DRS Confusion Leaves Rohit Sharma Fuming in Sri Lanka vs India ODI

DRS Confusion Leaves Rohit Sharma Fuming in Sri Lanka vs India ODI

DRS Confusion Irks Rohit Sharma in Sri Lanka vs India ODI

During the first ODI between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo, a controversial DRS (decision review system) incident involving a wide call left Indian captain Rohit Sharma visibly frustrated.

In the 14th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Shivam Dube bowled a delivery down the leg side to Pathum Nissanka. The ball missed Nissanka’s bat and flicked his thigh pad on its way to wicketkeeper KL Rahul. The Indian players appealed for a catch, but the umpire ruled it not out.

To everyone’s surprise, the umpire then signaled a wide. Captain Rohit had a brief conversation with Rahul before deciding not to review the decision. However, as Rohit was returning to the field, he overheard a player saying that he had heard a sound.

“You should know whether the bat is far from the pad or not. If the bat is away, then he is saying there is a noise for sure,” Rohit said, expressing his annoyance.

Rahul responded by saying, “In IPL, the reviews can be taken for wides, that’s why he is saying.”

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams are allowed to review wide decisions. This rule does not apply in international cricket, which may have contributed to the confusion.

The incident highlighted the complexities of the DRS system and the challenges umpires face in making split-second decisions. It also raised questions about the consistency of the DRS process across different formats of the game.

Despite the DRS controversy, the match itself was a thrilling tie. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 230 for 8, thanks to half-centuries from Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka. India’s chase was led by Rohit Sharma’s 58, but they ultimately fell short of the target.

Welsh Fire Extend Winning Streak with Controlled Chase over Trent Rockets

Welsh Fire Extend Winning Streak with Controlled Chase over Trent Rockets

Welsh Fire continued their impressive start to the Hundred with a controlled six-wicket victory over Trent Rockets, extending their winning streak to three matches.

Rockets captain Nat Sciver-Brunt elected to bat but faced an early setback as openers Bryony Smith and Grace Scrivens were dismissed in quick succession. The middle order, led by Sciver-Brunt and Ash Gardner, attempted to rebuild the innings, but Sciver-Brunt’s dismissal for 37 left the Rockets struggling. Gardner and Heather Graham pushed the score to 130, but the Fire bowlers, particularly Freya Davies and Jess Jonassen, kept them in check.

Welsh Fire’s chase also began with a shaky start, losing Sophia Dunkley and Tammy Beaumont early. However, Hayley Matthews and Sarah Bryce steadied the ship, forming a crucial partnership of 49. Sciver-Brunt struck again to remove Matthews, but Jonassen and Bryce maintained the momentum. Georgia Elwiss joined Bryce after Jonassen’s departure, and the pair added a further 44 runs.

Bryce remained unbeaten on 51 from 39 balls, guiding the Fire to victory with two balls to spare. “We knew if we just built partnerships together, there were runs out there,” Bryce said. “Jess is a great runner. Winning is a habit, and we have had some tight games when different people have stood up at different times.”

The victory consolidates Welsh Fire’s position near the top of the standings, while Trent Rockets’ third consecutive defeat leaves them in a precarious position.

R Ashwin Expands Batting Range, Urges Young Cricketers to Embrace Failures

R Ashwin Expands Batting Range, Urges Young Cricketers to Embrace Failures

At 37, R Ashwin is expanding his batting range in his first full Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season. Known for his boundary-hitting prowess down the ground, Ashwin has been working on playing boundary shots square of the wicket, a strategy that has paid off.

In Qualifier 2 against Idream Tiruppur Tamizhans, Ashwin dismantled left-arm fingerspinners R Sai Kishore and S Ajith Ram with reverse-sweeps, scoring 28 off nine balls. Overall, he has amassed 200 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 166.66, with five innings coming at the top or No. 3 for Dindigul Dragons.

“Everything is work in progress,” Ashwin said. “I felt like I needed to widen my game square of the wicket because I know I can hit the ball down the ground. I wanted to explore other options to keep myself interested in the game.”

Dindigul’s rookie left-arm fingerspinner P Vignesh, who missed the Under-19 World Cup cut for India, has impressed with his accuracy and control. In Qualifier 2, he claimed 3 for 8 and the Player-of-the-Match award.

Ashwin urged the next generation of cricketers to embrace failures and improve their skills. “Missing the Under-19 cut is not the end of the world,” he said. “Failure and success are normal, and people become better only through failures. I hope they’re ready to expand their game and find answers to the questions that are going to be asked.”

Meanwhile, Shahrukh Khan of Lyca Kovai Kings has been working on a technical tweak to improve his game against spin. He has been using a trigger movement where he pushes his weight forward, which has helped him score off both the front and back foot.

Shahrukh’s overall strike rate against pace in the IPL is 161.11, but it falls to 112 against spin. However, in IPL 2024, he managed to lift his strike rate against spin to 168.75.

Despite losing to Dindigul in the league phase, Shahrukh is confident his team can put together their “best cricket” in the final. “We’re taking it as just another game,” he said. “We still haven’t played our best cricket this year, and we will try and do that.”

India and Sri Lanka Set for Thrilling Second ODI After Tied Encounters

India and Sri Lanka Set for Thrilling Second ODI After Tied Encounters

India and Sri Lanka, locked in a thrilling series, are set to face off in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the R. Premadasa International Stadium on Sunday. The match comes after two nail-biting encounters, with both teams tying one game each.

In the first ODI, India’s bowlers impressed, led by skipper Rohit Sharma’s aggressive opening spell. The team’s new strategy of fielding multiple left-handed batters, including Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Shivam Dube, was also evident. However, the hosts’ fragile middle order struggled against India’s spinners, leaving them vulnerable to collapse.

As the teams prepare for the second ODI, the focus will be on maintaining clinical execution and avoiding costly mistakes. The pitch for the first game favored spinners, making it difficult to score boundaries. It remains to be seen if the conditions will be similar for Sunday’s match.

India will be keen to capitalize on their momentum and secure a victory. Rohit Sharma, who returned to ODIs after the World Cup final, will be looking to continue his impressive form. The team’s batting lineup, which includes Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, and Rishabh Pant, will be expected to deliver.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back and level the series. Their middle order, which has been a concern, will need to step up and provide support to the top order. The team will also rely on their experienced bowlers, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne, to restrict India’s scoring.

With both teams eager to gain an advantage, the second ODI promises to be another intense and closely contested affair. The match will start at 2.30 p.m. IST.

ICC Prepares for India's Potential Absence from Champions Trophy in Pakistan

ICC Prepares for India’s Potential Absence from Champions Trophy in Pakistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing for the possibility that India may decline to participate in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year. During its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Colombo, the ICC approved a budget of approximately $65 million to cover expenses related to hosting matches outside Pakistan if necessary.

The ICC has not officially addressed India’s potential absence, but a contingency plan has been put in place. The Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has approved a budget that includes an estimate of the increased costs associated with moving matches outside Pakistan.

The ICC has not yet identified alternative venues, but Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the designated venues in Pakistan. The PCB has reportedly undertaken significant renovation work at these venues.

The budget allocation includes $35 million for the competition itself, $20 million for participation and prize money, and $10 million for television production costs. The ICC has circulated a tentative schedule to broadcasters and participating teams, with India’s matches scheduled to take place in Lahore, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on March 1.

The tournament will feature two groups, with India and Pakistan joined by Bangladesh and New Zealand in Group A. Group B comprises Australia, England, Afghanistan, and South Africa. India’s other matches are scheduled against Bangladesh on February 20 and New Zealand on February 23.

The ICC has allocated a week-long support period from February 12th to 18th for teams to participate in practice matches and media events. March 10th has been designated as a reserve day for the final match.

The ICC will send a team to Pakistan next month to inspect the venues. The final decision on whether to move matches outside Pakistan will depend on the Indian team’s decision and the Government of India’s stance.

Sri Lanka Women's Cricket Team Adds Nuthyangana for Ireland Tour

Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team Adds Nuthyangana for Ireland Tour

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team has added wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana to its 16-member squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland. Nuthyangana, who has yet to make her ODI debut, will serve as backup to regular wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani.

The squad, which lifted the Women’s Asia Cup last week, will be without talismanic skipper Chamari Athapaththu for the T20Is on August 11 and 13 due to her commitments with the Oval Invincibles in the Women’s Hundred. Athapaththu, who was named Player of the Tournament in the Asia Cup, will join the team for the ODIs, which are part of the 2022-2025 ICC Women’s Championship cycle, starting August 16.

In Athapaththu’s absence, Harshitha Samarawickrama, who was the last designated vice-captain, could lead the team. The batting burden will fall on the shoulders of 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne, who has the fifth-most runs in women’s T20Is in 2024, and Samarawickrama. Spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari has also shown consistency with the bat.

However, there is some uncertainty in the batting lineup below these three players, although Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva, and Sanjeewani have all produced exciting cameos in the past year. Nuthyangana is likely to get game time as Sri Lanka does not have another batting replacement for Athapaththu in the squad.

The bowling options include four frontline spinners and three seamers.

BCCI Unveils State-of-the-Art National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru

BCCI Unveils State-of-the-Art National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to unveil a state-of-the-art National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, India. The new facility, nearing completion, will provide world-class training and development opportunities for current and future cricketers.

The NCA boasts three world-class playing grounds, 45 practice pitches, and indoor cricket pitches. It also features an Olympic-size swimming pool, cutting-edge training facilities, and advanced recovery and sports science programs.

The new NCA is an extension of the existing academy, which has been operating in Bengaluru since 2000. The current NCA, headed by former India cricketer VVS Laxman, is located near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and is primarily used for player rehabilitation.

The BCCI is also planning to establish NCAs in Jammu and Kashmir and the North East. These regional academies will provide access to high-quality training and development programs for aspiring cricketers in these regions.

The new NCA in Bengaluru is expected to play a pivotal role in the development of Indian cricket. It will provide a comprehensive platform for players to hone their skills, improve their fitness, and prepare for international competition.

The BCCI’s investment in the NCA reflects its commitment to fostering excellence in Indian cricket. The academy will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and development, ensuring that India remains a global powerhouse in the sport.

Birmingham Phoenix Break Losing Streak with 16-Run Victory over Southern Brave

Birmingham Phoenix Break Losing Streak with 16-Run Victory over Southern Brave

Birmingham Phoenix, led by captain Ellyse Perry, broke their losing streak with a thrilling 16-run victory over Southern Brave at Edgbaston. Despite losing the toss and being put in to bat, Phoenix posted a competitive 137 for 7, thanks to a half-century from Amy Jones and a cameo from Emily Arlott.

Perry’s brilliance continued with the ball, as she claimed three crucial wickets in her opening spell, including Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Adams. Danni Wyatt and Freya Kemp attempted to steady the Brave innings, but Charis Pavely and Hannah Baker chipped away at their batting lineup.

With the required run rate climbing and the Brave running out of steam, Phoenix’s bowlers maintained their discipline, throttling the opposition’s scoring. Arlott’s innings, which included two sixes, proved to be the difference, according to Jones.

“Emily Arlott’s innings was the difference, clearing the fence with ease,” Jones said. “And Pez’s start was unbelievable. When you have someone like that, who can deliver such performances, it is a huge lift for the team. We were really good in the field and backed up the bowlers.”

India's Champions Trophy Participation Uncertain, Mushtaq Downplays Significance

India’s Champions Trophy Participation Uncertain, Mushtaq Downplays Significance

India’s participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan remains uncertain, prompting former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq to downplay its significance. Mushtaq believes that the tournament should proceed regardless of India’s presence.

The ICC has allocated a substantial budget for the event, which is scheduled to take place in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, India’s stance on traveling to Pakistan is still unclear.

Mushtaq argues that the focus should not be on India’s decision but on ensuring the tournament’s success. He believes that the ICC will address any concerns regarding India’s participation.

“It’s simple. If India wants to come, they can. If they don’t want to come, it doesn’t matter. There’s no point in making a fuss about it,” Mushtaq said. “This won’t make either party good or bad. This is ICC’s event, and they will look into this matter, as they should.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entrusted the ICC with the responsibility of persuading the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send its team to Pakistan. The PCB has also advised its officials to refrain from commenting on India’s decision.

Despite the uncertainty, the PCB is proceeding with preparations for the tournament, assuming that India will participate. The ICC’s approval of the budget has fueled speculation that backup funds have been allocated in case India declines to send its team.

The PCB’s stance reflects its desire to host a successful Champions Trophy and showcase Pakistan’s capabilities as a host nation. However, the ultimate decision on India’s participation rests with the BCCI, which has yet to make an official statement.

Jasprit Bumrah's Magic Spells Propel India to T20 World Cup Glory

Jasprit Bumrah’s Magic Spells Propel India to T20 World Cup Glory

Ravi Shastri, India’s former head coach, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, describing him as a “magician with the ball.” Shastri highlighted two pivotal moments in India’s triumph: their victory over Pakistan in the group stage and their unexpected win against South Africa in the final.

In the India-Pakistan clash, Bumrah’s dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan turned the tide in India’s favor, as Pakistan was comfortably placed at 80/3. In the final against South Africa, Bumrah’s game-changing spell in the 16th over, conceding only four runs and dismissing Marco Jansen, put the Proteas on the defensive.

Shastri praised Bumrah’s ability to control the flow of the game, comparing him to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis. He noted that Bumrah’s wicket of Rizwan in the final was crucial, as it shifted the momentum in India’s favor.

Shastri also lauded Suryakumar Yadav’s spectacular boundary catch that dismissed David Miller, bringing South Africa down to 161/7 with five deliveries remaining. He emphasized that Miller’s dismissal was a game-changer, as he is known for his big-hitting abilities.

Furthermore, Shastri expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant’s resilience in returning to top-level cricket after a near-fatal car accident. He praised Pant’s exceptional keeping skills, noting that he hardly missed a catch despite the pressure of the tournament.

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