Welsh Fire Cruise to Knockout Stage with Dominant Win over Southern Brave

Welsh Fire Cruise to Knockout Stage with Dominant Win over Southern Brave

Welsh Fire’s dominant performance against Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl secured their place in The Hundred’s knockout stage. Barbadian all-rounder Hayley Matthews played a pivotal role, showcasing her exceptional skills with both bat and ball.

Matthews’ opening spell with the ball proved devastating for the Brave, as she claimed four wickets for just 14 runs. Her offbreaks proved too much for Danni Wyatt, Smriti Mandhana, Georgia Adams, and Maia Bouchier, leaving the Brave reeling at 15 for 4.

Jess Jonassen joined the wicket-taking party, dismissing Freya Kemp and Naomi Dattani, while Matthews returned to trap Kalea Moore in front. Chloe Tryon’s valiant 55 (38) provided some respite for the Brave, but the Fire’s bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting them to a modest total of 103.

In response, the Fire’s openers, Tammy Beaumont and Matthews, put on a batting masterclass. Beaumont’s 59* (40) was a display of power and finesse, while Matthews’ unbeaten 35 (31) showcased her ability to find the gaps. The pair shared a 72-run partnership, guiding the Fire to a comfortable nine-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare.

Matthews’ all-round brilliance has been a key factor in the Fire’s success this season. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her an invaluable asset to the team.

“We’ve been really good,” Matthews said. “We’ve got a lot of experience, and we’ve played on that really well. The bowlers have done a great job, and it’s been a complete team performance.”

The Fire’s victory puts them in a strong position to finish top of the standings and qualify automatically for the Hundred Final at Lord’s. They will face Trent Rockets on Wednesday afternoon, with a convincing win potentially securing them the top spot.

West Indies, South Africa Aim for Victory in Guyana Test

West Indies, South Africa Aim for Victory in Guyana Test

West Indies and South Africa are eager to secure a victory in the second Test match of their series in Guyana, following a rain-affected draw in Trinidad. Both teams have areas to improve upon, particularly in converting starts into substantial scores.

West Indies, currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, will be determined to secure their second win. They will rely on the likes of Kraigg Brathwaite and David Bedingham, known for their patience and ability to hold their ground.

South Africa, on the other hand, faces a must-win situation in each of their remaining seven Tests in this World Test Championship cycle. They may consider fielding only six batters, placing pressure on Kyle Verreynne to deliver significant runs.

Alick Athanaze, who impressed in Trinidad with his composure and ability to handle short balls, could be a key player for West Indies. He has a strong record at the Providence Stadium, where the second Test will be played.

South Africa may opt to include Nandre Burger or Dane Piedt in their lineup, sacrificing a batter for additional bowling firepower.

The Providence Stadium pitch is expected to provide challenges for batters, with an average first-innings score of 206 in 2023. Both seam and spin bowlers are likely to find success.

Gabba Demolition Proposed for Multi-Sport Olympic Stadium

Gabba Demolition Proposed for Multi-Sport Olympic Stadium

Former Australian captain Allan Border has sparked controversy by calling for the iconic Gabba cricket ground in Brisbane to be demolished and replaced with a new multi-purpose stadium for the 2032 Olympics. Border believes that a new 60,000-seat stadium at Victoria Park would better serve the needs of multiple sports, including rugby, cricket, Australian rules football, and the Olympics.

The Gabba has been a fortress for Australia, but India’s historic Test series win in 2021 raised questions about its future. The Queensland government recently abandoned a $2.7 billion plan to demolish and rebuild the Gabba for the Olympics, instead investing in upgrades to other sporting facilities.

Border argues that a new stadium would not only provide a world-class venue for major events but also generate revenue through the sale of property on the Gabba’s current site. He believes that the uncertainty surrounding the Gabba’s future has led to Brisbane being excluded from Australia’s Test match schedule for the next seven years.

Former wicketkeeper-batter Ian Healy shares Border’s concerns, expressing Cricket Australia’s anxiety about the future of cricket in Brisbane. Healy points out that other states are investing in new stadiums, while Brisbane has been left behind.

The Queensland government’s decision to reject a proposal for a new oval stadium at Victoria Park has further complicated the situation. With state elections approaching in October, the future of the Gabba remains uncertain.

Border’s proposal has sparked debate, with some supporting his call for a new stadium and others arguing for the preservation of the Gabba’s heritage. The Queensland government will ultimately decide the fate of the iconic venue, which has played a significant role in Australian cricket history.

Scotland Call Up Cassell and Davidson for Australia T20I Series

Scotland Call Up Cassell and Davidson for Australia T20I Series

Scotland’s men’s cricket team has announced a 15-man squad for their upcoming T20I series against Australia in September. The series will mark the first time the two sides have met in a bilateral T20I series.

The squad includes 15 players who represented Scotland at the T20 World Cup in June, including captain Richie Berrington. Two new faces have been added to the squad: right-arm quick Charlie Cassell and medium pacer Jasper Davidson.

Cassell made a sensational start to his international career in July, taking 7 for 21 against Oman in the Cricket World Cup League 2. He has since played two ODIs for Scotland and featured in three One-Day Cup matches for Somerset.

Davidson also made his ODI debut against Oman in the CWC League 2, taking four wickets.

Scotland head coach Doug Watson said: “After coming into the squad at CWCL2 and doing so well, it’ll be great for Jasper and Charlie to have the experience of what it’s like playing against the best, in front of a fairly large crowd.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world, and I’m pretty sure that our players won’t need any motivating for this series. It’s a great opportunity for them to share the field with world-class players. They’re wanting to put in some huge performances and compete, and really push this Australia team.”

Scotland will be aiming to win the series, which will be played at The Grange in Edinburgh on September 4, 6, and 7.

Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant Set for Red-Ball Comeback in Duleep Trophy

Rishabh Pant, India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, is set to make his long-awaited return to red-ball cricket in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, which marks the commencement of India’s 2024-25 domestic season on September 5. This will be Pant’s first first-class appearance since his horrific car accident in December 2022.

Pant’s inclusion in the Duleep Trophy squad is a significant development, as it signals his recovery from the injuries sustained in the accident. He has been undergoing rehabilitation and training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and is now deemed fit to return to competitive cricket.

However, Mohammed Shami, India’s premier fast bowler, will not be part of any of the four Duleep Trophy squads. Shami is nearing full fitness and has begun bowling at full tilt, but he is targeting a comeback during the two-Test series against Bangladesh from September 19. He will continue his training under the NCA’s supervision in Bengaluru.

The Duleep Trophy squads also feature the return of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan, who had lost their central contracts for not prioritizing domestic cricket last season. Other top players included in the squads are KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Kuldeep Yadav.

Notably, Test captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah have been given an extended break ahead of India’s home season. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who has been sidelined with a quadriceps tendon injury since January 2024, is also set to make a comeback in the Duleep Trophy.

The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, has rewarded domestic form, as evidenced by the inclusion of Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan. The 19-year-old had a breakout year, playing a key role in India’s Under-19 World Cup squad and Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been included subject to fitness, as he is recovering from a sports hernia surgery in June.

The Duleep Trophy 2024-25 squads are as follows:

Team A: Shubman Gill (capt), Mayank Agarwal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KL Rahul, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Tanush Kotian, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Vidwath Kaverappa, Kumar Kushagra, Shaswat Rawat.

Team B: Abhimanyu Easwaran (capt), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Musheer Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Yash Dayal, Mukesh Kumar, Rahul Chahar, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Awasthi, N Jagadeesan (wk)

Team C: Ruturaj Gaikwad (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Abishek Porel (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, B Indrajith, Hrithik Shokeen, Manav Suthar, Umran Malik, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Anshul Khamboj, Himanshu Chauhan, Mayank Markande, Aryan Juyal (wk), Sandeep Warrier

Team D: Shreyas Iyer (capt), Atharva Taide, Yash Dubey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ricky Bhui, Saransh Jain, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Aditya Thakare, Harshit Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Sengupta, KS Bharat (wk), Saurabh Kumar

Pro Cricket League Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for Inaugural Season

Pro Cricket League Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for Inaugural Season

The Pro Cricket League (PCL) is poised to make its grand debut, promising an electrifying season that will ignite the cricketing world. The tournament will unfold at the state-of-the-art Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, setting the stage for an unforgettable spectacle.

The league has secured the services of two exceptional players, Thisara Perera and Pawan Negi, who will undoubtedly elevate the competition’s intensity. Perera, a former Sri Lankan all-rounder, brings a wealth of experience and explosive batting prowess. Negi, an Indian spinner, is renowned for his deceptive variations and match-winning abilities.

“The league presents a new platform for me to showcase my skills,” said Perera. “I am eager to contribute to the tournament’s success and leave a lasting impact.”

Negi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “It is an honor to be recognized and participate in the inaugural season. I am determined to perform at my best and make a significant contribution.”

Adding to the league’s credibility is the appointment of Chetan Sharma, a former Indian cricketer, as the League Commissioner. His expertise and leadership will ensure the smooth operation and integrity of the tournament.

The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex will serve as the battleground for the PCL’s debut season. This world-class facility will provide an exceptional playing surface and an immersive experience for both players and spectators.

“Our mission is to offer cricket enthusiasts unforgettable matches and create a platform for players to excel,” said Sachin Gupta, Managing Director and Founder of the PCL.

Ganesh Sharma, Executive Director of the PCL, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The presence of renowned athletes like Perera and Negi, coupled with the guidance of League Commissioner Sharma, sets the stage for an unforgettable season.”

The PCL’s ability to attract elite players and provide a captivating sporting experience positions it as a must-see destination for cricket fans. The inaugural season promises an exhilarating journey filled with non-stop action and unparalleled entertainment.

Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach of Indian Men's Cricket Team

Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach of Indian Men’s Cricket Team

Morne Morkel Appointed Bowling Coach of Indian Men’s Cricket Team

Former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has been appointed as the bowling coach of the Indian men’s cricket team, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Wednesday. Morkel’s tenure will commence from September 1, 2023.

Morkel, 39, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa. During his illustrious career, he claimed a total of 544 international wickets, establishing himself as one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation.

Morkel’s appointment reunites him with chief coach Gautam Gambhir, with whom he worked at the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The duo will be tasked with guiding the Indian team to success in upcoming tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Morkel’s appointment has been met with praise from the Indian cricket fraternity. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar hailed Morkel as “a great choice” for the role, citing his experience and knowledge of the game.

“Morne Morkel is a great choice for the bowling coach of the Indian team,” Gavaskar said. “He has a lot of experience and knowledge of the game. He will be a great asset to the team.”

Morkel’s appointment is expected to bolster the Indian team’s bowling attack, which has been a concern in recent times. The team has struggled to find consistency in their bowling, particularly in the death overs. Morkel’s expertise and experience will be invaluable in addressing these issues.

The Indian team is currently preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates from August 27 to September 11. Morkel’s appointment is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the team’s preparations for the tournament.

Yuzvendra Chahal Joins Northamptonshire for One-Day Cup and County Championship

Yuzvendra Chahal Joins Northamptonshire for One-Day Cup and County Championship

Yuzvendra Chahal, the renowned Indian leg-spinner, has joined Northamptonshire for the remainder of their Royal London One-Day Cup and County Championship campaigns. Chahal’s arrival bolsters Northamptonshire’s bowling attack, adding experience and wicket-taking prowess to their squad.

Chahal, 34, has a distinguished record in international cricket, having played a pivotal role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Despite not featuring in the tournament, he remains a valuable asset for the Indian team, particularly in the shortest format.

Northamptonshire head coach John Sadler expressed his excitement about Chahal’s addition to the team. “Yuzvendra is a high-profile overseas player who brings a wealth of experience and incredible skills,” Sadler said. “His wicket-taking ability will add strength to our attack.”

Chahal’s arrival comes at a crucial time for Northamptonshire, who are currently struggling in the One-Day Cup Group A table. With just one win from seven matches, they are one place off the bottom. Chahal’s experience and skill could prove invaluable in helping the team improve their fortunes.

In addition to the One-Day Cup, Chahal will also feature in the remaining five County Championship fixtures for Northamptonshire. This will provide him with an opportunity to showcase his red-ball skills and stay match-fit ahead of potential international commitments.

Chahal’s signing is a significant boost for Northamptonshire, who will be hoping to climb the standings in both competitions. His experience and wicket-taking ability could make a significant difference in their quest for success.

Babar Azam Retains ODI Batting Crown, Rohit Sharma Surges to Second

Babar Azam Retains ODI Batting Crown, Rohit Sharma Surges to Second

Babar Azam remains the undisputed king of ODI batting, holding onto the top spot in the ICC rankings. However, Rohit Sharma has made significant strides, climbing to the second position after his impressive performance in the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Rohit’s consistent batting in Sri Lanka, where he amassed 157 runs at an average of 52.33, has propelled him up the rankings. His scores of 58, 64, and 35 have earned him 765 points, just behind Babar’s 824 points.

Shubman Gill, who previously held the second spot, has dropped down to third, while Virat Kohli remains in fourth place. Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka has made a notable rise, moving up one spot to eighth.

Sri Lanka’s batting lineup also saw some impressive performances. Avishka Fernando (137 runs), Dunith Wellalage (108), Kusal Mendis (103), and Nissanka (101) were the key contributors. Nissanka’s consistent performance has solidified his position in the top ten, while Mendis and Avishka have made significant gains in the rankings.

Wellalage’s bowling prowess was also on display, particularly his 5 for 27 in the final ODI. This performance has earned him a jump of 17 spots to 59th among bowlers.

In the Test arena, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj have made notable progress. Bavuma’s 86 in the first innings and 15 not out in the second have moved him up two spots to 16th on the batters’ table. Tony de Zorzi’s scores of 78 and 45 have also earned him a rise of 29 spots to 85th.

Maharaj’s exceptional bowling performance, with returns of 4 for 76 and 4 for 88, has earned him the Player-of-the-Match award and a jump of seven spots to joint 21st on the Test bowlers’ table.

India Poised for Third Consecutive Test Series Victory in Australia, Says Ravi Shastri

India Poised for Third Consecutive Test Series Victory in Australia, Says Ravi Shastri

India’s formidable bowling attack and exceptional batting lineup have positioned them as strong contenders for a third consecutive Test series victory in Australia, according to former head coach Ravi Shastri.

With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja leading the bowling charge, India possesses a potent arsenal capable of dismantling Australia’s batting order. Shastri believes that if the Indian batsmen, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, can rise to the occasion, India has every chance of completing a hat-trick of series wins Down Under.

Despite Ricky Ponting’s prediction of a 3-1 series win for Australia, Shastri remains confident in India’s ability to overcome the challenge. He emphasizes that the Indian bowlers have the experience and skill to deliver success, provided the batsmen provide adequate support.

The upcoming five-match series in Australia, commencing in Perth in November, is highly anticipated. India has emerged victorious in the previous two Test series in Australia, retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since 2015.

Shastri acknowledges that Australia, boasting a potent bowling lineup of their own, will be eager for revenge after suffering back-to-back series defeats. However, he believes that India’s batting prowess and bowling strength will prove too formidable for the hosts.

The clash between India’s batting and Australia’s fast bowlers is expected to be a key factor in determining the outcome of the series. Shastri highlights that the Indian bowling attack will also be under scrutiny, as they aim to replicate their success in previous tours of Australia.

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