Cricket

India's humiliating clean sweep at home against New Zealand has sparked a heated debate over the quality of pitches and the form of the team's star batters. The historic loss has raised questions about the team's preparation for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.After dominating the Kiwis in the first Test, India suffered a shocking collapse in the second and third Tests. The visitors' spinners, led by Ajaz Patel, exploited the turning tracks to devastating effect, dismissing India for 121 in the third Test.Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has defended the team's batters, arguing that the pitches were designed to assist spinners and that any bowler could have achieved similar results. He pointed out that previous generations of batters never played on such challenging surfaces.However, fans and experts have criticized the Indian batters for their poor technique and lack of application against spin. They argue that the team's reliance on individual brilliance has cost them dearly.Captain Rohit Sharma has taken full responsibility for the team's debacle, acknowledging that they made several mistakes and were outplayed by New Zealand. He has vowed to address the team's shortcomings before the Australia tour.The clean sweep has raised concerns about India's chances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team will need to find a way to counter Australia's formidable pace attack and adapt to the bouncy pitches Down Under.The loss has also highlighted the need for India to develop a more balanced batting lineup. While Rishabh Pant has been a consistent performer, the team needs other batters to step up and contribute.As India prepares for the Australia tour, the team will be under immense pressure to bounce back from this disappointing result. They will need to find a way to improve their batting, bowling, and fielding if they want to challenge the world's top-ranked Test team.

New Zealand's historic 3-0 Test series sweep over India has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Former Kiwi batter Ross Taylor expressed his astonishment at the team's remarkable achievement, stating that a clean sweep was beyond their wildest dreams.The visitors dominated the series from start to finish, showcasing their superiority in all departments. Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner wreaked havoc with the ball, while Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, and Devon Conway led the charge with the bat.Taylor hailed the team's performance as a testament to their hard work and determination. "I think the way they played throughout the whole series... I think we hoped more than thought we were going to win," he said. "But a clean sweep - I think it still hasn't quite sunk in among the New Zealand public, probably for the players as well."The series victory has provided a much-needed boost to cricket in New Zealand, a nation where rugby reigns supreme. "Cricket is fighting for an audience," Taylor noted. "After losing in Sri Lanka, the press after that has changed around completely. I don't think we've had scenes like this since winning the (last) World Test Championship."Taylor believes the team's success in India will inspire future generations of Kiwi cricketers. "It just tells you how high the New Zealand cricket public holds the Indian cricket team and what it's like to go and win over there," he said. "After winning the first Test, it gave the team as well as the public some belief, but I don't think even in our wildest dreams we imagined a clean sweep."New Zealand's triumph is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. They overcame challenging conditions, including India's spin-friendly pitches, to secure a historic victory. The series sweep will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable moments in New Zealand cricket history.

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.

Afghanistan and South Africa faced off in the third and final ODI in Sharjah, with Afghanistan aiming for a historic 3-0 clean sweep. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first.The Afghan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hashmatullah Shahidi, got off to a solid start, putting on 40 runs for the first wicket. Gurbaz was particularly aggressive, hitting a six and a four off Wiaan Mulder.However, South Africa struck back with the wicket of Rahmat Shah, who was run out for 14. Shahidi and Gurbaz continued to bat steadily, but the South African bowlers kept the pressure on.In the 13th over, Aiden Markram dismissed Gurbaz for 26, and in the 18th over, Lungi Ngidi removed Shahidi for 32. Afghanistan were now 72/3, and South Africa were firmly in control of the match.Azmatullah Omarzai and Ikram Alikhil put on a brief partnership of 30 runs, but both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. Afghanistan were now 102/5, and their hopes of a big total were fading.Mohammad Nabi and Nangeyalia Kharote added 40 runs for the sixth wicket, but both batsmen were dismissed in the space of three overs. Afghanistan were now 142/7, and South Africa were closing in on victory.AM Ghazanfar and Fareed Ahmad added some late runs, but Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 189 in the 49th over. Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 3/34, while Markram and Mulder took two wickets each.In reply, South Africa got off to a solid start, with Tony de Zorzi and Temba Bavuma putting on 40 runs for the first wicket. However, Afghanistan struck back with the wicket of de Zorzi, who was caught behind for 20.Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks continued to bat steadily, but the Afghan bowlers kept the pressure on. In the 13th over, Rashid Khan dismissed Bavuma for 26, and in the 18th over, Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed Hendricks for 32.South Africa were now 72/3, and Afghanistan were firmly in control of the match. Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs put on a brief partnership of 30 runs, but both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. South Africa were now 102/5, and their hopes of a big total were fading.Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder added 40 runs for the sixth wicket, but both batsmen were dismissed in the space of three overs. South Africa were now 142/7, and Afghanistan were closing in on victory.Andile Phehlukwayo and Bjorn Fortuin added some late runs, but South Africa were eventually bowled out for 189 in the 49th over. Rashid Khan was the pick of the Afghan bowlers, taking 3/34, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi took two wickets each.Afghanistan won the match by 10 runs, and with it, they completed a historic 3-0 clean sweep of the ODI series against South Africa.

Pakistan's Test woes continued as Bangladesh completed a historic clean sweep in their two-match series, leaving captain Shan Masood deeply disappointed.Bangladesh chased down a target of 143 with ease on the final day, losing just four wickets. The victory marked their second bilateral series win of two or more Tests away from home, the first since 2009 against the West Indies.Masood expressed frustration over his team's recurring failures, particularly their inability to capitalize on dominant positions. He highlighted the need for improved fitness and preparation, especially in the bowling department."We have not learnt our lessons," Masood said. "We thought we were playing good cricket in Australia but not doing the job. We need to work on that."Masood acknowledged missed opportunities in the first innings, where Pakistan failed to capitalize on a strong start. He also emphasized the importance of getting Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah back in the fold, but stressed the need for better fitness and preparation.The defeat extended Pakistan's miserable home record in Tests to 10 matches without a win. Masood has now endured two consecutive clean sweeps as Test captain, having lost 3-0 to Australia previously.Bangladesh's victory is a testament to their growing strength in Test cricket. They have now won four of their last five Tests, including a historic series win in New Zealand.

USA vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I: USA Aims for Clean Sweep in Historic SeriesUSA will face Bangladesh in the third and final T20I of their three-match series on Saturday in Houston, Texas. The match marks a historic moment for USA cricket, as they have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.In the second T20I on Thursday, USA stunned Bangladesh, an ICC full member nation, by 33 runs. The victory was a testament to the growing strength of USA cricket, which is an associate cricketing nation.USA's success in the series has been built on a combination of strong batting and disciplined bowling. In the first T20I, they chased down Bangladesh's total of 153 with ease, thanks to a half-century from Aaron Jones. In the second T20I, they restricted Bangladesh to just 134 runs, with Nisarg Patel taking three wickets.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to salvage some pride in the third T20I. They have been outplayed by USA in both matches so far, and will need to find a way to turn things around.The third T20I will be a crucial match for both teams. For USA, it is a chance to complete a historic clean sweep and send a strong message ahead of the T20 World Cup. For Bangladesh, it is an opportunity to avoid a humiliating series defeat and regain some momentum.

India's Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first in the fifth and final T20I against Bangladesh in Sylhet, aiming to complete a clean sweep of the series. India currently holds a 4-0 lead.Bangladesh made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Sobhana Mostary, Sultana Khatun, and Fariha Trisna. India, on the other hand, retained the same XI from their previous match.The match marks the 100th international appearance for 20-year-old Shafali Verma.Bangladesh:1. Dilara Akter2. Sobhana Mostary3. Rubya Haider4. Nigar Sultana (c & wk)5. Ritu Moni6. Sultana Khatun7. Rabeya Khan8. Nahida Akter9. Shorifa Khatun10. Fariha Trisna11. Shorna AkterIndia:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. D Hemalatha4. Harmanpreet Kaur (c)5. Richa Ghosh (wk)6. Deepti Sharma7. S Sajana8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Titas Sadhu10. S Asha11. Radha YadavAfter a rain-affected fourth match, a full game is anticipated today. India will be eager to test their batting skills after chasing in two of the previous three games.

West Indies' Hayley Matthews continued her remarkable form with a stunning 141-run knock to lead her team to a comprehensive 88-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final ODI in Karachi. The victory sealed a clean sweep for the Caribbean side, who had also won the first two matches of the series.Matthews, who had scored an unbeaten 140 in the series opener, once again dominated the Pakistan bowling attack. She struck 19 boundaries in her 130-ball innings, anchoring the West Indies innings and setting the platform for a formidable total.Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain Matthews and her teammates on a slow and sluggish pitch. First-change spinner Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the attack with 3 for 54, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the West Indies from posting a challenging 278 for 6.In response, Pakistan's batting lineup failed to rise to the occasion. Muneeba Ali top-scored with a modest 38, but the rest of the team struggled to make significant contributions. West Indies bowlers Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, and Karishma Ramharack shared the wickets, while Matthews chipped in with two crucial scalps.Matthews' all-round performance was a testament to her exceptional talent. She not only led the batting charge but also contributed with the ball, proving her worth as a genuine match-winner.The victory was a fitting end to a successful series for the West Indies, who will now turn their attention to the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan. All five matches will be played in Karachi, giving the West Indies an opportunity to continue their winning ways.

Australia's dominance over Bangladesh continued in the third and final ODI in Dhaka, as they secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory to complete a clean sweep of the series.Opting to bowl first, Australia's opening bowlers Kim Garth and Ellyse Perry wreaked havoc on Bangladesh's top order. Garth dismissed Fargana Hoque and Sumaiya Akter for ducks, while Perry removed Murshida Khatun for 8. Bangladesh's innings never gained momentum, as they lost wickets at regular intervals.Captain Nigar Sultana top-scored for Bangladesh with a gritty 16 off 39 deliveries, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide any substantial support. Garth finished with impressive figures of 3 for 11, while Ash Gardner (3 for 25), Perry (2 for 17), and Sophie Molineux (2 for 23) shared the remaining wickets.Australia's chase was a formality, as Alyssa Healy (33), Perry (27*), and Beth Mooney (21*) guided them to victory in just 18.3 overs. Healy fell leg before to Rabeya Khatun, while Phoebe Litchfield was caught and bowled by Sultana Khatun for 12.Gardner's outstanding performance throughout the series earned her the Player-of-the-Series award. She claimed 3 for 22 and scored 32 in the first ODI, and in the second, she took 2 for 22 and made an unbeaten 20.Australia's victory extends their unbeaten streak against Bangladesh in ODIs to 10 matches. The two teams will now face off in a three-match T20I series, starting on March 31 in Dhaka.