NY Lagos Strikers Triumph with Consecutive Wins in Zim Afro T10

NY Lagos Strikers Triumph with Consecutive Wins in Zim Afro T10

NY Lagos Strikers Dominate Zim Afro T10 with Consecutive Wins

The NY Lagos Strikers have made a resounding start to their Zim Afro T10 tournament campaign, securing two consecutive victories against formidable opponents. Their impressive performances have been spearheaded by the exceptional batting of Rassie van der Dussen, who has delivered two consecutive half-centuries.

In their opening match against the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars, van der Dussen played a pivotal role in the Strikers’ victory, scoring a solid 51 runs. His innings was characterized by a strong partnership with Avishka Fernando, who contributed 39 runs to their 79-run stand. This partnership proved crucial in turning the tide of the match in favor of the Strikers.

Van der Dussen continued his impressive form in the second match against the Jo’Burg Bangla Tigers, notching up an unbeaten 81 runs off just 32 balls. His innings featured an astonishing eight sixes and four boundaries, showcasing his aggressive batting style. This performance was instrumental in securing another victory for the NY Lagos Strikers.

Speaking about his consecutive half-centuries, van der Dussen emphasized the importance of getting off to a good start and putting pressure on the opposition. He also praised the team’s opening partnership with Fernando, which has been a key factor in their success.

“I think it’s pretty similar like any other T10 format, it’s ten overs so we look to get off to a good start and then once you find that rhythm it becomes important to put your opposition under pressure,” said van der Dussen. “We have a nice opening pairing so Avishka and myself had a pretty good start again and from then on, we knew we could keep the pressure on the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars.”

The NY Lagos Strikers’ success has also been attributed to their strong bowling attack, which has restricted their opponents to low scores. Thisara Perera, a member of the Strikers, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and emphasized the importance of continuing their winning streak.

“Actually, I know when are winning two games, it’s a good feeling you know. As a team we did really well, we also had good practice sessions. So we are on the right track, so we need to continue our good performance in the future also,” said Perera.

The NY Lagos Strikers will look to maintain their winning momentum in their upcoming matches as they aim to secure a place in the playoffs. Their impressive start to the tournament has established them as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.

PCB's Lack of Professionalism Blamed for Pakistan Cricket's Struggles

PCB’s Lack of Professionalism Blamed for Pakistan Cricket’s Struggles

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has come under fire from former cricketer Kamran Akmal for its lack of professionalism, which he believes has contributed to the team’s recent struggles. Akmal’s criticism comes in the wake of Pakistan’s humiliating 2-0 Test series defeat to Bangladesh, a team they had previously dominated.

Akmal pointed to the stark contrast between the PCB and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which he praised for its professionalism and success. He emphasized the importance of a well-structured team, selectors, captain, and coaches, all of which he believes are lacking in Pakistan cricket.

“PCB should learn from BCCI, their professionalism, their team, selector, captain, and coaches. These are the things that make a team number one and dominate the world. If we were so good, then Pakistan cricket wouldn’t be here. It is because of your ego Pakistan cricket is suffering,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

Pakistan’s recent Test series defeat against Bangladesh has highlighted the instability that has plagued the team in recent years. Under the captaincy of Babar Azam, Pakistan suffered a disappointing defeat in the Asia Cup final in 2022 and was eliminated from the Super 4 stage in the subsequent edition of the tournament.

The team’s decline continued in the ODI World Cup 2023, where they were eliminated in the group round. A series of adjustments followed, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking over the captaincy from Babar and Shan Masood leading the Test team.

However, Pakistan’s struggles persisted, with defeats to Ireland and England in T20Is and a humiliating Test series loss in Australia. The team’s poor performance continued in the T20 World Cup, where they lost a thrilling Super Over match against the co-hosts, the USA, and were eventually eliminated from the group round after a defeat to India.

In response to the string of disappointments, the PCB has announced a high-level Connection Camp aimed at creating a coherent and distinct vision for the future of the sport. Nine Pakistani cricketers, including Babar, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, will be present at the camp, along with head coaches Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten.

India Crushes Bangladesh by 280 Runs in First Test

India Crushes Bangladesh by 280 Runs in First Test

Bangladesh’s dream run in Test cricket came to an abrupt end as they suffered a crushing 280-run defeat against India in the first Test at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side, which had recently swept Pakistan 2-0, was outplayed in all departments by a dominant Indian team.

India’s bowlers wreaked havoc on the Bangladesh batting lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming five wickets, Ravichandran Ashwin taking six, Ravindra Jadeja picking up five, Mohammed Siraj grabbing two, and Akash Deep chipping in with two. The hosts’ spinners, Ashwin and Jadeja, exploited the turning pitch to their advantage, while the pacers provided excellent support.

Former Pakistan player Basit Ali praised the pitch curators for preparing a surface that offered a fair contest between bat and ball. He criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its poor track record in preparing Test match pitches.

“The bowlers ticked all the boxes. India played two spinners, keeping in mind that the ball will spin and it happened. So the credit goes to the pitch curators, who know how to make a Test match surface,” Ali said on his YouTube channel.

“In our nation, they say there is no value of pitch. They are illiterate people. The one who have played cricket with pride are there on the Board (PCB). This is what I get angry. What are you teaching to kids?” he added.

Ali emphasized the importance of understanding the pitch conditions, highlighting the examples of legendary batsmen Sunil Gavaskar and Javed Miandad.

“50 per cent of the issue is solved if you read the pitch well, ask Sunil Gavaskar and Javed Miandad. But they don’t understand,” he said.

The second and final Test between India and Bangladesh will commence on September 27.

India vs Pakistan: Mushtaq Ahmed's Five-Wicket Haul Seals Sahara Cup Final for Pakistan

India vs Pakistan: Mushtaq Ahmed’s Five-Wicket Haul Seals Sahara Cup Final for Pakistan

The 1996 Sahara Cup final between India and Pakistan at the Toronto Cricket Club was a thrilling encounter that showcased the intense rivalry between the two cricketing giants. The match was the culmination of a five-match series that had drawn significant attention due to the high stakes and the presence of some of the best players from both sides.

India started the series strongly, winning the first ODI by 8 wickets. However, Pakistan bounced back in the second game, securing a narrow 2-wicket victory. India regained the lead in the third ODI, defeating Pakistan by 55 runs in a low-scoring affair. Pakistan dominated the fourth ODI, winning by a massive 97 runs, setting the stage for a decisive fifth match.

In the final ODI, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Aamer Sohail, Saeed Anwar, and Ijaz Ahmed made solid contributions, but it was Saleem Malik’s 43 runs off 47 balls that helped Pakistan reach a total of 213/9.

In reply, India faced a daunting challenge against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack, led by the talented Mushtaq Ahmed. The leg-spinner turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor, claiming five wickets for just 36 runs, leaving Indian batsmen in disarray. He dismissed key players, including Ajay Jadeja, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Joshi, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Aashish Kapoor.

Despite some resistance from the Indian batsmen, they struggled to form partnerships and ultimately fell to the pressure exerted by Pakistan’s bowlers. India were bowled out for 161 runs, handing Pakistan a convincing victory by 52 runs. Mushtaq Ahmed’s outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award, further solidifying his impact in this historic rivalry.

The 1996 Sahara Cup final remains one of the most memorable matches between India and Pakistan, showcasing the intense competition and high-quality cricket that has characterized their rivalry over the years.

Virat Kohli's Heartwarming Gesture Inspires Rising Indian Pacer Akash Deep

Virat Kohli’s Heartwarming Gesture Inspires Rising Indian Pacer Akash Deep

Akash Deep, the rising star of Indian cricket, recently received a heartwarming gesture from none other than Virat Kohli. During the opening Test against Bangladesh, Kohli surprised Deep with a brand-new bat, leaving the young pacer overwhelmed with gratitude.

Deep, who made his Test debut against England earlier this year, has impressed with his performances so far. In his second Test, he picked up two wickets against Bangladesh, showcasing his potential as a reliable fast bowler.

In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Deep shared his experience of receiving the bat from Kohli. “I was in my hotel room when I heard a knock on the door. To my surprise, it was Virat Kohli standing outside,” Deep recalled. “He walked in, carrying a brand-new bat and asked, ‘Do you need a bat?'”

Overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture, Deep eagerly nodded. “I immediately took out a pen, requested an autograph on the bat, and gave Virat a hug,” he said. “I will never play with that bat. It’s a huge gift from Virat bhaiya, and I will keep it as a souvenir.”

Deep also spoke about his rapport with captain Rohit Sharma, who he described as a “different kind of captain.” “He is the best captain I have played under,” Deep said. “He is just a cool and calm person. He keeps things so simple and easy for every player.”

Deep’s impressive performances have earned him a place in the squad as a replacement for the experienced Mohammed Shami. “Responsibility—that’s what I feel in the absence of a veteran bowler,” Deep said. “Fulfilling that role and performing is a big challenge, and I feel that responsibility.”

The young pacer has also had the opportunity to share nets with Jasprit Bumrah, one of the world’s leading fast bowlers. “I regularly talk to him and observe his bowling,” Deep said. “I take a lot of tips from him and have learned a lot.”

Deep’s focus on reading batsmen and adapting to different conditions has been key to his success. “Every batsman plays in a different zone,” he said. “As bowlers, we need to keep track of that, analyze it, and bowl accordingly.”

With his impressive performances and the support of senior players like Kohli and Sharma, Akash Deep is poised to become a vital part of India’s bowling attack in the years to come.

Gardner Calls for Batting Improvement as Australia Bans Pre-Game Activity

Gardner Calls for Batting Improvement as Australia Bans Pre-Game Activity

Australia has banned the pre-game activity that nearly sidelined Ashleigh Gardner for the T20 World Cup. The all-rounder has urged her team’s batters to step up in the third T20I against New Zealand in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Gardner missed the series opener in Mackay after colliding with teammate Georgia Wareham while attempting to catch a “Vortex” ball in a warm-up drill. The incident initially raised concerns about a potential eighth career concussion, but Gardner was cleared and returned with a player-of-the-match performance in the second T20I.

“It’s been nice to get back out there after a weird occasion,” Gardner said. “I’ve had a lot of head knocks in the past; I know when I am concussed and when I’m not.”

The Vortex ball has been removed from Australia’s pre-match routine. Captain Alyssa Healy opted to bat first in the second T20I, but the team’s innings faltered, losing their last seven wickets for 28 runs.

Despite the batting collapse, Australia’s bowlers secured a 29-run victory. Gardner believes there is room for improvement in their final hit-out before the World Cup in Dubai.

“There’s still a lot left in the tank,” she said. “Hopefully in this last game if we do bat first we can put a massive total on the board.”

Gardner highlighted the team’s batting depth, with Annabel Sutherland entering at the fall of the sixth wicket. “Sutherland at eight is pretty ridiculous,” she said. “We know our bowling unit is good enough to restrict them.”

Shubman Gill Mocks Mohammed Siraj with Viral Instagram Video

Shubman Gill Mocks Mohammed Siraj with Viral Instagram Video

Indian batter Shubman Gill’s hilarious mockery of teammate Mohammed Siraj during the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai has become a viral sensation. During the 22nd over of Bangladesh’s second innings, Gill was caught on stump mic mimicking an old video of Siraj flagging fake Instagram accounts.

“Mohammad Siraj official hi official ID hai, baaki sab fake hain,” Gill said, mocking Siraj’s viral video. Even wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant couldn’t help but chuckle at Gill’s antics.

Gill’s lighthearted moment came after he bounced back from a duck in the first innings with a century in the second. His unbeaten 119, along with Pant’s 109, helped India declare their second innings at 287-4 on day three.

The Test marked Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian team after the birth of his second child. However, the former captain managed only six and 17 runs in the match.

India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, dominated the first innings, bundling out Bangladesh for 149. Bangladesh pace bowler Hasan Mahmud claimed five wickets in the first innings and reduced India to 34-3 in the first hour of play.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain admitted that his team needs to improve their first innings batting ahead of the second Test in Kanpur. “Top of the order we have to be careful and put some runs, that is one learning from this match,” he said.

The two teams will now head to Kanpur for the second Test starting on Friday.

Sachin Tendulkar: The Underrated Bowler Who Broke Partnerships

Sachin Tendulkar: The Underrated Bowler Who Broke Partnerships

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, was renowned for his exceptional batting prowess. However, his bowling skills often went unnoticed, despite his significant contributions as a part-time bowler. Tendulkar’s versatility extended to his bowling, as he could bowl medium pace, off-spin, and leg-spin, making him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

In Test cricket, Tendulkar claimed 46 wickets in 200 matches. While his primary role was as a batsman, he often played a crucial role in breaking partnerships or providing relief to the main bowlers. His best bowling figures in Tests were 3/10, showcasing his ability to strike at crucial moments.

One memorable instance of Tendulkar’s bowling prowess occurred during India’s tour of Pakistan in 2004. In the first Test in Multan, Tendulkar played a pivotal role in dismissing Pakistan’s Moin Khan. Before the game, Tendulkar had playfully challenged Khan, saying, “I will take your wicket for sure.”

With Pakistan struggling at 5 wickets down in their first innings, Tendulkar was bowling the last over of Day 3. He deliberately moved fielders back to allow Abdul Razzaq to take a single, bringing Khan to the crease. Khan, visibly nervous, was clean bowled by a brilliant googly from Tendulkar, sending the ball between his legs and into the stumps.

Tendulkar’s dismissal of Khan was a testament to his bowling skills and his ability to execute under pressure. It also highlighted his knack for breaking partnerships, earning him the title of “golden arm.” Captains often turned to Tendulkar when they needed a breakthrough, and he rarely disappointed.

While Tendulkar may not have been a frontline bowler, his contributions to India’s bowling strategy were significant. His ability to provide crucial wickets and handy overs made him a valuable asset to the team. Tendulkar’s versatility and all-round abilities made him one of the greatest cricketers of all time, not only as a batsman but also as a bowler.

Pant's Wit and Wisdom Enlivens India's Test Victory over Bangladesh

Pant’s Wit and Wisdom Enlivens India’s Test Victory over Bangladesh

Rishabh Pant’s Wit and Wisdom Enlivens India’s Test Victory over Bangladesh

In a moment of lighthearted camaraderie during India’s emphatic Test victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant injected a dose of humor into the proceedings. On Day 3 of the second innings, Pant’s voice was captured on the stump mic offering tactical advice to the Bangladesh fielders.

“O bhai, idhar aayega yeh fielder (please bring the fielder here),” Pant was heard saying, much to the amusement of the commentary team and fans. The incident showcased Pant’s quick wit and his ability to lighten the mood even in the midst of a competitive match.

Speaking after India’s 280-run triumph, Pant explained his motivation for the playful banter. “I think the understanding of the game for me is that cricket should improve wherever you play,” he said. “So I was just trying to help the team that you can set a fielder here, and it was amazing. Actually, I enjoyed it.”

Pant’s return to Test cricket after recovering from a serious accident in December 2022 was marked by a scintillating century in the second innings. His knock of 109 runs, a blend of aggression and controlled batting, played a pivotal role in India’s victory.

“I was jittery, but there was a fire inside me to make it happen. And eventually, I did it. I’m happy, but not thinking about it too much,” Pant said, reflecting on his performance.

Pant’s partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored 110 runs, proved to be the cornerstone of India’s batting effort. The duo shared a 167-run stand, putting the Bangladesh bowlers under immense pressure.

“When you have a great relationship off the field, it helps on the field,” Pant said of his partnership with Gill. “We were having fun, talking about the game, and staying relaxed while focusing on stitching a great partnership.”

With the victory in Chennai, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The teams will now travel to Kanpur for the second and final Test, which begins on Friday.

India Tightens Grip on WTC, Sri Lanka Boosts Final Hopes

India Tightens Grip on WTC, Sri Lanka Boosts Final Hopes

India’s dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle continues unabated as they extended their lead at the summit with a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai. The triumph solidifies their position as the team to beat, with a percentage of 71.67%.

Ravichandran Ashwin was the architect of India’s success, earning Player of the Match honors for his all-round brilliance. His century in the first innings and six-wicket haul in the second proved decisive. Bangladesh, chasing a mammoth target of 515, were bowled out for 234, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja sharing the spoils.

The victory propelled India to 12 crucial WTC points, further cementing their grip on the top spot. Bangladesh, on the other hand, slipped to sixth in the standings with a percentage of 39.29%.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka boosted their chances of reaching the WTC final with a thrilling 63-run victory over New Zealand in Galle. Dhananjaya de Silva’s side now occupies third place with a 50% win rate, putting them in contention for a top-two finish.

Prabath Jayasuriya emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka, claiming match figures of 9-204 and earning the Player of the Match award. His tactical brilliance in holding off bowling New Zealand out on the fourth day allowed the bowlers to return refreshed on the final day.

Sri Lanka’s victory has made them a strong contender for a spot in the WTC final. With a potential maximum percentage of 69.23%, they need a clean sweep against South Africa and a 2-0 series win over Australia at home to secure their place.

The race for the final two spots in the WTC finale at Lord’s is heating up, with India, Sri Lanka, and England all in contention. The upcoming series will be crucial in determining who will join Australia, the current table-toppers, in the battle for the coveted trophy.

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