Cricket

Pakistan's Usama Mir Dismissed in Bizarre Hit Wicket Incident in The HundredIn an extraordinary turn of events, Pakistan's Usama Mir became the victim of an unusual hit wicket dismissal during a The Hundred Men's match between Manchester Originals and Southern Brave at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Thursday. The incident occurred on the final delivery of the Manchester innings, leaving fans and commentators alike in disbelief.As Chris Jordan bowled a yorker outside the off stump, Mir, who was deep inside his crease, attempted a shot but inadvertently struck the top of the stumps with his bat. The right-hander's unexpected dismissal was one of the most peculiar ways a batter can get out.Mir had managed to score 11 runs off seven balls, including two boundaries, before his bizarre exit. Manchester Originals posted a total of 116 for 6, which proved insufficient against the Southern Brave. The Brave chased down the target with ease, securing a comprehensive win by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare.The Hundred's official handle on Twitter shared a visual of the incident, highlighting the unusual nature of the dismissal. The caption read: "You don’t see batters get out like this very often! Usama Mir hits his wicket on the final ball of Manchester Originals’ innings."The bizarre dismissal has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, with many expressing their surprise and amusement. It serves as a reminder that even in a sport as familiar as cricket, unexpected and extraordinary incidents can occur.

India's Triumphant T20 World Cup Victory: A Well-Deserved AccoladeIndia's long-awaited T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados marked a historic moment for the nation's cricket. After a 17-year drought, Rohit Sharma's team shattered expectations and brought home the coveted trophy.Australian cricket writers Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, creators of 'The Grade Cricketer Podcast,' hailed India's victory as a testament to their exceptional performance. "India deserved to win the T20 World Cup because they played the very best cricket," Perry asserted.Perry and Higgins attributed India's success to their ability to overcome past World Cup setbacks. "They transcended a lot of their difficulties at previous World Cups to win the tournament," Perry said.The duo's podcast, 'The Grade Cricketer,' emerged from their shared experiences as club cricketers in Australia. "We had dreams of being professional players, but we weren't good enough," Perry explained. "But we picked up a lot of experience that we didn't feel was reflected in cricket media."Through their podcast, Perry and Higgins aim to bring cricket stories to life with humor and authenticity. "We try to reflect some of the difficult experiences that you have playing cricket but are unspoken," Perry said.India's T20 World Cup victory serves as a reminder of the team's resilience and determination. It is a testament to the talent and dedication of the players, as well as the unwavering support of their fans.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved a substantial budget of approximately USD 70 million to host the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in early 2023. This decision was made after a thorough review by the ICC's financial and commercial committee, led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah.The budget, jointly submitted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC finance department, includes an additional USD 4.5 million allocated for unforeseen expenses. This has raised speculation that the backup funds may be intended to cover the potential relocation of matches if India decides not to send its team to Pakistan.However, sources close to the ICC have indicated that the additional amount is insufficient to cover the costs of moving matches from Pakistan. The tentative format for the tournament places India and Pakistan in the same group, potentially leading to a second match in the super four stage and a third in the final if both teams qualify.Despite concerns over venue changes and additional expenses during the 2023 Asia Cup held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) managed to make a profit. This was largely attributed to the high-profile matches between India and Pakistan.Jay Shah, who also chairs the ACC, presided over the decision to award the T20 format Asia Cup to India in 2025 and the 50-over format Asia Cup to Bangladesh in 2027.

As India embarks on a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, the team management faces a crucial decision: selecting between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the long-term wicketkeeper-batter.Rahul has held the position since the 2022 Asia Cup, showcasing consistency with both bat and gloves. In 21 matches since then, he has amassed 834 runs at an impressive average of 69.50, including two centuries.However, Pant's return to the Indian team has sparked a debate. While his performances in T20Is have been underwhelming, recent signs of improvement have raised hopes. The management must weigh his potential against Rahul's proven track record.Another factor to consider is Shreyas Iyer, who has been in excellent form in the 50-over format. His inclusion would require a reshuffling of the batting order, potentially leading to a three-way split between Rahul, Pant, and Iyer.India's bowling options are also under scrutiny. With Hardik Pandya unavailable, the team may consider giving Riyan Parag or Shivam Dube a chance at No. 6. Parag's versatility as a leg-spinner and off-spinner could prove valuable, while Dube offers power-hitting capabilities.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be eager to avoid the batting collapses that plagued them in the T20I series. A mix of experienced and young players, they will look to challenge India's dominance.

India's T20I dominance over Sri Lanka continued as they completed a resounding 3-0 clean-sweep with a thrilling super over victory in the final match. The hosts' chase of 138 seemed comfortable until Suryakumar Yadav's inspired bowling changes turned the tide.With Sri Lanka needing nine runs off 12 balls, Yadav summoned part-time off-spinner Rinku Singh. Singh, making his T20I bowling debut, conceded only three runs and claimed two wickets in a remarkable 19th over.Yadav's audacity continued as he brought himself on to bowl the final over. Despite conceding five runs, he picked up two more wickets, forcing the game into a super over. India's dominance extended into the super over, where they restricted Sri Lanka to just two runs and secured a comprehensive victory.Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif lauded Yadav's captaincy, particularly his unconventional bowling choices. "Suryakumar is a true disciple of Rohit Sharma," Kaif tweeted. "Using Rinku in the 19th over and himself in the 20th over shows what it takes to be a great leader."Rinku, who had never bowled in T20Is before, expressed his surprise at being asked to bowl. "I was informed by Surya to be ready for bowling in the series," he said. "When he asked me to bowl, it was God's plan."Off-spinner Washington Sundar, who starred with an all-round performance, praised Yadav's inventiveness. "It was a great decision to bring in Rinku," Sundar said. "For Surya to bring himself into such a crunch situation was amazing."Yadav's bold captaincy and the unexpected contributions of Rinku and Sundar proved decisive in India's clean-sweep. The victory further cements India's status as a formidable force in T20I cricket.

Virat Kohli's Practice Session Interrupted by Fan's TauntIndian cricket star Virat Kohli was visibly annoyed during a practice session in Sri Lanka when a fan addressed him as "Chokli." The incident occurred as Kohli was practicing with his teammates in a room.As Kohli focused on his drills, the fan began shouting "Chokli-Chokli," a derogatory term used to mock the batsman. Kohli immediately turned to face the fan, his expression clearly displeased.Kohli arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday for a three-match ODI series against the host nation. Due to rain in Colombo, the initial practice session was canceled. However, Kohli participated in his first net session since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup.The incident highlights the challenges faced by high-profile athletes who often encounter unwanted attention and disrespectful behavior from fans. Kohli, known for his intense focus and competitive spirit, was clearly disturbed by the fan's taunts.Despite the interruption, Kohli is expected to play a key role in India's upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. With the 2025 Champions Trophy just seven months away, Kohli will be eager to showcase his best performance and help India secure another ICC trophy.Kohli has an impressive record against Sri Lanka in ODIs, having scored 2594 runs in 53 matches at an average of 63.26. He has scored 10 centuries and 12 half-centuries against the island nation.

MS Dhoni's Heartbreaking Run-Out in 2019 World Cup Semifinal: A Moment of Anguish and AcceptanceThe 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester, etched itself into the hearts of millions of Indian fans for all the wrong reasons. Chasing a modest target of 240, India's hopes rested on the shoulders of their legendary captain, MS Dhoni.With just 31 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Dhoni, known as the "best finisher in the world," was at the crease. However, tragedy struck in the penultimate over bowled by Lockie Ferguson. Dhoni mistimed a pull shot, and the ball popped up towards short fine leg.In a moment of hesitation, Dhoni and his batting partner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ran for two. But a slight stutter on the second run proved fatal as Martin Guptill's direct hit at the keeper's end found Dhoni short.The crowd gasped in disbelief as Dhoni, who had scored a valiant 50 off 72 balls, was run out. India lost the match by 18 runs, their World Cup dreams shattered.In a recent event, Dhoni was asked about that fateful moment. With a heavy heart, he admitted, "It was a difficult one because I knew that this would be my last World Cup.""It was a heartbreak moment, but we accepted the result and tried to move on," he added. "It takes time, and one gets some time after the World Cup. I haven't played any international cricket after that, so I got a lot of time."Dhoni's words resonated with fans who had witnessed his brilliance over the years. He had led India to numerous triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.But even the greatest of players can experience heartbreak. Dhoni's run-out in the 2019 World Cup semifinal was a reminder that even in the most crucial moments, fate can play a cruel hand.

Derbyshire's bowlers, led by Pat Brown's exceptional performance, dismantled Lancashire's batting lineup in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup match at Derby, paving the way for a resounding nine-wicket victory.Brown, who recorded his best one-day figures of 5 for 37, wreaked havoc on the Lancashire batsmen, bowling six overs and claiming five wickets. Zak Chappell and Harry Moore also contributed with two wickets each, leaving Lancashire reeling at 99 all out in just 20 overs.Lancashire's highest score came from extras, with 19 runs, while only three players managed to reach double figures. Andrew Flintoff's 16-year-old son, Rocky, was one of those three, scoring 16 runs.Derbyshire's chase was a breeze, with Luis Reece leading the charge with an unbeaten 52 runs. Reece and Harry Came shared a 65-run partnership to seal the victory in the 20th over, with Derbyshire losing just one wicket.The victory marked Derbyshire's third in Group A, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stages. Lancashire, on the other hand, suffered their third defeat, leaving them in a precarious position.Lancashire's batting woes began early, with Sam Conners trapping Harry Singh lbw in the first over. Chappell then struck twice in his fourth over, dismissing Josh Bohannon and George Bell, leaving Lancashire on 27 for 3.Flintoff, who was hit on the helmet by a short ball from Chappell, fell to another short delivery from Brown, reducing Lancashire to 55 for 5. Venkatesh Iyer, making his debut for Lancashire, showed some promise with two glorious drives for four, but he was caught by Brown in the deep.Brown continued his demolition, bowling Jack Blatherwick and Tom Aspinwall in quick succession. Moore then had George Balderson caught behind, and Brown completed the rout by bowling Charlie Barnard.Derbyshire's bowlers had set the stage for a comfortable victory, and Reece wasted no time in pressing the accelerator, hitting two sixes off Blatherwick in the fourth over. Reece and Came shared a double century opening stand against Middlesex on Saturday, but this time they were parted when Singh took a smart catch to dismiss Came.However, Reece and Brooke Guest, who remained unbeaten on 37, added 65 runs to put the seal on an impressive Derbyshire display.

Muttiah Muralitharan's Doppelgänger Dances to 'Tauba Tauba,' Impressing Social MediaA viral video has taken social media by storm, featuring a dancer who bears an uncanny resemblance to legendary Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. The dancer, identified as choreographer Kiran, grooves to the popular song "Tauba Tauba" from the Bollywood film "Bad News."The video has garnered widespread attention, with many users initially believing it was Muralitharan himself showcasing his hidden dance skills. However, Kiran's impressive dance moves and the video's execution have earned him praise and admiration.Meanwhile, on the cricket field, India emerged victorious in the third T20I against Sri Lanka, thanks to the combined efforts of Rinku Singh, Suryakumar Yadav, and Washington Sunder.Chasing a modest target of 138, Sri Lanka got off to a strong start with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting on a 58-run partnership. However, spinner Ravi Bishnoi broke the stand, and Kusal Perera joined Mendis to form another solid partnership of 52 runs.With Sri Lanka needing 28 runs off 28 balls, Rinku Singh struck twice, including dismissing Perera in the penultimate over. In a surprising move, Suryakumar Yadav came on to defend six runs in the final over and restricted Sri Lanka to 137/8, tying the match.The game went into a Super Over, where Washington Sundar dismissed both Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka to limit Sri Lanka to 2/2. In reply, Suryakumar hit a boundary off the first ball of Maheesh Theekshana's Super Over, securing India's victory.