Cricket

Bangladesh's Heartbreaking Loss to South Africa: Umpiring Error and DRS ControversyBangladesh's T20 World Cup campaign ended in a controversial four-run defeat to South Africa at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Monday. The match was marred by an umpiring error and a contentious Decision Review System (DRS) rule, leaving Bangladesh and their fans frustrated.With 27 runs needed from 24 balls and six wickets in hand, Bangladesh appeared to be in a strong position. Set batters Mahmudullah and Towhid Hridoy were at the crease when Ottneil Baartman bowled the 17th over. On the second ball, Mahmudullah attempted a flick shot but missed, and the ball brushed his pads before racing to the boundary.However, umpire Sam Nogajski adjudged Mahmudullah LBW. Mahmudullah reviewed the decision, and ball-tracking technology showed that the ball would have missed the leg stump, leading to the reversal of the on-field decision. However, under current rules, the leg-bye boundary was not added to Bangladesh's total because the ball is considered dead once the umpire signals an out, even if the decision is overturned.This dead-ball rule meant that Bangladesh did not receive the four leg-byes, which ultimately contributed to their narrow loss. Several experts and fans took to social media to express their outrage over the loophole.Former India batter Wasim Jaffer voiced his concern on social media, stating, "Mahmudullah was wrongly given out LBW, the ball went for four leg-byes. The decision was reversed on DRS. Bangladesh didn't get the 4 runs as ball is dead once batter given out, even if wrongly. And SA ended up winning the game by 4 runs. Feel for Bangladesh fans."Actor Saiyami Kher also criticized the rule, posting: "I know life is not black and white but sport has no place for grey areas. This dead ball rule really has to be looked into. Bangladesh have lost today because they didn't get those 4 runs. Definitely not fair."A fan described the incident as "daylight robbery," highlighting the frustration felt by many.The low-scoring thriller saw South Africa defend a modest target of 114 runs. Keshav Maharaj's crucial last over, where he successfully defended 11 runs, ensured South Africa's narrow victory. Bangladesh ended their innings at 109/7, falling just short of the target amidst the controversy.This incident has reignited discussions about the fairness of certain cricket rules and the impact of umpiring decisions on the outcome of closely contested matches.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his disappointment after his team narrowly lost to South Africa by 4 runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The match, which took place on Monday, saw South Africa prevail in a final-ball thriller, moving a step closer to qualifying for the Super 8 stage.Shanto was confident in his team's chances with Jaker Ali at the crease in the final over, needing 11 runs to win. However, the South African bowlers, particularly spinner Keshav Maharaj, held their nerve to secure a dramatic victory."Everyone was nervous but was confident when Jaker was there. It didn't happen but that's okay. Tanzid really worked hard in the last couple of games, we needed new-ball wickets and he showed his character. This is the match we should have won, we nearly did but in the last couple of overs they bowled well," Shanto said during the post-match presentation.Reflecting on the performance of Rishad Hossain, Shanto praised the bowler's dedication and skill. "He is very good, the way he bowled the last couple of series, he practiced very hard. We've struggled with leg-spinners over the last 10-15 years so we're lucky we got one. Hopefully, he can continue. Thanks to all the supporters, hopefully, they'll come to the West Indies as well," Shanto added.The match's decisive moment came in the final over when South Africa captain Aiden Markram took a gamble by entrusting Maharaj with the ball on a pitch that had favored pacers. Maharaj's experience shone through as he dismissed both Jaker Ali and Mahmudullah, with Markram making crucial catches near the boundary to seal the win.Markram's tactical decision paid off, demonstrating the high stakes and fine margins that often characterize T20 cricket.Bangladesh will now face India in their next match on Wednesday, while South Africa will take on Pakistan on Tuesday.

South Africa's T20 World Cup campaign has been marked by a shaky start from their top three batters, but they have managed to maintain a perfect record with a thrilling four-run victory over Bangladesh.Batting first on a challenging wicket in New York, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 23 for 4. However, a record-breaking 79-run partnership between Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29) rescued the innings, guiding them to a modest total of 113 for 6.Bangladesh's chase began poorly, with the team struggling to 50 for 4 after 10 overs. Towhid Hridoy (37) and Mahmudullah (29) provided a glimmer of hope with a 44-run stand, but a controversial decision in the 17th over proved costly.Mahmudullah was initially given out leg before wicket, but replays showed he was not out. However, the four runs that were initially awarded as leg byes were not counted due to the dead ball ruling.In the final over, Bangladesh needed 11 runs to win, but Keshav Maharaj's three full tosses proved too costly. Mahmudullah was caught on the penultimate ball, and Jakar Ali was run out on the final delivery, handing South Africa a narrow victory.Despite their top-order struggles, South Africa's middle order has stepped up, with Klaasen and Miller providing crucial contributions. The team's bowling attack has also been impressive, with Maharaj, Nortje, and Rabada all taking wickets.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will rue their missed opportunities. They failed to capitalize on South Africa's poor start and were unable to chase down a modest target.

South Africa and Bangladesh Set for Thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 ClashSouth Africa and Bangladesh will lock horns in a highly anticipated Group D match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Monday, June 10 (IST). The match will be played at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.South Africa enters the clash with momentum on their side, having secured a four-wicket victory over the Netherlands in their previous outing. Bangladesh, on the other hand, pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win against Sri Lanka.Both teams will be eager to add another victory to their World Cup campaign. South Africa will be looking to build on their strong performance against the Netherlands, while Bangladesh will be aiming to continue their impressive run of form.The match promises to be a close and competitive affair. South Africa boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, and David Miller. Their bowling attack, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi, is equally potent.Bangladesh, meanwhile, has a talented squad that includes Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Liton Das. Their bowling attack, led by Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, and Taskin Ahmed, is capable of causing problems for any opposition.The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India. It will also be streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app and website.

Bangladesh's head coach, Chandika Hathurusinghe, expressed his delight with the bowling unit's performance in their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Sri Lanka. Despite Sri Lanka's strong start, the Bangladesh bowlers rallied to restrict them to a modest 124 for 9.Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain were the standout performers, claiming three wickets each, while Taskin Ahmed chipped in with two. Hathurusinghe praised Mustafizur's confidence and the bowling unit's collective ownership of their plans."The way the bowling unit has taken ownership of the situation and plans, it was very impressive," Hathurusinghe said. "My coaching staff is doing a good job by giving them a lot of information, but they are the ones making all the decisions in the middle."Hathurusinghe singled out legspinner Rishad's performance as the "most pleasing thing" from Bangladesh's victory. Rishad's three wickets in two overs triggered Sri Lanka's collapse."We backed him [Rishad] for a year. We knew that he is going to win games for us," Hathurusinghe said. "Winning that game was important. It was very satisfying. You know how challenging it is for us to get a legspinner into the team."However, Hathurusinghe acknowledged that the batters who are struggling with form need to regain their confidence. Soumya Sarkar, captain Shanto, and Tanzid Hasan were dismissed cheaply against Sri Lanka."We talk about their game, their strength, and their opposition. But once they [the batters] get into the middle, they are on their own. They need to understand their game and how they feel," Hathurusinghe said. "It is not technical. If you look at the dismissals, they are not getting out in a certain way.""I think they need to calm down and think about their strength. When you are confident, you play to your strength. That's the message for any batter: remember your actions when you are doing well."In the chase, Bangladesh lost three wickets in the powerplay before Towhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah steadied the innings. Mahmudullah's unbeaten 16 guided Bangladesh to victory."I was always impressed with his [Mahmudullah's] ability to finish games, that's why he is batting where he is batting," Hathurusinghe said. "He has a lot of experience. He is one of the calmest guys in the middle under pressure in our team. He knows his role."Hathurusinghe also praised Litton Das for his 36-run knock, but emphasized that the other batters need to step up."Lately, we have been inconsistent. It is a difficult format to take time to get in form. You have to get going from the start. Confidence plays a big part in T20 cricket," he said. "Some of the batters are short of runs. They train well, but it is the lack of confidence due to lack of runs."

South Africa Aim to Extend Dominance Over Bangladesh in T20 World Cup ClashSouth Africa will look to consolidate their position atop Group D when they face Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. Despite their shaky top orders, both teams have reasons to be optimistic.South Africa boasts an unblemished record against Bangladesh in T20Is and familiarity with the New York venue. However, their top-order batters, including Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, and Aiden Markram, have struggled for runs.Bangladesh, on the other hand, can rely on their bowling attack, which impressed in their victory over Sri Lanka. However, their top-order batting remains a concern, with Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto prone to soft dismissals.Both teams will be looking to their star bowlers to make the difference. Anrich Nortje has been in excellent form for South Africa, while Rishad Hossain's legspin was instrumental in Bangladesh's win over Sri Lanka.Key Players to Watch:* Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh): The big-hitting all-rounder has emerged as a key player for Bangladesh, with his ability to clear the boundary with ease.* Anrich Nortje (South Africa): The fast bowler is returning to his best after a long injury layoff and has been a potent threat with his pace and bounce.Team News:Bangladesh may include Shoriful Islam if he is fit, while South Africa is unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination.Pitch and Conditions:The New York pitch is expected to favor fast bowlers, with low to middling totals likely.Stats to Note:* South Africa's 3 for 3 against Netherlands was their lowest score for the loss of three wickets in a T20I.* Bangladesh's win over Sri Lanka was their first victory against a higher-ranked side at the T20 World Cup since 2007.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh faced off in a crucial T20 World Cup match in Dallas, with Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Sri Lanka, reeling from a heavy defeat to South Africa in their opener, needed a strong performance to revive their tournament hopes.Bangladesh's bowlers made an early impact, with Mustafizur Rahman dismissing Sri Lanka's top scorer Pathum Nissanka for 47. However, Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva steadied the innings, forming an unbeaten partnership to guide Sri Lanka to a respectable total.Bangladesh's batting lineup struggled to match Sri Lanka's efforts. Opener Liton Das was dismissed cheaply, and the middle order failed to provide any substantial contributions. Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's star all-rounder, was dismissed for just 16 runs.Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, maintained a tight grip on the Bangladesh batsmen. Theekshana claimed three wickets, while Hasaranga picked up two. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for a paltry 103 runs, handing Sri Lanka a comfortable victory.The win was a much-needed boost for Sri Lanka, who had been under pressure after their opening defeat. They will now face Afghanistan in their next match, while Bangladesh will take on South Africa.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka: A Rivalry Renewed in a Crucial T20 World Cup ClashThe stage is set for another chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as they face off in a pivotal T20 World Cup match on June 7 in Dallas. With three Full Members in Group D, the winner of this contest will gain a significant advantage in the race for the Super Eights.The rivalry between these two nations has intensified in recent years, marked by on-field sledging and off-field banter. Both teams will be eager to prove their superiority and gain a psychological edge in this high-stakes encounter.Sri Lanka, coming off a disappointing defeat to South Africa, will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance. Their batting unit, which struggled against South Africa, will need to find their rhythm and avoid the tendency to loft the ball into the fielders. Kusal Mendis, who has a stellar record against Bangladesh, will be a key player for Sri Lanka.Bangladesh, on the other hand, has been in poor form in T20Is this year. They have lost to Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and USA, raising concerns about their hunger and adaptability. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will be under pressure to lead his team to a much-needed victory.Key Players to Watch:* Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh): The Bangladesh captain has struggled for form this year but is known for his ability to bounce back from adversity.* Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka): Mendis has been Bangladesh's tormentor in recent matches, scoring heavily against them in all formats.Team News:* Bangladesh is likely to recall Taskin Ahmed from injury, while Shoriful Islam remains a concern.* Sri Lanka may include Dushmantha Chameera in place of Nuwan Thushara or Maheesh Theekshana.Pitch and Conditions:The pitch in Dallas is expected to be favorable for batting, with no rain in the forecast.Stats that Matter:* Kusal Mendis has a high strike rate against Bangladesh's key bowlers.* Sri Lanka has won both previous T20 World Cup matches against Bangladesh.* Bangladesh has lost 100 T20Is, while Sri Lanka has lost 99.Quotes:"I personally don't want to see this match differently. It is very important, but it is important to execute our plan with a cool mind." - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto"We have played good cricket against Bangladesh in the recent past. We have that confidence and momentum going through this game." - Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby

India's vice-captain Hardik Pandya has silenced his critics with a match-winning knock against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup warm-up fixture. Pandya's unbeaten 40 off just 23 balls helped India post a total of 182/5, striking two fours and four sixes.There had been a lot of talk surrounding Pandya's form in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, as the star all-rounder had a below-par season in the IPL. His selection became a major talking point when India announced its squad for the T20 World Cup during the league stage of the cash-rich league.However, Pandya's knock against Bangladesh has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu said, "There were many question marks over Hardik Pandya and they have been erased. The more you try to put Hardik Pandya down, the more he emerges and shines, just like a diamond shines after being continuously rubbed. Hardik Pandya is a great takeaway."Pandya has endured a tough couple of months in the IPL after returning to Mumbai Indians before the start of the season. He replaced Rohit Sharma as captain of the franchise, a decision which wasn't taken well by the fans. He was attacked by fans across the IPL venues with constant booing, including by the MI supporters.Since coming into the Indian team in 2016, Pandya excelled in his all-round roles in all formats, till a back injury in the 2018 Asia Cup and surgery post the 2019 World Cup stopped him from being back at his absolute best, resulting in him playing only as a batter in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where India didn't even enter the semifinals.In 92 T2OIs that he has played, Pandya has picked 73 wickets and has scored 1348 runs. India will lock horns against Ireland in their opening match in New York on Wednesday before playing arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on June 9.