Cricket

South Africa's bowlers put in a dominant performance on the final morning of the first Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur, dismissing the hosts for 307 and setting themselves a target of 106 runs to win.Kagiso Rabada, who had already taken his 300th Test wicket on day three, struck early to remove Nayeem Hasan and complete a five-wicket haul. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who had been Bangladesh's top scorer with 97, was the last man out, falling to Rabada's bowling just three runs short of a century.South Africa's bowlers had taken the remaining three wickets in just 4.5 overs on the opening morning, with Rabada finishing with figures of 6 for 46 and Keshav Maharaj taking 3 for 105.Bangladesh had resumed their innings on 283 for 7, with Mehidy and Taijul Islam at the crease. The pair added 24 runs to their overnight score before Taijul was dismissed for 12, caught at second slip off the bowling of Wiaan Mulder.Mehidy continued to bat aggressively, reaching the nineties with a boundary off Mulder. However, he was unable to convert his innings into a century, falling to Rabada for 97 when he attempted to ramp a delivery but sent a catch to slip instead.South Africa's bowlers had opted to use spinners with the old ball at the start of the day's play, but they had a new ball available as soon as play began. Rabada made immediate use of the new ball, dismissing Nayeem with his third delivery.South Africa will now be confident of chasing down the target and taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The pitch has become better for batting, and the Proteas will be looking to their top order to get them off to a good start.

Keshav Maharaj, the South African left-arm spinner, has credited Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal for providing valuable advice that has helped him excel in the ongoing Test match in Dhaka. Maharaj has taken six wickets so far, bowling with precision and exploiting the conditions that have favored both seamers and spinners.Maharaj reached out to Tamim, his former teammate at Fortune Barishal in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), for insights into the Dhaka pitch. Tamim's guidance proved accurate, as Maharaj noted, "He read the wicket to the tee."Maharaj's performance on the third day was particularly impressive, as he bowled 37 overs and took three wickets for 105 runs. He played a crucial role in keeping the pressure on Bangladesh's batters, both in tandem with Kagiso Rabada and as the primary threat later in the innings.Maharaj's versatility allows him to adapt to different match situations. He can both create opportunities and hold up an end, as he did when Rabada was bowling aggressively. When the ball started to spin, Maharaj posed a greater threat, breaking a crucial partnership and dismissing Jaker Ali.Maharaj praised the resilience of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali, who put up a strong rearguard action for Bangladesh. He acknowledged that South Africa struggled to break the partnership for an extended period."We threw everything at them, and I don't think it was a case of us taking our foot off the gas. I think they played really well, and you must give credit towards the batters in that situation," Maharaj said.Maharaj's performance has been a key factor in South Africa's strong position in the match. They need just three more wickets to bowl out Bangladesh in their second innings and secure a victory.

Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz once again proved his mettle, rescuing his team from a precarious position against South Africa on the third morning of the Mirpur Test. After losing three wickets in the first 30 minutes, Mehidy and Jaker Ali forged an unbroken 89-run partnership for the seventh wicket, bringing Bangladesh within one run of making South Africa bat again.Mehidy and Jaker's resilience stemmed from their unwavering focus on playing simple shots and avoiding unnecessary risks. Despite the persistent threat posed by Kagiso Rabada, who had already claimed four wickets by lunch, the duo remained composed and determined.Rabada's early strikes in the fourth over of the morning had put Bangladesh on the back foot. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who had looked solid on the second day, chased a wide delivery and edged it to first slip for 40. Mushfiqur Rahim, another experienced batsman, fell in a similar fashion to his first-innings dismissal, leaving a gap between bat and pad as Rabada angled the ball into him.Keshav Maharaj then accounted for Litton Das, who made only 7 after failing to score in the first innings. Captain Aiden Markram's last-second decision to review the dismissal proved fruitful, as replays showed an edge from Litton's shoulder.However, South Africa's early success did not translate into further breakthroughs in the remainder of the session. Mehidy's elegant cover drives off Rabada and Wiaan Mulder set the tone for his partnership with Jaker, who swept Maharaj for his first boundary. Mehidy launched Dane Piedt over long-off for his first six and punished Maharaj for two fours in the 49th over.Jaker also contributed with a boundary through extra cover off Piedt, and the pair reached a 50-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Mehidy and Jaker continued to frustrate South Africa, taking four runs each off Rabada in his second spell with square-cuts and pull shots.As the session drew to a close, Bangladesh were just one run away from making South Africa bat again. Mehidy and Jaker's partnership had not only saved their team from a potential innings defeat but had also given them a glimmer of hope for a positive result in the Test.

South Africa's batters faced a challenging first evening on a turning pitch in Dhaka, but Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder's resilient partnership of 32 guided them through without further damage. However, the pitch seemed to settle overnight, allowing Verreynne and Mulder to consolidate their position and extend their seventh-wicket stand to a decisive 119.Despite the threat of Bangladesh's three spinners, it was Hasan Mahmud's pace and reverse swing that proved most effective, claiming the only two wickets of the session. However, South Africa had already established a commanding 137-run lead by lunch, with Verreynne remaining unbeaten on 77.Bangladesh's spinners, Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan, struggled to extract turn on the second morning, while Verreynne and Mulder played with confidence and composure. They effectively utilized the sweep and reverse sweep, taking advantage of the slow surface and the lack of turn.Verreynne reached his half-century with a drilled sweep, while Mulder followed suit with a cut for four behind point. Mahmud's reintroduction into the attack brought about a brief setback, as he dismissed Mulder and Keshav Maharaj in consecutive deliveries.However, Verreynne remained unyielding, anchoring the innings and guiding South Africa to a comfortable lead. Dane Piedt provided valuable support at the other end, ensuring that South Africa maintained their momentum heading into the afternoon session.

The first Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa commenced in Dhaka, marking the resumption of international cricket in the country after a period of political unrest. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bat first, citing the dry wicket conditions that could prove challenging for batting in the fourth innings.South Africa's opening bowlers, Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder, applied early pressure on the Bangladesh openers. Rabada drew first blood, trapping Shadman Islam leg before wicket for a duck in the first over. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque steadied the innings, but Mulder struck again in the third over, removing Joy for 10.Haque, the former Bangladesh captain, showed his class with a well-crafted 25, including a boundary off Mulder. However, he was dismissed by Rabada in the 10th over, leaving Bangladesh at 39/3.Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das attempted to rebuild the innings, but both fell in quick succession to Mulder and Rabada, respectively. Bangladesh were reeling at 60/5, with the South African bowlers dominating the proceedings.Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali, making his Test debut, showed some resistance, adding 30 runs for the sixth wicket. However, Mulder returned to dismiss Miraz for 22, and Ali followed soon after, caught behind off Rabada for 15.Bangladesh's innings eventually folded for 127, with Rabada and Mulder sharing seven wickets between them. South Africa's bowlers had exploited the conditions superbly, extracting bounce and movement from the pitch.In response, South Africa's openers, Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi, negotiated the Bangladesh bowlers cautiously. They reached stumps on day one with the score at 15/0, trailing Bangladesh by 112 runs.The match is evenly poised heading into day two, with South Africa needing to build a substantial lead to put pressure on Bangladesh. The home side, on the other hand, will be looking to strike early and restrict South Africa's scoring.

Indian cricket witnessed the electrifying debut of young pacer Mayank Yadav in the T20I series opener against Bangladesh in Gwalior. The 22-year-old, who missed out on a potential breakout season in the Indian Premier League due to injury, made his mark on the international stage with an impressive performance.Mayank's debut was made even more memorable when former India spinner Murali Kartik, who was commentating on the series, handed him his T20I cap. Kartik later revealed that India head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked him to present the cap to Mayank, a gesture that touched him deeply."What a memorable day for this Speed Merchant #MayankYadav...it took me back 25 yrs when I received my cap from Sachin & Kapil paaji... A touching moment for me personally to be asked to present the cap by @GautamGambhir...a wonderful gesture," Kartik tweeted.Mayank's debut was a testament to his raw pace and precision. He was handed the ball in the final over of the powerplay and delivered a maiden over, becoming only the third Indian cricketer to achieve this feat in their first T20I over.Mayank's pace was too much for Bangladesh's batsmen to handle. He added a wicket to his name, dismissing experienced all-rounder Mahmudullah with a scorching 146.1kph delivery. The pace and accuracy of his bowling helped India restrict Bangladesh to a modest total of 127.India chased down the target with ease, winning by 7 wickets with plenty of overs to spare. Mayank's impressive debut was a major contributing factor to India's victory. He finished with figures of 1/21 in his four-over spell, showcasing his potential as a future star of Indian cricket.

India's Fearless Approach Powers T20I DominanceIn the realm of international cricket, the Indian team has emerged as a formidable force, driven by a fearless and attacking approach. This philosophy has propelled them to the pinnacle of the ICC Men's T20I rankings and the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup title.The recent three-match T20I series against Bangladesh showcased the unwavering commitment to this aggressive style. India dominated the visitors from start to finish, securing a seventh consecutive bilateral T20I home series win.At the heart of this success lies the belief that individual failure is an acceptable risk in pursuit of team victory. This mindset was exemplified by Sanju Samson's explosive knock in the final outing. Despite two previous failures, Samson embraced the challenge and delivered a magnificent 47-ball 111.Samson's performance is a testament to the unwavering support he has received from the leadership group. After a pair of ducks in the preceding T20I series against Sri Lanka, Samson's confidence could have been shaken. However, the captain and coach stood firmly behind him, providing the necessary encouragement to bounce back.The early communication from the management also played a crucial role in Samson's preparation. Three weeks prior to the series, he received a message confirming his role as opener. This advance notice allowed him to tailor his training and gain an extra edge.Samson's success is a reflection of the team's ethos. He is a highly skilled talent who remains true to his strengths, embodying the best of modern Indian cricketers. "I like to go out and fail or succeed on my own terms," Samson said. "This is what I have stuck to ever since I started playing cricket."The Indian team's fearless approach is not without its risks. However, the rewards have been undeniable. By embracing a mindset that prioritizes attacking play, they have established themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the world.

Hardik Pandya's Heartfelt Gesture Wins Admiration During India's T20I TriumphIn a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya paused during the third and final T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad to fulfill a young ball boy's request for a photograph. The incident occurred as India posted a formidable total of 297/6 in 20 overs, with Pandya fielding at the boundary ropes.As the game progressed, a ball boy approached Pandya and asked for a picture. Despite being in the midst of a crucial match, Pandya graciously obliged, pausing to click photos with the young fan while fielding. This small act of kindness resonated with fans and quickly went viral on social media.Pandya's gesture not only showcased his humility but also highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and the power of human connection. It served as a reminder that even in the heat of competition, it is possible to extend a helping hand and make a positive impact on others.The incident also underscored the growing popularity of cricket in India, where the sport has become more than just a game. It has become a cultural phenomenon that brings people together and inspires countless young fans. Pandya's gesture is a testament to the transformative power of sports and its ability to create lasting memories.

India's dominance in T20I cricket continued as they clinched a resounding 3-0 series victory against Bangladesh with a massive 133-run triumph in the third and final match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The victory marked India's 16th consecutive unbeaten streak in T20I series at home.Captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed the team's selfless approach and adaptability, crediting head coach Gautam Gambhir's guidance. "We've achieved a lot as a team. Gauti bhai said no one is bigger than the team, and you have to hit the ball out of the field," Suryakumar said.India's batting prowess was on full display as they amassed an impressive 297/6, the second-highest total in men's T20I history against Bangladesh. Sanju Samson stole the show with a breathtaking 111 off just 47 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes. Suryakumar provided excellent support with 75 runs off 35 balls, while the lower order chipped in to help India reach their highest-ever total in men's T20Is.Suryakumar emphasized the need for flexibility in both batting and bowling. "We have to be flexible when it comes to batting and bowling. Bowlers who can have to chip in, and batters have to be flexible," he said.Bangladesh's chase was derailed by India's disciplined bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi bowler to impress, taking 3/52. India's spinners, led by Axar Patel (2/22) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/31), kept the Bangladeshi batsmen in check.The series victory extends India's dominance in T20I cricket and sets the stage for their upcoming tour of South Africa, where they will play a four-match T20I series starting on November 8.