Virat Kohli Ends Century Drought with Masterful Knock Against Afghanistan

Virat Kohli Ends Century Drought with Masterful Knock Against Afghanistan

Virat Kohli’s century drought, spanning 1020 days and 83 innings, came to an end on September 8, 2022, during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against Afghanistan in Dubai. The Indian batting maestro, who had been struggling to find his rhythm in recent times, silenced his critics with a masterful knock of 122 off just 61 balls.

Kohli’s innings was a testament to his class and resilience. Opening the innings for India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, he seized the opportunity and played with a freedom that had been missing from his game for some time. His knock was a blend of power and finesse, as he effortlessly dispatched the Afghan bowlers to all parts of the ground.

The century was Kohli’s first in T20Is and his 71st across all formats internationally. It was also his first century since November 2019, when he scored a hundred against Bangladesh in a Test match.

Kohli’s unbeaten knock propelled India to an imposing total of 212 for 2, a target that proved insurmountable for Afghanistan. The Indian bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s five-wicket haul, restricted Afghanistan to 111 for 8, securing a comfortable 101-run victory.

Kohli’s return to form is a major boost for India ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. The former Indian captain has been a key figure in India’s success in the shortest format of the game, and his return to form will give the team a much-needed confidence boost.

Josh Inglis Smashes Records with Blazing Century for Australia

Josh Inglis Smashes Records with Blazing Century for Australia

Australian wicket-keeper batter Josh Inglis has etched his name in the record books with a blistering century against Scotland in the second T20I of the series. Inglis’s swashbuckling 103 off just 49 balls not only propelled Australia to a convincing 70-run victory but also marked several significant milestones.

Inglis’s century was the quickest-ever by an Australian in T20I cricket, surpassing his own previous record of 47 balls. It was also the first-ever T20I hundred by a designated Australian wicket-keeper batter.

The 29-year-old’s whirlwind knock was a testament to his exceptional batting prowess. He sent the ball to all parts of the Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, hitting 10 fours and 7 sixes. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting and timing.

Inglis’s century was particularly impressive considering the lack of support from his teammates. Despite his heroics, Australia’s total of 196 was largely due to his individual brilliance.

The three-match T20I tour of Scotland is serving as preparation for Australia’s upcoming series against England. The Aussies will face England in three T20Is and five ODIs, starting from September 11.

Scotland, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 stage ahead of Australia and England, have been unable to provide much resistance in this series. After chasing down a target of 155 in less than 10 overs in the first T20I, Australia cruised to a comfortable victory in the second.

Inglis’s record-breaking century is a timely reminder of his immense talent and will give Australia a much-needed boost ahead of their crucial series against England.

New Zealand to Face Afghanistan in One-Off Test Ahead of Subcontinent Challenges

New Zealand to Face Afghanistan in One-Off Test Ahead of Subcontinent Challenges

New Zealand will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test match starting on September 9, 2024, as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship challenges in the subcontinent. This will be New Zealand’s first-ever Test against Afghanistan, who obtained Test status in 2017.

New Zealand’s recent subcontinent record has been underwhelming, with 40 losses in 90 matches. They will be keen to improve their performance in these conditions, especially with the marquee series against India approaching next month. Spin is expected to dominate proceedings, and New Zealand has come well-prepared with five slow bowling options.

Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who returns to India for the first time since his 10-wicket haul in Mumbai in 2021, is expected to make the playing XI. Rachin Ravindra, who has been training in Chennai, is also likely to be included as an all-rounder. Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell are vying for the remaining spinners’ spots.

Matt Henry is New Zealand’s best seamer at the moment, but captain Tim Southee’s dip in Test form is a concern. Will O’Rourke or express pacer Ben Sears may be given a go.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, have played only nine Tests since gaining Test status. They have lost their last three Tests against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Ireland. However, they have managed to beat Ireland, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe in their brief Test journey.

Afghanistan’s squad for the Test includes experienced players like Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, and Rahmat Shah. Seam-bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is likely to make his Test debut, while Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan, Khalil Ahmed, Qais Ahmad, Shahidullah Kamal, and Bahir Shah are the spin options.

The match is likely to be affected by rain and thunderstorms throughout the week.

Botham's Record-Breaking Performance and Gavaskar's Injury Mar England's Revenge Tour

Botham’s Record-Breaking Performance and Gavaskar’s Injury Mar England’s Revenge Tour

England’s Revenge Tour: Botham’s Record-Breaking Performance and Gavaskar’s Injury

In 1982, the England cricket team embarked on a tour of India, seeking redemption after their disappointing performance in the previous series. Despite losing both Tests and ODIs, England was determined to turn the tables.

The first Test at Lord’s proved to be a close contest, with Dilip Vengsarkar scoring a century for India. However, England’s pace duo of Bob Willis and Ian Botham proved too strong, leading their team to victory.

The second Test in Manchester ended in a high-scoring draw, curtailed by rain. The third Test at the Oval witnessed a remarkable performance by Botham, who set a new record for the fastest double century, reaching the milestone in just 220 balls. Kapil Dev also impressed with a blistering 97 off 93 balls, but the match ultimately ended in a draw.

Beyond his record-breaking performance, Botham also made headlines for an unfortunate incident. While fielding at silly point, he smashed a drive off Ravi Shastri into the left leg of Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, breaking his tibia. Gavaskar was immediately taken off the field and later diagnosed with a broken tibia above the left ankle.

“I knew I’d hit it hard. I’m sorry to have put Sunny out of the Test,” Botham reportedly said at the close of play.

The injury to Gavaskar was a major blow to India, and England capitalized on the opportunity to win the series 1-0. Botham’s all-round performance, including his record-breaking double century and the unfortunate injury to Gavaskar, made this series a memorable one in the annals of cricket history.

Akash Deep's Nine-Wicket Haul Gives India A Edge in Duleep Trophy

Akash Deep’s Nine-Wicket Haul Gives India A Edge in Duleep Trophy

Akash Deep’s exceptional bowling performance has propelled India A to the brink of victory in the first-round match of the Duleep Trophy against India B. The right-arm pacer’s five-wicket haul in the second innings has set India A a target of 275 to win with ample time remaining on the final day.

Deep’s dominance continued after his impressive four-wicket effort in the first innings. He ripped through India B’s batting lineup, dismissing key batsmen and restricting them to a mere 184 runs. His match haul of nine wickets is a testament to his skill and consistency.

The 27-year-old has made a significant impact in his nascent international career, having played one Test against England earlier this year. His fiery spell in Ranchi earned him three wickets, showcasing his potential as a formidable fast bowler.

Deep’s journey to the top has been marked by hard work and determination. After moving from Bihar to Kolkata, he grabbed attention in his second first-class match, taking six wickets against Gujarat. He finished the season with an impressive 35 wickets.

His success extended to white-ball cricket, earning him an Indian Premier League contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021. Since then, he has continued to impress with his pace and accuracy.

India A will now look to capitalize on Deep’s heroics and secure victory on the final day. The match promises to be an exciting contest, with India B needing to produce a remarkable batting performance to overcome the deficit.

Dinesh Karthik Chooses Kohli Over Root as Best Test Batter

Dinesh Karthik Chooses Kohli Over Root as Best Test Batter

Virat Kohli vs. Joe Root: Dinesh Karthik’s Choice for the Best Test Batter

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has sparked a debate by choosing Virat Kohli over Joe Root as the best Test batter of the current generation. Despite Root’s superior statistical record, Karthik’s preference stems from his close association with Kohli and his unwavering belief in his ability to perform under pressure.

Karthik, who has shared the dressing room with Kohli for over a decade, acknowledges Root’s impressive statistics but expresses a personal bias towards Kohli. He highlights Kohli’s exceptional ability to excel in crucial moments and big series.

“Numbers will tell you it’s Joe Root, but my heart, the fact that he (Kohli) is someone that I’ve seen play in close quarters for the longest time now, over a decade. I know how he loves playing those big moments, big series. And if somebody asks him questions, he will come back to you with answers so strong that you will be like, ‘Wow, why did I even ask that question’,” Karthik explained.

While Root has recently surpassed Alastair Cook to become England’s leading century-maker in Test cricket with 34 centuries, Kohli has faced a decline in form. However, Karthik’s admiration for Kohli is rooted in his ability to perform when it is most needed.

“If I were given a choice of who would bat for my life, it would be Kohli. No doubt,” Karthik added, emphasizing Kohli’s dependability under pressure.

Kohli’s aggressive style and leadership in key matches have earned him widespread praise. Despite recent challenges, Karthik’s support reflects a belief in Kohli’s capability to win matches.

Yograj Singh Accuses Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni of Sabotaging Yuvraj's Career

Yograj Singh Accuses Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni of Sabotaging Yuvraj’s Career

Yograj Singh, the father of World Cup-winning cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has repeatedly made accusations against former India captains Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni, alleging that they played a role in his son’s exclusion from the Indian team.

Yograj’s Allegations Against Kapil Dev

Yograj’s animosity towards Kapil Dev stems from their days as aspiring cricketers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Yograj believes that Kapil’s influence was a key factor in his exclusion from the Indian team despite his impressive performances.

In his latest tirade, Yograj attempted to downplay Kapil’s achievements by comparing them to his son’s career. “Kapil Dev, the greatest captain of our time…I told him, I’ll leave you in a position where the world would curse you. Today, Yuvraj Singh has 13 trophies, and you have only one, the World Cup. End of discussion,” Yograj said.

Yograj’s Allegations Against MS Dhoni

Yograj has also held a grudge against MS Dhoni, claiming that his decisions as captain impacted Yuvraj’s career. He believes that Dhoni’s exclusion of Yuvraj from the 2015 ODI World Cup squad and his alleged role in India’s defeat in the semifinal were detrimental to his son’s career.

“I won’t forgive MS Dhoni,” Yograj said. “He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a very big cricketer, but what he has done against my son, everything is coming out now; it can never be forgiven in life.”

Yuvraj’s Career

Yuvraj Singh played a key role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories under Dhoni’s captaincy. However, his career was plagued by injuries and a decline in form, leading to his retirement from all forms of cricket in June 2019.

Conclusion

Yograj Singh’s allegations against Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni have sparked controversy and debate. While some have questioned the validity of his claims, others have expressed sympathy for his frustration over his son’s exclusion from the Indian team. The allegations have also raised questions about the role of personal relationships and politics in Indian cricket.

Jay Shah's ICC Chairmanship Raises No Concerns for Pakistan Cricket Board

Jay Shah’s ICC Chairmanship Raises No Concerns for Pakistan Cricket Board

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed confidence in the appointment of Jay Shah as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman. Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was elected unopposed to the prestigious role, becoming the youngest person to lead the ICC.

Naqvi stated that there are no concerns regarding Shah’s appointment, emphasizing that the PCB is in regular contact with him. He also confirmed that he will not be attending the upcoming Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting on September 8-9, and that Salman Nasir will represent the PCB instead.

The ACC meeting will focus on finalizing matters related to the new President. Shah will officially assume the ICC Chairmanship on December 1, 2024, joining the ranks of prominent Indians who have previously led the organization, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.

Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year, with renovations underway at Karachi National Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. However, the team’s recent performances have been disappointing, with a whitewash against Bangladesh in their home Test series.

Following the defeat, Pakistan dropped to eighth position in the ICC Test rankings, their lowest ranking in the format since 1965. The team’s struggles have raised concerns about their ability to perform at the highest level.

Despite the setbacks, the PCB remains optimistic about the future of cricket in Pakistan. The appointment of Shah as ICC Chairman is seen as a positive step, and the team is working hard to improve its performances.

Shreyas Iyer's Counter-Attacking Knock Sends Message to Team India

Shreyas Iyer’s Counter-Attacking Knock Sends Message to Team India

Shreyas Iyer, a middle-order batter, is determined to reclaim his spot in Team India’s Test setup. In the second innings of the Duleep Trophy match between India C and India D, he showcased his counter-attacking prowess with a fine half-century.

After a disappointing dismissal for just 9 runs in the first innings, Iyer displayed immense intent in the second. With the Duleep Trophy widely regarded as an audition for the upcoming India vs Bangladesh Test series, Iyer sent a clear message about his aspirations.

Facing a formidable India C bowling attack, Iyer played a counter-attacking 44-ball 54. Instead of adopting a defensive approach, he took the initiative and helped India D post a respectable 236 runs.

Despite India C’s eventual victory, Iyer expressed satisfaction with his performance. “It was crucial for me to show intent because their bowlers were bowling exceptionally well,” he said. “I wanted to take the attack and contribute to a decent total.”

Iyer’s half-century and subsequent comments have sent a strong signal to India captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir. With the Bangladesh Test series set to be played in India, Iyer’s skills could prove invaluable in similar conditions.

“The pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers,” Iyer observed. “However, we can learn from this experience and improve.”

Iyer’s impressive performance in the Duleep Trophy has reignited his hopes of a Test recall. His counter-attacking approach and determination to succeed have made a strong case for his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Moeen Ali Retires from International Cricket, Embraces New Challenges

Moeen Ali Retires from International Cricket, Embraces New Challenges

Moeen Ali, the versatile England all-rounder, has bid farewell to international cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable career spanning nearly a decade. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the 37-year-old announced his retirement from all formats of the game.

Ali’s decision stems from his omission from England’s squad for the upcoming Test series against Australia. “I’m 37 years old and didn’t get picked for this month’s Australia series,” he explained. “I’ve played a lot of cricket for England. It’s time for the next generation, which was also explained to me. It felt the time was right. I’ve done my part.”

Since his international debut in 2014, Ali has amassed an impressive record across all formats. In 68 Tests, he scored 2,914 runs, including eight centuries and 28 half-centuries, while claiming 195 wickets. In 138 ODIs, he contributed 2,417 runs and 87 wickets, and in 92 T20Is, he scored 1,347 runs and 84 wickets.

Ali’s last international appearance came in England’s semi-final defeat to India at the T20 World Cup in Guyana. Reflecting on his career, he expressed immense pride in his achievements. “When you first play for England, you don’t know how many games you’re going to play. So to play nearly 300…My first few years were all about Test cricket. Once Morgs [Eoin Morgan] took over the one-day stuff, that was more fun. But Test cricket was the proper cricket.”

Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ali remains passionate about the game and plans to continue playing franchise cricket. He has already signed up as a replacement player for defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). In the past year, he has also represented Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Joburg Super Kings in the SA20, and Chittagong Vikings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Beyond playing, Ali aspires to pursue a career in coaching. “Coaching is something I want to do — I want to be one of the best,” he said. “I can learn a lot from Baz [Brendon McCullum]. I hope people remember me as a free spirit. I played some nice shots and some bad shots, but hopefully people enjoyed watching me.”

Moeen Ali’s retirement marks the end of an era for English cricket. His all-round abilities and infectious personality will be sorely missed by fans and teammates alike. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life, he leaves behind a legacy of success and inspiration.

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