Cricket

South Africa's women's cricket team will embark on a comprehensive tour of India, featuring a three-match ODI series, a one-off Test, and a three-match T20I series. The tour will commence with a warm-up match against a Board President's XI side in Bengaluru on June 13.The ODI series will follow, with matches scheduled for June 16, 19, and 23, all to be played in Bengaluru. The one-off Test will take place in Chennai from June 28 to July 1, marking India's third Test match in seven months. The T20I series will conclude the tour, with matches scheduled for July 5, 7, and 9, also in Chennai.The inclusion of the one-off Test is a significant development, as it was not originally part of the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have been actively promoting women's Test cricket. This will be South Africa's second Test match since their return to the format in 2022, while India will be playing their third Test in the past year.The tour is strategically designed to provide continuity in formats ahead of the T20 World Cup, which will be held in Bangladesh in September-October. By playing the T20Is at the end of the tour, both teams can maintain their focus on the shortest format.In addition to the international matches, the BCCI has also reintroduced a red-ball tournament into the women's domestic calendar. The inter-zonal competition, featuring five matches, aims to provide more opportunities for women cricketers to develop their skills in the longer format.The South Africa-India women's tour promises to be an exciting and competitive series, showcasing the growing strength of women's cricket in both countries.

Ireland vs Pakistan 3rd T20I: A Thrilling Series DeciderThe third and final T20I between Ireland and Pakistan promises to be a thrilling encounter as the series is poised at 1-1. The match will be played at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin on Tuesday.In the second T20I, Pakistan bounced back from their defeat in the first match to win by seven wickets. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan were the stars for Pakistan, scoring 78 and 75 not out respectively. Ireland will be looking to level the series and secure a morale-boosting victory ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.Ireland's batting lineup has been in good form throughout the series. Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, and Harry Tector have all made significant contributions. However, their bowling has been a concern, with the likes of Mark Adair and Josh Little struggling to contain the Pakistani batsmen.Pakistan, on the other hand, will be confident after their impressive performance in the second T20I. Their batting lineup is packed with experience and quality, with the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman all in good form. Their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, has also been impressive.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having a chance to win the series. Ireland will need to improve their bowling and field with greater intensity, while Pakistan will need to continue their good form with the bat.The winner of the third T20I will not only win the series but also gain valuable momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup. Both teams will be eager to put in a strong performance and secure a positive result.

South Africa's T20 World Cup squad has fallen short of the transformation targets set by Cricket South Africa (CSA), prompting concerns about the lack of progress in developing Black African cricketers. Despite initiatives over the years, CSA admits that these efforts have not yielded the desired results.The 15-player provisional squad includes six players of color, but only one, Kagiso Rabada, is Black African. CSA's target requires an average of six players of color in the XI over a season, with at least two being Black African. Even if all six players of color in the squad play every game, South Africa will still miss the target of two Black African players at the T20 World Cup.This has raised concerns among former CSA and ICC president Ray Mali and former sports minister Fikile Mbalula, who criticized the lack of progress in transformation. Mali called for the return of a selection panel, arguing that the current system of giving one person the power to select the team is not effective in a diverse country like South Africa.CSA has acknowledged the lack of Black African talent at the highest level and has committed to an acceleration program to identify and develop players. Director of cricket Enoch Nkwe has presented plans to increase the representation of Black African players ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup on home soil.However, CSA has also emphasized that it will not interfere in selection decisions. Head coach Rob Walter has defended the squad composition, citing the lack of depth in the domestic system. He believes that the system needs to improve to provide more diverse options for selection in the future.Despite Walter's explanation, the absence of Black African batters in the T20 World Cup squad has raised questions about the effectiveness of the acceleration program. Lungi Ngidi, the only other Black African player who could have been included, was left out in favor of Anrich Nortje, who offers "raw pace."CSA has not insisted on Ngidi's selection in the final squad and will not influence Walter's choice of the final XI. This is a departure from past practices, where CSA has intervened to ensure that transformation targets are met.

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Delhi Capitals and former Australian captain, believes that high-scoring games will remain a norm in the Indian Premier League (IPL) even if the controversial 'Impact Player' rule is discontinued. The rule allows teams to replace one of the original XI announced at the toss at any point during the match.Ponting's comments come amidst a debate about the rule, with some like India captain Rohit Sharma criticizing it for limiting the opportunities for all-rounders. However, others like Sourav Ganguly have praised it as an innovative addition."There is a talk if the impact player remains in the IPL, if it doesn't, will the scores come down again? I am interested to see that. I am not sure they will," Ponting said.He explained that the rule provides a cushion for top-order batters, but they are already accustomed to playing aggressively. "The guys at the top are so used to going out and playing a certain way," he said.This season, the 200-run mark has been breached 36 times in the IPL, compared to 37 in the previous edition. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has indicated that the rule could be reconsidered based on feedback from stakeholders.Ponting also highlighted the challenges of coaching a franchise team, which he believes is more difficult than coaching a national team. He cited the diverse nationalities involved and the limited time available to build team culture."It's really hard to do that, it is also hard to make big skill changes in such a short period of time," he said.Ponting also discussed the evolution of the game in recent years, noting that the space for batters with "classical technique" is shrinking. He pointed to England's aggressive approach and the rise of players who have grown up playing limited-overs cricket."There still is room for purist batsmen in Test match cricket, but that's going to be less and less," he said.Ponting identified Virat Kohli and Joe Root as among the few top batters with a classical technique. "In the last 10 years there is not a lot of classical technique in the modern day batters," he said.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs race is heating up as the tournament nears its conclusion. With just seven games remaining in the league stage, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have already secured their spot in the playoffs, while Mumbai Indians (MI), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Gujarat Titans (GT) have been eliminated.Five teams remain in contention for the remaining three playoff spots: Rajasthan Royals (RR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).Rajasthan Royals:Despite losing their last three matches, RR remains the favorite for a top-two finish. With 16 points from 12 games, they need to win at least one of their remaining matches against PBKS and KKR to qualify for the playoffs.Chennai Super Kings:Defending champions CSK are third in the standings with 14 points. They need to beat RCB in their final game to qualify for the playoffs. A win would give them a top-four finish due to their superior net run rate.SunRisers Hyderabad:SRH is also in contention for a top-two finish with 14 points from 12 games. They need to win at least one of their remaining matches against GT and PBKS to book their spot in the playoffs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru:RCB has made a remarkable comeback to remain in playoffs contention. They need to beat CSK by 18 runs or chase in 18.1 overs to ensure a better NRR than CSK. They also need SRH to lose both their games and LSG to lose one of their remaining matches.Delhi Capitals:DC's chances of qualifying for the playoffs are slim due to their poor net run rate. They need to beat LSG by a huge margin and hope for SRH to lose both their games by massive margins. They also need CSK to beat RCB and LSG to lose against MI.Lucknow Super Giants:LSG needs to win both their remaining matches against DC and MI to qualify for the playoffs. However, their poor net run rate means they need to win both games with huge margins. Even then, they could still finish outside the top four if CSK and SRH end the league stage with 16 points.

Calvin Harrison's Unorthodox Bowling Action Captivates County CricketIn the ever-evolving landscape of cricket, where batsmen have mastered innovative shots, it's refreshing to witness a bowler who defies convention with a unique and enigmatic bowling action. Calvin Harrison, a young English cricketer, has emerged as a captivating figure in county cricket with his unorthodox leg-spin delivery.Harrison's bowling action is a sight to behold. He begins his run-up from the right of the umpire, then darts through the gap between the umpire and the stumps like a left-arm spinner. However, instead of delivering a traditional left-arm leg-break, he releases a deceptive leg-break googly.This unusual approach has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. A video shared by Vitality County Championship on Twitter showcases Harrison's peculiar bowling style, leaving viewers both intrigued and amused.Born in South Africa, Harrison signed a three-month contract with Nottinghamshire in June 2021. His impressive performances earned him a contract with the Manchester Originals for the 2022 season of The Hundred.Harrison made his Twenty20 debut for Hampshire in the 2020 T20 Blast. His unique bowling action has become a talking point in the cricketing world, with many speculating about its effectiveness and potential impact on the game.As cricket continues to evolve, it's encouraging to see young bowlers like Calvin Harrison pushing the boundaries of innovation. His unorthodox bowling action not only adds an element of surprise to the game but also serves as a reminder that creativity and experimentation can thrive even in the most traditional of sports.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Rinku Singh has endured a challenging season in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring only 168 runs in 12 matches compared to his impressive 474-run tally last year. Despite being touted as a potential candidate for India's T20 World Cup squad, Rinku was only selected as one of four traveling reserves.Reflecting on his form, Rinku acknowledged, "I haven't had enough opportunities to bat, and even when I did, I couldn't perform as well as I wanted for the team. I've been experiencing some ups and downs, but I'm trying to stay mentally strong and calm. I keep believing in myself and hope to improve in the next match. I don't dwell on the past and focus on the present."In KKR's recent match against Mumbai Indians (MI), Rinku played a brief but impactful innings of 20 runs off 12 balls, contributing to his team's 18-run victory in a rain-affected encounter. After rain delayed the toss and start of play, the game was reduced to 16 overs per side. KKR posted 157-7, with Venkatesh Iyer top-scoring with 42 off 21 balls.In response, MI finished on 139-8, with Tilak Varma scoring a quickfire 32 off 17 balls before falling to fast bowler Harshit Rana, who took two wickets in the final over. Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell also claimed two wickets each, securing KKR's playoff berth.KKR captain Shreyas Iyer praised his team's performance, saying, "We were playing fantastic cricket, and the boys have taken responsibility. There have been many game-changers. The boys have shown great attitude, and it was on display today. We have a mindset to win from any situation."With their victory, KKR secured a top-two finish, giving them two chances to qualify for the playoffs.

Justin Langer, the head coach of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has shared his insights on the evolving dynamics of cricket, the multifaceted role of modern coaches, and the challenges faced by players in the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL).Langer, a former Australian cricketer, has witnessed firsthand the transformation of the game from a simpler era to the complex and demanding landscape of today. He emphasizes the importance of man management for coaches, who must navigate the diverse personalities and needs of players to create a cohesive team.The IPL, with its massive financial rewards and intense competition, has brought about a shift in the mindset of players. While performance remains paramount, the influx of money has also led to a rise in expectations and pressure. Langer believes that players must focus on their performance rather than the financial rewards to achieve true stardom.Langer also highlights the importance of mental health in the high-pressure environment of professional cricket. He commends players like Glenn Maxwell for speaking out about their struggles, and emphasizes the need for coaches to be observant and supportive of their players' mental well-being.The upcoming T20 World Cup will be a test of the teams' ability to adapt to different conditions. Langer believes that teams with strong bowling attacks will have an advantage, and he identifies India, Australia, and New Zealand as potential favorites.

Cricket's long-standing reputation as a batter's game is undeniable, but never has it been more evident than in the ongoing IPL 2024. Scores exceeding 200 have become commonplace, sixes are cascading at an unprecedented rate, and bowlers are facing an onslaught of punishment.This surge in batting dominance can be attributed to several factors. Batsmen, armed with a deeper understanding of the 20-over format and enhanced skills, are embracing a fearless approach. The realization that every ball counts in a 120-delivery game has led to a shift in mindset, with batsmen maximizing each opportunity.Opening the batting in T20 cricket demands a unique set of skills. In Test cricket, openers often prioritize survival over run-making, but in the shorter formats, they are expected to set the tone and lay the foundation for a high-scoring innings.The IPL has witnessed a plethora of exceptional opening partnerships this season. Virat Kohli, the former India skipper, has been in scintillating form, leading the run-scoring charts with an average of 70.44 and a strike rate of 153.51. His remarkable transformation has been attributed to shedding the fear of dismissal, a quality that has allowed him to unleash his full potential.Another standout performer has been Jake Fraser-McGurk, the young Australian who has taken the tournament by storm. His fearless approach and array of strokes have made him a formidable force, and he has already notched up three half-centuries in less than 20 balls.The left-hand duo of Abhishek Sharma and Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Kane Williamson have also left bowlers quaking in their boots. Their brutal dismantling of Lucknow Super Giants showcased their exceptional ball-striking ability and their ability to complement each other effortlessly.Kolkata Knight Riders' Phil Salt and Sunil Narine have added spice to this season's proceedings. Salt, a replacement player who was surprisingly overlooked at the auction, has formed a potent partnership with Narine, who has rolled back the years to rediscover his wicket-taking prowess.The latest pair to ignite the imagination is Shubman Gill and B. Sai Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans duo who recently equaled the highest opening stand in IPL history with 210 runs. Their spectacular lashing of Chennai Super Kings highlighted the importance of a strong opening partnership.While openers may not always win a game in the PowerPlay, they can certainly lose it if they fail to provide the necessary impetus. The struggles of Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings, who languish at the bottom of the table, serve as a testament to this fact.The dominance of openers in IPL 2024 has emphasized the importance of well-begun innings. Only a special talent like Suryakumar Yadav, who has conjured six T20 hundreds while batting largely at No. 3 and No. 4, can afford to settle for anything less than opening the batting.