Zimbabwe Elects to Field First in Third T20I Against Bangladesh

Zimbabwe Elects to Field First in Third T20I Against Bangladesh

Zimbabwe’s captain, Sikandar Raza, opted to field first in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Chattogram. This decision mirrored that of his Bangladeshi counterpart, Najmul Hossain Shanto, in the previous two matches.

Zimbabwe made two changes to their lineup. Richard Ngarava was ruled out due to injury, with Faraz Akram taking his place. Wellington Masakadza returned from concussion concerns, replacing Ainsley Ndlovu.

Bangladesh also made alterations, resting Shoriful Islam and Mahedi Hasan. Tanzim Hasan and Tanvir Islam were brought in as replacements. These changes resulted in a shorter batting lineup for Bangladesh, with Rishad Hossain likely to bat at number seven.

Zimbabwe, on the other hand, boasts a strong batting order with seven batters before their all-rounders.

Surrey Signs Australian Pacer Spencer Johnson for Vitality Blast

Surrey Signs Australian Pacer Spencer Johnson for Vitality Blast

Surrey County Cricket Club has bolstered its Vitality Blast squad with the signing of Australian fast bowler Spencer Johnson for the first eight matches of the tournament. Johnson, a left-armer, is a familiar face at The Oval, having represented Oval Invincibles in the 2023 campaign.

During his stint with Invincibles, Johnson showcased his exceptional skills, claiming five wickets, including a remarkable 3 for 1 off 20 deliveries against Manchester Originals. His impressive performance played a crucial role in Invincibles’ successful title run.

Johnson’s acquisition comes at an opportune time for Surrey, who will be without four key players due to their involvement in the T20 World Cup. Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Chris Jordan, and Reece Topley have all been selected by England for the global event.

The Australian pacer will join Sean Abbott as Surrey’s overseas options for the Blast. The club is permitted to field a maximum of three overseas players in its squad and two in its playing XI.

“I’m thrilled to join Surrey and have some fantastic memories from playing at the Kia Oval last year,” Johnson said. “Surrey has a great squad, and I’m eager to contribute with the ball in front of the passionate crowds in south London.”

Alec Stewart, Surrey’s director of men’s cricket, expressed his delight at Johnson’s signing. “Spencer is a highly talented cricketer who has proven his abilities in white-ball cricket at the highest levels,” Stewart said. “He will strengthen our bowling unit during the early stages of the group stages when we have four players away at the World Cup with England.”

Despite missing out on Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, Johnson remains a highly sought-after player in the T20 circuit. He secured a lucrative deal worth AU$1.78 million (USD1.175 million) with Gujarat Titans in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).

Following the Vitality Blast, Johnson will represent LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket before returning to The Oval for his Hundred stint with Invincibles. He could potentially add to his six international caps at the end of the English summer when Australia tours for three T20Is and five ODIs.

Hardik Pandya's Bowling Resurgence Boosts India's World Cup Hopes

Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Resurgence Boosts India’s World Cup Hopes

Hardik Pandya’s resurgence with the ball has been a welcome sight for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite a disappointing IPL season as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya’s all-round abilities remain unmatched in India.

Chief selector Chetan Sharma emphasized Pandya’s unique balance and versatility, particularly his bowling prowess. Pandya’s ability to bowl at the death and provide Rohit Sharma with flexible options is crucial for the team’s success.

In Monday’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pandya delivered an incisive spell, taking three for 33 in four overs. His accurate bowling and ability to exploit the Wankhede pitch’s bounce and movement played a significant role in restricting Hyderabad to a manageable total.

Pandya’s return to form, along with Suryakumar Yadav’s blazing century, bodes well for India’s World Cup aspirations. Both players have overcome injuries and are now hitting their stride at the right time.

Pandya’s bowling has been particularly impressive in his last three matches, where he has bowled his full quota of overs and taken wickets consistently. His ability to adapt to different conditions and bowl to the situation is a testament to his skill and experience.

Former West Indies great Kieron Pollard, Mumbai Indians’ batting coach, has been a staunch supporter of Pandya. He believes that Pandya’s recent bowling performances are a positive sign for both the player and Indian cricket.

If Pandya can continue his good form in Mumbai Indians’ remaining two matches, he will regain much of the confidence that was shaken during his disappointing IPL campaign. His return to bowling fitness and effectiveness will be a major boost for India’s World Cup hopes.

Hobart Hurricanes Player Acquitted of Rape Set to Return Despite Disclosure Concerns

Hobart Hurricanes Player Acquitted of Rape Set to Return Despite Disclosure Concerns

Nikhil Chaudhary, a player recently acquitted of rape charges, is expected to return to the Hobart Hurricanes in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. However, Cricket Tasmania, the franchise’s governing body, was unaware of the criminal proceedings against Chaudhary until after the verdict.

Chaudhary joined the Hurricanes in late 2023 and had his contract extended to 2027 in February, just a month before his trial. Cricket Tasmania’s high performance general manager, Salliann Beams, expressed disappointment that Chaudhary had not disclosed the charges or court proceedings to the organization.

“It’s not so much the incident because we know that nothing happened … legally not guilty and everything,” Beams said. “It’s just the disclosure of information. We want to know where we sit on that because we were completely in the dark.”

Beams acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding the situation, noting that Chaudhary was advised not to discuss the matter. However, she emphasized the importance of transparency and the potential impact on the franchise’s reputation.

“You have to deal with the organization’s point of view and the impact that it could potentially have on that,” she said. “Because you don’t really want to associate yourself with … that type of investigation.”

Despite the concerns, Beams indicated that Chaudhary is likely to play in the upcoming BBL season. “There are some legalities through that process,” she said. “But at the same time, you can understand from the players’ point of view is that, you know, they’ve done nothing wrong and it’s a scary place.”

Chaudhary played nine games for the Hurricanes in the previous BBL season, averaging 26 with the bat and taking five wickets. The team missed out on the finals.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants Clash in Crucial IPL Match

Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants Clash in Crucial IPL Match

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants will face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match on May 10 in Hyderabad, with both teams vying for a spot in the top four.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, have been inconsistent in recent matches, losing three of their last four. Their batting lineup, which has been their strength this season, has faltered, with only Travis Head performing consistently. Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Reddy have struggled to make significant contributions.

The bowlers have fared better, with T. Natarajan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivering impressive performances. However, the team’s overall lack of firepower in the pace-bowling department has been a concern.

Lucknow Super Giants, captained by KL Rahul, have also had their share of struggles. They suffered a humiliating defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders, conceding the first-ever 200-plus score at the Ekana Stadium and folding their innings at a mere 137. Rahul failed to anchor the innings, while Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran were unable to deliver when needed.

Ayush Badoni has been subdued this season, and the uncapped Indian player will be eager to regain his form. LSG’s bowling has been hampered by the lack of pace-bowling firepower, with Mayank Yadav ruled out of the IPL and Mohsin Khan also injured. The onus will be on Naveen-ul-Haq, Yash Thakur, Stoinis, and spinners Krunal Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi to deliver.

The winner of this match will take a significant step towards securing a playoff berth. Sunrisers Hyderabad will need their batting lineup to rediscover its form, while Lucknow Super Giants must address their bowling concerns.

Daryl Mitchell Apologizes and Compensates Fan After Accidental Hit in IPL Practice

Daryl Mitchell Apologizes and Compensates Fan After Accidental Hit in IPL Practice

Chennai Super Kings’ Daryl Mitchell Apologizes and Compensates Fan After Accidental Hit

During a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match against Punjab Kings, Chennai Super Kings batsman Daryl Mitchell inadvertently struck a fan with a powerful shot. The incident occurred at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

The impact of the shot caused the fan to fall from his seat, resulting in damage to his iPhone. A viral video captured the moment, showing the fan holding his injured phone.

Mitchell, known for his sportsmanship, immediately apologized from the nets for his unintended stroke. However, he went above and beyond by presenting the injured fan with his pair of gloves as a gesture of goodwill. The fan proudly displayed the gloves in the same video.

In the subsequent IPL 2024 match, Ravindra Jadeja played a pivotal role in CSK’s 28-run victory over Punjab Kings. Batting first, CSK benefited from Jadeja’s quick-fire 43 off just 26 deliveries, providing the necessary impetus to their batting effort.

In response, PBKS struggled from the outset, with only two batsmen managing to make notable scores. Prabhsimran Singh scored 30, while Shashank Singh contributed 27. However, their efforts were insufficient as PBKS could only muster 139 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Jadeja’s bowling figures of 3 for 20 played a key role in restricting the opposition and sealing the victory for CSK. His all-round performance showcased his versatility and underlined his importance to the team.

Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Clash in IPL 2024 at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Clash in IPL 2024 at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Set for Clash in IPL 2024

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will face off in a crucial encounter in Match 56 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.

Team Standings and Recent Performances

Delhi Capitals currently sit sixth in the points table with 10 points from 11 matches, while Rajasthan Royals are second with 16 points from 10 matches. In their last outing, Delhi Capitals lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets, with Axar Patel emerging as their top fantasy player with 81 points. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, suffered a narrow one-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Riyan Parag scoring 109 fantasy points.

Pitch Conditions and Weather Forecast

The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to favor batters, with good stroke play and limited assistance for bowlers. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 169 runs, making chasing a preferred option.

Head-to-Head Record

In the 28 matches played between these two teams, bowlers have consistently earned the most fantasy points. In their previous encounter, Riyan Parag was named Man of the Match, while Tristan Stubbs and Riyan Parag topped the fantasy points charts for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, respectively.

Fantasy Picks

Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

* Rishabh Pant (DC): A top-order batter and wicket-keeper with an average of 66 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Riyan Parag (RR): A consistent performer with an average of 60 fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Other Fantasy Picks:

* Axar Patel (DC): An all-rounder with an average of 54 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Jos Buttler (RR): A wicket-keeper and top-order batter with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Tristan Stubbs (DC): A wicket-keeper and batter with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Sandeep Sharma (RR): A right-arm medium bowler with an average of 46 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Jake Fraser-McGurk (RR): An all-rounder with an average of 43 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): A leg-break googly bowler with an average of 38 fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Fantasy Team:

* Wicket-Keepers: Jos Buttler, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson
* Batters: Tristan Stubbs, Dhruv Jurel
* All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin
* Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Trent Boult
* Captain: Rishabh Pant
* Vice-Captain: Yuzvendra Chahal

Rohit Sharma's Form Slump Worries Mumbai Indians and India

Rohit Sharma’s Form Slump Worries Mumbai Indians and India

Rohit Sharma’s Form Slump Raises Concerns for Mumbai Indians and India

Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over the alarming dip in form of Mumbai Indians’ opener Rohit Sharma. Sharma’s struggles have extended beyond the IPL franchise, casting a shadow over India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

In the recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sharma’s woes continued as he was dismissed for a mere four runs off five deliveries. This dismal performance followed a string of low scores since his century against Chennai Super Kings on April 14th. Sharma’s subsequent scores of 6, 8, 4, 11, and 4 have raised serious concerns about his form.

“There is a massive difference between Rohit Sharma’s first six matches and last five matches. He is going in single digits in the last five matches and that is a real worry,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Sharma’s struggles are particularly concerning given his importance to both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. As the captain of Mumbai Indians, his form is crucial for the franchise’s success. For India, Sharma is a key player in the upcoming T20 World Cup, where his experience and leadership will be vital.

Sharma’s dismissal against SRH, where he attempted a big shot off Pat Cummins only to be caught behind, highlighted his difficulties in finding his rhythm and timing at the crease. Chopra emphasized that Sharma’s form is essential for both Mumbai Indians and India, as his struggles could have significant implications for both teams.

IPL's Impact on International Cricket: Financial Security and Skill Development

IPL’s Impact on International Cricket: Financial Security and Skill Development

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized the world of cricket, significantly impacting the careers of international players and reshaping the dynamics of the sport. Former Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan and New Zealand’s Ross Taylor have shared their perspectives on how the IPL has influenced players’ priorities and provided financial security, allowing them to focus solely on cricket.

Dilshan, who was part of the inaugural IPL in 2008, acknowledged the substantial financial rewards associated with playing T20 cricket in the league. He emphasized that the money earned from the IPL helped players set aside other concerns and concentrate exclusively on their cricketing pursuits. In many countries, the remuneration for cricketers is relatively modest, making the IPL an attractive proposition for players seeking financial stability.

“Playing T20 cricket involved a lot of money, and I know that our countries don’t pay that much money, but that money helped him to keep other problems aside and focus only on cricket. That’s an advantage, we can focus fully on cricket, everyone needs money to survive, and we’re only playing cricket now, not doing any other jobs. I think it’s a good deal, money is good for players and they can keep all problems aside and focus,” Dilshan told the 180 Not Out podcast.

Taylor echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the IPL’s role in providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world. This exposure has undoubtedly shaped the future of cricket in their respective countries.

“IPL is providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world, ultimately shaping the future of the sport in their country,” opined the former Kiwi batter.

During their IPL careers, Dilshan represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru), amassing 735 runs in 38 matches. Taylor, on the other hand, scored 1017 runs in 55 games while playing for four different franchises: RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors India.

The IPL has not only provided financial security for international players but has also allowed them to develop their skills and knowledge by playing alongside and against the world’s best. This has had a positive impact on the overall quality of cricket globally, as players have been able to learn from each other and implement new techniques and strategies.

Mumbai Indians to Field Jasprit Bumrah in Remaining IPL Matches Despite Playoff Elimination

Mumbai Indians to Field Jasprit Bumrah in Remaining IPL Matches Despite Playoff Elimination

Mumbai Indians (MI) have no plans to rest star pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the T20 World Cup, despite being eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) playoffs. Batting coach Kieron Pollard stated that the team’s focus remains on finishing the IPL strongly.

Pollard emphasized that resting Bumrah is not a priority at this stage, as the team aims to maintain its momentum and end the season on a high note. He acknowledged that the T20 World Cup is an important event, but stressed that the team’s immediate focus is on the remaining IPL matches.

“I certainly haven’t had any discussions about that,” Pollard said when asked about the possibility of resting Bumrah. “I don’t think that’s my role and function at this point in time. But let’s see what happens. We are all here to play an entire IPL.”

Pollard also discussed the challenges of coaching an all-rounder like Suryakumar Yadav, who is known for his aggressive batting style. He explained that the key is to balance Yadav’s attacking instincts with the need for discipline and adaptability to different match situations.

“He’s one, who, by nature, instinctively, is very aggressive. He wants to take the bowler’s on more often than not. At times it’s just a matter of understanding the situation and respecting the new ball when it’s moving around,” Pollard said.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) assistant coach Simon Helmot praised Yadav’s exceptional innings, which helped MI chase down a target of 174 with ease. Helmot acknowledged that Yadav is a world-class batter who will have a significant impact in the T20 World Cup.

“On some days you just have to take your hat off and say well played and well played to him. He’s an exceptional cricketer and he’s always going to demand a spot in the Indian team and I’m sure he’ll have an influence in the World Cup,” Helmot said.

Despite the loss, Helmot highlighted the positives for SRH, including maintaining their fourth position in the IPL points table. He emphasized the importance of quickly moving on from the defeat and focusing on the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart