Sri Lanka's LPL Stars Vie for Top Batting Spots in National Team

Sri Lanka’s LPL Stars Vie for Top Batting Spots in National Team

Sri Lanka’s new T20 captain, Charith Asalanka, has identified the Lanka Premier League (LPL) as the benchmark for selecting the national team’s top-order batters. Asalanka believes that the LPL’s high level of competition provides a reliable indicator of players’ T20 abilities.

Based on their impressive performances in the LPL, Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Perera have emerged as strong contenders for the top three batting positions. Kamindu Mendis, who showcased his versatility by bowling with both arms, has secured the No. 4 spot.

Asalanka emphasized the importance of using the LPL as a selection criterion, stating, “If you look at the LPL, it’s the No. 1 tournament we have to make decisions like this. More than domestic T20s, the LPL is at a much higher level.”

Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera all displayed exceptional batting prowess in the LPL. Mendis accumulated 329 runs at a strike rate of 150, while Nissanka amassed 333 runs at a strike rate of 153. Fernando impressed with 374 runs at a strike rate of 163, and Perera boasted the highest strike rate of 169, scoring 296 runs.

Asalanka’s leadership style revolves around man-management and fostering a positive environment. He aims to extract the best from his players and empower them to execute their plans with confidence.

“I’ve played under many captains, and I’ve tried to absorb as many of their good traits into my captaincy and into my life as possible,” Asalanka said. “What I really want is to get 100% out of my players, and to create a positive environment for them.”

With a wealth of talented batters at his disposal, Asalanka faces the challenge of selecting the optimal top three for Sri Lanka’s upcoming T20 matches. The LPL performances of Mendis, Nissanka, Fernando, and Perera will heavily influence his decision-making process.

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role as India's T20 Captain

Suryakumar Yadav Embraces Leadership Role as India’s T20 Captain

Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed Indian T20 captain, has expressed his enthusiasm for leading the team on the field, despite not having previously held the captaincy role. He credits his leadership skills to the lessons he has learned from various skippers throughout his career.

Yadav was named India’s T20 captain last week, succeeding Hardik Pandya after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. His first assignment will be the three-match T20 series against hosts Sri Lanka, beginning on Saturday.

“I have always enjoyed being a leader on the field even though I was not the captain. I have always learnt a lot of things from different captains. It’s a good feeling and a great responsibility,” Yadav told BCCI.TV.

Yadav’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket, with Gautam Gambhir taking over as head coach. Yadav and Gambhir share a strong bond from their days together at Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014.

“This relationship is special because in 2014 I played under him in KKR. It was special because from there only I got opportunities. The relationship is still strong,” Yadav said.

Yadav emphasized the importance of humility and staying grounded while leading the team. He believes that cricket is just a part of life and that it should not define one’s self-worth.

“I think most important thing what I have learned from this sport is how humble you are after achieving or even after not doing well. I have learned when you do something on the ground you have to leave it on the ground,” he said.

“This is not your life, this is just a part of your life. So you can’t be when you are doing well you stay on the top and when you are not doing well, you are underground.”

Yadav’s leadership style is likely to be influenced by the experiences he has gained from playing under different captains. He has learned the importance of communication, adaptability, and decision-making.

As India embarks on a new chapter in its cricketing history, Yadav’s leadership will be crucial in shaping the team’s future. His experience, skills, and passion for the game make him an ideal candidate to lead India to success in the T20 format.

Sri Lanka Women Triumph in T20 World Cup Qualifier, Defeat Scotland by 68 Runs

Sri Lanka Women Triumph in T20 World Cup Qualifier, Defeat Scotland by 68 Runs

Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team emerged victorious in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024, defeating Scotland by a commanding 68 runs in the summit clash. The triumph secured their spot in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 169/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu led the charge with a scintillating century, smashing 102 runs off just 63 deliveries. Her innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, peppered with boundaries and sixes.

Scotland’s bowlers struggled to contain Athapaththu’s onslaught, with only Abtaha Maqsood managing to pick up a wicket. However, fortune smiled upon Athapaththu in the 17th over when she survived a close call. An inside edge saw the ball touch the stumps, but the bails remained intact, much to the dismay of Scotland’s wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce.

Chasing a challenging target of 170, Scotland’s openers Saskia Horley and Megan McColl started brightly, but their momentum was halted by the early dismissals of Horley and McColl. Skipper Bryce also fell cheaply, leaving Scotland in disarray at 23/4.

Priyanaz Chatterji attempted to revive Scotland’s chase with a brisk 30, but her efforts were in vain as Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained a tight grip on the game. Udeshika Prabodhani emerged as the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets, including the crucial scalp of Chatterji.

In the end, Scotland were restricted to 101/7, falling well short of Sri Lanka’s total. The victory not only secured Sri Lanka’s place in the Women’s T20 World Cup but also earned them a spot in Group A alongside Australia, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan.

Pakistan Opts to Field First in Crucial T20 Clash Against Ireland

Pakistan Opts to Field First in Crucial T20 Clash Against Ireland

Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, opted to field first after winning the toss in the second T20 international against Ireland at Clontarf. This crucial match holds significance for Pakistan, as a victory is essential to force a series decider.

Pakistan made a strategic change to their lineup, replacing Shadab Khan with Mohammad Amir. Ireland also implemented a change, with Graham Hume stepping in for Barry McCarthy, who experienced back spasms.

The toss was delayed by 45 minutes due to a sudden downpour, followed by intermittent drizzle that further postponed the start of play.

Ireland’s Batting Lineup:

1. Paul Stirling (captain)
2. Andrew Balbirnie
3. Lorcan Tucker (wicket-keeper)
4. Harry Tector
5. George Dockrell
6. Gareth Delany
7. Curtis Campher
8. Mark Adair
9. Graham Hume
10. Craig Young
11. Ben White

Pakistan’s Batting Lineup:

1. Babar Azam (captain)
2. Saim Ayub
3. Mohammad Rizwan
4. Fakhar Zaman
5. Azam Khan
6. Iftikhar Ahmed
7. Imad Wasim
8. Shaheen Afridi
9. Naseem Shah
10. Abbas Afridi
11. Mohammad Amir

With the series on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory. Pakistan will look to their experienced bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir, to restrict Ireland’s batting. Ireland, on the other hand, will rely on their top-order batsmen, such as Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie, to provide a solid foundation.

IPL's Impact on International Cricket: Financial Security and Skill Development

IPL’s Impact on International Cricket: Financial Security and Skill Development

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized the world of cricket, significantly impacting the careers of international players and reshaping the dynamics of the sport. Former Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan and New Zealand’s Ross Taylor have shared their perspectives on how the IPL has influenced players’ priorities and provided financial security, allowing them to focus solely on cricket.

Dilshan, who was part of the inaugural IPL in 2008, acknowledged the substantial financial rewards associated with playing T20 cricket in the league. He emphasized that the money earned from the IPL helped players set aside other concerns and concentrate exclusively on their cricketing pursuits. In many countries, the remuneration for cricketers is relatively modest, making the IPL an attractive proposition for players seeking financial stability.

“Playing T20 cricket involved a lot of money, and I know that our countries don’t pay that much money, but that money helped him to keep other problems aside and focus only on cricket. That’s an advantage, we can focus fully on cricket, everyone needs money to survive, and we’re only playing cricket now, not doing any other jobs. I think it’s a good deal, money is good for players and they can keep all problems aside and focus,” Dilshan told the 180 Not Out podcast.

Taylor echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the IPL’s role in providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world. This exposure has undoubtedly shaped the future of cricket in their respective countries.

“IPL is providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world, ultimately shaping the future of the sport in their country,” opined the former Kiwi batter.

During their IPL careers, Dilshan represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Royal Challengers Bengaluru), amassing 735 runs in 38 matches. Taylor, on the other hand, scored 1017 runs in 55 games while playing for four different franchises: RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors India.

The IPL has not only provided financial security for international players but has also allowed them to develop their skills and knowledge by playing alongside and against the world’s best. This has had a positive impact on the overall quality of cricket globally, as players have been able to learn from each other and implement new techniques and strategies.

India Dominates Bangladesh in Fourth Women's T20, Leads Series 4-0

India Dominates Bangladesh in Fourth Women’s T20, Leads Series 4-0

India continued its dominance over Bangladesh in the fourth women’s T20 match in Sylhet on May 6, securing a 56-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method. The match was shortened to 14 overs per side due to persistent rain and hail.

Harmanpreet Kaur (38) and Richa Ghosh (24) shared a crucial 44-run partnership to help India post a competitive 122 for six. Bangladesh, chasing 125 in 14 overs, struggled to keep up with the required run rate.

Opener Dilara Akter (21) provided some resistance, but the rest of the batters failed to reach double digits. India’s bowlers, led by Asha Sobhana (2/18), Deepti Sharma (2/22), Radha Yadav (1/15), and Pooja Vastrakar (1/16), restricted Bangladesh to 68 for seven.

India now leads the five-match series 4-0. The victory was particularly significant for Kaur, who played her 300th international game. She and Ghosh played key roles in boosting India’s total after a rain break.

Bangladesh’s batters, on the other hand, were unable to cope with the pressure of chasing a revised target. The Indian bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the hosts to score boundaries.

India’s victory extends their impressive record against Bangladesh in women’s T20 cricket. The team has now won 10 consecutive matches against their neighbors.

KL Rahul Breaks Silence on Strike Rate Debate, Addresses India Squad Omission

KL Rahul Breaks Silence on Strike Rate Debate, Addresses India Squad Omission

KL Rahul Breaks Silence on Strike Rate Debate, Addresses India Squad Omission

Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has addressed the ongoing debate surrounding strike rate in T20 cricket, following his team’s match against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Rahul, along with Virat Kohli, has faced criticism for their strike rates despite being among the top run-scorers in the tournament.

“There’s been a lot of talk about strike rate, and T20 cricket has changed a lot in the last couple of years,” Rahul said. “We have to adapt to the conditions and play according to the situation.”

Rahul’s comments come after he was omitted from the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Skipper Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited the need for middle-order batting options as the reason for selecting Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as wicket-keepers.

“I’m not a best reader of a wicket, we just like chasing,” Rahul added. “The good thing is we have been able to adapt really well and quickly to the conditions.”

In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Rahul won the toss and opted to field. He praised the performance of Venkatesh Iyer, who scored a crucial half-century for KKR.

“He (Venkatesh Iyer) got tremendous character and happy for the way he executed,” Rahul said. “It’s important to stay in the present.”

KKR captain Shreyas Iyer also expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defend their total.

“We would have bowled as well. Defending that total with five bowlers in the last game gives us a lot of confidence,” Iyer said. “There’s a lot of self-belief in the team.”

KL Rahul Omitted from India's T20 World Cup Squad, Lucknow Super Giants Expresses Support

KL Rahul Omitted from India’s T20 World Cup Squad, Lucknow Super Giants Expresses Support

KL Rahul Snubbed from India’s T20 World Cup Squad, Lucknow Super Giants Expresses Support

Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has been left out of India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. The selection committee opted for Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson as the designated wicketkeeper-batters, leaving no room for Rahul in the team.

Rahul’s exclusion has sparked widespread disappointment among fans and experts alike. The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), leading the team to the playoffs in their debut season.

Despite his strong performances, Rahul’s lack of recent international experience may have played a role in his omission. He has not played for India since the Asia Cup in September 2022, where he struggled with form and fitness.

The selection committee has also opted to leave Rahul out of the reserves list, which includes Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan. This decision suggests that the selectors do not believe Rahul is currently in contention for a place in the team.

Following the announcement of the squad, Lucknow Super Giants took to social media to express their support for Rahul. The franchise posted a message stating that Rahul remains their “No.1” despite his exclusion from the Indian team.

Rahul’s omission has raised questions about the selection criteria used by the committee. Some critics argue that his IPL performances should have been given more weight, while others believe that his recent international form justified his exclusion.

Regardless of the reasons for his omission, Rahul’s absence from the T20 World Cup squad is a significant blow to India’s chances of success. He is a proven match-winner and his experience and leadership would have been invaluable in the high-pressure environment of a global tournament.

Virat Kohli's T20 Numbers: A Closer Look

Virat Kohli’s T20 Numbers: A Closer Look

Virat Kohli’s T20 form has been a subject of intense debate, with his strike rate and approach under scrutiny. However, a closer examination of his numbers reveals a more nuanced picture.

In the ongoing IPL 2024, Kohli is leading the run charts with 500 runs at an average of 71.42 and a strike rate of 147. His middle-overs strike rate (137.17) is his highest since 2016, when he scored 973 runs. Against spin in the middle overs, he has struck at 138.4, his best in years.

Kohli’s power-play strike rate (154.43) is also at an all-time high. He has scored 244 runs in this phase, with 29 fours and 10 sixes. His death overs strike rate (168.00) is decent, though he has not had many opportunities to play in this phase.

Overall, Kohli’s strike rate against pace (157.69) is his highest since 2023. Against spin, his strike rate (135.66) is lower than in previous seasons, but still respectable.

Despite the mixed debates, Kohli’s numbers suggest that he remains a formidable T20 batter. His ability to anchor innings, accelerate when needed, and perform under pressure make him a valuable asset to any team.

KL Rahul's T20 Evolution: Guided by the Greats

KL Rahul’s T20 Evolution: Guided by the Greats

KL Rahul’s T20 Evolution: Guidance from the Greats

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul has attributed his growth as a T20 cricketer to the invaluable mentorship he received from some of the game’s legends. In an interview with Star Sports’ Captains Speak, Rahul acknowledged the profound impact of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Kane Williamson on his understanding of the format.

Rahul’s journey to T20 mastery was not without its challenges. It took him several years to fully grasp the nuances of the game. However, his time spent with Kohli and de Villiers at Royal Challengers Bengaluru proved to be a transformative experience.

“T20 gets over very quickly, you don’t get much time,” Rahul explained. “It took me 2-3 years to understand how I can bat in T20 and how I can be successful. Just being around really great players in the IPL helped me.”

While he may not have engaged in extensive conversations with Kohli and de Villiers, Rahul’s keen observation of their preparation, mindset, and approach to the game proved invaluable. “I was with them in RCB. I used to see how they prepared, how they were playing their cricket, and what their mindset was. Sometimes I would go and talk to them, ask them questions. That really helped me,” he said.

Rahul also highlighted the influence of Kane Williamson during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Kane Williamson is another guy. With Sunrisers, I spent a lot of time with him. And just by talking to people, I found my own way. Earlier, I used to feel nervous about the game, but I ended up getting my highest score.”

In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Rahul has been in scintillating form, amassing 378 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries and a highest score of 82. His performances have not only been impressive with the bat but also behind the stumps, solidifying his credentials as a potential wicket-keeping option for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

As the captain of LSG, Rahul has led his team to five victories, proving his leadership qualities and determination to guide his side to the playoffs. The right-hander’s next challenge lies ahead as LSG prepare to face Mumbai Indians in the 48th match of IPL 2024 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart