Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

Dawid Malan Retires from International Cricket at 37

Dawid Malan, England’s former top-ranked T20I batter, has bid farewell to international cricket at the age of 37. Malan, who represented England in 22 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, is one of only two English batters (alongside Jos Buttler) to have scored centuries in all three formats.

Malan’s international breakthrough came on the 2017-18 Ashes tour, where he scored his only Test century, a gritty 140 in partnership with Jonny Bairstow at Perth. However, it was in the T20I format that he truly made his mark.

In September 2020, Malan ascended to the top of the ICC’s T20I batting rankings. The following March, he became the fastest men’s player to reach 1000 runs in the format, achieving the milestone in just 24 innings. He was also a member of England’s T20 World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2022.

Despite his success in T20Is, Malan’s ODI career took longer to take off. However, he seized his opportunity when it came, scoring five ODI centuries in the space of 15 innings between June 2022 and September 2023. This impressive run of form earned him a place in England’s 2023 World Cup squad.

Reflecting on his career, Malan expressed both pride and regret. He acknowledged that he had “exceeded all expectations” in white-ball formats but admitted that his inability to establish himself consistently in Test cricket was a disappointment.

Malan’s departure from international cricket is likely to open up opportunities for younger players. He is expected to remain in high demand on the T20 franchise circuit, having recently played for Oval Invincibles in the Men’s Hundred and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.

West Indies Sweep South Africa 3-0 in T20I Series

West Indies Sweep South Africa 3-0 in T20I Series

The West Indies cricket team celebrated a resounding 3-0 series sweep against South Africa in the T20 International series, culminating in an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the final match at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The match was marred by rain, but the West Indies emerged triumphant, showcasing their resilience and dominance on home soil.

Shai Hope led the charge for the West Indies, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 24 deliveries. Nicholas Pooran provided valuable support with a rapid 35 off 13 balls. The revised target of 116 in 13 overs, set by the Duckworth-Lewis method, proved to be no match for the West Indies’ aggressive batting approach. They reached the target in a mere 9.2 overs, hitting nine sixes and seven fours in the process.

South Africa, batting first in the rain-shortened game, managed to post a modest 108-4 in their allotted 13 overs. Romario Shepherd’s disciplined bowling played a crucial role in restricting South Africa’s scoring, earning him the Man of the Match award. Shepherd’s two overs yielded just 14 runs and two wickets.

The West Indies’ victory was a testament to their aggressive batting strategy in the shortened game. Captain Roston Chase praised his team’s performance, saying, “We wanted to win the series 3-0. In a shortened game, we want guys to go and play their natural game. The guys came out and played brilliantly.”

South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the challenges faced by his team but remained optimistic about future improvement. “Tough one today,” Markram admitted. “Probably got the tougher of the conditions. That being said, we can improve as a team. It’s going to take a little bit of time; there’s a bit we can take from it, but it’s never great to lose.”

The series win marks a resurgence for the West Indies, who displayed their resilience and skill to dominate South Africa and complete the clean sweep. It is a significant achievement for the team, who had previously suffered a disappointing loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup.

West Indies Opt to Bowl First in Series Finale Against South Africa

West Indies Opt to Bowl First in Series Finale Against South Africa

In the final match of the T20I series between West Indies and South Africa, the hosts opted to bowl first after winning the toss. With the series already secured, West Indies made several changes to their lineup, including appointing Roston Chase as captain in place of Rovman Powell.

West Indies brought back experienced seamer Obed McCoy and introduced spinner Fabian Allen into the team. This move meant sacrificing a batter, with Sherfane Rutherford making way for Shimron Hetmyer. South Africa also made changes, handing a debut to Jason Smith and giving Wiaan Mulder his first outing of the series.

The match was delayed by an hour due to rain, but the skies cleared in time for play to begin at 4pm local time. West Indies’ lineup featured Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, and Obed McCoy.

South Africa’s team consisted of Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Ottneil Baartman, Lizaad Williams, and Kwena Maphaka.

Hong Kong Spinner Ehsan Khan Makes History with 100 T20I Wickets

Hong Kong Spinner Ehsan Khan Makes History with 100 T20I Wickets

Ehsan Khan, the seasoned Hong Kong spinner, has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first bowler from his country to claim 100 wickets in T20 Internationals. This remarkable achievement was accomplished during the ongoing Malaysia Tri-Nation T20 Cup Tournament, where Khan’s 4-28 against hosts Malaysia propelled Hong Kong to a seven-run victory.

Khan’s journey to this milestone has been marked by memorable performances. In the 2018 Asia Cup, he stunned the cricketing world by dismissing Indian legend M.S. Dhoni for a duck and claiming the wicket of Rohit Sharma, who later led India to the T20 World Cup title. In the same tournament, Khan also dismissed Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, the current captain.

Khan’s ability to deceive batsmen with his off-break deliveries has been instrumental in his success. His best bowling figures of 4-22 highlight his consistency and effectiveness. In the match against Malaysia, Khan’s four wickets played a crucial role in restricting the hosts to 146/7, despite Hong Kong’s modest total of 153/6.

Hong Kong Cricket celebrated Khan’s historic achievement with heartfelt messages on social media. “100 T20I wickets for the inspirational Ehsan Khan! Congratulations on such a legendary achievement!” the organization posted on Instagram and Twitter.

Khan’s achievement is a testament to his skill, determination, and the growing strength of cricket in Hong Kong. As an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council, Hong Kong’s success on the international stage is a source of pride and inspiration for the nation.

South Africa Opt to Bowl First in Crucial T20I Against West Indies

South Africa Opt to Bowl First in Crucial T20I Against West Indies

In a crucial match that could determine the series outcome, South Africa opted to field first against West Indies in the second T20I in Trinidad. Aiden Markram, captaining his 50th T20I, made the decision under warm and sunny conditions.

South Africa made a single change to their lineup, replacing left-arm seamer Nandre Burger with right-arm seamer Lizaad Williams. Teenager Kwena Maphaka retained his spot after a promising debut, while Wiaan Mulder and Jason Smith remained on the sidelines.

West Indies, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged XI from the first game. This meant that experienced pacer Obed McCoy was once again omitted, with Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph leading the bowling attack.

The West Indies will be confident in their ability to restrict South Africa after reducing them to 42 for 5 in the series opener. However, a record sixth-wicket partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Patrick Kruger propelled South Africa to a respectable total.

West Indies successfully chased down the target with 13 balls to spare, completing the highest successful chase at the venue. They will be eager to replicate their batting performance and secure the series victory with a game to spare.

Shikhar Dhawan Retires: A Legacy of Excellence in Limited-Overs Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan Retires: A Legacy of Excellence in Limited-Overs Cricket

Shikhar Dhawan, the enigmatic southpaw batter, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His journey, spanning over a decade, has been a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game.

Dhawan’s international debut in 2010 was a humble affair, dismissed for a duck against Australia. However, it was a mere blip in his illustrious career. In 2013, he announced his arrival on the global stage with a blistering 187 against the same opposition, earning him the moniker “Gabbar” and his signature “thigh celebration.”

Dhawan’s true calling lay in limited-overs cricket. In 167 ODIs, he amassed 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His swashbuckling style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a formidable force in the middle order.

In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. His aggressive batting and quick reflexes made him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.

Dhawan’s leadership qualities were also evident, as he occasionally captained the Indian team in white-ball cricket. He led the team to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, further cementing his legacy as a successful skipper.

Despite facing setbacks and being dropped from the team in 2014, Dhawan’s determination never wavered. He fought his way back into the side and became the fastest to reach 6000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in just 141 matches.

Dhawan’s contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his batting prowess. He was crowned Player of the Tournament in the U-19 World Cup 2004, Champions Trophy 2013, and Asia Cup 2018, showcasing his all-round abilities.

As Dhawan hangs up his boots, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game. His impact on Indian cricket will be felt for years to come, inspiring generations of young cricketers to strive for greatness.

Pooran's Pyrotechnics Power West Indies to T20I Win

Pooran’s Pyrotechnics Power West Indies to T20I Win

Nicholas Pooran’s blistering knock of 65 runs off just 26 deliveries propelled West Indies to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening match of their three-match Twenty20 International series in Trinidad.

After South Africa, missing several regular players, posted a respectable 174-7 in their 20 overs, the West Indies openers, Alick Athanaze and Shai Hope, laid the foundation for the chase with an 84-run partnership. Athanaze contributed 40 runs off 30 balls, while Hope scored 51 off 36 deliveries.

However, it was Pooran who stole the show with his explosive innings. The left-hander smashed seven sixes and two fours, finishing the match in style with a boundary off the final delivery. His innings overshadowed the efforts of Tristan Stubbs (76 off 42 balls) and Patrick Kruger (44 off 32 balls), who had earlier rescued South Africa from a precarious position.

South Africa’s innings had started poorly, with the tourists slumping to 42-5. But Stubbs and Kruger combined for a 71-run sixth-wicket partnership to give their team a fighting total.

For the West Indies, Matthew Forde was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-27, while Shamar Joseph claimed 2-40.

The victory gives West Indies a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second match scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.

Hazlewood Out of Scotland T20Is, Meredith Called Up

Hazlewood Out of Scotland T20Is, Meredith Called Up

Josh Hazlewood’s calf strain has ruled him out of Australia’s T20I series against Scotland next month, adding to the team’s injury woes. Riley Meredith has been called up as his replacement.

Hazlewood sustained the injury during training last week, and while it is described as minor, the selectors are likely to take a cautious approach ahead of a busy home summer that includes five Tests against India. He is expected to be available for the T20Is and ODIs against England later in September.

Meredith, who last played for Australia in 2021, has been in impressive form for Somerset in England’s white-ball competitions. He has taken 14 wickets in the T20 Blast and six in the one-day cup, including a match-winning 4 for 27 against Middlesex at Lord’s.

Hazlewood’s absence is the second blow to Australia’s pace attack, with Spencer Johnson also ruled out with a side strain. The pace attack for the Scotland series will now feature Meredith, Xavier Bartlett, Sean Abbott, and Nathan Ellis, alongside allrounders Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, and Marcus Stoinis. Adam Zampa and the uncapped Cooper Connolly will provide the spin.

Hazlewood was the only one of Australia’s “big three” quicks initially included for the full tour of the UK. Mitchell Starc will feature in the ODIs against England, while Pat Cummins is missing the entire trip to focus on strength and conditioning ahead of the home summer.

“The priority at the moment is to smash out some gym work and start reassessing in a few weeks a path forward,” Cummins said last week. “I’m just trying to fill up the bucket again after two years of non-stop bowling. [Hoping] come that first Test [against India] in as good of a position as I have been in for a few years.”

Australia fly out to Scotland on Monday with the first T20I taking place in Edinburgh on September 4.

West Indies Opt to Bowl First in T20I Opener Against South Africa

West Indies Opt to Bowl First in T20I Opener Against South Africa

West Indies captain Rovman Powell elected to bowl first against South Africa in the opening T20I at the Brian Lara Academy. However, heavy rain delayed the start of play, postponing the debut of 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka, South Africa’s youngest debutant since Victor Mpitsang in 1999.

Maphaka’s inclusion came after Lungi Ngidi was ruled out with a calf injury. South Africa fielded an experimental lineup, with Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks opening the batting and Rassie van der Dussen batting at No. 5. Donovan Ferreria and Patrick Kruger provided all-round options, while Bjorn Fortuin was the lone specialist spinner.

West Indies opted for a more traditional approach, with Shai Hope and Alick Athanaze opening the batting, followed by Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, and Powell. Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, and Shamar Joseph completed the lineup.

The match marked the first time that West Indies had played a T20I at the Brian Lara Academy. The venue, named after the legendary West Indian batsman, has hosted several regional matches but had not previously been used for international cricket.

The rain delay ultimately forced the match to be reduced to 15 overs per side. South Africa posted a competitive total of 160/6, with Hendricks top-scoring with 42. West Indies, in reply, fell short by 13 runs, despite a valiant effort from Hope (35) and Rutherford (33).

The second T20I of the series will be played on Sunday, June 26, at the same venue.

Marcus Trescothick Appointed Interim England White-Ball Head Coach

Marcus Trescothick Appointed Interim England White-Ball Head Coach

Marcus Trescothick, England’s assistant coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Australia. However, Trescothick remains undecided about his long-term aspirations for the white-ball role.

Trescothick, who is currently assisting the Test team in their series against Sri Lanka, will join the white-ball squads at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton after the third Test at The Oval. The T20I series against Australia commences on September 11, just 24 hours after the scheduled conclusion of the Test match.

Despite having no prior experience as a head coach, Trescothick has expressed interest in transitioning to the role. He served as an assistant coach at Somerset for 18 months following his retirement as a player in 2019 and has been part of England’s coaching staff since 2021.

Trescothick’s close relationship with Jos Buttler, the white-ball captain, from their time together at Somerset will be an asset in his new role. Buttler, who has recovered from a calf injury, could feature for Lancashire in their T20 Blast quarter-final against Sussex on September 4.

The ECB has yet to formally advertise the white-ball head coach position vacated by Matthew Mott’s dismissal earlier this month. However, Trescothick could emerge as a strong contender if England performs well against Australia. Kumar Sangakkara is considered the early favorite, but his interest remains unconfirmed.

Andrew Flintoff, who recently coached the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, could also be a potential candidate. However, he will not reprise his role in England’s coaching staff against Australia due to reported compatibility issues with Buttler.

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