Jonathan Campbell Set for Zimbabwe Debut in Bangladesh T20I Series

Jonathan Campbell Set for Zimbabwe Debut in Bangladesh T20I Series

Jonathan Campbell, the son of former Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell, is poised to make his international debut in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing on May 3. The 26-year-old all-rounder, who bowls legspin, was a key member of Zimbabwe’s emerging team that triumphed at the 13th African Games in March 2024.

Campbell’s impressive performance at the African Games included 115 runs from four innings at a strike rate of 126.37. While he was not required to bowl extensively, he did claim a wicket in his two overs. Two of Campbell’s teammates from the African Games, Clive Madande and Brian Bennett, have already represented Zimbabwe at the senior level and have retained their places for this tour.

Sikandar Raza will continue to lead the Zimbabwean squad, which boasts experienced players such as Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Richard Ngarava, and Blessing Muzarabani. Top-order batter Tadiwanashe Marumani and all-rounder Faraz Akram have been recalled to the side after missing the T20Is in Sri Lanka, which Zimbabwe lost 1-2.

The series against Bangladesh will commence in Chattogram, which will host the first three games on May 3, 5, and 7. The final two matches will be played in Dhaka on May 10 and 12.

Imad Wasim's T20I Exclusion Sparks Controversy

Imad Wasim’s T20I Exclusion Sparks Controversy

Imad Wasim’s Exclusion from Pakistan T20I Team Raises Questions

Former Pakistan cricketers have expressed their bewilderment over the omission of all-rounder Imad Wasim from the team for the first T20I against New Zealand. Wasim, who recently came out of retirement, was expected to play a key role in the team’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket, Wasim was left out of the playing eleven, sparking criticism from former players. Iqbal Qasim, a former Test player, questioned the logic behind the decision, stating that Wasim should have played instead of Shadab Khan.

Mohsin Khan, a former player and chief selector, emphasized the importance of giving players like Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who also came out of retirement, ample playing time to regain their form. He believes that they need to overcome the “rustiness” of not playing international cricket for an extended period.

It is speculated that the decision to exclude Wasim may be related to his strained relationship with Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Azam is said to have left the Karachi Kings franchise in the Pakistan Super League due to Wasim’s presence.

Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has claimed that Wasim retired from international cricket after feeling mistreated by the team management, including Azam.

Despite the controversy surrounding Wasim’s omission, cricket analyst Omar Alavi believes that Azam must make decisions based on merit and situational requirements. He emphasized that Azam has a second chance to create his legacy as Pakistan captain and must ensure that selections are made fairly.

Pakistan will face New Zealand, Ireland, and England in a series of T20Is in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. The team will be looking to maximize their preparations and build momentum ahead of the tournament.

India Women's Cricket Team Announces Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series

India Women’s Cricket Team Announces Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series

India’s women’s cricket team has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on April 28. The squad features two notable inclusions in S Sajana and S Asha, who have earned their maiden India call-ups.

Sajana, a hard-hitting batter, emerged as one of Mumbai’s breakout stars in the recently concluded Women’s Premier League (WPL). Her ability to accelerate the innings in the latter stages was instrumental in Mumbai’s success. Asha, on the other hand, became the first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in the WPL. She finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament, showcasing her impressive bowling skills.

The squad also includes the return of experienced all-rounder D Hemalatha and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav. Hemalatha last played a T20I in September 2022, while Yadav’s last appearance came at the T20 World Cup in South Africa last year.

The composition of the squad aligns with captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s stated goal of providing opportunities to top performers ahead of the T20 World Cup, scheduled for September-October in Bangladesh.

Jemimah Rodrigues, a key member of the Indian team, will miss the Bangladesh tour due to a back niggle. She is currently undergoing treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The decision to rest Rodrigues is precautionary, considering the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The squad is predominantly spin-heavy, reflecting the expected conditions in Bangladesh. Deepti Sharma will lead the spin attack, supported by Shreyanka Patil, Saika Ishaque, Asha, and Radha Yadav. Renuka Singh Thakur and Titas Sadhu are the two frontline pacers, with Pooja Vastrakar and Amanjot Kaur providing seam-bowling options.

Richa Ghosh is expected to be the first-choice wicketkeeper, while Yastika Bhatia, who has impressed as a pure batter, is likely to serve as a backup.

India will be aiming to continue their dominance over Bangladesh in T20Is. In their previous encounter in July 2022, India won the series 2-1.

USA Completes 4-0 Sweep of Canada in T20I Series

USA Completes 4-0 Sweep of Canada in T20I Series

USA’s Corey Anderson and Nitish Kumar led their team to a 4-0 series sweep over Canada in the T20I series, with a thrilling four-wicket victory at Prairie View.

Chasing 169, USA faced an early setback, losing three wickets for just nine runs. However, Anderson and Kumar steadied the innings with a 104-run partnership. Anderson, in his second match for USA, anchored the chase with a 48-ball 55, including two sixes and six fours. Kumar was more aggressive, scoring a 38-ball 64 with four sixes and four fours.

After Anderson’s dismissal, Nitish and Shadley van Schalkwyk fell in quick succession. But Harmeet Singh and Nisarg Patel calmly guided USA to victory in the final over.

For Canada, Harsh Thaker was the standout performer, scoring 38 runs and taking two wickets. Other batters made starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores.

Canada’s innings was characterized by a series of partnerships, with no batter able to dominate. Thaker’s 24-ball 38, which included three sixes, was the highest individual score.

Despite Canada’s efforts, USA’s bowling attack proved too strong. Rishiv Joshi dismissed Andries Gous with the second ball of the innings, while Saad Bin Zafar removed Aaron Jones and Gajanand Singh in the second over.

However, Anderson and Kumar’s partnership proved decisive, as USA once again demonstrated their superiority over Canada in the series.

New Zealand Cricket Team Arrives in Islamabad for T20I Series Against Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket Team Arrives in Islamabad for T20I Series Against Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket Team Arrives in Islamabad for T20I Series Against Pakistan

The New Zealand men’s cricket team has arrived in Islamabad, Pakistan, ahead of their highly anticipated five-match T20I series against the hosts. The series, which commences on April 18, will serve as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extended a warm welcome to the New Zealand team on social media, announcing their arrival in Islamabad. With the T20 World Cup approaching, both New Zealand and Pakistan are eager to fine-tune their squads and evaluate players for the marquee event.

New Zealand, currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, has entrusted the leadership duties to experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell for this tour. Bracewell, who has been sidelined due to injuries, returns to international cricket after a hiatus since March last year.

On the other hand, Pakistan will be led by the prolific Babar Azam, who recently reclaimed the captaincy of the white-ball format from Shaheen Afridi. The inclusion of star pacer Mohammad Amir and all-rounder Imad Wasim, who reversed their retirements, adds significant depth to Pakistan’s squad for the series.

The T20I series between New Zealand and Pakistan promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams. Both sides will be looking to gain momentum and build confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup. The series will also provide an opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake a claim for a place in their respective World Cup squads.

USA Cricket Names Corey Anderson in Squad for Canada T20I Series

USA Cricket Names Corey Anderson in Squad for Canada T20I Series

The United States Cricket Team (USACT) has unveiled its 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Canada, with former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson as a notable inclusion. Anderson, 33, last represented New Zealand in 2018 and has since been aiming to qualify for his adopted country.

Monank Patel will continue to lead the USACT, with Aaron Jones serving as vice-captain. The series holds significant importance for the team as it prepares for the T20 World Cup, which they will co-host with the West Indies in June.

Despite Patel’s statement about new players joining the squad, the majority of the team consists of experienced individuals. Anderson, who played 13 Tests, 49 ODIs, and 31 T20Is for New Zealand, brings a wealth of knowledge to the side. He was also part of the New Zealand team that reached the final of the 2015 World Cup.

Other notable players in the squad include Gajanand Singh, Jessy Singh, Steven Taylor, Nisarg Patel, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Usman Rafiq. While some players like Andries Gous, Harmeet Singh, Nitish Kumar, Milind Kumar, and Shadley van Schalkwyk have not played international cricket, they possess significant first-class and T20 experience.

South Africa-born wicketkeeper-batter Gous, who relocated to the USA in 2021, will be eligible to play for the team in April, making him available for the T20 World Cup. He has played 60 first-class games, 57 List-A matches, and 46 T20s, including a stint with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20.

The matches against Canada will be played at the Prairie View Cricket Complex, with the USACT arriving on April 1 to begin preparations. Both Canada and the USA are in Group A of the T20 World Cup, along with India, Ireland, and Pakistan. They will face each other in the tournament opener on June 2 in Dallas, Texas.

Aaron Finch Slams Critics Questioning Virat Kohli's T20I Place

Aaron Finch Slams Critics Questioning Virat Kohli’s T20I Place

Aaron Finch, the former Australian captain, has vehemently defended Virat Kohli’s place in India’s T20I setup, dismissing criticism of the star batter as “the biggest rubbish I have ever heard.”

As the ICC T20 World Cup approaches, debates have intensified over Kohli’s suitability for modern T20 cricket. Some have questioned his conservative approach, arguing that it does not align with the aggressive style prevalent in the format.

However, Finch believes that Kohli’s experience and proven track record make him an indispensable asset to the Indian team. “He is the greatest white ball player I have ever seen,” Finch declared. “It does not matter if he strikes at 140 and other guys strike at 160. When you pick up a team, you pick up a guy who gets the job done day in and day out for his team during big games.”

Kohli’s recent performances have silenced his critics. In his previous IPL game against Punjab Kings, he smashed a majestic 77 off 49 balls, striking at over 157. He also took on bowlers aggressively during the middle overs, showcasing his adaptability to different situations.

Kohli’s impressive T20I resume further supports Finch’s argument. He is the highest run-getter in the format, with 4,037 runs in 117 matches at an average of 51.75 and a strike rate of 138. He is also the leading run-scorer in IPL history, with 7,361 runs in 239 matches.

In the ICC T20 World Cup, Kohli is the most decorated batter and its leading run-scorer. He has scored 1,141 runs in 27 matches at an average of 81.50 and a strike rate of 131.30. He was the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in 2014 and 2016, when India finished as runners-up and semifinalists, respectively.

Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure and his consistent contributions to the team make him a valuable asset for India. As Finch rightly pointed out, his experience and proven track record should outweigh any concerns about his strike rate.

Bangladesh Makes Three Changes to T20I Squad for Australia Series

Bangladesh Makes Three Changes to T20I Squad for Australia Series

Bangladesh’s T20I Squad for Australia Series Undergoes Changes

Bangladesh’s T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against Australia has undergone three changes from the ODI series, which the visitors won convincingly 3-0. Fargana Hoque, Disha Biswas, and Nishita Akter have been replaced by Dilara Akter, Fariha Trisna, and Shorifa Khatun.

Fargana, who had scores of 0, 7, and 5 in the three ODIs, has been omitted from the squad. Dilara Akter, a wicketkeeper-batter, has been brought in as her replacement. Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed believes that Dilara has the talent to succeed in the T20 format.

Fariha Trisna, a left-arm pacer, has been included in the squad to add variety to the bowling attack. She replaces Disha Biswas, who was part of the ODI squad. Shorifa Khatun, an all-rounder who bowls off-spin and bats in the late order, has also been added to the squad. She is seen as a potential T20 specialist.

The three T20Is will be held at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on March 31, April 2, and April 4. All three matches will start at 12:00pm local time.

England's Sarah Glenn Ruled Out of T20I and ODI Series with Concussion

England’s Sarah Glenn Ruled Out of T20I and ODI Series with Concussion

England’s T20I and ODI campaign against New Zealand has been dealt a blow with the news that legspinner Sarah Glenn has been ruled out due to concussion. Glenn sustained the injury during the third T20I in Nelson, where she landed heavily after dropping a catch.

Despite initially staying on the field and bowling the next over, Glenn was eventually substituted out for Holly Armitage at the change of innings. She missed the fourth T20I in Wellington and will now miss at least the first two ODIs as she follows the ECB’s Graded Return to Play Protocols.

Glenn’s absence is a significant loss for England, as she is a key member of their spin attack. However, the team was able to replace her with Sophie Ecclestone in Wellington, who returned to the squad after featuring in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

Alongside Ecclestone, Danni Wyatt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Alice Capsey also became available for the fourth T20I, which England won by a commanding 47 runs to wrap up the series.

Offspinner Charlie Dean claimed four wickets in the fourth T20I, and with Ecclestone and Glenn also available, England could field a formidable spin attack for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, New Zealand have an injury concern of their own after captain Sophie Devine sustained a quad strain in Wellington. Devine was limited to one over and did not bat, and will undergo an MRI scan on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury.

“Probably just a small niggle,” Devine said. “Just looking ahead with the one-dayers being really important with WC [World Championship] points. I probably wanted to get back out there but someone with a bit more of a rational brain kept me off.”

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.

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