Cricket

Brisbane Heat have bolstered their batting lineup for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) seasons by re-signing former New Zealand international Colin Munro for two more years. Munro, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, has been a prolific run-scorer in T20 cricket, amassing over 10,000 runs in 428 matches.Munro's signing is a significant boost for the Heat, who are aiming to defend their BBL title. The 37-year-old has played a key role in the Heat's recent success, scoring over 500 runs in the past two seasons. He has also been a valuable mentor for the team's younger players.Munro's re-signing is part of a new BBL rule that allows each club to sign one international player on a multi-year deal ahead of the overseas player draft. The Heat have taken advantage of this rule to secure the services of a proven match-winner.Munro will join a strong Heat batting lineup that includes Australian internationals Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw. The team also has a new coach for the upcoming season, with Johan Botha replacing Wade Seccombe.Munro is excited to be part of the Heat's title defense and believes the team has the potential to achieve great things. "It's a strong squad again and I'm looking forward to being part of what we can build together," he said. "There are always opportunities to get better and as a group, we should be excited about the new goals we will pursue this summer."The Heat will be hoping that Munro can continue his impressive form in the BBL and help them to another championship.

Player-of-the-match Sneh Rana's unwavering belief and the team's resilience propelled India to a thrilling victory in the one-off Test against South Africa. Despite South Africa's spirited batting display, India remained steadfast in their conviction that they would emerge victorious."We always had positive vibes. There was not a single player who thought the match was slipping away from us. The match was always inclined towards India. Everyone believed we would take the wickets," Rana said after the match.The Indian team's unwavering belief extended beyond the players to the support staff, who shared the same conviction. Rana's satisfaction stemmed not only from the victory but also from the fact that it came against one of the best teams in the world."As far as satisfaction is concerned, there's a lot of satisfaction especially when you beat the best teams; when you give a performance against them at a time when it is needed the most. I think there is nothing more satisfactory than that," she added.Rana acknowledged the challenges posed by the pitch, which favored batters more than bowlers. However, she emphasized the importance of adapting to different conditions and using variations in bowling. She also highlighted the need for more Test cricket, believing it to be one of the best formats for women's cricket."I think Test is one of the best formats of cricket. And the more it is played, the better it is for women's cricket. Thanks to the BCCI for organizing multi-day domestic competition. I think that will also help. According to me, there should be at least two Tests (in a series)," she said.

South Africa's valiant effort in the recently concluded Test match against India has been lauded by captain Laura Wolvaardt. Despite conceding a massive 500 runs on the first day, the Proteas displayed remarkable resilience and determination to extend the match to the final session on day four.Wolvaardt praised her team's batting performance, highlighting the grit and determination of each batter who faced the Indian spinners. She emphasized the importance of their ability to navigate the challenging conditions and see out the match.Reflecting on her experience as captain in the last two Tests against Australia and India, Wolvaardt acknowledged the contrasting challenges posed by the different pitches. She noted the emphasis on pace and bounce at the WACA in Perth, while the Chennai pitch demanded a more nuanced approach to spin bowling.Wolvaardt expressed her admiration for the Chennai crowd, who provided enthusiastic support for both teams. She described the atmosphere as entertaining and motivating, with the crowd's songs and cheers adding to the spectacle.Despite the loss, Wolvaardt believes that the experience will be invaluable for her team's growth. She emphasized the importance of learning from the challenges they faced and using them to improve their performance in future matches.

Surrey and Essex engaged in a thrilling battle on day two of their top-of-the-table Vitality County Championship clash at the Kia Oval. Despite 14 wickets falling, Surrey emerged with a 126-run lead, putting them in a strong position to challenge for the title.Resuming on 248 for eight, Surrey secured a batting bonus point before being dismissed for 262. Essex, missing the in-form Jordan Cox due to illness, were then bowled out for 180 in their first innings.Paul Walter top-scored for Essex with a gritty 64, while Matt Critchley contributed a determined 48. However, Surrey's seam attack, led by Dan Worrall (3-40) and Jordan Clark (3-33), proved too potent.In their second innings, Surrey struggled to 44 for three, losing both openers cheaply. However, they still extended their overall lead to 126, thanks to the efforts of Jamie Smith (11 not out) and Ben Foakes (4 not out).The match was characterized by a well-grassed pitch that favored the quicker bowlers. Jamie Porter, Shane Snater, and Eathan Bosch all struck early blows for Essex, while James Taylor and Tom Lawes also contributed to Surrey's success.The absence of Cox was a significant blow for Essex, as the young batsman has been in excellent form this season. His replacement, Nick Browne, was dismissed cheaply, while former South Africa Test captain Dean Elgar also failed to make an impact.Surrey's victory puts them in a strong position to challenge for the County Championship title. However, Essex will be determined to bounce back and remain in contention for the top spot.

South Africa's journey in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 ended in heartbreak as they fell short in the final against India. Despite an impressive run throughout the tournament, the Proteas were unable to overcome a formidable Indian team in the title clash.The match was a tale of two halves. South Africa, chasing a modest target of 134, started strongly with Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw putting on a 50-run partnership. However, the Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, tightened their grip on the game.As wickets fell at regular intervals, the pressure mounted on South Africa. David Miller, who had been in excellent form throughout the tournament, was dismissed for 19 by a sensational catch from Suryakumar Yadav. With the required run rate climbing, the Proteas' hopes dwindled.In the end, South Africa fell 30 runs short, handing India their second T20 World Cup title. While the result was disappointing, the Proteas can take solace in their impressive performance throughout the tournament.Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, South Africa remained unbeaten until the final. They defeated defending champions England, a resurgent Afghanistan, and other strong teams with ease. This run of success is a testament to the team's growth and development in recent years.Despite the absence of veterans like AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Dale Steyn, South Africa has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in global tournaments. The team's young players, such as Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje, have stepped up and played key roles.The Proteas' performance in the T20 World Cup is a reminder of their resilience and determination. While they may have fallen short of the ultimate prize, they have shown that they are capable of competing with the best in the world. As they look ahead to future tournaments, South Africa will be confident that they can build on this success and achieve their long-awaited ICC trophy.

England Under-19s secured a thrilling 30-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second One-Day International (ODI) at Hove, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.Freddie McCann's magnificent 174-run knock propelled England to a formidable total of 360 for 7. The left-hander's innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring 22 boundaries and three sixes. Noah Thain provided valuable support with a well-crafted 66.Sri Lanka's chase got off to a promising start, with Pulindu Perera and Gayana Weerasinghe forging a 110-run partnership. However, McCann's diving catch to dismiss Weerasinghe off Farhan Ahmed's bowling proved to be a turning point.Perera's dismissal for 64 left Sri Lanka in a precarious position. Despite a valiant effort from Luc Benkenstein, who claimed four wickets, the Sri Lankan batsmen struggled to keep up with the required run rate. They were eventually bowled out for 330 in 49.2 overs.England's innings had begun steadily, with McCann and Thain laying the foundation with a 127-run partnership. Thain's impressive 66 included eight fours and a six.After Thain's departure, McCann accelerated his scoring, reaching his century in 97 balls. He continued to dominate the Sri Lankan bowlers, hitting boundaries at will. Charlie Allison (46) and Dom Kelly (32 not out) provided valuable contributions in the latter stages of the innings.Dinura Kalupahana was the most successful Sri Lankan bowler, claiming five wickets for 81 runs. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent England from securing a crucial victory.

Chris Wright, the experienced Leicestershire seamer, has been suspended for nine months after testing positive for a trace amount of Ostarine, a banned substance. The 38-year-old admitted to the adverse result in October 2023, which stemmed from a contaminated food supplement.Despite signing a new contract with Leicestershire last year, Wright has not played for the club this season due to his suspension. The Cricket Regulator and the National Anti-Doping Agency accepted that Wright did not intentionally ingest the substance, which is not performance-enhancing.Wright's suspension has been backdated, making him eligible to play from July 19. He expressed shock and disappointment upon learning of the positive test, emphasizing that he had disclosed the use of the supplement on his doping control form.With the help of scientific experts, Wright identified the supplement as the source of the contamination. He criticized the supplement manufacturer for failing to explain how Ostarine entered the product.The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) has expressed concern over the lack of thresholds for banned substances in cases where there is no intent or scientific evidence of intentional ingestion. The PCA is lobbying the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to review its stance on trace amounts of substances ingested via contamination.Ian Thomas, PCA managing director of member services, highlighted the dangers of supplement usage and the stress Wright and his family have endured during the suspension. He emphasized the need for a review of WADA's rules to protect innocent athletes from lengthy bans due to contamination.Wright expressed gratitude for the support he received from the PCA, Leicestershire CCC, and his family. He is eager to return to training and resume his playing career.

Suryakumar Yadav's remarkable catch in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa has etched his name into Indian cricket history. The 33-year-old's athleticism, balance, and game awareness were on full display as he secured a crucial catch that helped India secure a thrilling seven-run victory.Speaking to PTI, Yadav remained modest about his contribution, attributing it to divine intervention. "I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country...god's plan it was," he said.The catch came at a pivotal moment in the match. South Africa needed 16 runs from the final over, with David Miller on strike. Hardik Pandya bowled a wide full toss, which Miller connected with. Yadav, positioned near the boundary, steadied himself, caught the ball, released it as he went over the boundary, and then re-entered the field to complete an astonishing catch.The catch evoked memories of Kapil Dev's legendary catch in the 1983 World Cup final against the West Indies. Dev had sprinted from mid-on to dismiss Viv Richards with a spectacular catch off Madan Lal's bowling.India's fielding coach, T Dilip, praised Yadav's decision-making and awareness. "When the moment comes, it's his decision and awareness of rope, that's very important, and knowing with confidence that he can throw and come back, it's decision-making at that time, and he got on to that," Dilip said.Yadav's catch was a testament to India's exceptional fielding throughout the tournament. "We fielded like a pack of wolves, as Rahul bhai and Rohit keep saying... Everybody knew their roles but together we hunted every opportunity which came our way leaving no stone unturned," Dilip added.India's T20 World Cup victory marked the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC title. However, the team is currently stranded in Bridgetown due to a category 4 hurricane that has caused widespread disruption, including a complete shutdown of air services on the island.

Virat Kohli Expresses Gratitude to PM Modi for Congratulatory Call After T20 World Cup TriumphIndian cricket star Virat Kohli has extended his heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a congratulatory call following the team's historic T20 World Cup victory on Saturday. Kohli, who was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 76 against South Africa in the final, took to social media to express his appreciation for the Prime Minister's kind words and encouragement."Dear @narendramodi sir, thank you so much for your very kind words and your support and encouragement always. It has been a privilege to be a part of this team which has brought the cup home. We are deeply touched & overwhelmed with the happiness it has bought the entire nation," Kohli wrote on Twitter.Earlier in the day, captain Rohit Sharma also thanked Modi for praising Team India for winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. "Thank you so much @narendramodi sir for your kind words. The team and I are very proud to be able to bring the cup home and are truly touched by how much happiness it has brought everyone back home," Sharma wrote on Twitter.Following India's victory, PM Modi called the team to congratulate them. He praised Rohit Sharma's leadership and impressive T20 career. Both Rohit and Kohli have announced their retirement from T20 Internationals after India snapped their 11-year ICC trophy drought."Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward. It's been a long wait for us, waiting to win an ICC tournament. You look at someone like Rohit, he's played 9 T20 World Cups and this is my sixth. He deserves it," Kohli said."That was my last game as well. Honestly, I have enjoyed it since the time I started playing this format. There is no better time to say goodbye to this format. I have loved every moment of it. I started my India career playing this format. This is what I wanted to do. win the Cup and say (goodbye)," said Rohit.The T20 World Cup victory marks a significant milestone for Indian cricket, ending a long wait for an ICC trophy. The team's performance throughout the tournament was commendable, with key contributions from all players. The victory has brought immense joy and pride to the nation, and the players have been hailed as heroes.