Sri Lanka's Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s Pathirana Ruled Out of Final T20I with Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka’s express pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday due to a grade one hamstring injury. The setback comes as a blow to the Sri Lankan team, who are looking to clinch the series after the teams shared the first two matches.

Pathirana, known for his lightning-fast deliveries, sustained the injury during the second T20I on Thursday. He was seen clutching his left hamstring while attempting to complete his fourth over, forcing Angelo Mathews to bowl the final two deliveries.

The 19-year-old has been a key figure for Sri Lanka in the series, showcasing his raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce. In the first T20I, he conceded 56 runs in four overs, but bounced back in the second match with figures of 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs.

Sri Lanka’s team management will now have to find a suitable replacement for Pathirana in the final match. Nuwan Thushara, who also bowls with a round-arm action, is the closest like-for-like option in the squad, although he lacks the same blistering pace. Other seamers in contention include left-armers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

The injury to Pathirana is a concern for Sri Lanka, especially considering his importance to the team’s plans for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana is the designated death bowler for Chennai Super Kings, who begin their IPL campaign on March 22.

With the series tied 1-1, the third T20I in Sylhet on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter. Sri Lanka will be eager to secure a series victory, while Bangladesh will be determined to end the series on a high.

Wasim Akram Slams Abdullah Shafique for 'Silent' Celebration, PCB Considers Foreign Coach

Wasim Akram Slams Abdullah Shafique for ‘Silent’ Celebration, PCB Considers Foreign Coach

Legendary Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has criticized Abdullah Shafique for his muted celebration after taking a catch to dismiss Imad Wasim in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United. Shafique’s celebration, which involved putting his finger over his mouth, was interpreted by Akram as a gesture of silencing his critics.

Akram expressed his displeasure with Shafique’s celebration, stating that he should “work in the drama industry rather than cricket.” He questioned Shafique’s responsibility for dropping 36 catches in Australia’s Test series and suggested that he should focus on his fielding rather than making unnecessary gestures.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering appointing a foreign coach for the national team, with Shane Watson, Mike Hesson, and Phil Simmons being potential candidates. The PCB has held initial talks with these coaches to gauge their interest in coaching Pakistan until next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his preference for a foreign coaching staff, but the board’s reputation for dealing with foreign coaches has raised concerns. High-profile coaches are wary of taking up contracts with Pakistan due to previous instances of abrupt dismissals and contract disputes.

The PCB’s poor track record in handling coaching staff has made it difficult to attract top coaches, who now prefer contracts with franchises in various leagues around the world. The board’s decision to appoint a foreign coach will depend on the availability and interest of potential candidates, as well as the PCB’s ability to address concerns regarding contract stability and respect for coaching staff.

Tim Paine Revels in England's Struggles Against India's 'B Team'

Tim Paine Revels in England’s Struggles Against India’s ‘B Team’

Former Australian captain Tim Paine has expressed his delight in witnessing England’s struggles against India, particularly considering the absence of several key Indian players. Paine believes that the current Indian team, despite missing stars like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant, is still a formidable force.

In a recent podcast conversation with former Australia batter Simon Katich, Paine discussed the ongoing Test series between India and England. Katich praised India’s depth, highlighting the performances of young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel.

“They have been playing against the Indian B team because there has been no Kohli, no Shami, Bumrah got rested last Test, KL Rahul is out, and Rishabh Pant is still making his way back from that accident,” Katich said. “They are not their strongest team, but it just goes to show that the depth in Indian cricket is huge.”

Paine echoed Katich’s sentiments, recalling Australia’s defeat to India in the 2018-19 Test series at home when the visitors were also missing several senior players.

“I know what it’s like to be beaten by an Indian B team. Unfortunately, it happened to us on our home soil,” Paine said. “But yes, some huge names out for India, which should have certainly helped the English. I thoroughly enjoy watching England play the game, I love the way they are going about it. I love watching them lose. Don’t get me wrong, but they are entertaining and exciting.”

Paine’s comments reflect the growing recognition of India’s strength in depth, which has allowed them to maintain their competitiveness even in the absence of their star players. The performances of Jaiswal and Jurel in the ongoing Test series have further underlined the depth of Indian cricket.

Labuschagne's 90 Keeps Australia Afloat Despite Henry's Five-Wicket Haul

Labuschagne’s 90 Keeps Australia Afloat Despite Henry’s Five-Wicket Haul

Australia’s batting woes continued in the second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, but Marnus Labuschagne’s gritty 90 provided a glimmer of hope. Resuming on 124 for 4, Australia lost four wickets in the morning session to reach lunch at 221 for 8, leading by 59 runs.

Matt Henry continued his impressive form, claiming another five-wicket haul to take his tally to 10 wickets in the match. The New Zealand paceman has been a constant threat, exploiting the movement on offer.

Labuschagne, who had endured a lean patch in recent months, showed signs of his class with a determined innings. He anchored the Australian innings, countering the movement by getting across the stumps and hitting into his favored on-side.

Despite his efforts, Labuschagne fell agonisingly short of a century when he was caught at gully by Glenn Phillips off Tim Southee’s bowling. His dismissal was a major blow to Australia, who have struggled to build partnerships throughout the series.

Nathan Lyon, the nightwatchman, made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 20 before edging Henry to Daryl Mitchell. Mitchell Marsh also fell cheaply, trapped on the crease by Henry.

Debutant Ben Sears claimed the wicket of Steven Smith, but was unable to unsettle Labuschagne. Offspinner Glenn Phillips dismissed Alex Carey with a poorly executed paddle stroke, putting further pressure on the Australian wicketkeeper.

With Josh Inglis waiting in the wings, Carey’s place in the team is under scrutiny. Australia will need to bat aggressively in the afternoon session to build a substantial lead and put pressure on New Zealand.

Hardie, Agar Boost WA for Shield Final Showdown

Hardie, Agar Boost WA for Shield Final Showdown

Western Australia’s hopes of reaching the Sheffield Shield final have been boosted by the return of allrounder Aaron Hardie, who has been cleared to play in the crucial clash against Victoria in Melbourne from Monday.

Hardie, who has been sidelined with a minor calf injury since facing Tasmania in Hobart in mid-February, has been passed fit and will bolster WA’s lineup for the winner-takes-all match. The winner of the Victoria-WA clash will face Tasmania in the final.

Ashton Agar has also been included in WA’s squad as they cover all bases for the conditions they could face at Junction Oval. If Agar plays, it would be his first first-class match since the SCG Test against South Africa early last year.

Agar has slipped down WA’s red-ball pecking order behind offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who has been one of their standout bowlers this season with 37 wickets at 30.21. Agar has also fallen down Australia’s white-ball hierarchy after being ruled out of the ODI World Cup through injury.

Victoria have been boosted by the availability of Scott Boland, who has been released from Australia’s Test squad in New Zealand. Boland has made five appearances for Victoria this season, taking 26 wickets at 16.50.

There remains a slim chance that WA could still host the Shield final in Perth if Tasmania lose to South Australia and don’t gain 0.14 more first-innings bonus points than them.

In the Sheffield Shield, teams get six points for an outright win, one point for a draw, plus 0.01 of a bonus point for every run over 200 they score during the first 100 overs of their first innings and 0.1 of a bonus point for every wicket a team takes during the first 100 overs of their opponent’s first innings.

If Victoria-Western Australia finished in a draw, there is an outside possibility of New South Wales sneaking into the final, although they would need a huge amount of bonus points against Queensland.

Babar, Ayub Star as Peshawar Zalmi Crush Quetta Gladiators, Book Playoff Spot

Babar, Ayub Star as Peshawar Zalmi Crush Quetta Gladiators, Book Playoff Spot

Peshawar Zalmi Dominate Quetta Gladiators, Secure Playoff Berth in Pakistan Super League

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan – Peshawar Zalmi stormed into the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with a resounding 76-run victory over Quetta Gladiators on Friday. The triumph was orchestrated by a brilliant batting performance from Babar Azam and Saim Ayub, who overshadowed Akeal Hosein’s hat-trick.

Quetta’s batting woes continued as they were dismissed for a paltry 120 in 17.5 overs, chasing Peshawar’s imposing total of 196-8. Ayub, who has excelled in his new all-rounder role, played a pivotal role in dismantling Quetta’s top order, claiming the wickets of skipper Rilee Rossouw and Khawaja Nafay in quick succession.

Babar Azam, the league’s leading batter, continued his impressive form with a blistering 53 off 30 deliveries, studded with nine fours and a six. His innings propelled Peshawar to a formidable total.

Despite Hosein’s hat-trick in the final over, Peshawar’s batting depth proved too much for Quetta. Ayub opened the innings with a brisk 30 off 14 balls, while Rovman Powell (28 not out) and Naveen-ul-Haq (10 not out) added a crucial 39 runs in the closing stages.

The victory propelled Peshawar to second place in the standings, with a chance to secure a top-two finish in their final league game against Islamabad United on Sunday. Quetta, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle to reach the playoffs, needing to win at least one of their remaining two matches.

Deepti Sharma's Hat-Trick Heroics Lead UP Warriorz to Thrilling WPL Win

Deepti Sharma’s Hat-Trick Heroics Lead UP Warriorz to Thrilling WPL Win

Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Brilliance Powers UP Warriorz to Thrilling WPL Victory

In a captivating encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Deepti Sharma’s exceptional all-round performance propelled UP Warriorz to a nail-biting one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Sharma’s batting prowess was on full display as she anchored the Warriorz innings with a crucial 59 runs off 48 deliveries. Her innings was a blend of power and finesse, with boundaries flowing effortlessly from her bat. She forged a vital 46-run partnership with skipper Alyssa Healy, providing a solid foundation for the team’s total of 138 for 8.

However, it was Sharma’s bowling that truly stole the show. In a historic moment, she became only the second player in WPL history to claim a hat-trick. Her victims were Annabel Sutherland, Anuradha Reddy, and Shikha Pandey, all dismissed in the penultimate over of the match.

Delhi Capitals, chasing 139 for victory, looked poised to pull off the win thanks to Meg Lanning’s brilliant 60. However, Sharma’s hat-trick triggered a dramatic collapse, with Delhi losing their last seven wickets for just 44 runs.

The final over was a tense affair, with Delhi needing 10 runs for victory. Grace Harris picked up two wickets, while a crucial run-out sealed the win for UP Warriorz.

Sharma’s all-round brilliance was the difference between the two sides. Her contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in securing the victory for her team.

Tushar Deshpande Eyes India Call-Up After Impressive Performances

Tushar Deshpande Eyes India Call-Up After Impressive Performances

Tushar Deshpande, the Mumbai pacer, has set his sights on earning an India call-up after a string of impressive performances across formats. The 27-year-old has been a key strike bowler for Mumbai since making his Ranji Trophy debut in 2016-17, and his recent performances have caught the attention of national selectors.

Deshpande’s breakthrough season came in 2023, when he finished as the Chennai Super Kings’ highest wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His ability to consistently clock speeds of 140-plus and take crucial wickets has made him a valuable asset for both Mumbai and the Super Kings.

In the ongoing Ranji Trophy final against Vidarbha, Deshpande has once again been in top form. He has taken three wickets in the first innings and scored a crucial 26 in the second innings, helping Mumbai to a strong position.

“I think I am ready for an India call-up,” Deshpande said ahead of the Ranji final. “If you look at the overall season, be it one-dayers (Vijay Hazare Trophy) or Ranji, I have been delivering with crucial wickets – and useful runs too.”

Deshpande’s performances have not gone unnoticed by Mumbai’s head coach Amol Muzumdar. “Tushar has been a consistent performer for us,” Muzumdar said. “He has the pace, the accuracy, and the ability to take wickets. I believe he has the potential to play for India.”

Deshpande is now hoping that a strong performance in the Ranji final and the upcoming IPL will help him realize his dream of playing for India. “These three months, especially starting with the Ranji quarterfinal, are extremely important for me,” Deshpande said. “I want to play these next three phases at full intensity.”

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

Australia Aim to Extend Lead in 2nd Test as Labuschagne, Lyon Resume

New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test Day 2 Live Updates: Australia Aim to Extend Lead with Labuschagne and Lyon at the Crease

The second Test between New Zealand and Australia at Hagley Oval in Christchurch witnessed a thrilling opening day, with 14 wickets falling and Australia gaining the upper hand. Paceman Josh Hazlewood’s five-wicket haul restricted New Zealand to 229, while Australia ended the day at 124 for 4, thanks to Marnus Labuschagne’s unbeaten 45.

Resuming on Saturday, Labuschagne and night-watchman Nathan Lyon will look to extend Australia’s lead. Labuschagne, who has been in impressive form throughout the series, will be key to Australia’s hopes of building a substantial total. Lyon, known for his resilience and ability to bat in difficult situations, will provide valuable support.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eager to make early inroads and regain control of the match. Tim Southee, who took three wickets on Day 1, will be the main threat for the hosts. Trent Boult and Neil Wagner will also be looking to make an impact with their pace and aggression.

The pitch at Hagley Oval has shown signs of uneven bounce and seam movement, making it a challenging surface for both batters and bowlers. The weather forecast for Day 2 is favorable, with clear skies and no rain expected.

With the series level at 0-0, both teams will be desperate for a win in Christchurch. Australia will be aiming to take a 1-0 lead, while New Zealand will be determined to bounce back and level the series.

Vidarbha's Wakhare Confident Ahead of Ranji Final at Wankhede

Vidarbha’s Wakhare Confident Ahead of Ranji Final at Wankhede

Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium holds a special significance for Akshay Wakhare, the team’s veteran off-spinner. Wakhare is one of only two players in the current Vidarbha squad to have played in the team’s solitary Ranji Trophy game at the iconic venue, and he is the only cricketer to have featured in both of Vidarbha’s previous Ranji encounters against Mumbai.

Despite the ghosts of the 2013-14 clash, where Vidarbha was outplayed by a dominant Mumbai side, Wakhare exudes confidence that his team will approach the final as just another game. He believes that the majority of the Vidarbha players are accustomed to the pressure of big occasions and will not be overawed by the atmosphere or the location.

Wakhare acknowledges the challenge of facing Mumbai, a team with a rich history and an impressive record in the Ranji Trophy. However, he emphasizes that Vidarbha has made significant strides in recent years and is no longer an underdog. The team’s exposure to various levels of cricket, including the IPL and age-group tournaments, has instilled a sense of self-confidence in the younger players.

While Wakhare does not forget the drubbing Vidarbha received at the hands of Zaheer Khan-led Mumbai at the Wankhede in 2013-14, he believes that the team has learned from its mistakes and is better prepared for the challenge this time around. He is confident that Vidarbha will not be overawed by the occasion and will give a strong account of itself in the Ranji Trophy final.

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