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.

New Zealand Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Win Over England in T20I Thriller

New Zealand Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Win Over England in T20I Thriller

New Zealand’s dramatic three-run victory over England in the third T20I kept the series alive, thanks to a captain’s performance from Sophie Devine and a late collapse from the visitors.

Devine led the charge with a blistering 60 off 37 balls, while Amelia Kerr contributed 44* as New Zealand posted 155 for 3. England appeared to be cruising towards victory with Maia Bouchier’s 71, but Devine’s dismissal of Bouchier sparked a middle-order meltdown.

Kerr ran out Heather Knight and removed Amy Jones, leaving England needing eight off the last over. Suzie Bates, bowling her first over of the match, held her nerve to secure the win for New Zealand.

The final over was filled with drama, as Devine’s penultimate delivery looked to be a wide but was not called. England needed eight off the last ball, and Bates delivered, removing Holly Armitage and then Charlie Dean to seal the victory.

Devine and Kerr had earlier laid the foundation for New Zealand’s total, adding 99 for the third wicket. Devine’s fifty came off 30 balls, while Kerr remained unbeaten on 44*.

Bouchier gave England a strong start with her maiden T20I fifty, but her dismissal proved to be the turning point. Tammy Beaumont and Bouchier had put on 92 for the second wicket, but New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip after Beaumont’s departure.

England’s attack suffered a setback when Sarah Glenn was forced off the field after failing a concussion test. Her absence will be a blow, but the return of Sophie Ecclestone in the fourth match will provide some compensation.

Imad Wasim Reverses Retirement, Available for Pakistan T20I Selection

Imad Wasim Reverses Retirement, Available for Pakistan T20I Selection

Pakistan’s versatile all-rounder Imad Wasim has reversed his retirement from T20I cricket, making himself available for selection ahead of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

In a statement on social media, Wasim expressed his delight at declaring his availability for Pakistan in the T20I format leading up to the World Cup. However, he clarified that his availability does not extend beyond the tournament, which begins on June 1.

Wasim’s return to the international fold comes after a successful 2024 Pakistan Super League (PSL) season, where he played a pivotal role in Islamabad United’s title triumph. His impressive performances, including a five-wicket haul in the final, sparked speculation about his potential return to the national team.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly approached Wasim earlier this week to reconsider his retirement, and the all-rounder agreed without any conditions.

Wasim’s all-round abilities and his impressive record in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) make him a valuable asset for Pakistan. In the CPL, he has amassed 61 wickets at an average of 18.88 and an economy rate of 6.20.

With the majority of the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled to be played in the West Indies, Wasim’s experience in the CPL could prove invaluable for Pakistan.

While Wasim is not currently interested in a central contract, his availability until the T20 World Cup represents a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved.

Wasim has represented Pakistan in 66 T20Is, scoring 486 runs at a strike rate of 131.70 and claiming 65 wickets with an economy of 6.26. His return to the national team is expected to bolster Pakistan’s chances of success in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Litton Das Stuns with No-Look Run-Out in Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka T20I

Litton Das Stuns with No-Look Run-Out in Bangladesh vs. Sri Lanka T20I

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das showcased his exceptional fielding skills with a stunning no-look run-out during the third and final T20I against Sri Lanka in Sylhet on Saturday. The incident occurred on the final ball of Sri Lanka’s innings, leaving fans in awe of Das’s quick thinking and agility.

As Dasun Shanaka and Sadeera Samarawickrama attempted to steal a couple of runs, Shanaka flicked Mustafizur Rahman’s delivery towards mid-on. The pair completed the first run successfully, but Shanaka’s eagerness to complete the second proved costly.

Rishad Hossain’s throw at the striker’s end was slightly off target, but Litton displayed remarkable awareness to collect the ball and execute a no-look run-out. His swift and precise action reminded fans of former India captain MS Dhoni, renowned for his no-look run-outs throughout his illustrious career.

Litton’s exceptional fielding effort was a highlight of the match, which saw Sri Lanka emerge victorious by 28 runs. Nuwan Thushara’s maiden over hat-trick and Kusal Mendis’ career-best 86 played pivotal roles in Sri Lanka’s triumph.

Despite late efforts from Rishad Hossain and Taskin Ahmed, Bangladesh were bowled out for 146 in the final over. Mendis’ 55-ball knock of six fours and six sixes guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total of 174-7.

Thushara’s hat-trick, dismissing Najmul Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, and Mahmudullah Riyad, proved decisive in restricting Bangladesh’s chase. The Sri Lankan bowler expressed his delight at his first-ever hat-trick, acknowledging its significance in the team’s victory.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain praised Thushara’s exceptional bowling performance, crediting it as a key factor in Sri Lanka’s success. The tour will continue with the first of three one-day internationals in Chittagong on March 15.

Afghanistan Veteran Noor Ali Zadran Retires from International Cricket

Afghanistan Veteran Noor Ali Zadran Retires from International Cricket

Noor Ali Zadran Retires from International Cricket, Ends Illustrious Decade-Long Career

Veteran Afghanistan batter Noor Ali Zadran has bid farewell to international cricket, concluding a remarkable career that spanned over a decade. The 35-year-old, known for his explosive batting, played his final match in the Test against Ireland at the Tolerance Oval last week.

Zadran’s international journey began in 2009 when he made his ODI debut against Scotland, scoring a blistering 45 off just 28 deliveries. He went on to represent Afghanistan in 51 ODIs, amassing 1,273 runs with 11 half-centuries.

In the T20I format, Zadran made his debut in 2010 and played 23 matches, scoring 456 runs. His most memorable innings came at the 2010 T20 World Cup against India, where he scored a crucial half-century in Afghanistan’s first-ever World Cup appearance.

Zadran’s Test debut came earlier this year against Sri Lanka. He received his maiden Test cap from his nephew and teammate Ibrahim Zadran. In his two Test matches, he scored 101 runs, including a half-century.

Throughout his career, Zadran was known for his aggressive batting style and ability to score runs quickly. He was a key member of the Afghanistan team that achieved Test status in 2018 and played a significant role in their rise in international cricket.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) paid tribute to Zadran’s contributions, stating, “Top-order batter @NoorAliZadran decided to call time on his international cricket. He has represented #AfghanAtalan in 2 Tests, 51 ODIs, and 23 T20Is and has scored 1930 runs with 11 fifties and a hundred to his name.”

Zadran’s retirement marks the end of an era for Afghanistan cricket. He was one of the pioneers of the team’s success and will be remembered as a legend of the sport in his country.

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