Bangladesh Opts to Bat First Against Malaysia in Asia Cup 2024

Bangladesh Opts to Bat First Against Malaysia in Asia Cup 2024

Bangladesh, seeking to advance to the semi-finals of the Asia Cup 2024, elected to bat first after winning the toss against Malaysia. The decision came after Bangladesh’s opening game loss to Sri Lanka and subsequent seven-wicket victory over Thailand.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana expressed her team’s desire to establish a strong total on the board, given the favorable batting conditions. The team made one change, bringing in experienced all-rounder Jahanara Alam in place of Marufa Akter.

Malaysia, despite losing both their previous matches, still harbored hopes of reaching the semi-finals. However, they were forced to chase after Bangladesh’s decision to bat. Malaysia made two changes to their lineup, introducing Nur Aishah and Irdina Beh Nabil while omitting Dhanusri Muhunan and Amalin Sorfina.

For Malaysia to qualify for the semi-finals, they must defeat Bangladesh by a significant margin and rely on Sri Lanka to do the same against Thailand.

Bangladesh XI Defeated by Malaysia XI in Thrilling Encounter

Bangladesh XI Defeated by Malaysia XI in Thrilling Encounter

Bangladesh XI, led by Dilara Akter, faced off against Malaysia XI, captained by Winifred Duraisingam, in a crucial match of the ongoing tournament. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first.

Malaysia’s opening bowlers, Winifred Duraisingam and Suabika Manivannan, started off with a tight spell, restricting Bangladesh’s scoring. However, Murshida Khatun broke the shackles in the second over, driving a glorious boundary through the covers.

Bangladesh continued to build their innings steadily, with Khatun and Ishma Tanjim contributing valuable runs. Khatun, in particular, looked in fine touch, hitting another boundary in the fourth over.

Malaysia’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs, with Duraisingam and Manivannan bowling economically and picking up wickets. Bangladesh lost Dilara Akter and Ritu Moni in quick succession, leaving them at 45/2.

Despite the setbacks, Bangladesh’s middle order held firm. Rumana Ahmed and Nigar Sultana played sensible innings, rotating the strike and finding the occasional boundary.

In the latter stages of the innings, Bangladesh accelerated their scoring rate. Jahanara Alam and Nahida Akter hit some lusty blows, taking Bangladesh to a respectable total of 125/5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Malaysia’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Dilara Akter early on. However, Murshida Khatun and Ishma Tanjim steadied the ship with a solid partnership.

Khatun, in particular, was in devastating form, hitting boundaries at will. She brought up her half-century in just 35 balls, guiding Malaysia towards victory.

Malaysia’s middle order chipped in with valuable contributions, with Nur Aishah Mohammed Iqbal and Mahirah Izzati Ismail playing cameos.

In the end, Malaysia chased down the target with ease, reaching 126/3 in just 17.2 overs. Murshida Khatun remained unbeaten on 65, while Ishma Tanjim contributed 25.

Hardik Pandya Loses T20I Captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav

Hardik Pandya Loses T20I Captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav

Hardik Pandya’s leadership role in India’s T20I team has been revoked, with Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed head coach, opting for Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain. This decision has raised eyebrows, given Pandya’s successful stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League.

Ashish Nehra, who coached Pandya at Gujarat Titans, expressed no surprise at the move. He believes that Gambhir has a different vision for the team and that Pandya does not fit into his plans as captain or vice-captain.

“Every coach and every captain have different thoughts. At this time, his (Gambhir’s) ideas are toward that direction,” Nehra said.

Nehra also agreed with the chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, that Pandya’s fitness was a factor in the decision. Pandya has been playing limited overs cricket and is not a regular in the Test team.

“Hardik Pandya, in white-ball cricket, will remain a very, very important player for Indian cricket. When you have him, you can have 4 fast bowlers, he brings in a different balance to the side,” Nehra said.

Nehra also praised the appointment of Shubman Gill as vice-captain, but acknowledged that he is still a “work in progress” as a leader.

“They have made Shubman Gill in not just one format, but in all three formats. That means you are looking ahead,” Nehra said.

“Shubman Gill is a work in progress. He is 24-25 years old now. He will get better as we go ahead. He has the desire to play all 3 formats, he has the heart to learn,” he added.

Gambhir and Kohli United Despite On-Field Clashes, Says Nehra

Gambhir and Kohli United Despite On-Field Clashes, Says Nehra

Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli: A United Front Despite On-Field Clashes

Former India head coach Ashish Nehra has shed light on the relationship between new head coach Gautam Gambhir and superstar batter Virat Kohli, who have had a history of on-field confrontations.

Despite their past clashes, Nehra believes that Gambhir and Kohli will work together harmoniously as they share a common goal of success for the Indian team. He emphasized that their on-field conflicts are not indicative of their relationship off the field.

“Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are two very passionate individuals. Whenever they play for a team, they can turn up against the opposition. But, when they are together in a dressing room, they are together, united for the team,” Nehra said.

Nehra also highlighted the experience and maturity of both Gambhir and Kohli, which he believes will help them navigate any potential conflicts. “You’re talking about Virat Kohli, who has an experience of over 16-17 years, Gautam Gambhir is also experienced. The things on the outside, people get an impression about it. It’s not just Gambhir and Kohli, there are so many players who have had on-field spats in the past, but when they play together for a team, they have done well as a player, as a coach-captain, as a coach and senior player,” he added.

Nehra also commented on Gambhir’s upfront and transparent personality, which he believes is a positive attribute for a coach. “Gautam Gambhir is upfront, transparent which is great. He keeps it clear and speaks his mind. That’s very important. Yes, I agree, everybody has their own style (of coaching), to operate with the coach, captain and player. I don’t see any problem with these two and where they are in their careers,” Nehra said.

While Gambhir’s coaching style may differ from that of his predecessor Rahul Dravid, Nehra does not anticipate any major issues between Gambhir and Kohli. He believes that their shared passion for the game and their commitment to the team will ultimately prevail.

England Eye Record-Breaking 600-Run Day in Test Cricket

England Eye Record-Breaking 600-Run Day in Test Cricket

Ollie Pope, the England wicketkeeper-batter, believes that the current England Test team has the potential to break the record for the most runs scored in a day in Test cricket. The current record stands at 588 for 6, set by England against India in 1936.

Pope’s comments come after England’s impressive performance in the second Test against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, where they scored 416 and 425 in their two innings. It was the first time England had scored 400-plus in both innings of a Test match.

“Sometimes we might score 280 to 300 in a day, but that’s OK and probably because we’re reading situations,” Pope said. “There might also be a day where we go and get 500 to 600 at some point in the future as well. And that’s a cool thing to have.”

England’s aggressive approach with the bat, known as “Bazball” after coach Brendon McCullum, has been a key factor in their recent success. They smashed 506 runs on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in December 2022.

Pope said that while there may be times when England batters need to “manage the game a little bit more,” their attacking style has become second nature.

“I got asked on day one at Trent Bridge ‘do you get told to play like that?’ No, we don’t,” Pope said. “It’s just our natural games and the way we go about it.”

England are currently 2-0 up in the three-match Test series against the West Indies. The third and final Test starts on Friday at Edgbaston.

India's Deepti Sharma: One Game at a Time in Women's T20 Asia Cup

India’s Deepti Sharma: One Game at a Time in Women’s T20 Asia Cup

India’s senior all-rounder Deepti Sharma has emphasized the team’s strategy of taking each game at a time in the ongoing Women’s T20 Asia Cup. She believes that the conditions in Sri Lanka have remained largely unchanged since their previous tour in June 2022.

After a resounding 82-run victory over Nepal on Tuesday, India secured their place in the semifinals. Shafali Verma’s blistering 81 off 48 balls and Deepti’s impressive 3/13 bowling performance were instrumental in the win.

“From the first game, we’ve been confident about each match, every situation, and the conditions,” Deepti said after the match. “We’re looking forward to the semifinals as well.”

Deepti noted that the pitches and conditions in Sri Lanka have not changed significantly since their last visit. “Nothing has changed,” she said. “We’re just keeping it simple and focusing on the next match.”

The right-arm off-spinner has been in top form, leading the bowling charts with eight wickets in three matches. She attributes her success to her willingness to bowl in any situation.

“I’m always ready to bowl in any kind of situation,” Deepti said. “I like to take challenges head-on. I’m enjoying each match, planning accordingly, and applying what we discuss in meetings.”

Deepti also praised the team’s batting unit, which has performed consistently throughout the tournament. “If we win the toss, we take a positive approach from the start,” she said. “As a batting unit, we’ve been doing really well from the first game and we’ve finished well too.”

India will now face Thailand in the semifinals on Thursday, October 13. Deepti believes that the team is well-prepared and confident of continuing their winning streak.

Mohammed Shami Eyes Strong Comeback to International Cricket

Mohammed Shami Eyes Strong Comeback to International Cricket

Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami is determined to make a strong comeback to international cricket after a brief injury layoff. The veteran fast bowler has been diligently training in the nets, showcasing his unwavering determination to regain his place in the Indian team.

Shami’s last competitive appearance was in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he played through pain but still managed to impress with his pace and swing. He finished the tournament with an impressive 24 wickets in just seven matches, including three five-wicket hauls.

Despite his exceptional performance, Shami was forced to miss the South Africa tour and the T20I series against Afghanistan due to an Achilles tendon injury. He underwent successful recovery surgery in February, which ruled him out of the IPL and the ICC T20 World Cup.

With 448 wickets in 188 international matches, Shami is one of the most successful fast bowlers of the modern era. His ability to generate pace and swing makes him a formidable threat to any batting lineup.

Shami’s return to the Indian team will be a major boost for the side, especially with the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in 2027. His experience and skill will be invaluable as India looks to reclaim the coveted trophy.

Suryakumar Yadav Named India's T20I Captain, Pandya Embraces Decision

Suryakumar Yadav Named India’s T20I Captain, Pandya Embraces Decision

Hardik Pandya’s leadership aspirations have faced another setback after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. This decision has sparked speculation about the potential impact on the relationship between Pandya and Yadav.

However, a heartwarming moment captured on video before the team’s departure to Sri Lanka has eased concerns. In the video, Pandya and Yadav are seen shaking hands and embracing, indicating that there is no animosity between them.

At a pre-departure press conference, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained the rationale behind the decision to appoint Yadav as captain. He cited Yadav’s impressive performances, his cricketing acumen, and his status as one of the world’s leading T20 batters.

Agarkar also hinted that fitness played a role in the decision, as Yadav is more likely to be available for all matches. He emphasized that Pandya remains a crucial player for India, despite not being named captain.

“In regards to Hardik, he’s still a very important player for us and that’s what we want him to be, that player that he can be because those sorts of skill-sets are very difficult to find,” said Agarkar.

India’s tour of Sri Lanka will commence with the first T20I on July 27. The three-match T20I series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.

Ahmed Shehzad Clean Bowled Thrice in Humiliating Street Cricket Game

Ahmed Shehzad Clean Bowled Thrice in Humiliating Street Cricket Game

Ahmed Shehzad’s Street Cricket Humiliation: Former Pakistan Captain Clean Bowled Thrice

Former Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad, who has been critical of current captain Babar Azam, has faced a humiliating experience on the streets of Chitral. A viral video shows Shehzad batting in a street game, using a chair as a wicket.

Despite boasting of hitting sixes, Shehzad was clean bowled three times out of four deliveries by a local bowler who was not even in proper cricket attire. The former Pakistan batsman only managed to play one ball, which was a mistimed shot.

Shehzad’s performance in the street game is a stark contrast to his international career, where he played 13 Tests, 81 ODIs, and 59 T20Is for Pakistan. He scored 982, 2605, and 1471 runs in these formats, respectively. However, his career has been marred by controversies and inconsistent form.

Shehzad’s recent criticism of Babar Azam has drawn attention to his own struggles. During the T20 World Cup, he had questioned Azam’s captaincy and accused him of favoritism.

The video of Shehzad’s street cricket humiliation has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Some have criticized him for his poor performance, while others have defended him, saying that he is still a talented player.

Despite his recent setbacks, Shehzad remains a popular figure in Pakistan. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to hit big shots. However, he will need to improve his consistency and discipline if he wants to regain his place in the national team.

Gujarat Titans Set for Coaching Shakeup, Yuvraj Singh Eyed as Head Coach

Gujarat Titans Set for Coaching Shakeup, Yuvraj Singh Eyed as Head Coach

Gujarat Titans, the reigning IPL champions, are reportedly set to undergo a major coaching shakeup ahead of the 2025 season. According to sources close to the franchise, head coach Ashish Nehra and Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki are likely to depart, with legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh emerging as a potential replacement for Nehra.

Nehra and Solanki have been instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ success since their debut in 2022, guiding the team to the title in their inaugural season and a runner-up finish in 2023. However, the franchise is reportedly seeking a fresh approach to maintain their dominance in the IPL.

Yuvraj Singh, a former India all-rounder and two-time World Cup winner, is said to be the frontrunner to take over as head coach. His experience as a player and his understanding of the modern game make him an attractive candidate for the role.

The coaching staff changes are part of a wider restructuring within the Gujarat Titans franchise. The IPL owners are scheduled to meet with the BCCI on July 30 or 31 to discuss the mega auction ahead of the 2025 season. The meeting will focus on determining the number of retentions, the Impact Player rule, and the salary purses for each franchise.

Meanwhile, former India head coach Rahul Dravid is reportedly in talks with Rajasthan Royals about a potential role in the IPL. Dravid, who recently guided India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, is highly sought after by several franchises.

The coaching changes and the upcoming IPL auction are expected to shape the landscape of the league in the coming years. Gujarat Titans will be keen to maintain their status as one of the top teams, while other franchises will be looking to challenge their dominance.

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