Sarah Glenn Ready to Spin England to T20 World Cup Glory

Sarah Glenn Ready to Spin England to T20 World Cup Glory

England’s Sarah Glenn, having overcome a concussion, is eager to resume her role as a key spinner in the team’s preparations for the T20 World Cup. The leg-spinner missed the latter part of the New Zealand series due to a head injury but has since regained fitness and played in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.

Glenn, alongside Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean, forms a formidable spin trio for England. They will face a stern test against Pakistan in a three-match T20I series starting on Saturday. The series will serve as a crucial build-up to the World Cup in Bangladesh in October.

While Glenn, Ecclestone, and Dean are the established spinners, they are aware of the competition from Linsey Smith, who has returned to the England squad after a five-year absence. Smith’s impressive performance in a warm-up match against Pakistan has kept her in contention.

Glenn acknowledges the competitive nature of the team and the pressure to maintain her place. She believes that the trio of spinners must continue to perform consistently to retain their spots.

Despite the focus on the World Cup, Glenn remains cautious about the conditions in Bangladesh. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to the unfamiliar pitches and communicating effectively as a bowling unit.

The Pakistan series will provide England with valuable experience against different batters and prepare them for the challenges they will face in the World Cup. Glenn is excited to see how the pitches play and is confident that the team will continue to develop their game in the lead-up to the tournament.

Indian Women's Cricket Team Aims for Composure in T20 World Cup

Indian Women’s Cricket Team Aims for Composure in T20 World Cup

Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, has expressed her desire to maintain the composure displayed by her team during their recent 5-0 series sweep against Bangladesh in Sylhet when they return for the T20 World Cup in October.

Unlike their previous encounter in Bangladesh in July 2023, which was marred by controversy, India’s recent performance was marked by several positives. “The calmness all the players showed in the series is something I would like to take to the World Cup,” Harmanpreet said after their 21-run victory in the fifth T20I.

Harmanpreet’s return to form was a significant highlight of the series. After struggling with low scores in the white-ball series against Australia, she scored 30 or more in three out of four innings against Bangladesh. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana also contributed with multiple 30-plus scores.

D Hemalatha, who returned to the team after 15 months, showcased her power-hitting abilities at No. 3, a position previously occupied by Jemimah Rodrigues. With the ball, Radha Yadav emerged as a standout performer, claiming ten wickets in five matches and earning the Player of the Series award.

Deepti Sharma’s experience proved valuable in containing the opposition, while Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana also made significant contributions. Harmanpreet attributed their success to the confidence and momentum gained during the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

“The WPL gave our players a lot of confidence,” she said. “We improved our game during that time, and those results are showing here.”

India’s next assignment will be a multi-format series against South Africa at home in June-July, followed by the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup in October. Harmanpreet expressed her hope that India will be able to play their best cricket when they return to Sylhet for the World Cup opener against New Zealand.

“This tournament will give us a lot of confidence,” she said. “Whatever we learnt here, we can take that to the World Cup. We are really working hard on that. Hopefully, in the World Cup, we will be able to do whatever we can do. I know our team has that much potential and hopefully, we play our best cricket.”

Ireland Men Face T20 World Cup on Expired Contracts Amid Contract Negotiations

Ireland Men Face T20 World Cup on Expired Contracts Amid Contract Negotiations

Ireland’s men’s cricket team faces the prospect of playing in next month’s T20 World Cup on expired central contracts as negotiations between Cricket Ireland (CI) and the Irish Cricketers’ Association (ICA) continue.

CI announced its central contracts for 2023-24 in March 2023, with 14 men’s players signing two-year deals and seven others signing one-year contracts. However, those contracts expired at the end of February, and players have been playing under the terms of those deals since, which have rolled over indefinitely until negotiations for 2024-25 are complete.

According to The Irish Times, male players rejected CI’s most recent contract offer last week, while centrally-contracted female players delayed their decision until after the recently-concluded T20 World Cup Qualifiers.

Ireland’s men have a busy schedule over the next two weeks, playing seven T20Is between May 10-24 against Pakistan, Netherlands, and Scotland. They will then fly to the United States for the T20 World Cup, where they face India, Pakistan, USA, and Canada in Group A.

A spokesperson for CI declined to comment while negotiations were ongoing, and the ICA did not respond when contacted by ESPNcricinfo. It is understood that players are seeking pay rises, which will be back-dated to March if approved and when contracts are eventually signed.

CI recently announced its men’s and women’s home fixtures for 2024, following a long delay due to the late sign-off of their budget. Funding and logistical issues have caused the cancellation of an incoming men’s tour by Australia and a men’s white-ball series against Zimbabwe, while their men’s ‘home’ series against South Africa will be staged in Abu Dhabi.

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.

Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Pakistan's Ireland T20I Series

Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Pakistan’s Ireland T20I Series

Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir Granted Visa for Ireland T20I Series

Pakistan cricket authorities have received a sigh of relief as the Irish consulate has granted a visa to Mohammad Amir, clearing the way for his potential inclusion in the team for the second T20I in Dublin on May 12.

The opening match of the three-match T20I series is scheduled for Friday at the Clontaff ground. A source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that they have been informed about Amir’s visa approval and are currently arranging his travel from Lahore to join the squad.

While the rest of the team departed for Dublin on Tuesday, Amir remained in Lahore awaiting his visa clearance. After a period of impasse, the breakthrough came following discussions between the PCB and Cricket Ireland regarding the delay in visa issuance.

Although the Irish consulate did not provide a specific reason for the delay, the source indicated that it was due to technical issues, which have since been resolved.

“Obviously, the PCB was unhappy with the visa delay as it affects the team management plans for the (T20) World Cup and also has a bearing on the affected player who has returned from retirement to international cricket after four years,” the source said.

After the series against Ireland, Pakistan will move to England for four T20Is starting from May 22 at Leeds. Interestingly, Amir was readily issued a visa to play in Ireland’s inaugural Test match against Pakistan back in 2018.

Amir’s inclusion in the team will be a significant boost for Pakistan, as he is a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of experience in international cricket. His return to the national team after a four-year absence has been met with much anticipation, and his presence in the squad will undoubtedly strengthen Pakistan’s chances of success in the upcoming T20I series and the T20 World Cup later this year.

Bangladesh Focuses on World Cup Despite Mixed Reactions to Zimbabwe Series

Bangladesh Focuses on World Cup Despite Mixed Reactions to Zimbabwe Series

Bangladesh’s 3-0 lead in the T20I series against Zimbabwe has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans celebrate the victories, others dismiss them due to Zimbabwe’s lower ranking. However, Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed emphasizes that the team remains focused on improving ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“Our goals are World Cup-oriented,” Taskin said. “We have to give our best in all conditions. If we can get into the World Cup with five or ten percent improvement, we can start well in that tournament.”

Taskin has been a standout performer for Bangladesh, taking six wickets in three games. He attributes his success to improved rhythm and hard work.

“I struggled with my rhythm in the BPL and Sri Lanka series, but it’s improving now,” he said. “I’m working hard, and the team expects me to bowl at high pace.”

Despite the low-scoring nature of the series, Taskin believes Bangladesh is giving its all.

“Conditions are different here than in the IPL,” he said. “We’re giving our 100 percent, even against Zimbabwe.”

Bangladesh’s top-order batters have struggled, but Taskin remains optimistic.

“We’re working on it,” he said. “I hope we can do better in these two matches.”

Taskin is also encouraged by the emergence of young fast bowlers in domestic cricket.

“It’s a great sign that more fast bowlers are coming into the scene,” he said. “It’s an additional motivation for us in the national team.”

T20 World Cup to Spark Cricket Awareness in US, Olympics to Drive Growth

T20 World Cup to Spark Cricket Awareness in US, Olympics to Drive Growth

The upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States is poised to ignite a surge in cricket awareness within the country. However, it is the allure of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics that is expected to truly captivate local Americans and propel the sport beyond its current expat-dominated status, according to USA Cricket chairman Venu Pisike.

The United States, co-hosting the event with the West Indies, will make its World Cup debut against Canada on June 1. The team primarily comprises semi-professional cricketers of South Asian heritage, with former New Zealand star Corey Anderson also representing his adopted homeland. Former Indian first-class cricketer Milind Kumar and ex-India U-19 player Harmeet Singh are also part of the squad.

Pisike acknowledges the challenges in popularizing cricket in the US, where it has largely been confined to expat communities. “With the marketing and promotion activities during the World Cup, there is some momentum, and the event will definitely boost opportunities to expand the game,” he said.

However, it is the prospect of cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics that Pisike believes will have a transformative impact. “The Olympics is the prime area where all sports bodies are focusing on. That will actually give more opportunities to expand the sport between the World Cup and the Olympics.”

The World Cup will be played across three venues in the US, with the spotlight on the makeshift stadium in New York, where India and Pakistan will face off on June 9. The stadium, with a capacity of 34,000, is expected to be ready within a week, according to Pisike. “The pitches were recently brought in and dropped into the stadium. We are expecting decent pitches in terms of striking a balance between the bat and ball,” he said.

Post-World Cup, Pisike is seeking the assistance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for training and exposure opportunities for his players. “We have sent our men’s team to Karnataka before they participated in the CWC qualifiers in 2022. There was some alliance with the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and Andhra Cricket Association to send our under-19 boys before the World Cup in Sri Lanka,” he said.

Governance issues have plagued cricket in the US in the past, but Pisike assures that the current regime is fully compliant. “The governance will be streamlined with the opportunity to become an Olympic National Governing Body because the US Olympics requires certain guidelines to be followed and certain policies to be adopted,” he said.

Virat Kohli: The Best Batter of This Generation, Says Yuvraj Singh

Virat Kohli: The Best Batter of This Generation, Says Yuvraj Singh

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, has been hailed as the “best batter of this generation” across all formats by former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj believes that Kohli’s exceptional understanding of his game and ability to perform under pressure set him apart.

Kohli’s dominance in the recent ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, where he topped the run charts, further cemented his status as a batting legend. With the T20 World Cup approaching, Kohli is determined to add another coveted trophy to his illustrious career.

Yuvraj, who played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, believes that Kohli deserves to win another World Cup medal. “He has broken all the records in this era. He is the best batter of this generation in all formats,” Yuvraj said. “I think he surely deserves that medal as well.”

Kohli’s T20 World Cup performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In the 2022 edition, he played a match-winning knock against Pakistan, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 53 balls. His ability to chase down targets relentlessly has been a key factor in India’s success.

Yuvraj attributes Kohli’s success to his meticulous preparation and unwavering focus. “He knows if he’s there till the end, he is going to win the game for India,” Yuvraj said. “He knows which bowlers to attack, which bowlers to take singles off, when to attack again, handle the pressure and when to change his game.”

Kohli’s form in 2024 has been reminiscent of his peak years. He is the leading scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, with 542 runs at an average of 67.75 and a strike rate of 148.08. His ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket has been remarkable.

As India gears up for the T20 World Cup, Kohli will once again be the cornerstone of the batting lineup. His experience, skill, and determination will be crucial if India is to lift the trophy.

Kuldeep Yadav's Resurgence Makes Him India's Top Spin Option for T20 World Cup

Kuldeep Yadav’s Resurgence Makes Him India’s Top Spin Option for T20 World Cup

Kuldeep Yadav’s resurgence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has propelled him to the forefront of India’s spin bowling options for the upcoming T20 World Cup. After a dismal 2019 season, where he struggled for wickets and economy, Kuldeep has transformed into a formidable force, showcasing his improved pace and accuracy.

In the ongoing IPL, Kuldeep has been a revelation for the Delhi Capitals, claiming 14 wickets in just nine matches at an impressive average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 8.20. His ability to break the bail with his deliveries highlights his increased pace, which has made him a more challenging proposition for batters.

Kuldeep’s resurgence has come at a crucial time for India, who are seeking a replacement for the injured Ravindra Jadeja in their T20 World Cup squad. With his current form, Kuldeep is the frontrunner to join Axar Patel as India’s primary spin duo in the tournament.

In contrast, Yuzvendra Chahal, who initially impressed for the Rajasthan Royals, has endured a dip in form in recent matches. His struggles have raised concerns about his ability to handle the pressure of the World Cup, especially on flat pitches where batters can dominate.

Kuldeep’s resurgence and Chahal’s struggles have created a clear hierarchy in India’s spin bowling department. Kuldeep is now the undisputed number one spinner, while Chahal’s place in the World Cup squad is in jeopardy. However, Chahal has the experience and talent to bounce back and prove his worth in the business end of the tournament.

Rohit Sharma's Poor Form Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma’s Poor Form Raises Concerns Ahead of T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles with the bat have raised concerns ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Mumbai Indians captain has managed just 33 runs in his last five IPL matches, including scores of 4, 11, 4, 8, and 6.

Former South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock believes Rohit’s poor form is due to a combination of factors, including the pressure of captaining the Indian team and the upcoming World Cup selection process.

“He’ll be disappointed with that. He got off to a fiery start. Some people were saying, ‘Look he’s no longer captain so he’s getting back to his old form’. He’s still got two more games so hopefully he fires before he heads off to the World Cup,” Pollock said on Cricbuzz.

“It’s the manner in which he’s getting out that will be more concerning for him. He’s one of those when he’s playing straight down the ground, there’s not much that can go wrong, but he has tried to introduce a bit of a fiddly element to the game. To get the odd scoop here but he’s popping the odd one up in the air. If he gets a good nut, he won’t be too concerned, but to be honest, he’s kind of got out to soft dismissals, to be honest.”

Pollock also suggested that the stress of captaining the Indian team and the upcoming World Cup selection process may have played a role in Rohit’s poor form.

“I presume for the last few weeks, there has been a few conversations about trying to pick the Indian team. With that stress of finding the right balance, which player should be picked, all of a sudden, you are back in captaincy mode… The naming of the side, going to the press conference, explaining why you have picked a certain may have added to the stress,” Pollock added.

Rohit Sharma will be hoping to regain his form in the remaining two IPL matches before the World Cup. The Indian team will be relying heavily on their captain to lead them to success in the tournament.

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