Cricket

England Elects to Bat First Against Bangladesh in T20 World Cup OpenerIn their opening match of the T20 World Cup, England has opted to bat first after winning the toss at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Captain Heather Knight explained that the absence of dew and the ease of defending a total influenced their decision.England's lineup features a formidable four-woman spin attack, with Linsey Smith, Danielle Gibson, and Nat Sciver-Brunt joining Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone. Smith, who has been tipped as a potential opening bowler, was preferred over Lauren Bell.Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana acknowledged that her team would have made the same choice, having successfully batted first against Scotland in their tournament opener. They have made one change to their side, bringing in Dilara Akter at the top of the order in place of Murshida Khatun."We have a very good bowling attack and will look to restrict them to a total that we can chase," Sultana said.Bangladesh secured a 16-run victory over Scotland in the tournament's opening match, marking their first T20 World Cup win in a decade. However, they have a losing record against England in T20Is, having been defeated on all three previous occasions, including at the 2018 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Team India's dominance continued as they secured a historic 2-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. After a resounding 280-run victory in Chennai, Rohit Sharma's men maintained their momentum with a comprehensive seven-wicket triumph in the rain-hit second Test in Kanpur.Despite losing two and a half days of play due to inclement weather, Team India adopted an aggressive approach and forced a result within three days. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who guided his team to victory, is currently enjoying a well-deserved break with his family.During a recent trip to Abu Dhabi, Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh attended the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, where they met social media sensation Abdu Rozik and legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The couple's interactions with these celebrities sparked viral moments on social media.Reflecting on the Test series triumph, Rohit emphasized the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. "We had to start working with different personnel. Gautam Gambhir's mindset allows players to express themselves. It's been a good start," he said.With the Test series victory, India's focus now shifts to the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing on Sunday in Gwalior. Rohit, along with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, recently announced their retirement from the T20I format after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024.

India and Bangladesh Clash in T20I Series Amidst Test SeasonAs the Test season rages on, India and Bangladesh will engage in a three-match T20I series commencing in Gwalior on Sunday. While India has rested its star players, the fringe players will strive to establish themselves as backups and enhance their IPL value.Suryakumar Yadav leads a relatively inexperienced Indian side, but his players possess exceptional skills and versatility in the T20 format. Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh add experience, while newcomers Mayank Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana seek to make their mark. Abhishek Sharma, with five T20I caps, aims to increase his tally.India's fast-bowling department is depleted, potentially opening doors for debuts for Mayank Yadav, who impressed with his pace in the IPL, and Rana, a Kolkata Knight Riders title winner. Hardik and Shivam Dube provide seam-bowling support, while Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakravarthy form the spin trio.For Bangladesh, this series presents a golden opportunity to develop their game against a formidable opponent and potentially attract IPL scouts. Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed, and Mahedi Hasan, all seasoned T20I campaigners, must perform at their best for Bangladesh to challenge India.With Shakib Al Hasan's retirement from Tests and T20Is, Bangladesh's lineup has undergone a transformation. Sanju Samson, with his impressive IPL form, is likely to open the batting for India alongside Abhishek. Legspinner Rishad Hossain, who emerged as Bangladesh's top wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, will aim to impress IPL scouts.The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium will host its first international match, with teams batting first in night games in India averaging over 190 runs in the past year. The weather is expected to be slightly cooler than usual on Sunday evening.

India's seismic approach to the second Test against Bangladesh, which saw them lose two and a half days due to unpreparedness, has sent shockwaves through the cricket world. Despite the lost time, India's aggressive batting and exceptional bowling performance secured a resounding victory, highlighting the team's newfound mindset under Rohit Sharma's leadership.After Bangladesh were bowled out for 233, the popular belief was that the match would end in a tedious draw. However, Rohit's declaration of intent to "go hard at the bowling" set the tone for a remarkable turnaround. In just 34.4 overs, India amassed 285 runs for nine wickets, setting a new record for the fastest team milestones in Test cricket.Rohit's blistering 40-ball 60, which included three boundaries off the first over, ignited the Indian innings. The skipper's aggressive approach inspired his teammates, who followed suit with a relentless assault on the Bangladeshi bowlers. Shubman Gill (20), Cheteshwar Pujara (22), and Virat Kohli (24) all made significant contributions, while Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 86 off 68 balls sealed the victory.India's bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, was equally impressive. They dismissed Bangladesh for 233 and 170, respectively, in just 74.2 and 47 overs. Bumrah's 5/42 in the first innings and 3/30 in the second were instrumental in India's dominance.The victory not only secured 12 crucial World Test Championship points for India but also showcased the team's newfound attacking mindset. Rohit's leadership has instilled a belief that India can win matches even in challenging circumstances.The Kanpur Test has also highlighted the significance of the World Test Championship. India's aggressive approach was driven by the need to secure a place in the final for a third consecutive cycle. The victory has given them a significant advantage in the race for qualification.Beyond Rohit and Kohli, India's batting group is remarkably young and talented. The likes of Gill, Pujara, Iyer, and Rishabh Pant have already shown their potential, and their continued development bodes well for the future of Indian cricket.

Australia vs Sri Lanka: Aussies Aim to Extend DominanceAustralia, the reigning T20 World Champions, will face Sri Lanka in a crucial Group 1 encounter in Sharjah. The Aussies have never lost to Sri Lanka in T20Is, and they will be looking to maintain their perfect record.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are under pressure after losing their tournament opener to Pakistan. They will need to improve their fielding and batting if they want to challenge Australia.Australia's strength lies in their all-rounders, who can contribute with both bat and ball. Beth Mooney, the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 edition, will be key for Australia. She has been in good form in the lead-up to the tournament, scoring a half-century in the warm-up against England.Sri Lanka will rely on their captain, Chamari Athapaththu, to lead the charge. Athapaththu is a dangerous batter who can take the game away from the opposition. She will need support from her teammates, especially Nilakshika Silva and Vishmi Gunaratne.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Australia will be the favorites, but Sri Lanka will be determined to prove that they can compete with the best.Bangladesh vs England: England Eye Dominant StartBangladesh will face England in a Group 2 match in Sharjah. Bangladesh started their tournament with a win against Scotland, but they will face a much tougher challenge against England.England are one of the favorites to win the tournament, and they have a strong team on paper. They have a good mix of experience and youth, and they are led by the experienced Heather Knight.Bangladesh will need to play their best cricket if they want to beat England. They will need to bat well and restrict England's scoring. Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain, will be key for her team. She is a good all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.England will be confident of victory, but they will not underestimate Bangladesh. They know that Bangladesh can be a dangerous team on their day.The match is expected to be a competitive one, with both teams having a chance of winning. England will be the favorites, but Bangladesh will be determined to cause an upset.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has praised his team for embracing the risk of forcing a result in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, despite the match being heavily affected by rain. With only 35 overs bowled in the first three days, India managed to secure a 2-0 series sweep, extending their lead at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings.Rohit's aggressive approach was evident from the start, as he launched the first two balls he faced for sixes. This mindset was shared by the other batters, who were willing to take risks to achieve a result. "We had to take a little bit of risk to get a result," Rohit said. "I know the result could have gone either way, but I was okay with it."Rohit emphasized the importance of the team's collective effort, particularly the bowlers who dismissed Bangladesh for 233 in the post-lunch session on day four. "The bowlers came to the party first," he said. "They got the wickets that we needed."Under Rohit's leadership, India has adopted an aggressive approach across formats, including at World Cups. For Rohit, aggression is about actions, not reactions. "The kind of batting we do, the kind of field positioning we do, the kind of bowling we do; that to me is aggression," he explained.Rohit also highlighted the team's exceptional fielding, especially their slip catching. "We took 23 out of 24 catches that came our way," he said. "The guys who were standing behind were so sharp."Rohit's captaincy style is based on trusting his judgment and decisions. "When you are playing at such a high level, you need to have a bit of everything," he said. "You need to be calm, to think wisely. There are a lot of decisions that you have to take on the field."Rohit's aggressive approach and trust in his team's abilities have transformed India into a team that prioritizes winning over everything else.

International cricket will make a grand return to Gwalior after a 14-year hiatus, with the city set to host the opening T20I match between India and Bangladesh on October 6th. This historic encounter will mark the first-ever international cricket match at Gwalior's newly constructed Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium.Previously, Gwalior's Captain Roop Singh Stadium was the venue for international cricket matches, including the iconic 2010 ODI where Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in the format. However, since Tendulkar's memorable knock, international cricket has been absent from the city.The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium will now take center stage, hosting the first of three T20I matches between India and Bangladesh. This state-of-the-art facility boasts world-class amenities and a capacity of over 20,000 spectators.The Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a rich history in Indian cricket, having hosted several memorable matches over the years. Some notable encounters include:* West Indies' victory over India by 73 runs in January 1988* India's triumph over South Africa by 38 runs in November 1991* India's back-to-back wins over England by 3 and 4 wickets in March 1993* India's victory over Australia by 37 runs in October 2003* India's emphatic win over Pakistan by 153 runs in February 2010The stadium is also known for hosting the first and only day-night Ranji Trophy final in 1996 between Mumbai and Delhi. Mumbai emerged victorious in that five-day affair courtesy of their first-innings lead.In addition to its cricketing legacy, the Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a unique connection to hockey. Originally a hockey stadium, it was named after Roop Singh, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in hockey at the 1932 and 1936 Games. Roop Singh was the younger brother of hockey legend Dhyan Chand.The return of international cricket to Gwalior is a testament to the city's passion for the sport and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association's commitment to promoting cricket at all levels. The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium is set to become a new landmark in Indian cricket, hosting many more memorable matches in the years to come.

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin has lauded Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for his astute leadership in guiding India to a remarkable victory in the rain-affected Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. Haddin believes that India's aggressive approach and unwavering determination to win, even in challenging conditions, bodes well for their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia.Despite losing two days of play due to rain and a wet outfield, India managed to pull off a stunning victory by dismissing Bangladesh for 146 in their second innings and chasing down a modest target of 95. Haddin praised India's attacking mindset, which allowed them to create opportunities to bowl out Bangladesh within the remaining time."They gave themselves a chance to win the game," Haddin said. "It was not about 'How many runs I score', it is about finding enough time to bowl Bangladesh out. They played a great brand of cricket, but it was all about giving them enough time."Haddin highlighted Rohit Sharma's leadership as a key factor in India's success. "Rohit had nothing to lose," he said. "How good was it to watch! It's a wonderful way to win Test cricket."Haddin believes that India's performance in Kanpur is a testament to their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. "The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result... teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India," he concluded.As India prepares for the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia, Haddin is optimistic that they can replicate their aggressive and determined approach. "I actually do (If India will play same cricket in Australia). Because if you look at this result... the worst result for India would have been a draw. There was no way India would have lost it," he said.The Border-Gavaskar series kicks off on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. India will be aiming to retain the trophy they won in 2018-19, while Australia will be eager to reclaim it on home soil.

Scotland vs Bangladesh: Bangladesh Opt to Bat First in Women's T20 World Cup OpenerIn the inaugural match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana elected to bat first after winning the toss against Scotland at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium.Scotland, making their tournament debut, have a 0-4 record against Bangladesh in T20Is, with their last encounter in September 2022. However, Bangladesh has not tasted victory in a T20 World Cup match in a decade.This edition of the Women's T20 World Cup marks the first time the tournament is being held at a neutral venue.Bangladesh's Batting PerformanceBangladesh openers Shamima Sultana and Murshida Khatun provided a solid start, putting on a 45-run partnership. Shamima, in particular, looked in good touch, hitting some elegant boundaries.However, Scotland's bowlers fought back, with Katherine Fraser dismissing both openers in quick succession. Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with only Fargana Hoque (27) and Rumana Ahmed (22) offering significant resistance.Scotland's Bowling EffortScotland's bowlers were disciplined and accurate, making it difficult for Bangladesh to score freely. Fraser was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/22. Sarah Bryce and Abtaha Maqsood also chipped in with two wickets each.Scotland's Batting ChaseIn response, Scotland got off to a shaky start, losing opener Sarah Bryce early. However, skipper Kathryn Bryce and Rachel Slater steadied the innings with a 40-run partnership.Slater played a particularly aggressive innings, hitting three boundaries and a six. But Bangladesh's bowlers kept the pressure on, with Nahida Akter and Rumana Ahmed taking two wickets each.Bangladesh's VictoryDespite a valiant effort from Scotland, Bangladesh managed to defend their total of 120/8. The Scottish batters were unable to find the boundaries consistently, and the Bangladeshi fielders were sharp in the field.Bangladesh ultimately won the match by 18 runs, securing their first victory in a T20 World Cup match since 2014.