket

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, renowned for his mastery of reverse swing, has introduced this technique to the grassroots level of the sport through the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). The ISPL, a tennis-ball tournament, aims to elevate the level of competition and challenge players technically.

Tendulkar, a key figure in the ISPL, recognized the need to balance advantages between batsmen and bowlers. He introduced reverse swing using taped tennis balls, a technique he employed during his international career. This innovation tests batsmen’s technique and adds a new dimension to the game.

Initially, bowlers in the ISPL struggled to generate reverse swing with taped balls. Tendulkar addressed this by conducting workshops with coaches, emphasizing the importance of targeting a specific spot and trusting their instincts. This adjustment enabled bowlers to regain control and utilize the taped ball effectively.

The second season of the ISPL, featuring six teams, will be held from January 26 to February 9, 2025, at the Dadoji Kondadev Stadium in Thane. Trials will be held across 55 cities in five zones starting in October, with provisions for additional camps in cities not included in the initial list.

Tendulkar’s introduction of reverse swing to the ISPL is a testament to his commitment to developing the game at all levels. By challenging players with this advanced technique, he aims to elevate the standard of street cricket and inspire future generations of cricketers.

India A Thrash Australia A by 172 Runs, Avoid Series Sweep

India A Thrash Australia A by 172 Runs, Avoid Series Sweep

India A registered a resounding 172-run victory over Australia A in the third and final one-day international in Mackay, Australia, on Sunday. The triumph marked India A’s first win of their tour and prevented a series sweep by the hosts.

Legspinner Priya Mishra, making her debut in the series, played a pivotal role in India A’s victory. She claimed a five-wicket haul, bowling out Australia A for a paltry 72 runs. The Australian side was dismissed within 23 overs, losing their last eight wickets for just 24 runs.

India A, batting first, posted a competitive total of 243 for 9. Tejal Hasabnis (50) and Raghvi Bist (53) shared a crucial 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket, lifting India A from a precarious 43 for 3. Sajeevan Sajana and captain Minnu Mani also made valuable contributions down the order.

Australia A’s chase got off to a disastrous start as S Yashasri dismissed opener Charli Knott for 11 in the fourth over. Meghna Singh then removed captain Tahlia McGrath in the following over. Mishra took over from there, bowling out Maddy Darke, Nicole Faltum, Tess Flintoff, Kate Peterson, and Hancock in quick succession.

Mishra’s impressive performance earned her figures of 5 for 14 in her five overs. She was ably supported by Yashasri, who finished with 2 for 19, and Singh, who claimed 2 for 21.

Despite the loss, Australia A won the series 2-1, having also clinched the T20 series 3-0. The two sides will now face off in an unofficial Test match from August 22.

Virat Kohli Celebrates 16 Years of International Cricket Excellence

Virat Kohli Celebrates 16 Years of International Cricket Excellence

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batsman, celebrated 16 years of his illustrious international cricket career on August 18, 2024. His journey has been marked by remarkable achievements, inspiring performances, and an unwavering dedication to the sport.

Kohli’s international debut came in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008, where he scored a modest 12 runs. However, he quickly established himself as a consistent performer, finishing the series with an average of 31.80. Over the years, he has evolved into one of the most dominant batsmen in cricket history.

In ODIs, Kohli holds the record for the most centuries (50) by a male batter. His unparalleled 27 centuries in successful run chases solidify his status as a modern-day great. His contributions extend beyond ODIs, with significant runs amassed in Test matches (8,848) and T20 Internationals (4,188).

Kohli has been a key figure in India’s triumphs in major ICC tournaments, including the 2011 World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. His leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as Test captain, during which India secured a record 40 victories out of 68 matches.

Beyond statistics, Kohli’s impact on cricket is profound. He is credited with revolutionizing the approach to batting in limited-overs cricket, emphasizing fitness, aggressive running between the wickets, and a relentless pursuit of victory. His unwavering passion and dedication have inspired a generation of aspiring cricketers.

As Kohli enters the latter stages of his career, his legacy as one of the most influential figures in cricket history is undeniable. His impact on Indian cricket, and the sport globally, is immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on the game’s evolution.

Gabba's Future as International Cricket Venue in Doubt

Gabba’s Future as International Cricket Venue in Doubt

The Gabba, an iconic cricket venue in Brisbane, faces an uncertain future as an international cricket ground. The Queensland government has signed a two-year hosting agreement with Cricket Australia, leaving the venue’s long-term status in doubt.

The Gabba has witnessed numerous historic Test moments, including the 1960 tie, Ian Botham’s last great innings, and Shane Warne’s career-best performance. However, its viability as a modern cricket stadium is nearing its end in 2030.

Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympics, and initial plans to rebuild the Gabba were scrapped due to costs. Instead, a renovation is expected, but its impact on the stadium’s usability during the renovation remains unclear.

Queensland Cricket has expressed frustration and concern over the uncertainty, fearing it could impact participation and fan engagement in the state. Former Australia captain Allan Border has called for a new multipurpose venue to be built in Brisbane.

Tasmania is also vying to host indoor Test cricket in its proposed new Hobart stadium, which could potentially challenge the Gabba’s status as a regular Test venue. However, Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird emphasized the importance of Brisbane remaining part of the Test schedule.

Queensland has other smaller international venues, such as Allan Border Field and the Gold Coast, which could host international matches. The Future Tours Programme includes winter home cricket in Australia, potentially opening the door for venues like Cairns and Townsville.

The Gabba’s future remains uncertain, but Cricket Australia is working with the AFL to find a long-term solution for a major cricket venue in Brisbane. Queensland Cricket remains hopeful that Test cricket will return to the Gabba after 2026-27, despite the current lack of clarity.

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