Cricket

South Africa and New Zealand emerged victorious in their respective Women's T20 World Cup matches on Saturday, strengthening their positions in the tournament. However, their ultimate fate remains uncertain as they face formidable opponents in the remaining group stage fixtures.South Africa cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, restricting their opponents to a modest 106-3. Tazmin Brits led the chase with a steady 42 off 41 balls, while Anneke Bosch contributed 25. Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon guided the team home with unbeaten knocks of 13 and 14, respectively.Despite their victory, South Africa's semi-final hopes hinge on the outcome of England's remaining matches. England, with two wins from three games, is likely to secure a semi-final berth, leaving South Africa and West Indies vying for the final spot. West Indies, the 2016 champions, have a better net run-rate than South Africa but face a daunting task against England in their final group game.In Sharjah, New Zealand dominated Sri Lanka, chasing down a target of 116 with 15 balls to spare. Georgia Plimmer, a 20-year-old opener, impressed with a 53-run knock, while captain Sophie Devine sealed the victory with a six. New Zealand's victory keeps them in contention for a semi-final spot, but their fate depends on the results of India's match against Australia and their own clash with Pakistan on Monday.India and Australia, the defending champions, remain the frontrunners in Group A, with both teams boasting perfect records after three games. New Zealand's chances of reaching the semi-finals will hinge on their ability to overcome Pakistan and the outcome of the India-Australia match.

Mayank Yadav's blistering start in the third T20I against Bangladesh has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The 22-year-old paceman became only the fourth bowler to claim a wicket on the first ball of a T20I innings, joining an elite group that includes Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.Yadav's thunderbolt delivery caught Parvez Hossain Emon off guard, forcing him to play an awkward shot that was comfortably caught by Parag at first slip. The wicket set the tone for India's dominant performance, as they restricted Bangladesh to 164/7 in 20 overs after posting a mammoth 297/6.India's batting onslaught was led by Sanju Samson, who became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a T20I century. Samson's blistering knock of 111 runs off just 47 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes, propelled India to their second-highest T20I score.Samson's century was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his exceptional form at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In eight innings at the venue, he has amassed 398 runs at an average of 66.33 and a strike rate of 162.44, with a century and two fifties.The match also witnessed the second-fastest T20I century by a full-member team player. Samson's 47-ball ton is only behind the 35-ball centuries scored by South Africa's David Miller and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.Yadav's wicket and Samson's century were just two of the many highlights in a high-scoring affair that showcased the depth and talent of Indian cricket. The victory not only sealed the series for India but also provided a glimpse into the future of the team, with young players like Yadav and Samson stepping up to the plate.

South Africa's fate in the T20 World Cup hangs in the balance after their seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Despite their impressive start with wins over West Indies and Scotland, a loss to England and a slow chase against Bangladesh have left their semi-final hopes uncertain.The Proteas' bowling attack, led by Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, restricted Bangladesh to a modest 106. However, their fielding and spin bowling were less effective, allowing Bangladesh to settle into the game.In pursuit of the target, South Africa's top three batters were all dismissed before reaching 22, but Kapp and Chloe Tryon guided the team to victory with 16 balls to spare. Despite the win, South Africa's net run-rate dropped from 1.5 to 1.38, potentially putting them at a disadvantage in the semi-final race.The outcome of the final group game between West Indies and England will determine South Africa's fate. If England wins both matches, South Africa will likely qualify for the semi-finals. However, if West Indies wins one match, South Africa's chances will depend on their net run-rate.South Africa's spin bowling coach, Paul Adams, has played a crucial role in motivating the team. His pre-match poem, "Stay in the Game," has inspired the players to stay focused and united.Tazmin Brits, South Africa's leading run-scorer in the tournament, has also emphasized the importance of self-belief and a positive mindset. She has learned to be less critical of herself and is determined to improve her strike rate in the powerplays.As the tournament enters its final week, the margins for error will become even narrower. South Africa will hope that their slow chase against Bangladesh does not come back to haunt them and that they can secure a semi-final berth.

Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi has emerged as a crucial cog in India's T20I setup, playing a pivotal role in the team's recent 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh. In the final match of the series in Hyderabad, Bishnoi's impressive spell of 3/30 in four overs helped seal the victory, making him the standout performer with the ball.Bishnoi's wickets included the dismissals of Najmul Hossain Shanto (14), Litton Das (42), and Rishad Hossain (0). With these wickets, Bishnoi reached the milestone of 50 T20I wickets, becoming the youngest Indian (24 years, 37 days) to achieve this feat. He is also the joint-second fastest to reach the mark, alongside Arshdeep Singh.In a post-match interview, Bishnoi expressed his excitement about reaching this milestone. "I'm feeling great about this small milestone. The competition in the team adds positive pressure, and I wanted to make the most of this opportunity," he said.Bishnoi's journey to this milestone has been marked by continuous improvement and adaptability. "It's good to take a step back and see the game from the outside. You have to work on yourself and adjust accordingly," he remarked.Bishnoi also credited his recent break for helping him recharge and improve. "I had a few days off and tried to make the most of that time to recharge and improve," he said.Bishnoi's performance in the Bangladesh series has further cemented his place in India's T20I squad. His ability to bowl economical spells and pick up crucial wickets makes him a valuable asset to the team. As India gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, Bishnoi is expected to play a key role in the team's success.

India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, opted to bat first in the decisive third T20I against Bangladesh on Saturday. Despite the early dismissal of opener Abhishek Sharma for just 4 runs, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar provided India with a blistering start. Both batsmen maintained strike rates above 200, forging an explosive 173-run partnership.Samson showcased his exceptional power-hitting, smashing five consecutive sixes off R Hossain in the 12th over. He reached his century in record time, becoming the second-fastest Indian to achieve the feat in T20Is. Samson's innings of 111 runs off just 47 balls was a testament to his aggressive batting style.India had already secured the three-match series with a 2-0 lead, having won the first T20I by 7 wickets and the second by a dominant 86-run margin. After winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his desire to bat first, citing the favorable batting conditions. He also emphasized the importance of continuing with the team's positive approach.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bowl first, stating that the toss was inconsequential. He made two changes to his team, bringing in Tamim Iqbal and Mahedi Hasan. Shanto acknowledged the need for his batters to take responsibility and execute their plans effectively.For the final match, India rested Arshdeep Singh and included spinner Ravi Bishnoi in the playing XI. India aimed to complete a series sweep against Bangladesh.

India's Powerplay Prowess: Samson and Yadav Lead Charge Against BangladeshIn the third and final T20I of the series against Bangladesh, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav unleashed a batting onslaught, propelling India to equal their highest Powerplay total of 82 runs for 1 wicket. The hosts, who had already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead, opted to bat first in Hyderabad, looking to complete a clean sweep.Samson and Yadav took the Bangladesh bowlers to task, smashing boundaries and sixes at will. Samson, in particular, was in devastating form, hitting three sixes and four fours in his 30-ball 55. Yadav, who captained the side in Rohit Sharma's absence, contributed with a quickfire 30 off 16 deliveries.India's aggressive approach in the Powerplay laid the foundation for a dominant performance. They reached the 50-run mark in just 4.2 overs and continued to pile on the runs, setting a daunting target for Bangladesh.This latest Powerplay performance adds to India's impressive record in the opening overs of T20Is. Over the years, the team has consistently showcased its explosive batting capabilities, with several high-scoring starts.In the 2021 T20 World Cup, India replicated their 82-run Powerplay total against Scotland in Dubai. This performance was crucial in propelling India to a comprehensive victory and highlighted their ability to capitalize on the early overs in high-pressure situations.Another standout performance came in 2018 against South Africa in Johannesburg, where the Indian batsmen racked up 78 runs for 2 wickets during the Powerplay. In 2023, during a home series against Australia in Thiruvananthapuram, India managed to score 77 runs for 1 wicket in the Powerplay.These performances showcase India's ability to start strong and maintain momentum throughout the game. The team's aggressive approach in the Powerplay has often put immense pressure on the opposition bowlers and set the tone for successful chases or imposing totals.

Bangladesh, led by captain Nigar Sultana, opted to bat first after winning the toss against South Africa in their final league match of the T20 World Cup in Dubai. With Bangladesh's chances of reaching the semi-finals dwindling, Sultana expressed her desire to "take back something for the country."Bangladesh made a solitary change to their lineup, replacing Taj Nehar with left-handed opener Murshida Khatun. South Africa, on the other hand, remained unchanged, with captain Laura Wolvaardt emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive victory to enhance their net run rate.The pitch conditions presented challenges for batters, with one square boundary stretching 63 meters and the other 57 meters. The wind blowing in that direction made the boundaries appear shorter. Commentator WV Raman predicted that the surface would favor spinners, urging batters to use their feet effectively.Bangladesh Playing XI:1. Dilara Akter2. Shathi Rani3. Sobhana Mostary4. Nigar Sultana (c, wk)5. Murshida Khatun6. Shorna Akter7. Ritu Moni8. Fahima Khatun9. Rabeya Khan10. Nahida Akter11. Marufa AkterSouth Africa Playing XI:1. Laura Wolvaardt (c)2. Tazmin Brits3. Anneke Bosch4. Marizanne Kapp5. Sune Luus6. Chloe Tryon7. Annerie Dercksen8. Nadine de Klerk9. Sinalo Jafta (wk)10. Nonkululeko Mlaba11. Ayabonga Khaka

India opted to bat first after winning the toss in the third and final T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad, despite the potential challenges of defending a total in the dew. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hassan Shanto indicated that his team would have chased regardless.India, already leading the series 2-0, aimed to complete a clean sweep across formats after their 2-0 Test victory. However, they were forced to make a late change to their lineup due to Harshit Rana's viral infection. Ravi Bishnoi replaced Rana, who remains uncapped until October 31, potentially benefiting the Kolkata Knight Riders in the upcoming IPL retention process.Bangladesh also made two changes, bringing in Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mahedi Hasan for Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali. Miraz had struggled in the previous match, while Jaker had failed to deliver on his reputation as a big hitter.The match marked the final T20 international for Bangladesh's Mahmudullah, who was honored with a memento before the game.

Team India's Bold Move: Nitish Kumar Reddy's Rise in the T20I SeriesFormer Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has lauded Team India's decision to promote Nitish Kumar Reddy in the batting order ahead of Hardik Pandya in the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh. Reddy, a promising young all-rounder, has impressed with his aggressive batting and has been given the opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level.Chopra believes that the management's decision to fast-track Reddy into the squad is a testament to his potential. "Nitish Kumar Reddy and Hardik Pandya - this is a fantastic thing the Indian team is trying to do at the moment... Nitish Reddy has been fast-tracked with the thinking that he should be played as much as possible," Chopra stated.While acknowledging Reddy's batting prowess, Chopra also highlighted the need for him to improve his bowling abilities. "He has been made to bat at No. 4 and given full overs... I would still say he is slightly underprepared in bowling because if you see his and Hardik's bowling, Hardik is a much-refined version," Chopra noted.Despite his bowling limitations, Chopra praised Reddy's aggressive batting style and his ability to hit sixes with ease. "However, Nitish Kumar Reddy has the ability with the bat. There is no doubt about that as he hits sixes while standing in his position... He batted well once he got a chance to open his arms," Chopra said, referring to Reddy's performance in Delhi.Chopra expressed optimism about Reddy's future performances, particularly in the upcoming Hyderabad match, where the player will be familiar with the venue from his IPL experience. "His bowling will also suit here as the side boundaries are big. So, Nitish Kumar Reddy is that shining bright prospect for Team India," Chopra concluded.Reddy's inclusion in the team alongside Pandya is a bold move by the Indian management, but it is a move that could pay dividends in the long run. If Reddy can continue to develop his bowling skills and maintain his aggressive batting approach, he has the potential to become a valuable asset to the Indian team in the future.