Greater Noida Stadium to Host Historic Afghanistan-New Zealand Test

Greater Noida Stadium to Host Historic Afghanistan-New Zealand Test

The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathak Cricket Stadium in Greater Noida is set to make history as it becomes the 124th venue and Noida the 95th city to host an international Test match. Afghanistan will face New Zealand in a one-off Test starting Monday, marking a significant milestone for international cricket.

The stadium, managed by local authorities, is the 30th ground and Noida the 23rd city in India to host a Test match. Afghanistan has a strong familiarity with the venue, having played five One-Day Internationals (winning three) and six T20 Internationals (five wins) there since 2017.

However, the Test match faces a potential challenge due to persistent rain in Greater Noida. The groundstaff has been forced to cover the playing area with tarpaulins, and the forecast predicts occasional thunderstorms throughout the five-day match. The stadium’s drainage system is also a concern, with only one super-sopper being used to dry the ground.

Despite the weather concerns, both Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and New Zealand skipper Tim Southee expressed their hope for clear weather and a playable match. The match referee will have the authority to assess the field conditions and determine if they are suitable for play.

The Test match will be a test of the stadium’s capabilities, as it lacks the advanced equipment and resources found in other international venues in India. The drainage system and the availability of super-soppers will be crucial factors in ensuring the match can proceed smoothly.

Cameron Green Stars as Australia Completes T20 Sweep of Scotland

Cameron Green Stars as Australia Completes T20 Sweep of Scotland

Cameron Green’s all-around brilliance propelled Australia to a comprehensive series sweep over Scotland in the third and final Twenty20 International on Saturday. Green’s three-wicket haul and unbeaten half-century proved decisive as the visitors chased down Scotland’s modest total with ease.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Scotland struggled to gain momentum against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Brandon McMullen’s 39-ball 56 was the lone bright spot for the hosts, but he lacked support from his teammates. Green, Sean Abbott, and Aaron Hardie shared the wickets, restricting Scotland to a below-par 149-9.

In response, Australia’s openers Travis Head and Jake Fraser-McGurk fell cheaply, but Green steadied the innings with a composed 62 not out from 39 deliveries. The right-hander struck five sixes and two boundaries, showcasing his power and timing.

Green received support from Hardie, who contributed an unbeaten 22 off 17 balls. The pair put on a 50-run partnership to guide Australia to a comfortable victory. Hardie’s boundary in the 17th over sealed the win, with Australia reaching 153-4.

The series sweep extends Australia’s dominance over Scotland in the shortest format. The visitors have now won all three T20Is played between the two sides.

Green’s performance was particularly impressive, as he showcased his versatility with both bat and ball. The 23-year-old has emerged as a key player for Australia in recent months, and his all-around abilities make him a valuable asset to the team.

Australia will now turn their attention to their upcoming eight-game white-ball tour of England, which begins on Wednesday with a T20 in Southampton.

Rishabh Pant Returns, Yash Dayal Gets Maiden Call-Up for India's First Test Against Bangladesh

Rishabh Pant Returns, Yash Dayal Gets Maiden Call-Up for India’s First Test Against Bangladesh

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian Test squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on September 19 in Chennai. The squad features the return of star wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant and the maiden call-up of left-arm pacer Yash Dayal.

Pant, who last played a Test match in December 2022, makes a comeback after recovering from a road accident that sidelined him for several months. The 26-year-old has been in impressive form since his return to cricket, playing a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph.

Another notable inclusion is pacer Akash Deep, who has impressed with his performances in the Duleep Trophy. Virat Kohli also returns to the Test side after missing the five-match series against England earlier this year.

The squad is led by Rohit Sharma, with Dhruv Jurel serving as the second wicket-keeper batter. India and Bangladesh have a long history in Test cricket, with India holding a dominant 11-2 win-loss record.

The second Test of the series will be played at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 to October 1. Bangladesh will enter the series with confidence after their historic 2-0 win over Pakistan in Pakistan. India, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their impressive home record, having defeated England 4-1 earlier this year.

Thiruvananthapuram Triumphs in Rain-Soaked Kerala Football Semifinal

Thiruvananthapuram Triumphs in Rain-Soaked Kerala Football Semifinal

The 60th Kerala State senior inter-district football championship witnessed a thrilling semifinal match between Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram, played under torrential rain at the Municipal Stadium. The adverse weather conditions made it a challenging game for both teams, with the ball often failing to obey players’ commands.

Passes frequently dropped dead or lost pace, while players struggled to maintain their footing, leading to numerous slips and falls. The medical team was kept busy throughout the second half, attending to injured players.

Despite the difficult conditions, the match remained fiercely contested. Thiruvananthapuram lost defender S.J. Shane to a second yellow card in the 48th minute, followed by another defender, S. Shinu, in the 65th minute. Malappuram also suffered a setback when defender M. Safwan was sent off in the 67th minute.

The heavy rain created a level playing field, with both teams unable to control the slippery ball effectively. As a result, no goals were scored during regulation time, and the match went into a tiebreaker.

In the penalty shootout, Thiruvananthapuram emerged victorious, winning 4-3. The team’s goalkeeper made several crucial saves, while their forwards converted their spot-kicks with precision.

Thiruvananthapuram will now face Kottayam in the final on Monday, September 9. Kottayam had upset defending champion Thrissur 2-0 in the other semifinal.

Brendon McCullum to Revive England's White-Ball Fortunes, Backed by Moeen Ali

Brendon McCullum to Revive England’s White-Ball Fortunes, Backed by Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali, a veteran of England’s white-ball triumphs, has expressed unwavering confidence in Brendon McCullum’s ability to revitalize the team’s fortunes. Ali believes that McCullum’s charisma and experience will empower captain Jos Buttler, who has faced criticism for his recent performances.

McCullum, a former New Zealand captain and renowned batter, brings a unique aura to the dressing room, according to Ali. His on-field accomplishments will give him instant credibility, unlike his predecessor, Matthew Mott. Ali emphasized that McCullum’s energy and leadership will alleviate the pressure on Buttler, allowing him to focus solely on his role as captain.

Ali’s comments stem from his observations of Buttler’s demeanor during the recent World Cup, where he appeared visibly frustrated. McCullum’s appointment is expected to provide Buttler with a much-needed support system.

Despite his retirement from international cricket, Ali remains optimistic about England’s future. He believes that a new generation of players is emerging, and that Buttler will have no shortage of capable lieutenants. Phil Salt and Harry Brook are among those who have shown leadership potential.

Ali also highlighted the importance of Buttler establishing his own leadership style. While he acknowledges that he may have overstepped his role as vice-captain at times, he believes that Buttler will create an environment where players feel comfortable sharing their ideas.

With McCullum at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, Ali is confident that England can rebuild and regain their status as a white-ball powerhouse.

Indian Cricket Soars to New Heights with Nationwide Talent Pool

Indian Cricket Soars to New Heights with Nationwide Talent Pool

Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer and current head coach of the national team, has hailed the remarkable transformation of Indian cricket into a formidable force, attributing it to the burgeoning talent pool that now spans the entire country.

Dravid, who guided India to a historic T20 World Cup triumph in 2023, emphasized the pivotal role of a robust club cricket culture in breaking the traditional dominance of city-based players in the national team. “Indian cricket today is incredibly strong and powerful,” Dravid declared during the 50th anniversary celebration of Mount Joy Cricket Club. “One of the key reasons for this is that talent is emerging from every corner of the country.”

In the past, Dravid noted, the majority of talented cricketers hailed from major cities or a select few states. However, today, boys from even the most remote areas are making their mark on the national stage. This shift is evident in the elevated standards of domestic cricket in India, particularly in the Ranji Trophy.

“In the past, you could take certain teams in the South Zone for granted,” Dravid said. “But today, there is no team that you can walk into and expect an easy victory.”

Dravid lauded the club cricket structure in India, especially in Karnataka, for fostering accessibility to the sport for all. “We need strong clubs to ensure that cricket is not concentrated in the hands of a few,” he stressed. “It must be egalitarian and available everywhere.”

To maximize the potential of young talent, Dravid emphasized the importance of providing access to quality infrastructure in every part of the country. He recalled his own club career at HAL, where he would eagerly stay back after practice to listen to the wisdom of senior players like BK Kumar and Nandan.

“Those conversations were invaluable for my growth as a cricketer,” Dravid said. “We need to create similar opportunities for young players today.”

Hyderabad Batters Shine on Opening Day of Buchi Babu Final

Hyderabad Batters Shine on Opening Day of Buchi Babu Final

Hyderabad’s batters put on a strong performance on the opening day of the Buchi Babu final, amassing 288 runs for the loss of six wickets against Chhattisgarh at the NPR College Ground.

Openers M. Abhirath Reddy and Tanmay Agarwal provided a solid start, stitching together a 67-run partnership. Abhirath, in particular, displayed an aggressive approach, employing sweep shots to find the boundary five times.

However, Chhattisgarh’s left-arm spinner Gagandeep Singh broke the partnership, trapping Tanmay in front. Off-spinner Shashank Tiwari then removed skipper Rahul Singh, who chipped one to short-midwicket.

Abhirath and Rohit Rayudu steadied the innings with an 87-run alliance. Abhirath reached his half-century and continued to find boundaries, including a maximum over long-on. However, he fell 15 runs short of a century, pulling a half-tracker to square-leg.

Chhattisgarh gained momentum with two more wickets, reducing Hyderabad to 198 for five. But Rohit and Rahul Ridesh (48) kept the spinners at bay, adding 79 runs for the sixth wicket before Ridesh was dismissed two overs before stumps.

Fritz Faces Uphill Battle Against Sinner in US Open Final

Fritz Faces Uphill Battle Against Sinner in US Open Final

Taylor Fritz’s historic run at the US Open has reached the final hurdle, but he faces an insurmountable challenge in world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Fritz, the last American man standing, aims to end a 21-year drought since Andy Roddick’s 2003 triumph. However, Sinner’s dominance on hard courts and superior all-around game make him a formidable opponent.

Fritz’s path to the final has been marked by resilience and determination. He overcame a two-set deficit against Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals, showcasing his fighting spirit. However, Sinner presents a different level of challenge. The Italian has a higher hold percentage, is a better returner, and possesses superior groundstrokes and movement.

Sinner’s recent form on hard courts is impeccable. He boasts a 38-2 record in 2024, including a victory over Fritz in Indian Wells last year. His ability to control the pace of the game and dictate rallies from both wings makes him a formidable opponent for Fritz’s serve-and-volley style.

While the home crowd will undoubtedly rally behind Fritz, Sinner’s experience in handling hostile environments, as evidenced in his match against Tommy Paul, suggests that he will not be fazed by the atmosphere.

Fritz’s best chance of success lies in playing aggressively and taking risks. He must serve consistently and effectively, while also finding ways to break down Sinner’s defense. However, Sinner’s superior court coverage and ability to neutralize Fritz’s power make it difficult to envision the American winning more than a set or two.

The story of an American breaking through at a major on home soil is compelling, but the odds are stacked against Fritz. Sinner’s dominance on hard courts and all-around superiority make him the clear favorite. While Fritz deserves credit for his remarkable run, Sinner is simply a better player at this stage.

Saeed Ajmal Calls for India-Pakistan Cricket Matches in Respective Countries

Saeed Ajmal Calls for India-Pakistan Cricket Matches in Respective Countries

Pakistan and India Should Play Cricket Matches in Each Other’s Countries, Says Saeed Ajmal

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has called for the resumption of bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the immense love between the two nations. Ajmal believes that such matches would foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the neighboring countries.

Pakistan last toured India in 2012/13 for a limited-overs series, while India’s last visit to Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup. Since then, political tensions have prevented the two teams from playing bilateral series, with their encounters limited to multi-nation tournaments.

“Even if the India versus Pakistan match happens on the moon, it will be huge,” said Ajmal at the launch of the GloFans High School Cricket Cup. “There is a lot of love between India and Pakistan, and we must go to each other’s countries.”

Ajmal, who represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, also stressed the importance of promoting Test cricket. “There is a need to promote long-format cricket,” he said. “The ones who play the longest format can play any other format.”

The former spinner praised the current crop of star batters, including Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Babar Azam, and Rohit Sharma. He also lauded India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament in India’s triumph at the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.

“Bumrah is a very intelligent bowler, and intelligence is required with speed,” Ajmal concluded.

Musheer Khan Emerges as Fielding Sensation in Duleep Trophy

Musheer Khan Emerges as Fielding Sensation in Duleep Trophy

Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan, has emerged as a fielding sensation in the ongoing Duleep Trophy. His exceptional athleticism and quick reflexes have made him a formidable presence on the field.

In a recent match between India A and India B at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Musheer showcased his brilliance with an incredible underarm throw from short leg. Akash Deep, the India A batsman, had fended off a bouncer but wandered out of his crease. Musheer, with lightning-fast reflexes, picked up the ball and unleashed a pinpoint throw that caught Akash well out of his crease. The dismissal proved pivotal in India A’s eventual defeat, as they were bundled out for 198 while chasing 275.

Musheer’s fielding prowess has not gone unnoticed. His brother, Sarfaraz, proudly celebrated his younger sibling’s brilliance by grabbing his hand and lifting it high in the air. Earlier in the match, Musheer had also impressed with the bat, scoring a composed 181 runs off 373 deliveries. His innings, which included a record-breaking 205-run partnership with Navdeep Saini, was crucial in lifting India B to a first-innings total of 321.

Musheer’s performance in the Duleep Trophy has further cemented his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket. His fielding skills have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest fielders in the game, and his batting ability has shown that he is a complete cricketer. As he continues to develop, Musheer Khan is poised to become a key player for India in the years to come.

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