Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka Soar in WTC Rankings After Crushing Bangladesh in Sylhet

Sri Lanka’s emphatic 328-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has propelled them up the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings. This triumph marks their eighth away Test win over Bangladesh, maintaining their undefeated record in the format against the hosts.

Prior to this match, Sri Lanka languished at the bottom of the WTC standings with zero points, while Bangladesh occupied the fourth spot with 12 points and a points percentage of 50. However, Sri Lanka’s resounding victory has earned them 12 points in three games, boosting their points percentage to 33.33. This surge has lifted them above South Africa (25%) and England (17.50%), tying them with Bangladesh in sixth place.

The first Test result has triggered a reshuffle in the WTC table. The West Indies have ascended to fifth place with the same points percentage as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but a superior points tally (16). Pakistan, with a points percentage of 36.66, has moved up to fourth place with 22 points.

On Day 4 of the match, Mominul Haque displayed remarkable resilience against Sri Lanka’s formidable bowling attack. His steadfast batting kept the Sri Lankan bowlers at bay and helped Bangladesh navigate the first session. However, wickets continued to fall at the other end, limiting Bangladesh to a score of 182 and sealing a 328-run defeat in the first Test.

Sri Lanka’s victory has not only bolstered their WTC standing but also instilled confidence within the team. They will be eager to maintain their momentum in the second and final Test of the series, which commences on May 23rd at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka's Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s Pace Trio Captures All 20 Wickets in Historic Test Victory

Sri Lanka’s pace trio of Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha etched their names in history by capturing all 20 wickets in the first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. This feat, last achieved by Sri Lanka in 1986, was made possible by the green tinge of the pitch, which provided ample pace and bounce.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to field three pacers proved to be a masterstroke, as they exploited the conditions to the fullest. The visitors completed a comprehensive 328-run victory with a day and a half to spare, giving the pace trio much-needed rest ahead of the second Test in Chattogram.

De Silva praised his bowlers for their exceptional use of the new ball and their ability to maintain their shape despite the pitch slowing down. He emphasized the importance of pace bowlers in extracting wickets, especially when the conditions favor them.

The Test also marked a memorable milestone for De Silva himself, who became the first Sri Lankan captain to score twin hundreds in a Test. He and newcomer Kamindu Mendis formed crucial partnerships in both innings, showcasing their patience and skill.

De Silva expressed his satisfaction with Mendis’s performance, highlighting his determination and suitability for the No. 7 role. He also acknowledged the support he receives from experienced leaders in the team, which helps him navigate the challenges of captaincy.

Despite Sri Lanka’s impressive victory, De Silva remains focused on the present and is not preoccupied with the World Test Championship points table. He believes in taking one match at a time and addressing areas for improvement, such as the top-order batting, before the next Test.

Shubman Gill's Winning Debut as Gujarat Titans Captain

Shubman Gill’s Winning Debut as Gujarat Titans Captain

Shubman Gill’s maiden victory as Gujarat Titans skipper marked a momentous occasion for the young cricketer. In their opening match of IPL 2024, the Titans emerged victorious over Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya. Gill’s appointment as GT captain followed Pandya’s departure to MI, making his first win against his former team even more significant.

Gill’s leadership was lauded by fans and experts alike. After the match, he shared an emotional moment with his father and sister at the team hotel, a video of which has gone viral on social media.

Mumbai Indians’ inexplicable batting strategy at the death proved costly, allowing Gill to make a successful debut as captain. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance with the ball, restricting Gujarat Titans to 168/6, batters like Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya failed to capitalize on his efforts.

MI’s inability to chase down the target of 169 runs with seven wickets in hand and just 43 runs required in the last five overs highlighted their batting woes. The team’s opening game jinx continued, as their last IPL opener win came against Chennai Super Kings in 2012.

Spinners Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore kept the Mumbai batters in check, while veteran Mohit Sharma’s variations proved decisive. Spencer Johnson and Umesh Yadav’s brilliant bowling in the 19th and 20th overs sealed the victory for Gujarat Titans.

Hardik Pandya’s decision to bat at No. 7 raised eyebrows, as he could only manage a six and four in the final over. The Titans’ victory was a testament to Gill’s leadership and the team’s collective effort, while Mumbai Indians will need to address their batting concerns to improve their chances in the tournament.

Ishan Kishan's Conversation with BCCI Secretary Sparks Comeback Hopes

Ishan Kishan’s Conversation with BCCI Secretary Sparks Comeback Hopes

Ishan Kishan, the talented wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, has found himself in a precarious position after being excluded from the BCCI’s central contract list. However, a recent conversation with BCCI secretary Jay Shah has sparked hope for a potential comeback.

Kishan’s exclusion from the contract list was a result of his reluctance to play first-class cricket. Despite repeated attempts by the Indian team management to involve him, he did not participate in any Ranji Trophy games this season. Instead, he opted to practice with his Mumbai Indians skipper, Hardik Pandya, in preparation for the IPL.

This decision ultimately cost him his contract, but Shah’s gesture of engaging in conversation with Kishan and national captain Rohit Sharma could be a sign of a potential thaw. While the contents of the discussion remain unknown, the fact that Shah, an influential figure in Indian cricket, is showing interest in Kishan is a positive development.

Kishan’s chances of a comeback in the T20 World Cup have dwindled in recent months, with Rishabh Pant back in contention and KL Rahul also expressing his desire to keep wickets. However, the IPL provides him with a massive opportunity to make a case for himself with consistent performances.

The presence of national captain Rohit during Shah’s conversation with Kishan is significant. It suggests that Kishan’s performance will be the primary factor in determining his future with the Indian team, despite his past attitude issues.

Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has also expressed confidence in Kishan, stating that he is an “experienced” player within the setup and expects big things from him. With the selectors traveling to select IPL games to check on World Cup hopefuls, Kishan has a golden opportunity to prove his worth.

IPL 2024 Schedule Unveiled: Chennai to Host Grand Finale on May 26

IPL 2024 Schedule Unveiled: Chennai to Host Grand Finale on May 26

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the remaining schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, with the tournament set to culminate in a grand finale in Chennai on May 26.

All 74 matches of the tournament will be played in India, with the crucial stages taking place in Ahmedabad and Chennai. The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled from April 19 to June 1, have influenced the scheduling to avoid any clashes.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host Qualifier 1 on May 21 and the Eliminator on May 22. The iconic Chepauk in Chennai will then stage Qualifier 2 on May 24 and the much-anticipated final on May 26.

The IPL governing council has maintained the tradition of holding the opening game and final at the home venue of the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings. Earlier, the BCCI had announced the schedule for only the first 21 matches of the 17th edition of the IPL, which commenced on March 22.

The IPL 2024 promises to be an exciting spectacle, with all the top players from around the world set to participate. The tournament has become a global phenomenon, attracting a massive fan base and generating significant revenue for the BCCI.

Pakistan Summons UAE's Usman Khan to Training Camp, Eyes T20 World Cup

Pakistan Summons UAE’s Usman Khan to Training Camp, Eyes T20 World Cup

UAE’s top-order batter Usman Khan, born in Pakistan, has been summoned to Pakistan’s training camp with the army in Kakul. This move signals Pakistan’s eagerness to entice him to represent the country of his birth in international cricket. Usman joins 28 other players for the camp, which runs from March 26 to April 8.

Despite the PCB’s silence on Usman’s inclusion or any official change in his status as a UAE player, his selection for the camp is a clear indication of Pakistan’s intentions. In the recent PSL, Usman played as a registered overseas player, amassing the second-highest run tally. Prior to that, he participated in the ILT20 and Abu Dhabi T10 as a local player for the UAE.

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this month, Usman downplayed his chances of playing for Pakistan in the near future, expressing his determination to complete the residency period to qualify for the UAE. However, he still has 14 months to go before becoming eligible for the UAE.

Usman had previously cited the uncertainty in Pakistan and the ease of obtaining no-objection certificates from the Emirates Cricket Board as reasons for switching allegiances. However, since he has not yet played for the UAE, he can still return to Pakistan without any waiting period.

Given the rapid developments at the PCB, it is highly likely that Usman will be included in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. This move is part of Pakistan’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June.

The training camp also marks the return of two players who recently reversed their retirement decisions: Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir. Imad’s success in the PSL and CPL makes him an attractive prospect for Pakistan, while Amir remains hopeful of representing his country again. Haris Rauf, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, has also been included after his central contract was reinstated by the PCB.

Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians Captaincy Debut Met with Dismay

Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians Captaincy Debut Met with Dismay

Hardik Pandya’s maiden outing as Mumbai Indians captain proved to be a baptism of fire, as he faced a barrage of criticism from fans, commentators, and experts alike. The decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Pandya as skipper drew widespread disapproval, with fans expressing their dismay at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

Pandya’s tactical decisions during MI’s opening match against Gujarat Titans came under intense scrutiny. His choice to bowl the first over himself instead of Jasprit Bumrah raised eyebrows, with former England player Kevin Pietersen expressing disbelief at the crowd’s reaction. “I have never seen any Indian player getting booed like they are booing Hardik Pandya here in Ahmedabad. This is a rare happening,” Pietersen said.

Pandya’s decision to send Tim David ahead of him also drew criticism, with Irfan Pathan suggesting that the new MI skipper may have been trying to avoid facing Rashid Khan. Former India head coach Anil Kumble took a dig at Pandya for not revealing the names of the players when asked about the team combination at the toss.

The criticism extended beyond the match itself, with fans taking to social media to express their disapproval. Videos of fans booing Pandya circulated widely, reflecting the sentiment of those who were unwilling to accept him as the Mumbai Indians skipper.

Pandya’s performance on the field did little to quell the criticism. He scored just 12 runs and conceded 30 runs in his two overs, failing to make a significant impact on the game. MI ultimately lost the match by 5 wickets, adding to the disappointment of the fans.

The backlash against Pandya highlights the high expectations that come with captaining one of the most successful teams in the IPL. Rohit Sharma’s legacy as a leader looms large, and Pandya will need to prove himself worthy of the role if he wants to win over the hearts of the Mumbai Indians faithful.

Chennai to Host IPL 2024 Final After 12 Years

Chennai to Host IPL 2024 Final After 12 Years

Chennai, the home of the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings, is set to host its first IPL final in 12 years. The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, also known as the Chepauk, will be the venue for the title match on May 26, 2024.

The Chepauk has previously hosted two IPL finals, in 2011 and 2012. Chennai will also host the second qualifier on May 24, while the first qualifier on May 21 and the eliminator on May 22 will be played in Ahmedabad.

The IPL playoffs will follow the usual format of evening games. The league phase of the tournament will begin on March 22 and conclude on May 19. The second part of the schedule, comprising 52 matches including the playoffs, will commence on April 8.

The ten IPL teams have been divided into two groups of five each. Each team will play the other four teams in their group twice and four teams in the other group once. The remaining team from the other group will be picked via a draw and played twice.

Chennai Super Kings are grouped with Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings. The second group includes Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.

The 2024 IPL league phase will feature 11 double-header days, including two on the opening weekend. Apart from the main home grounds of the ten teams, the tournament will also visit Visakhapatnam, Dharamsala, and Guwahati, which will host two games each as the respective second home grounds of Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.

Africa Games T20I Status Confusion: Some Matches Not Recognized

Africa Games T20I Status Confusion: Some Matches Not Recognized

Confusion over T20I Status at Africa Games

The recent Africa Games witnessed a mix-up in communication, resulting in some matches being granted T20I status while others were not. The International Cricket Council (ICC) clarified that fixtures involving South Africa’s men’s and women’s teams, as well as Zimbabwe’s men’s team, were not considered T20Is. However, games between the other six men’s teams and seven women’s teams were recognized as T20Is.

The confusion arose after Cricket South Africa (CSA) inquired about the official status of the matches. According to the ICC’s “Classification of Official Cricket” document, all T20 matches played under ICC regulations are considered internationals, except for those involving A teams or age-group sides.

South Africa sent an emerging women’s team and a university men’s team to the Africa Games due to player commitments elsewhere. Zimbabwe selected an under-25 men’s side but fielded a first-choice women’s squad. The other participating countries, all Associate nations, sent their strongest available sides and believed they were playing internationals.

The miscommunication raised concerns for South Africa and Zimbabwe, who are Full Members of the ICC. They questioned whether the results would affect their T20I rankings. CSA also expressed concerns about the impact on 16-year-old wicketkeeper Karabo Meso, who played at the Africa Games and was subsequently named in the senior squad to face Sri Lanka.

Additionally, there were concerns about the infrastructure in Accra, particularly the suitability of the cricket venues. CSA intervened, and a ground consultant from Zimbabwe assisted in preparing the pitch and outfield.

The Africa Games organizers were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of writing.

Anrich Nortje Joins Delhi Capitals Squad for IPL 2024

Anrich Nortje Joins Delhi Capitals Squad for IPL 2024

South African speedster Anrich Nortje has joined the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Nortje’s arrival comes after DC’s disappointing 4-wicket loss to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their tournament opener.

Nortje, known for his express pace and ability to generate steep bounce, is expected to bolster DC’s bowling attack. The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for South Africa, claiming 10 wickets in his last five T20I appearances.

In DC’s first match against PBKS, the team struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 174/9 in 20 overs. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh provided a solid start, but the middle order failed to capitalize. Abhishek Porel’s late cameo helped DC reach a respectable score.

In response, PBKS chased down the target with relative ease, thanks to a 67-run partnership between Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone. Curran was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning knock of 63 runs.

Nortje’s addition to the DC squad is a significant boost for the team. His pace and accuracy will provide much-needed support to the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Khaleel Ahmed. DC will be hoping that Nortje can help them turn their fortunes around and secure their first win of the season.

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