Cricket

The 2006 Test match between India and South Africa in Johannesburg witnessed an unforgettable clash between S Sreesanth and Andre Nel, a moment etched in cricket history for its intensity, aggression, and humor.During India's second innings, Sreesanth, primarily known for his bowling, found himself at the crease as a lower-order batsman. Facing him was South Africa's Andre Nel, renowned for his fiery and aggressive on-field demeanor.Nel, true to his nature, attempted to unsettle Sreesanth with verbal sledging, questioning his courage and heart. He gestured towards his chest, implying Sreesanth lacked the fortitude to face him.Undeterred, Sreesanth responded with an iconic act. On the very next delivery, he stepped out and launched a massive six over Nel's head, leaving everyone, including Nel, stunned.But Sreesanth didn't stop there. He danced down the pitch in a rodeo-style celebration, swinging his bat with a mix of anger, satisfaction, and humor, mocking Nel's earlier aggression.Fast forward to 2024, Sreesanth proved that his spunk remained intact. Playing for Gujarat Giants in the Legends League Cricket (LLC), he smashed a towering six over the long-on boundary against Dan Christian of Manipal Tigers.The hit was so impressive that it drew applause from his teammates Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammad Kaif. This time, however, there were no verbal exchanges or rodeo-style celebrations.Sreesanth's iconic six against Nel and his recent display in the LLC showcase his unwavering spirit and ability to respond to adversity with both aggression and humor. These moments have cemented his place in cricket history as a player who never shied away from a challenge.

Sanath Jayasuriya, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, has been appointed as the permanent head coach of the Sri Lankan men's cricket team until the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup. This decision comes after Jayasuriya's impressive performance as interim coach since early July.Under Jayasuriya's guidance, Sri Lanka has achieved significant victories in recent months. They secured their first bilateral ODI series win against India in 27 years, defeated England in a Test match away from home for the first time in a decade, and whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in home Tests. These results have boosted Sri Lanka's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final.Sri Lanka Cricket's Executive Committee stated that Jayasuriya's appointment was based on the team's strong performances under his interim leadership. This is Jayasuriya's first major coaching role, and he has emphasized the importance of creating an environment where players feel free to express themselves.Jayasuriya's previous involvement with the Sri Lankan team was as chief selector, a position he held twice. However, he was banned for two years by the ICC for violating its anti-corruption code.Jayasuriya's first assignment as head coach will be the upcoming limited-overs matches against West Indies in Dambulla and Pallekele. The team will be looking to continue their winning ways under his leadership and secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.

The Global Super League T20, a groundbreaking five-team tournament, is set to ignite Guyana from November 26 to December 7. Sanctioned by Cricket West Indies (CWI) and backed by the Guyanese government, this inaugural event boasts a prize pool of US$1 million.As South America's first standalone cricket spectacle, the Global Super League will showcase Guyana Amazon Warriors, the reigning Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions, alongside four renowned T20 teams from across the globe. ESPNcricinfo has confirmed that Hampshire, the three-time English T20 Blast winners, is among the invited participants.The tournament format features 11 matches, with each team playing four group stage encounters. The top two teams will advance to the final, with all matches taking place at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence."The passion for cricket in Guyana is unmatched," said Global Super League chairman Clive Lloyd. "We are thrilled to share our love of the game and our vibrant culture with fans worldwide."The Amazon Warriors, Guyana's home team, have a rich history in the CPL, having won the title in 2023 and finished as runners-up six times.Guyana's President, Mohammed Irfaan Ali, expressed his support for the Global Super League, stating, "Cricket is deeply ingrained in our heritage and plays a vital role in our economic diversification strategy, with a focus on tourism."The Global Super League will coincide with the Abu Dhabi T10 and Bangladesh's tour of the Caribbean. However, the Test matches in the latter series will conclude before the Global Super League begins.

The National Cricket League (NCL) Sixty Strikers tournament witnessed an enthralling high-scoring thriller on Sunday, as Dallas Lonestars chased down New York Lions' total in a nail-biting finish.New York Lions, batting first, got off to a solid start with Upul Tharanga (36) and Mohammad Hafeez (59) putting together a 74-run opening partnership. However, skipper Suresh Raina failed to continue his impressive form, and the Lions could only manage a total of 125/7. Hayden Walsh was the standout bowler for Dallas, claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs.Chasing the target, Dallas Lonestars looked in trouble at one stage. But Sohaib Maqsood (39 off 15 balls) and Samit Patel (57 off 23 balls) forged a crucial partnership to keep their team in the hunt. Dinesh Karthik also contributed with a quickfire 13 off 8 balls.With just one ball remaining, Chris Green and Matt Critchley hit the winning runs to secure a thrilling victory for Dallas. Mohammad Hafeez was the pick of the bowlers for New York, taking 2 wickets for 43 runs.The Sixty Strikers tournament has provided a unique opportunity for fans to witness retired cricketers like Tharanga and Hafeez sharing the field with current stars. The high-scoring matches and close finishes have made it an entertaining spectacle for cricket enthusiasts.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya showcased his exceptional batting prowess in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior, leaving fans in awe with a stunning "no-look" boundary. Pandya's unbeaten 39 off 16 deliveries propelled India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory, chasing down the target of 128 with ease.Pandya's destructive batting display was highlighted by three consecutive fours off Taskin Ahmed, including the remarkable no-look shot that sailed over the wicket-keeper's head. The video of the shot has gone viral on social media, showcasing Pandya's incredible skill and confidence.Bangladesh's innings began with early setbacks, as Arshdeep Singh dismissed both openers cheaply. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided some resistance, but Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, and Washington Sundar kept the Indian bowlers in control. Pandya also contributed with a wicket towards the end.In response, India's chase was anchored by Pandya's blistering knock. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav also made significant contributions, but it was Pandya's unbeaten innings that sealed the victory for India.Pandya's performance has been widely praised, with fans and experts alike marveling at his ability to combine power and finesse. His no-look boundary has become an instant highlight, demonstrating his exceptional hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second match will be played in Rajkot on October 8, with Bangladesh looking to level the series and India aiming to extend their advantage.

India's historic T20 World Cup triumph in June 2023 continues to provide captivating behind-the-scenes anecdotes. All-rounder Axar Patel recently shared a hilarious incident involving himself and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj during a celebratory episode of "The Great Indian Kapil Show."As the Indian team erupted in joy after their thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa, Axar and Siraj faced an unexpected dilemma. While their teammates reveled in the moment, the duo found themselves in a predicament."Siraj told everyone, 'Arre DK bhai ne mera English mein interview le liya. Itne saare log hain, sabko English aati hai. Hum dono ko hi kyu pakda English ke liye, pata nahi (Dinesh Karthik took our interview in English; all others know English, then why did he catch hold of us I don't know)," Axar narrated, sending the audience into fits of laughter.Accompanying Axar on the show were India captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Shivam Dube. The anchor, Kapil Sharma, couldn't resist asking Axar if he had indeed given the interview in English."Haan diya na, mujhe hi nahi pata mai kya bola. Siraj to aadha interview chhod ke bhaag gaya, bola 'meri jitni English thi khatam ho gayi hai' (yes, we did; but even I don't know what I said; Siraj left the interview in between saying that his English vocabulary finished)," Axar replied, eliciting more laughter from the crowd.The incident highlights the camaraderie and lighthearted moments shared by the Indian team during their historic triumph. Despite the pressure and intensity of the tournament, the players found time for humor and shared experiences that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.

In a resounding display of dominance, India cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the opening T20 of the series in Gwalior. The hosts' triumph was orchestrated by a lethal bowling attack led by debutant Mayank Yadav and the returning Varun Chakaravarthy, who stifled the Bangladeshi batters.Mayank, a 22-year-old pacer from Delhi, made an impressive debut, generating serious pace and claiming the wicket of veteran Mahmudullah. His opening spell of 2-1-3-1 included a maiden over, showcasing his potential as a genuine fast bowler.Varun Chakaravarthy, making his comeback after nearly three years, also troubled the Bangladeshi batters with his enigmatic spin. He dismissed Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 64 for five in 10 overs.Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh played his part in the powerplay, removing openers Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon. He returned to end Bangladesh's innings, claiming the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who top-scored for the visitors with 35 not out.India's chase was equally impressive, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson setting the tone with aggressive batting. Samson played a delightful cameo of 29 off 19 before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz.Skipper Suryakumar Yadav continued the onslaught, picking up shots off pacer Taskin Ahmed in the fifth over. Debutant Nitish Reddy and Hardik Pandya guided India home in a canter, with Pandya finishing the game in style with a ballistic 12th over.The victory was a testament to India's depth and talent, as they showcased a formidable bowling attack and aggressive batting lineup. The series-opening win sets the stage for an exciting contest between the two sides in the remaining matches.

Scotland, led by captain Kathryn Bryce, opted to bat first after winning the toss against West Indies in their crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai. Bryce expressed her team's intention to establish a competitive total and maintain a disciplined bowling performance. Scotland fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous encounter with Bangladesh.West Indies, on the other hand, made two alterations to their squad, with Chedean Nation and Ashmini Munisar replacing Zaida James and Shamilia Connell. Captain Hayley Matthews expressed optimism despite their significant defeat to South Africa in their opening match. Stafanie Taylor, who experienced knee discomfort in that game, was declared fit to participate.The match was played on the same surface used earlier in the day for the India-Pakistan encounter. The pitch was anticipated to be slightly sticky, favoring spinners and pace-off deliveries. With the game taking place under floodlights, fielding would once again be a crucial factor.Scotland's batting lineup consisted of Saskia Horley, Sarah Bryce, Kathryn Bryce, Ailsa Lister, Priyanaz Chatterji, Darcy Carter, Lorner Jack-Brown, Katherine Fraser, Rachel Slater, Abtaha Maqsood, and Olivia Bell.West Indies fielded Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Chenead Nation, Qiana Joseph, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, and Karishma Ramharack.

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a shaky start with a narrow six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai. Despite a modest target of 106 runs, India struggled to chase it down, eventually reaching the mark in 18.5 overs. This result leaves India in fourth place in Group A, with their hopes of reaching the semifinals hanging in the balance.India's chances of advancing to the knockout stage suffered a significant blow with their crushing 58-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match. Only two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, making it imperative for India to secure victories in their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Australia.To qualify for the semifinals, India must not only win their remaining games but also focus on winning by substantial margins to improve their run rate, which took a hit after the loss to New Zealand. Defeating Australia will be a formidable task, but the playing conditions in Dubai may give India a slight advantage.If India emerges victorious in all their remaining games and New Zealand manages to beat Australia, both India and New Zealand should progress to the semifinals. However, if Australia triumphs in all their matches, including the one against India, then the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side would have to rely on Sri Lanka and Pakistan defeating New Zealand in their remaining encounters. In this scenario, India would have two wins, assuming they beat Sri Lanka, along with Pakistan, while New Zealand would be limited to a single victory. The team with a superior run-rate between India and Pakistan would then secure a spot in the semifinals.As the tournament progresses and all teams have played a minimum of three games, additional qualification scenarios might arise, providing more clarity on the situation.