Cricket

India, buoyed by their dominant performances in the first two matches, will aim to secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Bangladesh when they face off in the third encounter on Thursday.The Indian team has been firing on all cylinders, with their bowling unit restricting Bangladesh to modest totals. Spinners Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil have been economical, while pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has starred with the ball in the opener. Pooja Vastrakar has also been a handy contributor.In the batting department, Dayalan Hemalatha has impressed with her explosive batting during the powerplay, crafting an unbeaten 24-ball 41 in the last game. Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Richa Ghosh have also contributed runs. However, star opener Smriti Mandhana will be eager to find form.India's collective team effort has been a key factor in their success so far, and they will be looking for more of the same in the remaining games. The series holds added significance as the T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh later this year.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be desperate to improve their performance in all three departments. Their batters have struggled to post big totals, while the bowlers have been unable to contain the Indian batters. The fielding has also been found wanting.

Western Storm's remarkable batting performance propelled them to an unlikely victory over South East Stars in a thrilling Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy encounter. Despite facing a daunting target of 299 in a rain-shortened contest, Storm reached 236-5 before the weather intervened, securing an eight-run triumph via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method.Sophie Luff and Fran Wilson played pivotal roles for Storm, anchoring the chase with assured half-centuries. Luff's 59 off 73 balls and Wilson's 65 off 52 balls formed the backbone of a 131-run partnership that put Storm firmly in contention. Nat Wraith's unbeaten 40 further boosted their hopes.Earlier, South East Stars had set a formidable total of 298-5, thanks to Paige Scholfield's 74, Alice Davidson-Richards' 65, and Aylish Cranstone's unbeaten 63. The trio's aggressive batting put Storm under pressure, but the home side's bowlers fought back to restrict the visitors in the latter stages.Storm's victory marks their first over Stars this season and their second consecutive win. They now have an opportunity to challenge for the title when they host Southern Vipers on Saturday.

Mervyn King, the former Governor of the Bank of England, has been appointed as the next President of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), succeeding Mark Nicholas. King, who has a deep passion for cricket and a distinguished career in finance, will assume the role in October 2023.King's appointment marks a significant moment for MCC, which is undergoing a period of transformation. The club is set to acquire a 51% equity stake in the London Spirit Hundred team, a move that will strengthen its financial position and enhance its involvement in the domestic cricket landscape.King's extensive experience in leadership and his commitment to promoting cricket at all levels make him an ideal candidate for the role. As co-founder of the Chance to Shine charity, he has played a pivotal role in introducing cricket to over six million children and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.In his previous role as President of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, King demonstrated his dedication to the sport and his ability to inspire others. He is known for his calm authority and wise counsel, qualities that will be invaluable in guiding MCC through its current challenges and opportunities.Mark Nicholas, the outgoing President, expressed his confidence in King's abilities. "There are few better people to fulfill the role of MCC President," he said. "Mervyn's love of cricket knows no boundary, and his calm authority and considerable wisdom will be invaluable to the club."King's appointment comes at a time when MCC is facing a number of important issues, including the future of Lord's Cricket Ground, the club's financial sustainability, and its role in the wider cricket community. His leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges and ensuring that MCC remains a thriving and influential force in the sport.

Legendary South African cricketer AB De Villiers, a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise from 2011 to 2021, remains deeply connected to the team. Despite being on vacation in Mauritius, De Villiers recently showcased his unwavering support for RCB.In a heartwarming family vlog posted on social media, De Villiers captured the breathtaking scenery of Mauritius while on a high-speed boat ride. Amidst the excitement, he couldn't resist belting out RCB's iconic chant, "Ee sala cup namde," which translates to "This year, the cup will be ours."De Villiers' unwavering loyalty to RCB extends beyond his on-field contributions. He has consistently defended his former teammate Virat Kohli, who has faced criticism for his approach and strike rate. In a recent YouTube video, De Villiers expressed his frustration with the constant scrutiny, reminding everyone that Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024."I am fed up and frustrated with the criticism about Virat's strike rate," De Villiers said. "He's one of the best to ever play the game, and he's been incredible in the IPL. He plays a specific role for RCB, and I've had enough of these data-driven pundits who criticize him without understanding the game."De Villiers emphasized that Kohli's strike rate this season has been even better than his record-breaking 2016 campaign. He urged Kohli to continue playing his natural game, stating, "Virat, keep playing like you are."De Villiers' unwavering support for RCB and his defense of Kohli highlight the enduring bonds he has forged during his time with the franchise. His passion for the team and his belief in his former teammates continue to inspire fans and demonstrate the enduring legacy he has left on the IPL.

Rinku Singh's omission from India's T20 World Cup squad has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. The 26-year-old slogger, who has emerged as a formidable finisher in recent times, was widely expected to make the cut. However, the selectors opted for a more experienced lineup, leaving Rinku on the sidelines.Rinku's family and friends in Aligarh were devastated by the news. They had eagerly awaited his inclusion in the squad and had prepared sweets and firecrackers to celebrate. His father expressed his disappointment, saying that Rinku was upset and had spoken to his mother after the announcement.Despite his omission, Rinku will still travel with the team to the Americas as part of the reserves. He will be joined by opener Shubman Gill and pacers Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed.Sources close to the selection meeting revealed that Rinku's exclusion was due to the Impact Player Rule. The rule allows teams to make a tactical substitution during the match, and the selectors felt that Rinku could not be accommodated alongside all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan and ex-Australia skipper Aaron Finch expressed surprise at Rinku's omission. However, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar attributed it to his poor form in the ongoing IPL.Rinku's exclusion has sparked a debate about the balance of India's T20 squad. Some experts believe that the selectors have prioritized experience over form, while others argue that Rinku's omission is a missed opportunity to inject youth and dynamism into the team.As the T20 World Cup approaches, the spotlight will be on India's squad and their ability to perform under pressure. Rinku's omission may serve as a reminder that even the most talented players can be left out of major tournaments due to factors beyond their control.

Indian cricket star Virat Kohli celebrated his wife Anushka Sharma's 36th birthday with a heartfelt social media post. Kohli shared a photo of Anushka on Instagram, expressing his love and gratitude. "I would have been completely lost if I didn't find you. Happy birthday my love. You are the light to our world world. We love you so much," he wrote.Kohli's birthday wish has garnered immense attention on social media, reflecting the couple's popularity and the bond they share. Anushka, a renowned actress and film producer, has been a constant source of support for Kohli throughout his cricketing journey.Despite his impressive run of form in the ongoing IPL 2024, Kohli has faced criticism over his strike rate. Some fans and experts have argued that his slow scoring has hindered Royal Challengers Bengaluru's performance. However, Kohli has defended his approach, emphasizing his focus on winning games for his team."Not really, all the people who talk about strike-rates and me not playing spin well are the ones talking about this stuff. For me, it's about winning the games for the team and there's a reason why you've done it for 15 years, you've done this day in and day out, you've won games for your teams," Kohli said after his side's victory over Gujarat Titans.Kohli's comments highlight the importance of experience and understanding the nuances of the game. He believes that his long-standing success in international cricket gives him the necessary perspective to navigate the challenges of the IPL.Despite the criticism, Kohli remains a vital cog in the Indian cricket team and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His ability to anchor the innings and score consistently makes him a valuable asset to any side. As the IPL 2024 progresses, Kohli will be eager to prove his critics wrong and lead his team to success.

Ben Wells, the promising Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batter, has been forced to retire from professional cricket at the tender age of 23 due to a rare heart condition. Wells, who made his Gloucestershire debut in 2021, has been diagnosed with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), the same condition that prematurely ended the career of former England batter James Taylor.Wells' diagnosis came during a routine heart test during Gloucestershire's pre-season medical assessments. ARVC is a condition that affects the heart muscle, causing it to become weakened and enlarged. It can lead to potentially fatal arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.The diagnosis has been a devastating blow to Wells, who had been making a name for himself as a white-ball cricketer. He scored an impressive 43 not out from 22 balls in Gloucestershire's Vitality Blast victory over Hampshire last year.In an open letter on Gloucestershire's website, Wells expressed his gratitude to the doctors who diagnosed his condition early on. "This is something that I never thought I would have to write," he said. "As tough as it is, this diagnosis has likely saved my life, and in time I hope that I can see it in that light."Wells honed his skills at Monkton Combe School near Bath, where he became the school's all-time top run-scorer. He progressed through the ranks at Somerset's Academy before completing his Physics degree at the University of Exeter. After signing for Gloucestershire in 2021, he completed a Business Analytics Masters alongside his cricket commitments.Gloucestershire expressed their devastation at Wells' retirement, but emphasized their gratitude to the medical professionals who diagnosed his condition promptly. "While everyone at Gloucestershire is devastated for Ben, a hugely talented cricketer with a bright future ahead, we are incredibly grateful to both the club's medical professionals and those externally who acted quickly to diagnose Ben's heart condition at the earliest opportunity," the club said in a statement.Wells added: "I'm very thankful for everything that cricket has given me throughout my life, from the friends I've made, the places I've been able to visit, and the many memories that I've made along the way. Cricket has been a massive part of my life for as long as I can remember, it's been all I've ever wanted to do."Despite the setback, Wells remains optimistic about the future. He will be fitted with a cardiac defibrillator to enable him to live a normal life away from the field of play. "I could never have imagined that this is the path that cricket would have taken me down," he said. "I've loved every moment and am very grateful to have had the chance to live out a part of this dream, even if it was only for a few years."

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed concerns over the selection process for the upcoming T20 World Cup, questioning the consistency and rationale behind the decisions made by the selectors.Pathan highlighted a shift in strategy, recalling that after India's disappointing performance in the last T20 World Cup, the management had decided to prioritize young players over experienced campaigners. However, he expressed surprise at the apparent reversal of this approach in the current squad selection, where experience seems to have taken precedence over youth.Pathan emphasized the importance of adhering to a consistent selection process, suggesting that while experience may be crucial, following a defined process could lead to better outcomes. He pointed out the absence of young talent like Rinku Singh from the squad, expressing disappointment over the exclusion of promising players and the potential impact on team dynamics.In contrast, cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar offered a different perspective, attributing Rinku's exclusion to his current form in the ongoing IPL. Gavaskar highlighted the dynamic nature of selection decisions and the importance of current performance.Pathan's concerns raise questions about the long-term vision and strategy of the Indian cricket team. The selectors' decision to prioritize experience over youth may be a short-term solution, but it could have implications for the team's future success. It remains to be seen whether the current squad will be able to deliver the desired results at the T20 World Cup, and whether the selection process will be reviewed and refined in the future.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has witnessed an unprecedented batting onslaught, leaving bowlers struggling to contain the run flow. The combination of flat pitches and shortened boundaries has created a nightmare scenario for bowlers, with scores in excess of 250 runs becoming commonplace.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) pacer Mohammed Siraj has acknowledged the challenges faced by bowlers this season. "The level of cricket has gone extremely high," he said. "Every second game, you see scores of 250-260 in the IPL. But, this was not the case in the past. Very rarely have we seen scores of 250 or more in the previous seasons."The lack of swing and movement on the flat wickets has further compounded the bowlers' woes. "Bowlers have no help," Siraj lamented. "The boundaries are small. On top of that, these are flat wickets. In the past, there was swing with the new ball. That too is not happening now. It has changed a lot. For bowlers, the mantra is 'keep playing, keep getting hit'."Despite the adversity, Siraj remains optimistic and urges bowlers to maintain their belief. "We (Bowlers) have to believe," he said. "For me especially, I have seen a lot of ups and downs in life. I believe that if I get hit in a match, I can bounce back in the next. I always look to bounce back and never give up."Siraj also emphasized the need for bowlers to adapt to the changing conditions. "The game has gone to a level such that if I get hit even after bowling a good delivery, I don't have a problem," he said. "I haven't bowled badly in the tournament. (A bowler conceding) 40 runs has become normal. In the past, it was like 'Oh no, he has given 40 runs in 4 overs'. But, 40 runs have become normal."As the IPL 2024 season progresses, it remains to be seen how bowlers will respond to the batting onslaught. The flat pitches and shortened boundaries are likely to continue to favor batsmen, but bowlers will need to find ways to adapt and contain the run flow if they want to succeed in this high-scoring environment.