Cricket

New Zealand wicketkeeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout has bid farewell to international cricket, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and dedication. Her journey began in 2014 with the South African national team, where she represented her country in four ODIs and seven T20Is. In 2015, she relocated to Christchurch, New Zealand, and after fulfilling a two-year residential stand-down, she made her debut for the White Ferns in 2018.Bezuidenhout's international career with New Zealand spanned 16 ODIs and 22 T20Is. She played a pivotal role in the team's T20 World Cup campaign in 2018, although New Zealand's journey ended in the league stage. However, her career was not without its challenges. In 2020, she was diagnosed with RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), which sidelined her from the game for two years.Despite the setback, Bezuidenhout's determination remained unwavering. She made a remarkable comeback to the New Zealand squad for the 2023 T20 World Cup. Off the field, she has dedicated herself to inspiring young people through her non-profit organization, The EPIC Sports Project Charitable Trust. The organization aims to break down barriers to sports participation and foster hope and belonging in high-deprivation communities."It's been such a great ride," Bezuidenhout said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket. "Playing for the White Ferns has been a huge privilege and honor. The journey has taught me so much, and I'll be forever grateful to everyone who has been on the path with me."Bezuidenhout's decision to retire was not an easy one. She has struggled to balance her work and playing career, and after careful consideration, she has chosen to focus her full attention on The EPIC Sports Project. "I'm at peace with this decision, but it wasn't an easy one to make," she said.New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his gratitude for Bezuidenhout's contributions to the team. "We're proud of the work that Bernie does outside of cricket, and I have no doubt she'll continue to make a positive impact on the lives of many," he said.Bezuidenhout will continue to play domestic cricket for Northern Districts. Her legacy as a resilient and dedicated cricketer, both on and off the field, will continue to inspire future generations.

India-Pakistan Clash at T20 World Cup 2024: ICC Plans for Double EncounterThe highly anticipated India-Pakistan rivalry is set to ignite once again at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June 9 in New York. However, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has made a bold claim that the ICC is orchestrating a potential double encounter between the two arch-rivals.According to Ali, the ICC has strategically crafted the tournament schedule to allow for a second India-Pakistan clash in either the semi-final or final. This would mark the first time since 2019 that the two teams would face off twice in a single ICC event."The ICC wants India and Pakistan to have two matches in the World Cup," Ali stated on his YouTube channel. "They have made the schedule so the two teams can meet again either in the semi-final or final."The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense in world cricket, with matches between the two nations consistently drawing massive viewership and generating immense excitement. The last bilateral series between the two teams was held in 2012-13, and since then, they have only met at ICC and ACC events.India and Pakistan are both placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024, alongside Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. India will begin their campaign on June 5 against Ireland, while Pakistan will face the USA on June 6.The Indian squad for the tournament includes star players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be led by Babar Azam and will feature the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf.Ali believes that Pakistan's performance in the tournament will hinge on the form of Babar Azam, who he suggests should open the batting. "For Pakistan to perform well, Babar must open," Ali emphasized.The prospect of a double India-Pakistan encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024 has sent shockwaves through the cricket world. If Ali's claims prove true, it would undoubtedly be a major highlight of the tournament and a spectacle that would captivate cricket fans globally.

Southern Vipers emerged victorious in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, defeating Western Storm by 28 runs thanks to a stellar performance from Australian off-spinner Charli Knott.Knott's exceptional bowling figures of 4 for 23, coupled with the electric wicket-keeping of Rhianna Southby, proved too much for Storm to overcome. Georgia Adams' 48 runs provided the backbone for Vipers' impressive total of 173 for 5, the second-highest score in the competition's history. Georgia Elwiss (45) and Freya Kemp (34) also made significant contributions.Storm's chase faltered from the outset, with the required run rate quickly spiraling out of control. Despite a valiant effort from Sophie Luff (34*), Storm could only manage 145 for 7, handing Vipers their second win in four matches this season.Knott's devastating spell began in the seventh over, when she dismissed Georgia Adams with a well-judged catch at long on. She then proceeded to dismantle Storm's middle order, claiming the wickets of Emma Corney, Niamh Holland, and Alex Griffiths. Southby's lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps played a crucial role in Knott's success, with three of her four victims falling to stumpings.Adams' innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. She found gaps with ease and pushed extra runs to score 48, forming a crucial partnership with Kemp. Kemp's scratchy start gave way to some powerful shots, including four fours and the innings' only six.Vipers' middle-order, which had cost them matches earlier in the season, showed resilience in the face of wickets. They scrambled runs while losing wickets, reaching 173 but losing Adams and Kemp to Wellington.Storm's reply was always behind the required rate, and despite Luff's valiant effort, they were unable to keep up with the chase. Wellington and Luff put on 46, but the run-rate had already far outgrown their capabilities. Luff was eventually run out in the penultimate over, and Mollie Robbins holed out to the last delivery, leaving Storm winless in the competition.

England vs Pakistan 4th T20I: A Crucial Clash Before the T20 World CupThe fourth T20I between England and Pakistan holds immense significance as it marks the final competitive match for both teams before they embark on their T20 World Cup 2024 campaigns. England, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, and Pakistan, the runners-up, will be eager to fine-tune their preparations in this crucial encounter.The series has been marred by rain, with the first and third T20Is being washed out. England emerged victorious in the second T20I, giving them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Pakistan, however, will be determined to level the series and gain momentum heading into the World Cup.Both teams boast formidable lineups. England's batting is anchored by the likes of Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, and Ben Stokes, while their bowling attack features the likes of Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Adil Rashid. Pakistan, on the other hand, will rely on the experience of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi to guide them to victory.The match will be played at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London, which is expected to witness a thrilling contest between two of the world's top T20 sides. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the confidence and morale of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

Lancashire Thunder's impressive season continued as they overcame the previously undefeated Central Sparks by three wickets in their Charlotte Edwards Cup match at Emirates Old Trafford.Thunder's bowlers set the tone for the victory, restricting Sparks to a modest 121 for 8 in their 20 overs. Phoebe Graham and Fi Morris were the standout performers, claiming three wickets each.In reply, Thunder chased down the target with one over to spare, despite a shaky start. Morris led the way with a crucial 43, while Sparks' bowlers made them fight for every run.Sparks' innings began disastrously as Tara Norris dismissed Chloe Brewer and Davina Perrin with the second and third balls of the match. Abbey Freeborn provided some resistance with a 12-ball 15, but Morris took the next two wickets to leave Sparks reeling at 54 for 5.A rain delay halted play for 25 minutes, but on resumption, Katie George and Charis Paveley revived Sparks' hopes with a 19-run partnership. However, Morris struck again, dismissing George for 17.Emily Arlott and Paveley then combined for a 47-run stand, providing a late boost to Sparks' total. Arlott finished with 28, while Paveley remained unbeaten on 27.Thunder's chase was far from smooth. Emma Lamb was dismissed early, and Georgia Davis claimed two quick wickets to leave Thunder at 42 for 3.Morris and Ailsa Lister steadied the ship with a 38-run partnership, but Morris's dismissal for 43 put Thunder under pressure again.Lister's departure left 24 needed off five overs, but Norris's straight six off Hannah Baker eased the tension. Arlott bowled Norris in the penultimate over, but Graham sealed the win with an edged four off her first ball.

The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to ignite the cricketing world from June 2 to 29, with India aiming to reclaim the coveted title. The tournament will feature 20 teams, including debutants USA and Canada, battling it out in a thrilling group stage format.India's journey begins on June 5 in New York, where they face Ireland in their opening group game. The Men in Blue will play a total of four group matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 stage.The tournament kicks off on June 2 with hosts USA taking on Canada in Texas. The final will be held on June 29, promising an unforgettable climax to the cricketing extravaganza.Before the main event, teams will engage in crucial warm-up matches. India will face Bangladesh in their sole warm-up game on June 1.Key Dates and Fixtures:* June 2: USA vs. Canada (Opening Match)* June 5: India vs. Ireland (India's First Match)* June 9: India vs. Pakistan (High-Voltage Clash)* June 12: Australia vs. Namibia (Group Stage Decider)* June 15: Canada vs. India (Second India Match)* June 29: FinalBroadcast Information:The entire T20 World Cup will be broadcast live in India on Star Sports and streamed digitally on Disney+ Hotstar. India's warm-up game against Bangladesh will also be available on these platforms.Conclusion:The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with India aiming to add another title to their illustrious cricket history. The tournament will showcase the best of T20 cricket, with intense rivalries, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable moments.

Cricket is embarking on a mission to captivate American hearts and wallets as the T20 World Cup kicks off on June 1 in Dallas. The tournament, co-hosted by the West Indies, brings the best of the sport to a less familiar territory.The United States will face Canada in the opening match, while a temporary stadium in Nassau County, New York, will host its first of eight fixtures on June 3. Lauderhill, Florida, will also host four matches.The T20 World Cup is a strategic priority for the International Cricket Council (ICC), which aims to raise the profile of the sport in the lucrative North American market. "This is the start of a journey," said ICC CEO Geoff Allardice. "The awareness that we're bringing in more elite cricket to the USA is something that's been a strategic priority for us."The journey began with Major League Cricket, which launched in the United States last year, and culminates with the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where cricket will return to the Olympic program for the first time since 1900."In the lead up to the Los Angeles Olympics, I think we'll be continuing to try and raise the profile of cricket, not just for the established cricket fans in the USA but for new fans," said Allardice.The tournament, which counts Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt as an ambassador, is a dream come true for U.S. immigrants, who comprise much of the sport's U.S. fan base. "I mean, (India have) got some of the biggest names in world sport as part of their team," said Allardice. "And to be able to get close to them and see them in action, I think it's an opportunity that's something that comes along (not) very often for cricket fans in the USA."The ICC T20 World Cup runs from June 1-29.

Mitchell Starc's IPL 2024 journey with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was a rollercoaster ride. Despite being acquired for a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore, Starc initially struggled, facing criticism for his poor performances. However, he silenced his detractors with exceptional bowling displays in the Qualifier 1 and final, leading KKR to their third IPL title.Starc's inconsistent start drew criticism from experts, but he remained unfazed. In a recent interview on Sportskeeda, KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir addressed the criticism, stating that players should prioritize the opinions of their teammates over external voices."Experts judge you on your daily performances. If you get out on zero, they will criticize you. If you score a century, these same people will praise you," Gambhir said. "What the experts say, what the social media says, what the crowd says - it does not matter. What the people say in your dressing room think about you is important."Gambhir's comments highlight the importance of internal support and self-belief in the face of external criticism. Starc's ability to overcome adversity and deliver when it mattered most is a testament to his resilience and determination.The IPL 2024 season was a reminder that even the most experienced players can face challenges. However, it also showcased the power of perseverance and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team. Starc's journey serves as an inspiration to all athletes who face setbacks and criticism on their path to success.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is embarking on a bold initiative to privatize the Hundred, its flagship franchise league, with the aim of elevating it to the status of the world's second-largest after the Indian Premier League (IPL). The board has appointed financial advisors and legal counsel to facilitate the sale process, which is targeted for completion by the end of 2023.The counties have expressed their support for the ECB's proposed "direction of travel," recognizing the potential financial benefits of selling stakes in the eight Hundred teams to private investors. The ECB currently owns all the teams, but the sale is expected to attract interest from IPL owners and private equity firms.The proceeds from the sale will be distributed in a structured manner. Initially, the ECB will transfer 51% of the shares in each team to the host counties, who will then decide whether to retain all, some, or none of their stakes. The ECB will then sell its remaining 49% stake, with 10% allocated to the recreational game in England and Wales.The remaining proceeds will be shared among the counties, with the first £275 million distributed equally among all 19 first-class counties and MCC. The next £150 million will be shared among the 11 non-host counties, and any proceeds exceeding £425 million will be distributed equally among all 19 counties.Vikram Banerjee, the ECB's director of business operations, emphasized the transformative potential of the privatization move. "We have identified this moment as the opportunity to take the Hundred to the next level while capitalizing on the global interest in the competition to underpin the structure of the whole domestic game," he said.The ECB believes that the Hundred will play a crucial role in the future of cricket in England and Wales. The board is seeking strategic partners with the expertise to elevate the competition and ensure that the benefits extend to all levels of the sport.The Raine Group, which has advised on recent sales processes at Chelsea and Manchester United, will lead the search for investors and negotiate the terms of investment. Deloitte will provide strategic advice, while Latham & Watkins and Onside Law will serve as legal co-counsel.The Hundred will run from July 23 to August 18 this year, and the ECB hopes to showcase the competition's potential to prospective investors. However, the first six days of the season will overlap with Major League Cricket, which could impact the availability of overseas players.