WBBL Draft Preview: Teams Eye Key Signings to Bolster Squads

WBBL Draft Preview: Teams Eye Key Signings to Bolster Squads

The Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) draft is set to take place on September 1, and teams are eagerly preparing to bolster their squads. Here’s a comprehensive look at the pre-draft signings, retention options, and potential targets for each club:

Adelaide Strikers:

* Pre-draft signing: Smriti Mandhana
* Retention rights: Georgia Adams, Laura Wolvaardt
* Draft picks: 6, 14, 22, 27

The Strikers have secured the services of Indian superstar Smriti Mandhana and are expected to retain Laura Wolvaardt. They may seek a middle-order allrounder to complement their strong batting lineup.

Brisbane Heat:

* Pre-draft signing: Nadine de Klerk
* Retention rights: Bess Heath
* Draft picks: 7, 15, 18, 31

With several key departures, the Heat will prioritize replacing Amelia Kerr’s all-round abilities. They may also target a top-order batter to support Grace Harris and Georgia Redmayne.

Hobart Hurricanes:

* Pre-draft signing: Lizelle Lee
* Retention rights: Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith
* Draft picks: 1, 9, 24, 25

The Hurricanes have secured Lizelle Lee and will use their top pick to acquire a top-four batter. They may also seek an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.

Melbourne Renegades:

* Pre-draft signing: Hayley Matthews
* Retention rights: Eve Jones, Harmanpreet Kaur
* Draft picks: 3, 11, 19, 30

The Renegades have made significant domestic signings but may still target a top-order batter and an allrounder to complement their strong bowling unit.

Melbourne Stars:

* Pre-draft signing: Marizanne Kapp
* Retention rights: Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley
* Draft picks: 4, 12, 21, 28

The Stars have a strong pace-bowling unit but may seek a high-quality frontline spinner. They may also target another top-order batter to support Meg Lanning.

Perth Scorchers:

* Pre-draft signing: Sophie Devine
* Retention rights: Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt
* Draft picks: 8, 16, 17, 32

The Scorchers may opt for a similar batting-heavy approach as last year, having secured Sophie Devine. They may also consider strengthening their bowling department.

Sydney Sixers:

* Pre-draft signing: Amelia Kerr
* Retention rights: Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Linsey Smith
* Draft picks: 2, 10, 23, 26

The Sixers have added Amelia Kerr’s all-round abilities and may seek another spinner. They may also target a top-order batter to supplement Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.

Sydney Thunder:

* Pre-draft signing: Chamari Athapaththu
* Retention rights: Heather Knight
* Draft picks: 5, 13, 20, 29

The Thunder have secured Heather Knight but may seek another frontline bowling option. They may also target a middle-order hitter to complement Taneale Peschel.

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Pakistan Pacer Shaheen Afridi and Wife Welcome Baby Boy

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ansha Afridi Welcome Their First Child, Ali Yar

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and his wife, Ansha Afridi, have welcomed their first child, a son named Ali Yar. The joyous news was shared by the Afridi family on social media, eliciting an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans and supporters worldwide.

Afridi, known for his exceptional bowling skills, couldn’t contain his excitement during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. After taking the wicket of Hasan Mahmud on the fourth day of the game, he celebrated by mimicking cradling a newborn in his arms. This heartwarming gesture captured the attention of spectators and reflected the young father’s immense love and affection for his child.

The couple’s journey to parenthood began in 2021 when Afridi got engaged to Ansha, the second-eldest daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Their nikah took place in a private ceremony in February 2022, followed by a week of wedding celebrations and Ansha’s rukhsati in September 2023.

The arrival of Ali Yar has brought immense joy to the Afridi family and the Pakistani sports community. Arshad Nadeem, who recently won the gold medal in men’s javelin at the Paris Olympics 2024, took to social media to congratulate Shaheen and Ansha on their new role. Nadeem also wished Shahid Afridi on becoming a grandfather, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the Pakistani sports fraternity.

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exceptional talent and dedication have made him one of the most promising young bowlers in the world. His wife, Ansha, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. The couple’s first child, Ali Yar, is sure to bring even more happiness and fulfillment to their lives.

PCB Rebuts Rumors of Champions Trophy Date Changes

PCB Rebuts Rumors of Champions Trophy Date Changes

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied recent media reports suggesting potential date changes for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. The board has emphasized that the tournament remains a top priority and preparations are well underway.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s recent statements during a media interaction were misconstrued, the board clarified. While Naqvi acknowledged that some domestic matches might be relocated to accommodate ongoing stadium renovations, he explicitly stated that the Champions Trophy schedule remains unaffected.

This clarification comes after the PCB’s decision to move the second Test match against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction work at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, one of the designated venues for the 2025 tournament.

“It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi’s comments from yesterday’s media interaction, misleadingly quoting him on the potential change of dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns, thus creating unnecessary sensationalism,” the PCB statement reads.

The PCB stressed that the stadium redevelopment and redesign projects are progressing as planned and will be completed well ahead of the Champions Trophy. The board reiterated its commitment to delivering a world-class event across three iconic Pakistani venues, providing an exceptional experience for cricket enthusiasts.

Addressing concerns about potential schedule conflicts, the PCB confirmed that a draft schedule for the tournament, spanning from February 19 to March 9, 2025, has already been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

While the relocation of the Bangladesh Test match sparked speculation about similar changes for future fixtures, including the England Test series scheduled for October, the PCB has not confirmed any further alterations.

The board remains focused on ensuring the smooth execution of the Champions Trophy, stressing its dedication to hosting a successful tournament and showcasing Pakistan’s passion for cricket on a global stage.

Shafali Verma's Career-Best 81 Powers India to Asia Cup Semis

Shafali Verma’s Career-Best 81 Powers India to Asia Cup Semis

India’s explosive opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a remarkable 48-ball 81, her career-best, propelling the defending champions to a decisive 82-run victory over Nepal in the Women’s Asia Cup T20 tournament at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday. This win ensured India’s progression to the semifinals.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India capitalized on the opportunity with Hemalatha contributing a valuable 47 runs. The partnership’s aggressive approach was instrumental in India reaching a competitive total of 178 for three. Jemimah Rodrigues further bolstered the innings with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, enhancing the score with three boundaries in the concluding over.

Facing a challenging target, Nepal’s pursuit was hindered by India’s proficient bowling attack, limiting them to 96 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The requirement for Nepal to surpass Pakistan’s net run rate and secure a semifinal berth necessitated achieving the target within 10 overs, a feat they were unable to accomplish.

Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 13 runs. She was well-supported by Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy, who took two wickets each, contributing to a formidable bowling performance that stifled Nepal’s chase.

Nepal’s innings was characterized by regular wicket losses, with their top order struggling against India’s seam and spin attack. Arundhati Reddy’s early dismissal of Nepal’s openers set the tone, while Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance, including a direct hit, showcased India’s dominance in the field.

Shafali Verma’s innings was a highlight, featuring an array of shots that put the Nepalese bowlers under pressure. Her aggressive batting, marked by 12 fours and a six, was particularly punishing against medium pacer Kabita Joshi and off-spinner Sabnam Rai. Hemalatha, despite a slower start, managed to support the innings effectively, contributing with both boundaries and a six.

The match also witnessed moments of resilience from Nepal, including a missed catch opportunity that could have broken the opening partnership earlier. However, India’s batting prowess and disciplined bowling ultimately proved too strong for Nepal, confirming India’s place in the semifinals alongside Pakistan from Group A.

CSK and RR Clash in IPL 2024 Thriller at MA Chidambaram Stadium

CSK and RR Clash in IPL 2024 Thriller at MA Chidambaram Stadium

Chennai Super Kings Face Rajasthan Royals in Crucial IPL Clash

Match 61 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 pits two formidable teams against each other: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). The match will be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

CSK, currently ranked fourth on the points table, will be eager to bounce back from their recent loss to Gujarat Titans. Their top fantasy performer in that match was Daryl Mitchell, who scored 88 fantasy points. RR, on the other hand, are ranked second and will be looking to maintain their momentum after a 20-run defeat to Delhi Capitals. Sanju Samson was their top fantasy performer in that match, scoring 124 fantasy points.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is known for its good batting conditions, with an average 1st innings score of 158 runs in the last 20 matches. The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius with 68% humidity and 7.57 m/s winds.

Head-to-Head

In the 29 matches played between these two teams, all-rounders have consistently earned the most fantasy points. In their last encounter in IPL 2023, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal topped the fantasy points leaderboard for CSK and RR, respectively.

Fantasy Prediction: Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Captain:

* Riyan Parag: A consistent all-rounder with an average of 59 match fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Vice-Captain:

* Jos Buttler: A top-order opener with an average of 52 match fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Other Top Picks:

* Ruturaj Gaikwad: A reliable top-order batter with an average of 69 match fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Shivam Dube: A versatile all-rounder with an average of 47 match fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Ravindra Jadeja: A left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler with an average of 55 match fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Fantasy Team:

* Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler
* Batters: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Daryl Mitchell
* All-Rounders: Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner
* Bowlers: Tushar Deshpande, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar
* Captain: Tushar Deshpande
* Vice-Captain: Jos Buttler

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Preparations Hit by Loss to Ireland

Pakistan’s recent loss to Ireland in the first T20I of their three-match series has raised concerns about the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Ramiz Raja, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, particularly their drop to seventh position in the ICC T20 Rankings.

Raja highlighted the team’s weakened body language and questioned the frequent changes in captaincy and squad composition. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that “you can’t defend losing against Ireland.”

Raja also raised concerns about Pakistan’s batting lineup, pointing out the inconsistencies and lack of stability in the middle order. He questioned the team’s ability to perform at the highest level, especially with the T20 World Cup looming.

“How will Pakistan win the World Cup?” Raja pondered, expressing doubts about the team’s prospects given their current form. “You know the capability of the team and you want them to play like India, Australia or you want to produce a player like Travis Head.”

Raja’s comments shed light on Pakistan’s struggles, both in batting and bowling departments. Despite posting a competitive total of 182/6, Pakistan’s bowlers failed to defend it, with issues like full tosses and overpitched deliveries plaguing their performance.

Pakistan’s loss to Ireland has exposed the team’s weaknesses and raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. With the T20 World Cup just months away, the team will need to address these issues quickly if they want to be competitive in the tournament.

Ireland Hosts Pakistan in T20I Series Opener in Dublin

Ireland Hosts Pakistan in T20I Series Opener in Dublin

Ireland Hosts Pakistan in T20I Series Opener

Ireland and Pakistan will kick off their three-match T20I series on Friday, May 10, at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin. The series marks Pakistan’s first international outing since their underwhelming performance against New Zealand at home.

Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, will be eager to bounce back from their 2-2 draw against the Black Caps. However, they will be without the services of pacer Mohammed Amir for the series opener. Ireland, on the other hand, will be missing their star pacer Joshua Little, who is recovering from an injury.

Despite the absence of key players, both teams will be looking to make a statement ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ireland, in particular, will be keen to impress as they prepare for the global tournament.

Match Details:

* Date: Friday, May 10
* Venue: Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin
* Start Time: 7:30 PM IST

Broadcast Information:

* The match will not be telecast in India.
* Live streaming will be available on FanCode.

Key Players to Watch:

* Pakistan: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi
* Ireland: Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Mark Adair

Series Preview:

Pakistan will be looking to assert their dominance against Ireland, who they have defeated in all three of their previous T20I encounters. However, Ireland will be determined to upset the odds and prove their mettle ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The series opener promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. Pakistan’s batting prowess will be tested by Ireland’s disciplined bowling attack, while Ireland’s batting lineup will need to find a way to overcome Pakistan’s formidable pace attack.

Wanindu Hasaranga to Captain Sri Lanka in 2024 T20 World Cup

Wanindu Hasaranga to Captain Sri Lanka in 2024 T20 World Cup

Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder, will lead the team in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Hasaranga missed the entire 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season due to a heel injury but has since made his return in Sri Lanka’s ongoing T20 practice games.

Sri Lanka has been placed in Group D of the T20 World Cup alongside Bangladesh, Nepal, Netherlands, and South Africa. They will kick off their campaign against South Africa on June 3 in New York before facing Bangladesh in Dallas on June 8. Their final two group matches will be against Nepal in Florida on June 12 and Netherlands in St Lucia on June 17.

Hasaranga’s return to fitness is a major boost for Sri Lanka, who will be looking to make a strong impact in the tournament. The 26-year-old is one of the most talented all-rounders in the world, capable of both destructive batting and economical bowling.

Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:

* Wanindu Hasaranga (captain)
* Charith Asalanka (vice-captain)
* Kusal Mendis
* Pathum Nissanka
* Kamindu Mendis
* Sadeera Samarawickrama
* Angelo Mathews
* Dasun Shanaka
* Dhananjaya de Silva
* Maheesh Theekshana
* Dunith Wellalage
* Dushmantha Chameera
* Matheesha Pathirana
* Nuwan Thushara
* Dilshan Madushanka

Traveling reserves:

* Asitha Fernando
* Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
* Bhanuka Rajapaksa
* Janith Liyanage

Sri Lanka will be hoping to improve on their performance in the 2022 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the Super 12 stage. With Hasaranga leading the charge, they will be confident of making a deep run in the tournament.

Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Clash in IPL 2024 at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Clash in IPL 2024 at Arun Jaitley Stadium

Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals Set for Clash in IPL 2024

Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will face off in a crucial encounter in Match 56 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday.

Team Standings and Recent Performances

Delhi Capitals currently sit sixth in the points table with 10 points from 11 matches, while Rajasthan Royals are second with 16 points from 10 matches. In their last outing, Delhi Capitals lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets, with Axar Patel emerging as their top fantasy player with 81 points. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, suffered a narrow one-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad, with Riyan Parag scoring 109 fantasy points.

Pitch Conditions and Weather Forecast

The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium is expected to favor batters, with good stroke play and limited assistance for bowlers. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 169 runs, making chasing a preferred option.

Head-to-Head Record

In the 28 matches played between these two teams, bowlers have consistently earned the most fantasy points. In their previous encounter, Riyan Parag was named Man of the Match, while Tristan Stubbs and Riyan Parag topped the fantasy points charts for Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, respectively.

Fantasy Picks

Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

* Rishabh Pant (DC): A top-order batter and wicket-keeper with an average of 66 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Riyan Parag (RR): A consistent performer with an average of 60 fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Other Fantasy Picks:

* Axar Patel (DC): An all-rounder with an average of 54 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Jos Buttler (RR): A wicket-keeper and top-order batter with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Tristan Stubbs (DC): A wicket-keeper and batter with an average of 52 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Sandeep Sharma (RR): A right-arm medium bowler with an average of 46 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Jake Fraser-McGurk (RR): An all-rounder with an average of 43 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): A leg-break googly bowler with an average of 38 fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Fantasy Team:

* Wicket-Keepers: Jos Buttler, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson
* Batters: Tristan Stubbs, Dhruv Jurel
* All-Rounders: Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin
* Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Trent Boult
* Captain: Rishabh Pant
* Vice-Captain: Yuzvendra Chahal

RCB and GT Clash in IPL 2024 Match 52 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

RCB and GT Clash in IPL 2024 Match 52 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans Clash in IPL 2024 Match 52

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) will face off in Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with RCB languishing at the bottom of the points table and GT occupying a mid-table position.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its batting-friendly nature, with batters finding it easy to score runs. The average first-innings score at this venue is 170 runs, and the team batting first has won 42% of its matches. The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 32 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels at 14%. Winds are expected to blow at a speed of 3.73 m/s, providing some assistance to the pace bowlers.

Head-to-Head Record

In the four previous encounters between these two teams, the batters have dominated the fantasy points leaderboard. In their most recent meeting, Will Jacks and Sai Sudharsan emerged as the top fantasy point scorers for RCB and GT, respectively.

Fantasy Picks

Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:

* Virat Kohli: A consistent performer with an average of 74 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Shubman Gill: A top-order batter with an impressive average of 71.4 runs per match in the last 10 games.

Other Fantasy Picks:

* Sai Sudharsan: A left-handed batter with an average of 59 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Cameron Green: An all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
* Rashid Khan: A leg-spinner with an average of 40 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Sai Kishore: A slow left-arm orthodox bowler with an average of 36 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Glenn Maxwell: An all-rounder who can provide fantasy points with both bat and ball.
* Shahrukh Khan: A right-handed batter with an average of 27 fantasy points in the last 10 games.
* Mohammed Siraj: A right-arm fast-medium bowler with an average of 21 fantasy points in the last 10 games.

Fantasy Team:

* Wicket-Keeper: Dinesh Karthik and Wriddhiman Saha
* Batters: Sai Sudharsan, Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Shubman Gill
* All-Rounders: Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Azmatullah Omarzai
* Bowlers: Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma
* Captain: Shubman Gill
* Vice-Captain: Mohit Sharma

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