Cricket

As the T20 World Cup 2024 shifts to the West Indies, the focus is expected to shift from fast bowlers to spinners. Recognizing this, Australian all-rounder Tim David has been honing his legspin skills to provide his team with an additional option.David, known for his explosive batting, has been practicing legspin for the past nine months. He believes it gives Australia more flexibility in match-ups. "It just gives you options as a match-up," David said. "I started bowling legspin in nets about nine months ago, and they came out really well."Australia's frontline spinners, Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa, have been mentoring David in his bowling development. "It's been really good to bowl with Ash, [and] bowl with Zamps when they're around in the nets, [and] rub ideas off them," David said.Australia's Super Eight group includes Bangladesh, India, and Afghanistan, all teams known for their spin prowess. Bangladesh's legspinner Rishad Hossain is a particular concern for Australia, as they have limited experience facing him. However, David is confident in his team's ability to handle the spin challenge."I suppose that's the nature of the World Cup, isn't it? You play every team once," David said. "We're going to take him on."David has been preparing for the spin challenge by batting against spinners in the nets. However, he believes it's crucial to avoid overthinking close to the game. "Day before a game or couple of days before game [though], it's not that big of a stress," he said. "You know you can't change too much in that last stage."Another factor David will consider during the game is the wind direction. "The wind's really important," David said. "You hit the ball into the wind, [and] it goes 50 metres shorter; you get one downwind, [and] you can't stop it."David's versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges make him a valuable asset to the Australian team. As the tournament progresses, his legspin skills could prove to be a game-changer for Australia.

Bangladesh fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been fined 15% of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct after an altercation with Nepal captain Rohit Paudel during the teams' meeting in Kingstown on June 16.The incident occurred just after the end of the third over of Nepal's innings, when Tanzim, after bowling a delivery, "walked towards Nepal batter Rohit Paudel in an aggressive manner and made inappropriate physical contact," according to an ICC release.There were a few words exchanged between the two players followed by plenty of hand gesturing, with the on-field umpire Sam Nogajski having to separate the two. The umpires were then also seen having a word with Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto after the incident.Tanzim was found to have breached Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "inappropriate physical contact with a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire, Match Referee or any other person (including a spectator) during an International Match".In addition, one demerit point was added to Tanzim's disciplinary record. This was his first offence in a 24-month period. When a player reaches four or more demerit points within a 24-month period, they are converted into suspension points and the player is banned. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.There was no need for a formal hearing as the 21-year-old Tanzim accepted the sanction which was proposed by match referee Richie Richardson. The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Nogajski, along with third umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal and fourth umpire Kumar Dharmasena.Meanwhile, Paudel had downplayed the incident after the game. "There's nothing between us. Just he came and he told me to hit. And I said, go and bowl. Nothing else," he said.Tanzim, with his spell of 4 for 7, broke Nepal's back in the game where they were chasing 106, but fell short by 21 runs. It was the lowest total any team had defended successfully at the T20 World Cup. Tanzim is currently the joint second-highest wicket-taker in this World Cup, with nine wickets in four games, while going at an economy of only 4.80 runs an over. Having progressed to the Super Eight at the World Cup, Bangladesh next play Australia on June 21.

Bangladesh's emphatic victory over Nepal in the T20 World Cup 2024 propelled them into the Super 8s. Despite a dismal batting performance, Bangladesh's bowlers turned the tide in their favor, securing a 21-run victory.Nepal's bowlers had initially restricted Bangladesh to a meager 106, with all their bowlers contributing equally. However, in the second innings, Bangladesh's bowlers dominated, dismissing Nepal for 85. Tanzim Hasan Sakib's career-best figures of 4 for 7, including 21 dot balls, led the charge. Shakib al Hasan (2/9) and Mustafzur Rahaman (3/7) also played crucial roles.Nepal's chase started promisingly, reaching 78 for 5. But Bangladesh's bowlers tightened their grip, taking the last five wickets for just seven runs. Nepal's skipper, Rohit Paudel, acknowledged their bowling prowess, stating, "Bangladesh bowled really well with the new ball. Losing 4 wickets in the powerplay put us under a lot of pressure."Despite their batting struggles, Bangladesh's bowling unit showcased their experience and determination. Paudel expressed confidence in his team's potential, saying, "We're up to the mark with our bowling and fielding. This team has great potential, we need to back each and every player, I feel we will do very well in the next World Cup."Bangladesh's victory highlights the importance of a strong bowling attack in T20 cricket. Their ability to restrict Nepal's batsmen, despite their own batting struggles, demonstrates their resilience and adaptability. As they enter the Super 8s, Bangladesh will be eager to continue their impressive bowling form and improve their batting performance to challenge the tournament's top teams.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed mixed emotions after his team's qualification for the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup. While delighted with the achievement, he voiced concerns over the team's underwhelming batting performance.Despite securing a 21-run victory over Nepal, Bangladesh's batting woes continued, with the team being dismissed for a mere 106. Shanto acknowledged the team's struggles, stating, "Our batting is not up to the mark."The skipper dismissed suggestions that slow pitches were a contributing factor, emphasizing that the team should have been able to score at least 140-150 runs on the given wicket. He stressed the importance of a strong start and lamented the team's inability to capitalize on opportunities."The start is very important. We are not getting the start, and the lower-order batsmen are not finishing it well," Shanto pointed out. "We have to come out of this and think about how to come out of this."Despite their batting struggles, Bangladesh has managed to win three games, with their only defeat coming against South Africa. Shanto attributed this success to the team's bowlers, who have performed exceptionally well."The way our bowlers bowled in the last three-four matches, really happy," Shanto said. "I hope they will continue their form."Looking ahead to the Super Eights, Shanto acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. Bangladesh has been grouped with India, Australia, and Afghanistan, all formidable opponents."All 20 teams are here to win. So now, we are going to play Super Eights. All matches will be competitive," Shanto stated. "There are no big teams or big names, I hope we'll have a good Super Eights."Bangladesh will face Australia in their Super Eight opener on Thursday, followed by India two days later. They will conclude their group stage campaign against Afghanistan on June 24.

DRS Controversy: Bangladesh's Jaker Ali Signals to Dressing Room Before ReviewIn a controversial incident reminiscent of Steve Smith's "brain fade" moment, Bangladesh's Jaker Ali has been accused of seeking guidance from the dressing room before requesting a review in the T20 World Cup match against Nepal.During the 14th over, Nepal's Sandeep Lamichhane bowled a delivery that struck Tanzim Hasan Sakib on the pads. Sakib initially walked off but then opted for a review. However, a video emerged showing Ali signaling to the dressing room before the review was requested.This action raised eyebrows, as the DRS system explicitly states that only the non-striker can consult with the batsman on a review. Additionally, the allotted 15 seconds for a review had already passed when the umpire signaled for the third umpire's decision.The ball-tracker ultimately showed that the ball would have missed off-stump, and Sakib was adjudged not out. However, Nepal gained justice on the next ball when Lamichhane bowled Sakib with a wrong-un.The incident has sparked debate about the integrity of the DRS system and the potential for players to circumvent the rules. It also highlights the importance of umpires strictly enforcing the regulations to ensure fair play.Despite the controversy, Bangladesh went on to win the match by 21 runs and secure a spot in the Super Eights. However, the incident has left a sour taste in the mouths of some fans and raised questions about the ethics of seeking external assistance during a review.

Bangladesh's Tanzim Hasan Sakib emerged as the hero with a remarkable four-wicket haul, guiding his team to a crucial 21-run victory over Nepal in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This triumph secured Bangladesh's place in the Super 8s, while eliminating the Netherlands from the tournament.Nepal's pursuit of 107 runs proved challenging, as they lost four wickets within the Powerplay, including the key dismissal of Sundeep Jora. Despite a valiant partnership between Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee, Nepal's hopes were dashed by Mustafizur Rahman's exceptional bowling in the 17th and 19th overs. Shakib Al Hasan's two wickets in two balls in the final overs sealed the victory for Bangladesh.Earlier, Nepal's bowlers, led by Sompal Kami and Rohit Paudel, exploited the favorable conditions to restrict Bangladesh to a modest 106. Kami's early dismissal of Tanzid Hasan set the tone for Bangladesh's batting struggles. Dipendra Singh and other bowlers continued to chip away at the wickets, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 31/4 after the Powerplay.Despite Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah's efforts to stabilize the innings, a misunderstanding led to Mahmudullah's runout. Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's last hope, fell to Paudel after scoring 17 runs. Sandeep Lamichhane claimed his 99th T20I wicket by dismissing Tanzim Hasan Sakib for 3. Bangladesh managed to reach 106 thanks to an 18-run last-wicket partnership between Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.

Nepal, buoyed by their stunning victory over South Africa, opted to bowl first against Bangladesh in a crucial ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier match at the Grenada National Stadium. The decision was based on the expectation of dew in the second innings and the favorable conditions for spinners at the venue.Bangladesh, seeking a win to secure a berth in the Super Eight stage, fielded an unchanged XI from their triumph against Netherlands. Nepal, on the other hand, made one alteration, bringing in batter Sundeep Jora for fast bowling allrounder Karan KC.Nepal captain Rohit Paudel explained their decision to bowl first, stating, "We want to give our bowlers the best conditions. We expect dew in the second innings, so we want to make the most of the first innings."Pitch expert Samuel Badree predicted variable bounce, similar to the Nepal-South Africa match, which could favor the spinners once again.A victory for Bangladesh would guarantee their progression to the Super Eight stage. However, if Nepal emerges victorious, Netherlands could potentially qualify if they defeat Sri Lanka in a concurrent match in Gros Islet.

Veteran Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan silenced his critics with a match-winning knock against the Netherlands in their T20 World Cup group game on Thursday. Shakib's unbeaten 64 off 46 deliveries, studded with nine fours, propelled Bangladesh to a comfortable victory.However, Shakib's recent form had come under scrutiny, with former India batting great Virender Sehwag questioning his place in the current team. Sehwag had criticized Shakib's numbers in the shortest format, calling them "shameful" and suggesting that he should have retired from T20 cricket long ago.In response to Sehwag's comments, Shakib initially appeared to dismiss them, asking "who?" when asked about the former India opener. However, a subsequent video clarified that Shakib had misunderstood the question and was not intentionally disrespecting Sehwag.Instead, Shakib acknowledged that criticism is part of a player's life when they are not performing well. "When a player can't contribute, then naturally there would be discussions," he said. "I don't think it is a bad thing."Shakib's performance against the Netherlands was a timely reminder of his class and experience. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he paced his innings perfectly and found the boundaries with ease.The victory was crucial for Bangladesh, who are aiming to reach the Super 12 stage of the tournament. Shakib's knock not only helped his team secure two valuable points but also silenced his critics and proved that he still has plenty to offer at the international level.

Bangladesh stands on the brink of securing a spot in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024. A victory over Nepal will seal their qualification, while a loss could only jeopardize their chances if Netherlands defeats Sri Lanka by a significant margin.Bangladesh has emerged as the second-best team in Group D, despite concerns about their top-order batting. Their middle-order batters and bowlers have stepped up, with legspinner Rishad Hossain surprising with his seven wickets. The pace trio of Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, and Tanzim Hasan have provided a solid backbone.Nepal, on the other hand, is still reeling from their heartbreaking one-run loss to South Africa. They will be eager to end the tournament on a high note, but Bangladesh's recent form suggests they will face a tough challenge.Key battles will unfold between Bangladesh's middle-order and Nepal's spinners, particularly Sandeep Lamichhane. Bangladesh's fast bowlers will aim to exploit any inexperience among the Nepal batters.Tanzim Hasan and Aasif Sheikh are players to watch. Hasan has shown promise as an opener, while Sheikh impressed with his batting against South Africa.Bangladesh may consider adding left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam or offspin-bowling allrounder Mahedi Hasan to their lineup, given the spin-friendly conditions at Arnos Vale. Nepal could also opt for more bowling options with Lalit Rajbanshi and Sagar Dhakal.Mustafizur Rahman has the lowest economy rate among bowlers in the last four overs at this T20 World Cup, while Aasif Sheikh's 42 against South Africa is Nepal's highest score against a Full Member side.Bangladesh and Nepal have only faced off once before in a T20 World Cup match, in 2014. Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, and Sompal Kami are the only survivors from that encounter.