Cricket

Ireland will face a formidable challenge when they take on Canada in the T20 World Cup on June 6 in New York. The Irish team, led by Andy Balbirnie, will be eager to bounce back from their disappointing loss to India, while Canada will be looking to build on their impressive performance against the United States.Ireland has a wealth of experience in the T20 World Cup, having participated in eight tournaments. However, they have struggled to make a significant impact, reaching the 'Super 8' only once in 2009. Balbirnie and captain Stirling, who have a combined experience of over 250 T20Is, will be crucial to Ireland's hopes of success.Canada, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the T20 World Cup. They will be making their debut in the tournament and will be looking to make a statement. Canada has a strong batting lineup led by Navneet Dhaliwal, who was a key player in their victory over Ireland in the 2019 T20 World Cup Qualifier.The match between Ireland and Canada promises to be a close and exciting contest. Ireland will be favored due to their experience and quality, but Canada has shown that they are capable of upsetting the odds.

Australia's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a winning start, but they had a scare when veteran pacer Mitchell Starc was forced off the field with a cramp during their match against Oman.Starc bowled just one delivery in his fourth over before he was subbed off by Cameron Green. The left-arm pacer bowled a wide and was visibly in pain after the delivery. Physios came out and gave him on-field treatment, and Starc eventually walked off the field.After the game, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh provided an update on Starc's condition. "Starcy was just a cramp so didn't want to take a chance," Marsh said in the post-match presentation. "When Starcy says I am okay to go off you let him go off."Despite Starc's absence, Australia managed to pull off a comfortable 39-run win. However, the match was closer than the scoreline suggests. Oman had their moments to shine throughout the game, and at one point, they had Australia by the ropes.After being put to bat, Australia struggled to muster up runs on the board. In the ninth over, Mehran Khan was on a hat-trick after removing Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell on back-to-back deliveries.But Marcus Stoinis and David Warner pulled Australia out of their misery with their 102-run stand. The bowlers kept their composure and effectively dealt with the threat that Oman batters carried."Close game. Good to get the win. It's not going to be the 200 types in this tournament. We are kind of going to the old T20 style here in this tournament," Marsh said."(On Stoinis) Took his time and showed his experience. We are looking forward to playing England. Different conditions here. Oman v Australia was a tight one, great for the game of cricket. There is sun here and we will enjoy that. It's going to be a great game," he added.After clinching a 39-run win in their campaign opener, Australia will now face their arch-rival England on Saturday at the Kensington Oval, Barbados.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign kicks off on Friday against USA, but the match that has captured the attention of players and fans alike is the highly anticipated clash against archrivals India on June 9."The whole world waits for this," declared Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in an interview with Star Sports. Pakistan has a less-than-stellar record against India in T20 World Cup history, having lost six of the seven matches they have played. However, Azam believes that the outcome will ultimately depend on which team can control their nerves better on the day."It's a different kind of pressure, to control the nerves," Azam said. "You learn that from experience, the more you play...especially in Pakistan-India matches. That's a different vibe."India, meanwhile, made a strong start to their campaign, crushing Ireland by eight wickets in their opening group match. The two teams are joined in Group A by Ireland, USA, and Canada, with the top two teams advancing to the 'Super 8s'.Azam acknowledged the significance of the match against India, saying, "It's a big match and we always enjoy it." He also expressed his admiration for the Indian team, saying, "They are a very good team and we respect them a lot."The Pakistan skipper emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing their plans on the field. "We have to play our best cricket and not worry about the pressure," he said. "We have a good team and we believe in ourselves."The Pakistan-India match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to prove their superiority. The outcome could have a significant impact on the tournament standings and the path to the final.

India embarks on its T20 World Cup journey on Wednesday, carrying the weight of an 11-year ICC title drought. The Rohit Sharma-led team faces Ireland in their opening match at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.Despite recent setbacks in knockout matches, head coach Rahul Dravid, who will step down after the tournament, expressed confidence in the team's performances. He acknowledged the team's inability to cross the final hurdle but emphasized their consistency and quality in major tournaments."We've played really well in these World Cup tournaments," Dravid said. "We've been consistent, making the semi-final in Australia and the final in the World Test Championship. In the 50-over World Cup, we had a great run and reached the final."Dravid urged his players to focus on their strengths and win matches rather than dwelling on the trophy jinx. "We haven't been able to get across the line in knockout games," he admitted. "We need to execute better in that last phase. But the important thing is to get into those positions and play good cricket on the day."Dravid's contract expires after the tournament, and the BCCI is reportedly considering former India batter Gautam Gambhir as his replacement.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya's recent struggles with Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 have raised concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite his appointment as captain, Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the points table, leading to criticism and booing from fans.However, West Indies legend Ian Bishop believes that Pandya's strong personality will help him overcome these challenges. "He is a pretty strong personality," Bishop said. "I would like to think that the other members of the team would have rallied around him."Pandya's recent performance in India's T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Bangladesh, where he scored an explosive 23-ball 40, has also boosted confidence. Speaking after the match, Pandya acknowledged the difficult times he has faced but emphasized his commitment to staying in the battle."Eventually, I believe, you have to stay in the battle," Pandya said. "Sometimes life puts you in situations where things are tough, but I believe that if you leave the game or the field, the battle that is, you won't get what you want from your sport, or the results you are looking for."Pandya's resilience and determination have been tested in recent months, but he remains confident in his ability to overcome adversity. "I have gone through these phases many times and I will come out of it as well," he said.As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, Pandya's form and leadership will be crucial. His ability to handle pressure and inspire his team will be key to India's success in the tournament.

Rishabh Pant's triumphant return to the Indian cricket team after a harrowing car accident in December 2022 was marked by a stellar performance in India's emphatic victory over Ireland in their T20 World Cup opener.Batting at number three, Pant showcased his resilience and skill, smashing an unbeaten 36 off 26 deliveries on a challenging pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. His innings played a crucial role in India's comfortable eight-wicket win.Earlier, Hardik Pandya led India's bowling attack with an impressive 3/27, dismissing Ireland for a mere 96 runs in 16 overs. Rohit Sharma's half-century (52 off 37 balls) set the tone for India's chase, which was completed in just 12.2 overs.Despite Jasprit Bumrah being named 'Player of the Match' for his economical spell of 2/6, Pant's contribution was equally significant. He took over the reins from Rohit, who retired hurt after being struck on the arm, and guided India to victory.Pant's return to international cricket was a testament to his unwavering determination and the support of his teammates and fans. He had previously made a comeback in the warm-up game against Bangladesh, but the Ireland match marked his first official international appearance since the accident.India's next challenge will be a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in their second Group A game on June 9 at the same venue. Besides Ireland and Pakistan, co-hosts USA and Canada complete India's group.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) is embarking on an ambitious infrastructure project to construct a state-of-the-art cricket complex that will house four grounds. Currently, the TNCA does not own any major cricketing facilities in the state, including the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, which is leased from the government.The proposed complex will be similar to those built by other state cricket associations, such as the KSCA's Alur grounds near Bengaluru. It will feature one ground with floodlights, enabling it to host BCCI tournaments and live broadcasts. The venue will also boast modern amenities such as a gym, swimming pool, cafeteria, and a dormitory with 24 to 36 rooms."With the increasing number of matches across age categories for both men and women, we felt the need for a dedicated facility with the latest amenities to support our players," said TNCA secretary R.I. Palani.The TNCA is also upgrading existing venues in Salem, Coimbatore, and Natham with 24-bedroom dormitories and gyms. This will allow players to stay at the venue during matches.Meanwhile, Madurai is set to join the TNPL map with the construction of a new stadium by the Velammal group. The venue will have a capacity of 8,000 spectators, with the potential to expand to 14,000. Apart from TNPL matches, it could also host women's internationals.The TNCA has also signed a lease agreement with Gojan College for four grounds, two turf pitches, and two matting pitches. These facilities will be used for lower division league matches and selection trials.

Namibia and Scotland, two teams on a roll since the last T20 World Cup, face off in a crucial Group B clash in Bridgetown. The match holds significant implications, as a victory for either side could open the door for an upset in the group.Namibia, buoyed by David Wiese's heroics in the Super Over against Oman, will be eager to maintain their winning momentum. Scotland, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from their rain-affected loss to England.The key matchup to watch will be between Scotland's George Munsey and Namibia's Ruben Trumpelmann. Munsey, known for his switch-hit prowess, will be wary of Trumpelmann's devastating left-arm swing, which has already claimed two wickets in the tournament.Namibia will be hoping to replicate their previous success against Scotland, having won all three of their previous T20I encounters. However, Scotland has a strong record in ODIs against Namibia, including a memorable victory in February 2023.The pitch in Bridgetown is expected to be less slow and sticky than it was for Scotland's match against England, which could favor the batters. The weather forecast is also promising, with only a small chance of rain anticipated.Both teams will be fielding unchanged lineups, with Namibia likely to stick with the team that secured their victory over Oman. Scotland, meanwhile, will rely on the confidence gained by Munsey and Jones in their unbroken stand against England.Statistically, Namibia has a slight edge over Scotland in T20Is, but Scotland has the upper hand in ODIs. The match promises to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for a victory to enhance their chances of qualifying for the Super 12 stage.

Lauren Down, a seasoned New Zealand cricketer, is making a triumphant return to the international stage after a maternity leave. She will join the White Ferns squad for their upcoming tour of England, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is starting on June 26.Down, who has amassed 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is, last played for New Zealand at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Since then, she has taken a break from cricket to welcome her first child."We're thrilled to have Lauren back," said White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer. "She has dedicated herself to regaining her fitness and confidence over the past four months, and this tour provides the perfect opportunity to reintegrate her into the team."Down will be joined by fellow middle-order batter Mikaela Greig, who made her international debut in March against England. Greig's selection is a testament to her impressive performances for New Zealand A.Pace bowler Rosemary Mair will miss the tour due to back pain, while seamer Lea Tahuhu will remain in New Zealand for the birth of her second child. Off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will join the squad for the T20I leg.Molly Penfold returns to the team as a seam bowling option after her strong showing against England A in March. Hayley Jensen, who sustained a calf injury during the New Zealand A series, is still recovering and was not considered for selection.Sawyer emphasized that the tour is part of New Zealand's long-term planning for major events, including the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October and the 50-over tournament in India next year."Every series is an opportunity to evaluate our best playing XI," said Sawyer. "With the T20 and one-day World Cups approaching, it's crucial to assess how Lauren and Mikaela can contribute to our team."England emerged victorious in their recent T20I and ODI series against New Zealand in New Zealand. However, Sawyer remains optimistic about his team's chances in England."We didn't achieve the results we desired when we faced England at home, but we witnessed some promising performances from our players," said Sawyer. "Playing a world-class team like England in their own backyard will be a challenge, but we're confident that we've prepared ourselves to succeed."