Cricket

Bangladesh's bowlers kept South Africa in check during the first session of the second Test in Dhaka, with Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana sharing the wickets.Islam struck first, trapping Tony de Zorzi lbw for 13 in the 13th over. The left-arm spinner then had Aiden Markram caught behind for 25 in the 25th over.Rana, meanwhile, picked up the wicket of Markram's opening partner, Dean Elgar, for 19 in the 19th over. The right-arm pacer also had de Zorzi caught at slip for 34 in the 37th over.At lunch, South Africa were 105 for 4, with Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne at the crease on 25 and 15 respectively.Bangladesh's bowlers were disciplined and accurate throughout the session, making it difficult for the South African batsmen to score freely. Islam and Rana were particularly impressive, using their variations to keep the batsmen guessing.The Proteas will need to bat patiently in the afternoon session if they are to build a substantial first-innings total. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be looking to take further wickets and put themselves in a strong position in the match.

South Africa, led by stand-in captain Aiden Markram, have opted to bat first against Bangladesh in the second and final Test match in Chattogram. The hosts, who are looking to end their home season on a high, have made three changes to their lineup, including the debut of wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon.Bangladesh's experienced gloveman, Litton Das, has been ruled out due to a fever, while Jaker Ali has been replaced by Zakir Hasan, who scored a century on debut at this venue. The hosts have also opted for an extra seamer, Nahid Rana, in place of offspinner Nayeem Hasan.South Africa, on the other hand, have brought in Dane Paterson for Dane Piedt, while Senuran Muthusamy has been included in place of Matthew Breetkze. This gives the Proteas a more balanced side with five bowling options, including three seamers.The match is crucial for both teams. Bangladesh are aiming to close out their home season with a victory, while South Africa are eyeing a run to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They need to win at least four of their remaining five matches to have a shot at next year's Lord's finale.The key to the match will be taking wickets, as both sides have strong batting lineups. Bangladesh will be relying on their spinners, while South Africa will look to their pace attack to make inroads.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has hailed India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as the best bowler he has ever faced and predicted that he will go down as the greatest all-format bowler of all time.Maxwell, who has faced Bumrah both for Australia and in the Indian Premier League (IPL), praised the Indian pacer's unique release point, slow ball, yorker, and ability to swing the ball both ways."I think Bumrah probably going to go down as the best all-format bowler of all time," Maxwell said in a video shared by ESPNcricinfo. "I think he's the best bowler I have faced."Maxwell highlighted Bumrah's ability to change his bowling angle at the last moment, making it difficult for batsmen to predict his delivery. He also praised Bumrah's wrist position and his ability to sniff out wickets."His release point, because he releases it from so far out in front of himself, almost feels like he can change where he's bowling right at the last moment," Maxwell said. "Unbelievable slow ball, great yorker, has the ability to swing it both ways; he's got a brilliant wrist, and he's got a good sniff. It feels like he's got all the tricks of a really good fast bowler."Bumrah, who is currently ranked as the No. 1 Test bowler in the world by the ICC, is expected to play a key role for India in their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in 2024. Maxwell, however, will not face Bumrah in the series as he is out of Australia's Test reckoning.Both Bumrah and Maxwell are also expected to be part of the IPL rumor mills, with the retention announcements set to come on October 31. Bumrah is expected to be retained by Mumbai Indians (MI), while Maxwell's future at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is uncertain.

Harshit Rana, a rising star in Indian cricket, has made significant strides in his career, earning a spot in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming tour of Australia. With his impressive pace, bounce, and ability to swing the ball both ways, Rana has caught the attention of selectors and fans alike.Rana's journey to the national team began with his standout performance for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the 2023 season, he claimed 19 wickets in 13 matches, finishing as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker. His ability to bowl under pressure and deliver crucial overs in T20 cricket showcased his maturity and skill.The IPL success paved the way for Rana's inclusion in India's white-ball squads. He has since featured regularly in the team, gaining valuable experience and honing his craft. Recently, he was selected in the 18-member contingent for the five-Test tour of Australia, a testament to his growing stature in the Indian setup.Rana's selection for the Test team is a culmination of his hard work and dedication. He has spent time with the Test team as a traveling reserve, observing and learning from senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. This experience has helped him prepare for the challenges of Test cricket, where consistency and accuracy are paramount.In addition to his bowling prowess, Rana is also a fiery competitor, known for his aggressive approach on the field. He is not afraid to engage in verbal exchanges with batters, adding an element of intensity to his performances.Rana's rise to prominence has been supported by the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, who served as KKR's mentor during the IPL and is now India's head coach. Gambhir has been a vocal advocate for Rana, recognizing his potential and providing him with valuable advice.As Rana prepares for his Test debut in Australia, he is excited about the opportunity to showcase his skills on the world stage. He is confident in his abilities and eager to contribute to India's success. With his talent, determination, and the support of his team, Rana is poised to make a significant impact on Indian cricket in the years to come.

Cricket's return to the Olympics after a 128-year absence could see matches played on the East Coast of the United States to cater to the massive Indian audience and tap into the growing domestic market in the host country.According to LA28 host committee chair Casey Wasserman, the East Coast's more favorable time zone for Indian viewers compared to the West Coast makes it the preferred location for the men's and women's cricket competitions. New York, which hosted preliminary-round matches of the T20 World Cup earlier this year, is a potential venue.Wasserman emphasized the importance of maximizing cricket viewership in India, a country with a huge fan base. He noted that the East Coast is nine-and-a-half hours behind India, allowing viewers to watch the matches live, while Los Angeles is 12-and-a-half hours behind.The LA28 organizers are exploring the use of pre-existing infrastructure to host cricket matches, potentially saving over $150 million and generating new revenue. The three venues that hosted the T20 World Cup in the US – Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and a temporary stadium on Long Island – are potential candidates.Hosting Olympic competitions away from the main center is not uncommon. The Paris Olympics featured surfing events in Tahiti, sailing in Marseille, shooting in Chateauroux, and soccer matches across the country.

Rangpur Riders Appoint Mickey Arthur as Head Coach for Global Super League and Bangladesh Premier LeagueRangpur Riders, a franchise in the Global Super League (GSL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), have appointed Mickey Arthur as their head coach for the upcoming seasons. The 56-year-old South African will take charge of the team from November 26, when the GSL kicks off.Arthur brings a wealth of experience to the Rangpur Riders, having previously coached the South African, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani national teams. He has also worked with the Dambulla Aura team in the Lanka Premier League and is currently the director of cricket for Derbyshire County Cricket Club."We have signed Mickey Arthur for the GSL and BPL this year," said Rangpur team director Shanian Taneem. "It is a one-year deal. He will take care of us for these two tournaments this year. He is a great addition to our side. The local players are really excited to be coached by him."Arthur's appointment is expected to benefit the Bangladeshi cricketers in particular. "He has huge experience," said Taneem. "He has already taken care of so many international sides like Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Pakistan."Arthur has previously coached in the BPL with the Dhaka Dynamites in 2015. He is known for his friendly and approachable nature, which is expected to create a positive environment within the Rangpur Riders squad.The Rangpur Riders will be hoping that Arthur can help them improve on their recent performances in the GSL and BPL. The team has not won either tournament since 2017 and will be looking to challenge for the title this year.

India's five-Test home season, once billed as a golden opportunity to secure a berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and prepare for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, has taken a dramatic turn. With just a week remaining in the home leg, India's WTC final hopes are hanging by a thread after consecutive defeats to New Zealand.The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, now faces a daunting task of salvaging the home season with a resounding victory at the Wankhede Stadium during the festive week. Failure to do so could result in a prolonged and challenging tour of Australia.Rohit, who will be leading India for the first time in a Test series Down Under, is aware of the magnitude of the task ahead. He has emphasized the importance of providing support and guidance to the relatively inexperienced group of players, many of whom will be making their Test debuts in Australia."It is crucial that we provide the support and guidance that we ourselves craved when we were in their shoes," Rohit said after India's loss in the second Test against New Zealand. "That is what I intend to do with the many players who have not yet toured Australia or will be playing their first or second Test there."Rohit stressed the need to maintain a positive and supportive environment within the team, regardless of the recent setbacks. "We cannot afford to overreact to what has happened," he said. "We need to have quiet chats with certain individuals and let them know where they stand and what the team expects from them."The Indian management is determined to avoid dwelling on the broken 12-year unbeaten streak at home. "I am not going to overreact to what has happened here," Rohit said. "We need to have a quiet chat with certain individuals and let them know where they are and what, as a team, we require from them."As India prepares for the upcoming challenges, Rohit and the management will need to find a way to restore confidence and belief within the team. The Wankhede Stadium, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate crowd, could provide the perfect setting for a turnaround.

Agni Chopra, the son of renowned film producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and film critic Anupama Chopra, has continued his remarkable run of form in the Ranji Trophy, smashing another double century for Mizoram. This was his second consecutive double ton in the competition, following his 218 off just 269 deliveries against Manipur.Agni's exceptional performance in the Ranji Trophy Plate League has been nothing short of sensational. He has scored four consecutive centuries at the start of his first-class career, a feat that even the legendary Don Bradman failed to achieve. Agni's remarkable streak includes scores of 105, 101, 114, 10, 164, 15, 166, and 92 in his first four Ranji games.Despite his impressive performances, Agni remains humble and determined to earn his place on merit. He dreams of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but he believes that he must be selected based on his own abilities rather than his father's influence."May be I am not good enough so I wasn't picked (in the IPL auction). For me, I want to be picked for anything based on my pedigree, it shouldn't be because of anything else. I don't think my dad would ever pick up the phone and tell anyone just because I told him to. I have to be good enough so that they are calling my dad, rather than my dad calling them," Agni told PTI.Agni's father, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, is known for directing critically acclaimed films such as "12th Fail" and producing the blockbuster "3 Idiots." However, Agni is determined to make his own mark in the world of cricket."If something like that (his father pulling ranks) happened, may be I will be picked in squad, but surely, would not get to play in the eleven. I don't want to be in a team where I am picked because of a phone call and then I am not going to play," he added.Agni's determination and talent are evident in his performances on the field. He is a technically sound batsman with a wide range of shots and an ability to score runs quickly. His double century against Manipur was a testament to his skill and temperament.As Agni continues to impress in the Ranji Trophy, it is clear that he has the potential to become a top-class batsman. With his talent, determination, and the support of his family, he is well on his way to achieving his dreams.

Indian pacer Mohsin Khan has expressed his lifelong admiration for former Indian captain MS Dhoni, citing his iconic match-winning six in the 2011 ODI World Cup final as his favorite cricketing moment.Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Mohsin revealed that Dhoni's ability to hit sixes in crucial situations has always inspired him. "Dhoni bhai is my idol. The way he hits those sixes in the end is unbelievable," he remarked.Mohsin recalled the national jubilation that followed Dhoni's match-winning six, saying it felt like a Diwali celebration everywhere. "I was just 13 or 14 years old at the time, watching the final. As soon as he hit that six, it felt like a Diwali celebration everywhere," he added.Despite his admiration, Mohsin admitted that he gets too nervous to approach Dhoni. "I feel happy just seeing him from afar. I can't talk to him directly, but watching him gives me joy," the 26-year-old bowler confessed with a smile.Meanwhile, Dhoni has hinted at extending his cricketing journey despite stepping back from active captaincy. At a recent promotional event, Dhoni shared that he wants to enjoy the "last few years of cricket" at a relaxed pace.His words have fueled speculation that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) might retain him for IPL 2025, even though he passed the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad last season."I just want to enjoy whatever last few years of cricket I am able to play," Dhoni explained. "In our childhood, we used to go out to play at 4pm and enjoy the game. But when you play professional sport, it becomes difficult to enjoy cricket, just like a game. That's what I want to do."With Dhoni's future in the IPL still uncertain, fans eagerly await whether CSK will retain their beloved "Thala" under the revised retention rules. If Dhoni continues, it would mark yet another unforgettable chapter in his illustrious IPL career.