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Shafali Verma Praises Alyssa Healy Ahead of Women's T20 World Cup

Shafali Verma Praises Alyssa Healy Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup

By September 24, 2024 0

Ahead of the highly anticipated ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, India Women’s opener Shafali Verma has expressed her admiration for Australia’s Alyssa Healy, praising her batting performance during the powerplay. India will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand on October 4 at Dubai International Stadium. Prior to the tournament, India will play warm-up matches against the West Indies and South Africa.

“I would say Alyssa Healy, because whenever she is in good form, she makes the most of the powerplay and continues to build her innings afterward. She always looks to play the full 20 overs, so I would choose her,” Shafali said in an interview with Star Sports.

India reached their first-ever T20 World Cup final in 2020 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a night filled with hope for clinching the elusive title. However, Harmanpreet’s side was bowled out for 99 while chasing 185 against Australia.

In the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2022, India once again came close to making history, reaching the semi-finals. However, Australia once more proved to be an obstacle in the final four.

In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, India has had mixed results. They lost the T20I series against Australia and England earlier this year, but Harmanpreet’s side rebounded with two consecutive series wins against Bangladesh.

In July, India’s T20I series against South Africa ended in a draw. In the Asia Cup 2024, India lost the final to Sri Lanka, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

India’s squad for the T20 World Cup includes:

* Harmanpreet Kaur (c)
* Smriti Mandhana (vc)
* Shafali Verma
* Deepti Sharma
* Jemimah Rodrigues
* Richa Ghosh (wk)
* Yastika Bhatia (wk)
* Pooja Vastrakar
* Arundhati Reddy
* Renuka Singh
* Dayalan Hemalatha
* Asha Sobhana
* Radha Yadav
* Shreyanka Patil
* Sajana Sajeevan

Travelling reserves:

* Uma Chetry (wk)
* Tanuja Kanwer
* Saima Thakor

Non-travelling reserves:

* Raghvi Bist
* Priya Mishra

Categories: Cricket
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Stokes Open to White-Ball Return if McCullum Calls

Stokes Open to White-Ball Return if McCullum Calls

By September 24, 2024 0

Ben Stokes, the talismanic England all-rounder, has expressed his willingness to return to the white-ball setup if requested by head coach Brendon McCullum. However, Stokes emphasized that no such discussions have taken place yet, as his immediate focus remains on regaining fitness for the upcoming Test tour of Pakistan.

Stokes, 33, has been a pivotal figure in England’s recent white-ball triumphs, playing match-winning innings in both the 2019 Cricket World Cup and the 2022 T20 World Cup. However, he has not featured in an ODI since November 2022 and withdrew from the T20 World Cup in June to prioritize his fitness.

Despite his previous retirement from ODIs and unavailability for the T20 World Cup, Stokes is now open to a cross-format comeback. He believes that McCullum’s coaching philosophy, which has transformed the Test team, could have a similar impact on the white-ball sides.

“If I get the call and [Baz] says, ‘do you want to come and play?’ Then obviously, it’s definitely going to be a yes,” Stokes said. “But I’m not going to be too disappointed if I don’t, because I can just sit back and watch everyone else go out and smack it.”

Stokes acknowledged that the white-ball team is undergoing a transition, with the emergence of young players like Jacob Bethell. He believes that it is important to prioritize the development of the next generation, but he is also willing to contribute if needed.

“I’ve played a lot of white-ball cricket for England, and I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved in that form of the game,” Stokes added. “But to be honest, we’ve not even spoken about anything like that whatsoever.”

Stokes’ immediate focus is on leading the Test team on their tour of Pakistan, which begins on October 7. He is confident of being fit for the first Test in Multan, but he will be cautious about his bowling workload after a hamstring injury.

“I’ve got my six-and-a-half week scan tomorrow, so we’ll know more from that, but I’m feeling really good,” Stokes said. “There’s a lot more than just my hamstrings that I need to get back firing again, in terms of bowling, because you use everything.”

England’s experience from their successful tour of Pakistan in 2022 will be valuable, but Stokes acknowledges that the conditions could be different this time around.

“It’s probably not until we get out there that we’ll have a real understanding of it,” he said. “I know that Shan Masood [Pakistan’s captain] has been asking for quicker, more lively wickets for their fast bowlers. Obviously, last time we were there, they were slow, dry and spun a bit. So, we’ve got to go there with an open mind about what we’re going to get.”

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Pankaj Singh Recalls Yuvraj Singh's Praise, Stuart Broad Admits Missed No-Ball in Iconic Over

Pankaj Singh Recalls Yuvraj Singh’s Praise, Stuart Broad Admits Missed No-Ball in Iconic Over

By September 24, 2024 0

Pankaj Singh, a towering pacer from Rajasthan, made his India debut in 2014 but only played two Tests. Despite his limited international appearances, Singh has been a prolific wicket-taker in domestic cricket, amassing 472 wickets in First-Class matches and 118 in List A.

In 2016, Singh revealed that Yuvraj Singh had hailed him as the “best bowler in domestic cricket” after dismissing him in the Duleep Trophy. Singh recently revisited the comment, acknowledging Yuvraj’s expertise and the significance of his praise.

Meanwhile, England’s Stuart Broad has reflected on the infamous over in the 2007 T20 World Cup where Yuvraj Singh smashed him for six consecutive sixes. Broad admitted that Yuvraj could have hit seven sixes if not for a missed no-ball call.

Broad, who was bowling from over the wicket, delivered a full toss that Yuvraj dispatched over point for six. Upon reviewing the footage, Broad realized that the ball could have been called a waist-high no-ball, potentially giving Yuvraj the opportunity to hit a seventh six.

“I’ve never watched that back, but I must admit, I got lucky to get away with a no ball,” Broad confessed to Michael Atherton on Sky Sports.

Singh’s domestic success and Broad’s candid admission highlight the impact of Yuvraj Singh’s batting prowess. Yuvraj’s ability to dominate bowlers of all calibers has left an enduring legacy in cricket history.

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Nathan Lyon Unveils Strategy to Tackle Rishabh Pant's Attacking Prowess

Nathan Lyon Unveils Strategy to Tackle Rishabh Pant’s Attacking Prowess

By September 24, 2024 0

As the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 approaches, Australian spin maestro Nathan Lyon has unveiled his tactical approach to combat the formidable attacking prowess of Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant. Lyon, renowned for his guile and accuracy, acknowledges the immense challenge posed by Pant’s explosive batting style.

“Bowling against someone like Rishabh Pant is a daunting task,” Lyon admitted. “He possesses exceptional skills and leaves very little margin for error. As a bowler, you need to be at your best to contain him.”

Lyon’s strategy revolves around forcing Pant to defend more by keeping him within the crease. “My aim is to restrict his attacking options and make him play within his crease,” Lyon explained. “This will hopefully create opportunities for dismissals.”

Pant’s recent return to red-ball cricket has been nothing short of sensational. After a near-fatal car accident, he made a remarkable comeback, scoring a century just 634 days after his return. His impressive record against Australia, with 624 runs at an average of 62.40, further underscores his match-winning capabilities.

In the 2018-19 and 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy series, Pant played a pivotal role in India’s victories. His heroic 89* in the fourth innings at the Gabba during India’s last tour down under remains etched in the annals of cricket history.

Lyon recognizes the threat posed by Pant and is determined to devise a plan that will neutralize his attacking instincts. “I’m not afraid of being hit for sixes,” Lyon asserted. “But my focus is on creating chances and making Pant defend more. If I can do that, I believe we can limit his impact.”

As the Border Gavaskar Trophy draws near, the battle between Lyon and Pant promises to be one of the most captivating subplots. Lyon’s experience and tactical acumen will be pitted against Pant’s explosive batting and match-winning ability. The outcome of this contest could have a significant bearing on the outcome of the series.

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Laver Cup Legends: Borg and McEnroe Leave a Lasting Legacy

Laver Cup Legends: Borg and McEnroe Leave a Lasting Legacy

By September 24, 2024 0

The Laver Cup, a unique team competition in tennis, has been graced by the presence of legendary rivals-turned-friends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe since its inception in 2017. Their presence has added an unparalleled allure to the tournament, providing players with an opportunity to interact with their idols.

For debutants like Flavio Cobolli and Alejandro Tabilo, the Laver Cup has been a surreal experience. They have cherished the chance to learn from Borg and McEnroe, soaking up their wisdom and guidance. Even seasoned players like Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz have been awestruck by the legends’ presence, recalling their initial nervousness and the lasting impact of their support.

Alexander Zverev, the Laver Cup’s most successful player, has particularly valued Borg’s presence on the bench. He has relished the opportunity to hear Borg’s stories and gain insights into the history of tennis. Stefanos Tsitsipas, while acknowledging the bittersweet nature of Borg and McEnroe’s departure, expressed his gratitude for their mentorship.

Despite the departure of Borg and McEnroe, the future of the Laver Cup remains bright. Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi will take over as captains of Team Europe and Team World, respectively, bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives to the tournament.

Laver Cup CEO Tony Godsick believes the tournament plays a crucial role in preserving the history of tennis. It provides a platform for current players to interact with legends like Borg, McEnroe, and Rod Laver, creating valuable content and fostering a connection between generations.

Categories: Tennis
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Indian Chess GMs Defy Norms with Hyper-Aggressive Approach

Indian Chess GMs Defy Norms with Hyper-Aggressive Approach

By September 24, 2024 0

Indian Chess: Defying Norms with Hyper-Aggressive Approach

In the world of chess, young players often start with an aggressive style, seeking wins at all costs. However, as they climb the ranks, they are expected to adopt a more conservative approach. But India’s young grandmasters (GMs) are breaking this mold, proving that hyper-aggression can still be a winning formula at the highest level.

Former world No. 3 Anish Giri observes that these young GMs have defied the norm by maintaining their aggressive style even against top players. “They go after the top players as if they were still in these open tournaments. And it sort of works too,” said Giri.

This approach was evident in India’s dominant performance at the Chess Olympiad, where the men’s team won 27 out of 44 games and lost only once. Giri attributes their success to a combination of talent, luck, and their aggressive style.

“They are particularly talented, particularly strong. But also, there is an element of luck involved too,” said Giri. “But one thing that really helped for the youngsters in this case is that you start off always playing much lower-rated teams. So you start off almost by default with wins.”

In contrast, players from countries like the United States tend to adopt a more conservative approach, drawing more games against weaker opponents. Giri believes that India’s young GMs are able to rack up wins against lower-rated players due to their hyper-aggressive style.

The Chess Olympiad also highlighted the growing strength of Indian chess. Giri notes that India has a wide pool of talented players, which gives them an advantage in events like the Global Chess League.

“There is not only the top crop, but also the width, you know, the breadth,” said Giri. “Like if we play Olympiad on 100 boards, India is going to dominate even more because there’s like layers and layers of amazing players.”

As India’s young GMs continue to rise, they are inspiring a new generation of players. D Gukesh’s upcoming World Championship match against Ding Liren in November is a significant moment for Indian chess.

“In general, matches are very, very different,” said Giri. “There is psychology and also the preparation is very different too. So you have much more time to focus on one particular opponent.”

Giri sees Gukesh as the favorite in the match, but he also acknowledges the pressure that comes with being the favorite. However, Gukesh’s aggressive style may help him overcome this pressure and focus on playing his best chess.

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Milind Kumar Sets Unique ODI Record with 155-Run Innings

Milind Kumar Sets Unique ODI Record with 155-Run Innings

By September 24, 2024 0

Milind Kumar’s Unique Record: First Batter to End ODI Innings with 155

India-born USA cricketer Milind Kumar has etched his name in the annals of ODI cricket history with a peculiar record. He became the first batter ever to finish an innings with a score of 155.

During a match against UAE in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two, Kumar smashed a remarkable 155 off 110 deliveries. This unique feat marks the first time in the 53-year history of ODI cricket that a player has ended an innings with exactly 155 runs.

Despite numerous instances of batters scoring between 150 and 159 in ODI innings, Kumar’s knock stands out as the only one to conclude at precisely 155. This achievement highlights his exceptional batting prowess.

Kumar, a seasoned campaigner in first-class cricket, boasts an impressive average of nearly 50. He has played for Delhi and Sikkim in the Ranji Trophy, emerging as the highest run-scorer in the 2018-19 season. His IPL experience includes stints with the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The 33-year-old batter played a pivotal role in USA’s stunning performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they reached the Super 8s. His 155-run knock in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two helped USA post a formidable total of 339/4, leading to a 136-run victory over UAE.

USA currently occupies second place in the ICC CWC League Two table, ahead of established nations like Netherlands and Scotland. They trail league leaders Canada by just two points despite playing fewer games.

With 14 teams vying for a spot in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, USA has an opportunity to qualify for the main stage. Kumar’s unique record and consistent performances will undoubtedly be crucial to their aspirations.

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Ravindra Jadeja: The Unsung Hero of India's Test Success

Ravindra Jadeja: The Unsung Hero of India’s Test Success

By September 24, 2024 0

Ravindra Jadeja, the enigmatic all-rounder, has quietly established himself as a cornerstone of India’s Test machine. Despite often being overshadowed by the spectacular performances of his teammates, Jadeja’s contributions have been instrumental in India’s recent successes.

In the recently concluded Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja played a pivotal role in India’s 280-run victory. His 86 in the first innings, when India was struggling at 144 for five, provided a much-needed foundation. He then chipped in with five wickets in the match, including the crucial dismissals of Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das, helping India secure a 227-run lead.

Jadeja’s all-round brilliance is not a recent phenomenon. Since his comeback in 2018, he has amassed 1926 runs at an impressive average of 43.77 while picking up 128 wickets (avg 25.16). During this period, he has scored four centuries and taken as many five-wicket hauls.

His exceptional fielding skills have also earned him widespread acclaim. Widely regarded as one of the best fielders in the world, Jadeja’s athleticism and anticipation have saved countless runs and created numerous opportunities for his team.

Jadeja’s rise to prominence has coincided with a shift in India’s Test strategy. The team has moved away from its traditional reliance on pace-bowling all-rounders and embraced the versatility of players like Jadeja and R. Ashwin.

As India prepares for the second Test against Bangladesh, Jadeja stands on the cusp of a significant milestone. He is one wicket away from entering the elite club of players who have taken 300 Test wickets. If he achieves this feat, he will become only the seventh Indian to do so.

Jadeja’s journey from a promising young spinner to a world-class all-rounder is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in his abilities. As he continues to scale new heights, he is sure to leave an enduring legacy in the annals of Indian cricket.

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Panthers Chase Down Markhors to Reach Champions Cup Final

Panthers Chase Down Markhors to Reach Champions Cup Final

By September 24, 2024 0

Panthers Triumph Over Markhors in Champions Cup Semifinal

In a thrilling encounter at the National Stadium, Karachi, Panthers emerged victorious over Markhors by seven wickets to secure a berth in the final of the Champions Cup. The victory marked a significant milestone for the chasing team, as it was the first time a side had successfully chased down a target in the tournament.

Markhors, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but faced an early setback when Ali Raza dismissed Haseebullah Khan in the second over. The damage was compounded by Mohammad Hasnain, who wreaked havoc on the Markhors batting lineup, dismissing Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, and Mohammad Rizwan in quick succession. Markhors found themselves reeling at 25 for 4 in the seventh over.

Salman Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed attempted to salvage the innings with a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, Iftikhar’s dismissal triggered a collapse, and Markhors were eventually bowled out for a meager 137 in 36 overs. Saim Ayub emerged as the unlikely hero for Panthers, claiming 5 for 24 with his part-time legbreaks.

Panthers’ chase got off to a shaky start with the early loss of Azan Awais. Ayub steadied the innings with a composed 33 off 36 balls, but his dismissal and that of Umar Siddiq in quick succession left Panthers in a precarious position.

However, Usman Khan stepped up to the plate, smashing an unbeaten 54 off just 26 balls to guide Panthers to victory in the 24th over. Khan’s blistering knock included six fours and three sixes, showcasing his power-hitting prowess.

Markhors will now face the winner of the first eliminator between Stallions and Lions on Friday. Panthers, on the other hand, will await their opponent in the final, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

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India's Unprecedented Home Dominance in Test Cricket Continues

India’s Unprecedented Home Dominance in Test Cricket Continues

By September 24, 2024 0

India’s dominance at home in Test cricket has reached unprecedented heights since 2013. With a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, India extended their remarkable home record to 41 wins in 52 Tests.

The Indian team’s success has been built on a combination of factors, including the rise of their spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, and the emergence of a formidable pace attack. The lower-order batsmen have also played a crucial role, contributing valuable runs in the first innings.

India’s dominance is reflected in several key statistics:

* 41 Test wins: India has won 79% of their home Tests since 2013, a higher win percentage than even Australia’s Down Under.
* 36 wins by an innings or 100+ runs: 88% of India’s home victories have come by crushing margins, showcasing their complete dominance over the opposition.
* 17 consecutive series wins: India has not lost a home series since 2012, winning 17 consecutive series, including three against Australia and England.
* 15 Test victories bowling less than 700 deliveries: India has dismissed the opposition twice in less than 110 overs in 15 home Tests, highlighting the effectiveness of their bowling attack.
* 7 series sweeps: India has swept seven home series since 2013, including a 4-0 thrashing of Australia and a 3-0 drubbing of South Africa.
* 18.21 batting average difference: Indian batters have dominated at home, averaging 40.08 compared to the opposition’s 21.87.
* 69 individual hundreds: India has recorded 69 individual centuries at home since 2013, while the opposition has managed only 25.
* 18.8 bowling average difference: The Indian bowling unit has a combined average of 22.54, significantly lower than the opposition’s 41.34.
* 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls: Indian bowlers have taken 52 fifers and 10 ten-wicket match hauls at home since 2013, showcasing their exceptional skill and dominance.

India’s home record is a testament to their exceptional talent, preparation, and the unwavering support of their fans. As they continue to dominate at home, they are poised to further cement their legacy as one of the greatest Test teams in history.

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