Litchfield's Unstoppable Knock Guides Australia to Victory Despite Gardner Injury Scare

Litchfield’s Unstoppable Knock Guides Australia to Victory Despite Gardner Injury Scare

Australia’s women’s cricket team secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over New Zealand in Mackay, despite a pre-game injury scare involving Ashleigh Gardner. Gardner collided with teammate Georgia Wareham during warm-ups, resulting in her withdrawal as a precaution due to her history of concussions.

Heather Graham replaced Gardner in the lineup, while Kim Garth and Grace Harris were ruled out of the series due to injuries. New Zealand also suffered a setback with skipper Sophie Devine sidelined by a foot issue.

Australia’s bowlers shared the spoils, with all six used claiming a wicket. Maddy Green and Suzie Bates passed 30 for New Zealand, but couldn’t accelerate the innings. Australia’s fielding was rusty, conceding 12 byes, but their bowling was frugal.

In the chase, Phoebe Litchfield played a stunning unbeaten knock of 64 from 43 balls, guiding Australia to victory with eight balls to spare. She received excellent support from Wareham in a 50-run stand.

Litchfield’s innings showcased her skill and bravery, as she hit 11 boundaries on a two-paced surface. She reached her half-century in 32 balls and finished the match with a reverse sweep for four.

Australia’s variety in their bowling attack proved effective, with Megan Schutt, Tayla Vlaeminck, and Sophie Molineux making scoring difficult for New Zealand in the powerplay.

Molly Penfold impressed for New Zealand with 2 for 24, but couldn’t prevent Australia from securing the win. The victory extended New Zealand’s losing streak in women’s T20Is to eight matches.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Hosts Historic 250th ODI Match

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Hosts Historic 250th ODI Match

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates has etched its name in cricket history by becoming the first venue to host 250 One-Day International (ODI) matches. This remarkable milestone was achieved during the Afghanistan vs South Africa match on Wednesday, marking a significant chapter in the stadium’s illustrious 42-year history.

Established in 1982, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has witnessed countless thrilling and memorable matches. It has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in ODI cricket, including the first-ever ODI match in 1971. The stadium has also hosted numerous World Cup matches, further solidifying its status as a global cricket hub.

Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe holds the second position with 182 ODI matches hosted, followed by Sydney Cricket Ground, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and R Premadasa Stadium with 161, 151, and 151 matches respectively.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is also the home ground for Afghanistan’s white-ball matches, adding to its significance in the cricketing landscape. In the match that marked the 250th ODI milestone, Afghanistan emerged victorious over South Africa by six wickets.

Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar, played a pivotal role in the victory, restricting South Africa to a mere 106 runs. The Afghan batters then chased down the target comfortably, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib guiding them to victory.

The match also witnessed a dramatic collapse from South Africa, who lost seven wickets for just 36 runs. Left-arm quick Farooqi was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming four wickets, while Ghazanfar chipped in with three.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s achievement is a testament to its enduring legacy in the sport of cricket. It has been a witness to countless cricketing battles and has played a significant role in the development of the game. As the stadium continues to host more matches, it is poised to create even more unforgettable moments in the years to come.

India D Dominate India B with Half-Centuries from Samson, Padikkal, Bharat, and Bhui

India D Dominate India B with Half-Centuries from Samson, Padikkal, Bharat, and Bhui

India D asserted their dominance against India B in the Duleep Trophy match in Anantapur, thanks to a collective batting effort led by Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 89.

After India B opted to field, Devdutt Padikkal and KS Bharat laid a solid foundation with a 105-run opening partnership. Padikkal notched up his third consecutive half-century, while Bharat contributed a steady 52.

However, India B’s bowlers managed to break the partnership, with Navdeep Saini dismissing Padikkal and Mukesh Kumar removing Bharat. Nishant Sindhu and Ricky Bhui then combined for a 53-run stand, but Rahul Chahar’s quick double-strike put India D in a spot of bother.

Chahar dismissed Sindhu and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession, leaving India D at 175 for 4. Bhui, who had scored a century in the previous match, continued his good form with a 56-run knock.

Samson, however, proved to be the anchor for India D. He played an aggressive innings, hitting ten fours and three sixes in his 83-ball knock. He shared an unbroken 90-run partnership with Saransh Jain, who remained unbeaten on 26 at stumps.

For India B, Chahar was the standout bowler, claiming 3 for 60 in 13 overs. Mukesh and Saini also picked up a wicket each.

Dwayne Bravo's Emotional Farewell in CPL Match

Dwayne Bravo’s Emotional Farewell in CPL Match

Dwayne Bravo’s potential farewell match in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was an emotional affair, with Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) teammates and fans paying tribute to the legendary all-rounder.

Before the start of CPL 2024, Bravo had announced his retirement from the league. While he has played only two games this season, his appearance against Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain could have been his last, according to teammate Andre Russell.

Russell, who has played alongside Bravo for 130 matches, praised his impact on his own career. “Bravo has a lot to do with me being who I am today,” Russell said. “He’s helped me outthink batters and become a smarter bowler.”

TKR players and staff honored Bravo by wearing his No. 47 shirt and giving him a guard of honor before the match. Bravo contributed with a wicket and a catch, and during the innings break, he was driven around the stadium, signing balls for the crowd.

Bravo is the most decorated player in the CPL, having won five titles, including three with TKR. He played a pivotal role in building the Trinidad franchise, bringing in international stars and supporting local talent.

Kieron Pollard, TKR’s current captain, acknowledged Bravo’s contributions. “He’s brought excellent cricketers of generations to the franchise and understood what’s needed to build a cricket team,” Pollard said.

Russell, who returned from an ankle injury, made a significant impact with his 36 off 15 balls, helping TKR chase down 149. “It feels good to be back in the middle,” Russell said. “I’ve been working hard with the support staff to get back on the park.”

Bravo’s potential retirement from the CPL marks the end of an era for the league. His contributions as a player, captain, and mentor have left an indelible mark on the tournament and the sport of cricket in the Caribbean.

Rawat's Century Rescues India A from Batting Collapse

Rawat’s Century Rescues India A from Batting Collapse

Shashwat Rawat’s Unconquered Century Rescues India A from Collapse in Duleep Trophy

India A’s batting lineup faced a severe test on the opening day of their Duleep Trophy encounter against India C in Anantapur. However, a remarkable century from Shashwat Rawat salvaged the innings, guiding his team to a respectable total of 224 for seven.

Rawat, a left-handed batter from Baroda, displayed exceptional resilience and skill, remaining unbeaten on 122 off 235 deliveries. His innings was adorned with 15 boundaries, showcasing his ability to play a variety of shots with precision.

India A’s batting woes began early, with the top order crumbling to 36 for five. Pratham Singh, Mayank Agarwal, Tilak Varma, and Riyan Parag all failed to reach double figures. However, Rawat found an able ally in Shams Mulani, who contributed a valuable 44 off 76 balls.

The duo forged a crucial 87-run partnership, providing much-needed stability to the innings. Mulani, who had been the match-winner in the previous game with the ball, proved his all-round abilities with a gritty knock.

India C’s bowlers, led by Anshul Kamboj, who had claimed eight wickets in an innings last week, put up a strong performance. Kamboj picked up three wickets for 40 runs, while Vijaykumar Vyshak chipped in with two for 33.

Despite Rawat’s heroics, India C remain in a strong position, sitting atop the Duleep Trophy standings with nine points. They will aim to dismiss India A quickly on day two and secure a crucial victory.

Sussex Clinch Promotion to Division One with Innings Victory over Gloucestershire

Sussex Clinch Promotion to Division One with Innings Victory over Gloucestershire

Sussex’s relentless dominance in Division Two of the Vitality County Championship culminated in a resounding innings victory over Gloucestershire at Bristol, securing their promotion to the top flight with a game to spare.

Resuming on 140 for 3 in their second innings, Gloucestershire’s hopes of salvaging a draw were swiftly extinguished by Sussex’s relentless bowling attack. Jaydev Unadkat, the left-arm seamer, proved to be the tormentor-in-chief, claiming 3 for 39 to finish with match figures of 7 for 71. Henry Crocombe also played a pivotal role, bagging 4 for 22.

Chris Dent, Gloucestershire’s overnight hero, was dismissed for 61 by Unadkat’s fifth delivery of the day. James Bracey and Graeme van Buuren followed suit, leaving the home side reeling at 153 for 6. Ed Middleton and Tom Price briefly resisted, but their partnership was broken by Crocombe, who induced an edge from Middleton to wicketkeeper John Simpson.

With Gloucestershire still trailing by 13 runs, Crocombe’s brilliance continued. He bowled Zafar Gohar with a yorker and removed Zaman Akhter’s off stump with the following delivery. Dom Goodman, the last man standing, was pinned leg before by Crocombe, completing a memorable spell for the seamer.

Sussex’s victory margin of an innings and seven runs was a testament to their superiority throughout the match. They took 21 points to Gloucestershire’s three, extending their unassailable lead over third-placed Middlesex.

The triumph marked a remarkable achievement for Sussex, who have been the standout team in Division Two this season. Their consistent performances and unwavering determination have earned them a well-deserved place in the top flight.

Ashwin Joins Jadeja in Elite Club with 1000 Runs, 100 Wickets in WTC

Ashwin Joins Jadeja in Elite Club with 1000 Runs, 100 Wickets in WTC

Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier Test bowler, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming only the second player to achieve the remarkable feat of amassing 1000 runs and claiming 100 wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC).

Ashwin’s extraordinary accomplishment came during the opening day of the first Test match between India and Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday. He joined his compatriot Ravindra Jadeja in the exclusive club, who had achieved the same milestone earlier this year against England.

In the history of the WTC, only 11 bowlers have managed to take more than 100 wickets. However, among these elite bowlers, only Jadeja and Ashwin have also managed to score 1000 runs, showcasing their all-round abilities.

Ashwin is now on the cusp of surpassing Australian spinner Nathan Lyon as the leading wicket-taker in the WTC. With just 14 wickets separating him from Lyon’s tally of 187, Ashwin has the opportunity to etch his name in the record books during the upcoming matches against Bangladesh.

Furthermore, Ashwin is also on the verge of another remarkable feat. If he manages to secure at least one five-wicket haul during the series, he will stand alone as the first player to achieve this milestone 11 times in WTC history.

In addition to his bowling exploits, Ashwin also notched up his sixth Test hundred, finishing the day on 102 not out. India concluded the day’s play at 339/6, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja forging an unbroken partnership.

The duo put on an impressive 195 runs off just 227 deliveries, with Jadeja contributing a valuable 86 runs and remaining not out alongside Ashwin at the close of play.

Ashwin’s all-round performance has been instrumental in India’s dominance in the WTC. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a formidable opponent and a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Middlesex Crush Derbyshire to Keep Promotion Hopes Alive

Middlesex Crush Derbyshire to Keep Promotion Hopes Alive

Middlesex’s relentless pursuit of promotion in Division Two of the Vitality County Championship received a significant boost as they secured a resounding innings and 66-run victory over Derbyshire at the Incora County Ground. The triumph marked Middlesex’s fifth win of the season, keeping their hopes of a top-flight return alive, albeit mathematically.

Derbyshire’s dismal performance, succumbing to defeat in just three days, highlighted their struggles throughout the campaign. Skipper Toby Roland-Jones continued his exceptional form, claiming another five-wicket haul to add to his impressive tally of 52 wickets this season.

Resuming on 74 for 3 overnight, Derbyshire’s batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Roland-Jones’s relentless bowling. The 36-year-old seamer finished with figures of 5 for 38, taking his match tally to 10 for 72. Ethan Bamber and Luke Hollman chipped in with two wickets each, while Noah Cornwell claimed his maiden first-class wicket to complete Derbyshire’s demise.

The result leaves the promotion race hanging in the balance heading into the final round. However, Middlesex’s defeat to Gloucestershire last week has made their task extremely challenging. Yorkshire’s 15-point advantage going into this week’s games has stacked the odds heavily against the London-based side.

For Derbyshire, the loss confirmed their almost certain relegation to the bottom of Division Two for the first time since 2016. It will be the 16th time in their Championship history that they have finished at the foot of the table.

On a lively pitch that favored both pace and spin, Derbyshire lost their last eight wickets for a mere 45 runs. Wayne Madsen’s modest 32 was the highest score for the visitors, while Mitch Wagstaff contributed 27.

Middlesex’s breakthrough came in the final over of day two when Wagstaff was dismissed. The floodgates opened in the first 45 minutes of the final day as Derbyshire collapsed. Madsen, Lloyd, Donald, and Chappell all fell in quick succession, handing Roland-Jones his second five-for of the match.

Harry Moore and Jack Morley also departed cheaply, leaving Alex Thomson to be bowled by Cornwell. The victory extended Roland-Jones’s wicket tally to 51 for the season, a testament to his enduring quality and the reason behind Middlesex’s contract extension offer.

England Beat Australia by 22 Runs in ODI Series Opener

England Beat Australia by 22 Runs in ODI Series Opener

England and Australia kicked off their five-match ODI series at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, with England captain Harry Brook winning the toss and opting to bat. Australia handed ODI debuts to left-arm paceman Ben Dwarshuis and all-rounder Aaron Hardie, while England gave a debut to spin-bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell.

Dwarshuis opened the bowling for Australia and conceded a boundary in his first over, with Phil Salt driving the ball through extra covers. However, Dwarshuis struck back in his second over, trapping Salt in front for 14. Ben Duckett joined Salt at the crease and played aggressively, hitting two boundaries off Sean Abbott in the sixth over.

Duckett continued to score freely, reaching his half-century off just 34 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 63, caught by Cameron Green off the bowling of Abbott. Will Jacks and Harry Brook also made significant contributions, scoring 31 and 29 respectively.

England finished their innings on 287/9, with Matthew Potts and Adil Rashid remaining unbeaten on 15 and 14 respectively. For Australia, Abbott was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/47, while Dwarshuis and Hardie claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Australia lost Travis Head early on, caught by Jamie Smith off the bowling of Brydon Carse. Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession to Bethell and Rashid respectively.

Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne then put on a 70-run stand for the fourth wicket, but England continued to take wickets at regular intervals. Green was dismissed for 55, caught by Smith off the bowling of Carse, while Labuschagne fell for 48, caught by Bethell off the bowling of Rashid.

Australia eventually fell short of their target, bowled out for 265 in the 49th over. Carse was the most successful bowler for England, taking 3/43, while Rashid and Bethell claimed two wickets each.

England won the match by 22 runs, taking an early lead in the five-match series.

CSA Defends Afghanistan Engagement Despite Taliban's Women's Sports Ban

CSA Defends Afghanistan Engagement Despite Taliban’s Women’s Sports Ban

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to bilateral fixtures with Afghanistan, despite criticism over the Taliban’s repressive policies towards women. CSA believes that isolating the Afghan men’s team would be ineffective and unjust, as it would punish innocent players for the actions of their government.

CSA’s stance aligns with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has expressed concern over the lack of a women’s team in Afghanistan but has not imposed a ban. The ICC recognizes the complexities of forcing the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to field a women’s team, given the potential risks to their safety.

CSA argues that gender advocacy in cricket should not come at the expense of innocent administrators and players. It points to its own history of isolation during the Apartheid era, which did not effectively promote change. Instead, economic sanctions proved more effective in breaking the regime’s resistance.

CSA also acknowledges the progress made by the ACB in promoting women’s cricket prior to the Taliban’s takeover. In 2020, the ACB pledged contracts to 25 female players and organized a training camp. However, the Taliban’s ban on female participation in sports has halted these efforts.

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) supports CSA’s position, calling for the promotion of women’s rights while recognizing the challenges faced by the ACB. South Africa’s ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, has also expressed his support for women’s rights.

CSA’s decision to continue playing Afghanistan has drawn criticism from some quarters, including Lawyers for Human Rights, which argues that it tacitly endorses the Taliban regime. However, CSA believes that engagement and dialogue are more effective than isolation in promoting change.

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