Cricket

Chhattisgarh's openers, Ayush Pandey and Anuj Tiwari, put on a dominant 145-run partnership to propel their team to a strong position on day one of the Buchi Babu tournament semifinals against TNCA XI.Pandey, a left-handed opener, played a patient innings, accumulating 82 runs off 172 deliveries. He displayed a solid technique, driving the ball confidently and using the sweep shot effectively against the spinners.Tiwari, on the other hand, was more aggressive, scoring 93 runs off 175 balls. He showcased his power-hitting abilities with two sixes and 10 fours, including some impressive cover drives and straight drives.The duo's partnership was built on a combination of patience and aggression. They rotated the strike regularly, keeping the scoreboard ticking over, while also punishing loose deliveries.After Tiwari's dismissal, Prateek Yadav came to the crease and played a brisk half-century (61 batting off 67 balls). He hit seven fours and three sixes, providing further impetus to Chhattisgarh's innings.At the close of play, Chhattisgarh had reached 294 for three wickets in 90 overs. Skipper Amandeep Khare (35 batting off 117 balls) was holding fort at the other end.The TNCA XI bowlers struggled to contain Chhattisgarh's batters, with left-arm spinner S. Ajith Ram and off-spinner Lakshay Jain being the most economical. However, they were unable to break the partnership between Pandey and Tiwari.

The highly anticipated third season of the SA20 cricket tournament is set to kick off on January 9, 2023, with defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape hosting MI Cape Town at St George's Park in Gqeberha. The tournament will feature 30 league matches, followed by playoffs and a final at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.St George's Park will also host the first qualifier, which will determine the team that automatically advances to the final. The Wanderers, which hosted the inaugural SA20 final, will once again host the championship match. The reason for the switch back to Johannesburg is unclear, but it may be related to the Wanderers' larger capacity, accommodating over 30,000 spectators.SuperSport Park in Centurion will host the eliminator and second qualifier on consecutive days, marking the first time the playoffs will be held in Centurion. Kingsmead in Durban and Boland Park in Paarl are the only two venues that have yet to host any of the marquee matches.The SA20 will follow the same format as the previous season, with each team playing every other team home and away before the playoffs. The total number of matches remains at 34."We're thrilled to start the season in Gqeberha with our defending champions and look forward to an action-packed summer of cricket," said Graeme Smith, SA20 league commissioner. "As we welcome international talent to the roaring pool of local stars, we aim to deliver an unforgettable experience for both players and fans alike."The SA20 squads are nearing completion, with each team having secured between 14 and 17 players on their rosters. The remaining players will be decided via an auction on October 1.

Dinesh Karthik Advocates for Gill and Khan to Replace Pujara and Rahane in Border-Gavaskar TrophyFormer Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has suggested that Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan should be considered as potential replacements for veteran batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Karthik believes that Gill and Khan have the potential to fill the void left by Pujara and Rahane, who have struggled for form in recent times. Both Gill and Khan have impressed with their performances in domestic cricket and have shown glimpses of their talent at the international level.Gill has already made a significant impact in Tests, particularly in challenging conditions. His ability to handle pressure and perform under duress was evident during India's memorable series win in Australia in 2020/21. Khan, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, scoring heavily against formidable bowling attacks. His impressive showings in the home series against England earlier this year have further strengthened his case for inclusion in the squad for the Australian tour.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-match series, will be a stern test for India's batting lineup. The matches will be played in Perth, Adelaide (featuring a pink-ball Test), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Team India will be aiming to extend their dominance in Australia, having clinched the previous two editions of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2018/19 and 2020/21 Down Under.

Bangladesh's relentless bowling attack has put Pakistan on the brink of defeat in the second Test in Rawalpindi. Resuming on 9 for 2, Pakistan lost four wickets in the morning session to slip to 117 for 6, leaving them with a slender lead of 129 runs.Fast bowler Nahid Rana was the tormentor-in-chief, claiming three wickets for 22 runs in a devastating spell. He dismissed Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling.Saim Ayub and Masood had started the day positively, adding 34 runs in the first 6.2 overs. However, Ayub's loose drive off Taskin Ahmed brought about his downfall, with Najmul Hossain Shanto taking a sharp catch at mid-off.Babar Azam, who had been struggling for form, was trapped in front by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but replays showed the ball was spinning past the leg stump.Rana's introduction into the attack proved decisive. He first removed Masood, who edged a drive to the wicketkeeper. Babar followed soon after, edging to first slip. Shakeel's dismissal, caught by Litton Das, left Pakistan in deep trouble.Mohammad Rizwan, who was dropped on his first ball, has been the lone bright spot for Pakistan. He has played with determination and grit, hitting boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Salman Agha has provided valuable support, ensuring Pakistan did not lose any further wickets before lunch.Bangladesh will be confident of completing a 2-0 series sweep if they can dismiss Pakistan cheaply in the afternoon session. The hosts, on the other hand, need to bat with patience and resilience to save the match.

The upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025 has sparked speculation about whether the Indian cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the tournament. India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012 due to political tensions, and their only recent encounters have been during international tournaments.Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed concerns about the security of the Indian team if they were to travel to Pakistan. He believes that the Indian government should only consider sending the team if Pakistan can guarantee their safety."I feel the security concerns are always there and if the security of the players is not ensured there then I don't think that the team should go there," Singh said. "If they say that the teams will get full security and there is no hassle then it's on the government to think and make decisions."Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria also believes that India should not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. He suggests that Dubai would be a more suitable venue due to the security concerns."Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan," Kaneria said. "The safety of the players is the first priority."The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet made a decision on whether the Indian team will travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The final decision will likely depend on the security situation in Pakistan and the advice of the Indian government.

Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team, has established himself as one of the most successful limited-overs leaders in contemporary cricket. His captaincy style has drawn comparisons to legendary figures like MS Dhoni, and he is widely regarded as a tactically astute and composed leader.Rohit's sharp cricketing acumen is evident in his field placements and bowling changes, which often reflect a deep understanding of the game. He is known for his ability to make quick decisions under pressure, adapting his captaincy style to suit the situation. Whether it's being aggressive or defensive, Rohit has shown the ability to put his team in a winning position.Beyond his tactical prowess, Rohit is also known for his calm and composed nature on the field. This quality has been pivotal in Mumbai Indians' success in closely fought matches, as he manages to keep the team focused and composed even in high-pressure situations.Rohit's leadership style extends beyond the field. He has a reputation for managing his players well, giving them confidence and backing them during lean phases. This has allowed several young players to thrive under his leadership, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.In a recent interview, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin highlighted the key differences between the captaincy styles of Rohit Sharma, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. Ashwin praised Rohit's ability to keep the team environment light and his focus on tactical preparation."Rohit always keeps the environment of the team light," Ashwin said. "He makes an effort to keep it light. And he stays very balanced and tactically he is strong. Both Dhoni and Virat were also tactically strong but Rohit works more on the tactics."Ashwin also noted Rohit's unwavering support for his players. "If he selects a player in the XI, he backs them 100%," Ashwin said. "I have played most of my career with these three captains."Rohit's success as captain is not limited to his franchise team, Mumbai Indians. He has also led India to victories in the T20 World Cup and several other bilateral series, proving his mettle as a natural leader within the squad.Under Rohit's captaincy, Mumbai Indians have won the IPL title five times, making them one of the most successful teams in the history of the tournament. His ability to adapt his captaincy style, manage his players effectively, and maintain a positive team environment has been instrumental in his success as a leader.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer and current head coach of the Indian men's cricket team, recently unveiled his all-time India XI, sparking both admiration and debate among fans. The team, which features a blend of legendary players and modern-day greats, notably excludes some of India's most prominent current stars.Gambhir's opening duo comprises himself and Virender Sehwag, two aggressive and prolific batsmen who formed a formidable partnership during their playing days. At number three, he has placed Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain and current head coach of the National Cricket Academy.The middle order boasts an array of batting stalwarts. Sachin Tendulkar, the "God of Cricket," occupies the number four spot, followed by Virat Kohli, the current Indian captain and one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Yuvraj Singh, the swashbuckling all-rounder, and MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, complete the batting lineup at numbers six and seven, respectively.In the bowling department, Gambhir has opted for a spin-heavy attack. Anil Kumble, the former Indian captain and one of the greatest leg-spinners of all time, is placed at number eight, followed by Ravichandran Ashwin, the current Indian off-spinner.For the pace bowling unit, Gambhir has selected Irfan Pathan, a left-arm seamer known for his all-round abilities, and Zaheer Khan, a left-arm pacer who was a key member of India's 2011 World Cup-winning team. Notably absent from the list is Jasprit Bumrah, the current Indian pace spearhead and one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.Gambhir's decision to snub Rohit Sharma, the current Indian ODI captain and one of the most prolific batsmen in limited-overs cricket, has raised eyebrows. Similarly, the omission of Kapil Dev, the legendary all-rounder who captained India to its first World Cup victory in 1983, has also sparked discussion.Despite the absence of these star players, Gambhir's all-time India XI remains a formidable lineup, showcasing the depth and talent that Indian cricket has produced over the years. It is a testament to the country's rich cricketing history and the abundance of exceptional players who have graced the game.

The second Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi took a dramatic turn on Day 3, with Bangladesh fighting back from a precarious position to leave the match hanging in the balance.Pakistan had dominated the first session, with Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza dismantling Bangladesh's top order to leave them reeling at 26-6. However, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan staged a remarkable recovery, putting on a 165-run partnership for the seventh wicket.Das, who scored a fighting 165, and Hasan, who contributed a pugnacious 78, defied the Pakistani bowlers for over five hours, bringing Bangladesh back into the match. Their partnership was the highest ever for the seventh wicket after the first six wickets had fallen for 30 runs or fewer in Test cricket.Pakistan eventually broke the stand when Khurram Shahzad dismissed Hasan, but Das continued to fight, reaching his fourth Test century before falling to Agha Salman. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 262, giving Pakistan a slender 12-run lead.Pakistan's openers faced a challenging 20-minute period to see out the remaining overs, but Abdullah Shafique struggled and was dismissed in the final over of the day by Hasan Mahmud. Khurram Shahzad, who came in as the nightwatchman, was also dismissed by Mahmud, leaving Pakistan with a 21-run lead and eight wickets in hand.The Test is now poised on a knife's edge, with both teams having a chance to secure victory on the remaining two days. Pakistan will need to bowl Bangladesh out quickly to set up a chase, while Bangladesh will be looking to make the most of the new ball and put early pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.

Yograj Singh, the father of former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, has reignited his feud with MS Dhoni, accusing him of ruining his son's career. Yograj, who played seven international matches for India, has repeatedly criticized Dhoni on public platforms, alleging that he sabotaged Yuvraj's chances of success.In a recent interview with Zee Switch YouTube channel, Yograj expressed his unwavering resentment towards Dhoni. "I won't forgive MS Dhoni. He should look at his face in the mirror. He is a great cricketer, but what he has done against my son is unforgivable," he said.Yograj's accusations stem from his belief that Dhoni deliberately sidelined Yuvraj in the Indian team. He claims that Dhoni's jealousy of Yuvraj's talent led him to manipulate the selection process and limit his opportunities.This is not the first time Yograj has attacked Dhoni. Earlier this year, he blamed Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) poor performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He alleged that Dhoni's "bad deeds" had come back to haunt him, resulting in CSK's failure.Yograj's comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans expressing their support for Yuvraj and criticizing Dhoni's alleged actions. However, Dhoni has remained silent on the matter, choosing not to engage in a public feud with Yograj.Meanwhile, Dhoni retired from international cricket in August 2020 but continues to play in the IPL. His future with CSK remains uncertain, as there is no clarity on whether he will participate in the tournament next year.Yograj's accusations have cast a shadow over Dhoni's legacy, raising questions about his conduct as a captain and his relationship with fellow players. The ongoing feud between the two former cricketers highlights the complexities of team dynamics and the potential for personal conflicts to impact sporting careers.