Cricket

Rishabh Pant's horrific car accident in December 2021 was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the indomitable spirit of human resilience. The accident, which left Pant with multiple injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), threatened to end his promising cricket career.However, Pant, known for his fearless batting and infectious enthusiasm, refused to succumb to despair. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a grueling rehabilitation journey, driven by an unyielding desire to return to the field.Pant's recovery was a testament to his mental and physical fortitude. He spent countless hours in physiotherapy, gradually regaining strength and mobility. His surgeon, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, was impressed by Pant's unwavering resolve, saying, "When I told Rishabh 18 months were needed, he responded with 'I am going to show you I can do it in 12 months.'"Pant's return to international cricket in August 2022 was a triumph of spirit and perseverance. His century in the second Test against England at Edgbaston was a poignant moment, not only for Pant but for the entire cricketing fraternity.The century was a culmination of Pant's unwavering belief in himself and the support of his family, friends, and fans. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can prevail.Pant's comeback has been hailed as an inspiration to countless others who have faced setbacks in their lives. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

Panthers Triumph Over Markhors in Champions Cup SemifinalIn a thrilling encounter at the National Stadium, Karachi, Panthers emerged victorious over Markhors by seven wickets to secure a berth in the final of the Champions Cup. The victory marked a significant milestone for the chasing team, as it was the first time a side had successfully chased down a target in the tournament.Markhors, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but faced an early setback when Ali Raza dismissed Haseebullah Khan in the second over. The damage was compounded by Mohammad Hasnain, who wreaked havoc on the Markhors batting lineup, dismissing Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, and Mohammad Rizwan in quick succession. Markhors found themselves reeling at 25 for 4 in the seventh over.Salman Agha and Iftikhar Ahmed attempted to salvage the innings with a 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, Iftikhar's dismissal triggered a collapse, and Markhors were eventually bowled out for a meager 137 in 36 overs. Saim Ayub emerged as the unlikely hero for Panthers, claiming 5 for 24 with his part-time legbreaks.Panthers' chase got off to a shaky start with the early loss of Azan Awais. Ayub steadied the innings with a composed 33 off 36 balls, but his dismissal and that of Umar Siddiq in quick succession left Panthers in a precarious position.However, Usman Khan stepped up to the plate, smashing an unbeaten 54 off just 26 balls to guide Panthers to victory in the 24th over. Khan's blistering knock included six fours and three sixes, showcasing his power-hitting prowess.Markhors will now face the winner of the first eliminator between Stallions and Lions on Friday. Panthers, on the other hand, will await their opponent in the final, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

Prasidh Krishna's fiery spell propelled India-A to victory in the Duleep Trophy final, ending the spirited resistance of India-C. The seamer's impressive performance, in only his second game after a lengthy injury layoff, earned him praise from India-A coach Sunil Joshi."I am very glad that he has come back into form and is back in the reckoning," Joshi said. "He was bowling at good speed too, clocking 140's consistently."Joshi also expressed his satisfaction with the sporting track provided for the final. "This was one of the best wickets I have come across in India," he said. "It was nice that there was something for the bowlers and the batters."The crowd's presence was another positive aspect of the match. "It is important to take the game to smaller cities and towns like this," Joshi said. "Some of the kids might be inspired to take up cricket after watching all these Test and IPL players."Joshi lauded Shashwat Rawat, one of the tournament's standout performers. The left-hander not only topped the batting average (85.33) but also displayed solid defense and elegant strokeplay. "I had seen his numbers in the Ranji Trophy as I follow domestic players closely," said Joshi. "He is a compact and elegant player. And I think the selectors led by Ajit Agarkar have done a good job in picking the teams for the Duleep Trophy."Regarding the final, Joshi believed his team played the perfect red-ball cricket. "Captain Mayank Agarwal did a good job," he said. "Our spinners Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian bowled well, and I thought it was a splendid innings by India-C's Sai Sudharsan."

The upcoming Test tour of India poses a formidable challenge for New Zealand's batters, particularly in deciphering the intricacies of the turning ball and the occasional skidding delivery, according to former Black Caps opener Martin Guptill.India and New Zealand, the finalists of the inaugural World Test Championship, will engage in a three-Test series from October 16 in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Guptill emphasizes the difficulty of scoring runs in India due to the unpredictable nature of the ball's trajectory."You feel like you can never score sometimes," Guptill said. "The ball's turning square, then the same sort of ball comes through and it skids on straight. You never know which one's going to turn and which one's going to go straight, so you have to always be thinking, you have to always be mentally on song and on (the top of) your game."Guptill stresses the importance of seizing any advantage against India, who have won their last 17 home series. "To try and get on top of India is extremely difficult. But when you feel like you are, you have to try and take that as long as possible in the game," he said.Given their current form, Guptill finds it challenging to identify the greater threat between Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah. "Both of them," he said. "You can't take away (the fact) that (Ravindra) Jadeja scored 86, 89 or something, wasn't it? (They had a) 199 run partnership, you think you've got India against the ropes and then you've got these two come out and bat."Jadeja and Ashwin rescued India in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, forming a 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket. "While Jadeja is probably the better batter, I mean, Ashwin goes about his work in a completely different way and is very effective in the way he scores his runs," Guptill said.Guptill also highlights the potential of young Kiwi pacer Will O'Rourke, whose extra pace troubled Sri Lanka's batters in the Galle Test. "He's got a little bit of extra pace behind him, which some of our bowlers don't have and he's got a bit of height, which gives him that little bit of extra bounce," Guptill said.While acknowledging the need for change in New Zealand's Test side, Guptill reserves judgment on whether the younger generation can fill the void left by the likes of Kane Williamson. "I can't comment on that at the moment. I mean, you don't know until these new guys come through and start playing whether they're up to it or not," he said.

Joginder Sharma, the Haryana Police DSP who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2007 ICC T20 World Cup triumph, is a name etched in Indian cricket folklore. His moment of glory came in the high-pressure final at Johannesburg when captain MS Dhoni threw him the ball to bowl the final over with Pakistan needing 13 runs to win with one-wicket in hand.Despite his relative inexperience at the international level, Joginder showed immense composure and bravery in that moment. After conceding a six to Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq, Joginder delivered the ball that led to Misbah's famous attempted scoop shot, which was caught by Sreesanth at short fine leg. India clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup, and Joginder became an overnight hero.Before the iconic moment, Joginder had a brief ODI stint but a steady domestic career, representing Haryana in first-class cricket. His all-round abilities with both bat and ball made him a useful addition in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. However, it was his mental strength that helped him rise to the occasion during the high-pressure moments of the tournament.Post his cricketing career, Joginder joined the Haryana Police and was appointed to the rank of DSP. His contribution to Indian cricket, particularly the unforgettable final over, remains a proud chapter in India's sporting history. Incidentally, India won the inaugural T20 World Cup title 17 years ago on this day in 2007.Joginder Sharma's journey from a promising cricketer to a respected police officer is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit. His story continues to inspire young athletes and sports enthusiasts across the country.

Australia's dominance over New Zealand continued as they secured a 3-0 series sweep in the final T20I in Brisbane. Georgia Wareham and Ashleigh Gardner played pivotal roles in the victory, showcasing their all-round abilities.Wareham's legspin restricted New Zealand to 146 for 6, claiming two wickets for 21 runs. Her promotion to No. 3 in the batting order proved effective, as she smashed 26 off 16 balls to ease the run-rate pressure.Ellyse Perry and Gardner then combined for a 61-run stand, with Perry contributing 36 and Gardner 33. Despite late dismissals, their partnership put Australia on the brink of victory.New Zealand's innings was anchored by Georgia Plimmer's maiden T20I half-century (53). However, their hopes of a strong finish were dashed by a late collapse, losing five wickets for 28 runs. Annabel Sutherland picked up two wickets in an over, while Wareham and Gardner also contributed with crucial dismissals.Wareham's performance at No. 3 offers Australia options ahead of the T20 World Cup. Her ability to strike the ball powerfully and play comfortably against both pace and spin could prove valuable in the tournament.Gardner's all-round display earned her the Player of the Series award. Her 1 for 27 with the ball and 33 runs with the bat highlighted her versatility.

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has set their sights firmly on winning the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The team's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have fueled their aspirations to lift the coveted trophy.Kaur, the charismatic captain, has instilled a fearless mindset within the squad, emphasizing the importance of playing with aggression and leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory. The team's unwavering belief in their abilities has been forged through countless hours of training and a shared desire to bring honor to their nation.Every match leading up to the World Cup is viewed as an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills and inspire young cricketers worldwide. The team's journey to the final of the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup and their near-miss in the 2023 edition serve as testaments to their potential and resilience.Kaur expressed her excitement about playing in the United Arab Emirates for the first time, anticipating the enthusiastic support of the crowds in Dubai and Sharjah. The squad boasts a formidable blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with seasoned veterans guiding the path for promising young talents.The team's camaraderie and mutual respect create a supportive environment where every player feels valued and empowered. Kaur acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the support staff in fostering a positive and nurturing atmosphere.Preparations for the World Cup have been meticulous, with the team embarking on a rigorous training regimen immediately after the conclusion of the previous edition. Each player has embraced the importance of fitness, recognizing its profound impact on their performance.While strategies may adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents, the team's primary focus remains on maximizing their own potential and playing to their strengths. Kaur emphasized the importance of adaptability and the ability to execute their plans effectively.The Indian women's cricket team is poised to make a significant impact on the global stage. Their unwavering determination, fearless approach, and unwavering support for one another make them a formidable force to be reckoned with. As they embark on their journey towards the 2024 World Cup, the team carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness their triumph.

England and Australia faced off in the third ODI at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground, with England winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Australia, seeking a win to clinch the five-match series, sent Matthew Short and Mitchell Marsh to open the batting.Jofra Archer, recalled to the English side, opened the bowling and immediately made an impact. His short-ball strategy paid off as he dismissed Short for 21, caught by Adil Rashid at deep backward square leg. Archer continued to trouble the Australian batsmen, hitting Marsh on the thigh pad and getting the ball to nip back into Steven Smith's pads.Matthew Potts, bowling from the other end, also impressed. He beat Marsh's outside edge with a delivery that nipped away and forced Smith to fend off an awkward bouncer. Potts also conceded a boundary to Short, who cracked a drive through point.Marsh, who had been promoted to open in the absence of Travis Head, looked solid and scored a single off Potts. Cameron Green, who came in at number three, also got off the mark with a single.As the innings progressed, Australia began to build a partnership. Marsh and Green played cautiously, rotating the strike and avoiding any unnecessary risks. They managed to take Australia to 21/1 after the first four overs.However, the match was interrupted by rain, forcing the players off the field. The rain delay lasted for over an hour, and when play resumed, England had a new bowler in Brydon Carse.Carse continued to put pressure on the Australian batsmen, hitting Marsh on the chest with a shorter delivery and getting the ball to seam away from Smith. Marsh and Green remained resolute, though, and managed to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Steve Smith's 'Brain Fade' Moment: A Controversial Incident in the 2017 Border-Gavaskar TrophyThe 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia was a highly anticipated event, marked by intense rivalry and thrilling matches. However, one incident during the second Test in Bengaluru overshadowed the sporting spectacle and sparked a major controversy.Steve Smith, the Australian captain at the time, found himself at the center of a storm after he was caught seeking guidance from the dressing room while considering a review of his dismissal. During Australia's second innings, Smith was given out leg before wicket off a delivery from Umesh Yadav. After a brief discussion with his batting partner, Peter Handscomb, Smith was seen glancing towards the dressing room for advice on whether to review the decision using the DRS (Decision Review System).This act of seeking external guidance is strictly prohibited under the rules of cricket, as players on the field are not allowed to consult with anyone outside the playing area for reviews. Indian captain Virat Kohli immediately protested, and the on-field umpires intervened, denying Smith the opportunity to review the decision.The incident sparked a heated exchange between Kohli and Smith, with Kohli accusing the Australian of abusing the DRS. Smith later admitted that his actions were a "brain fade," a momentary lapse in judgment. However, the incident cast a shadow over the match and added to the already tense atmosphere between the two teams.The controversy surrounding Smith's actions extended beyond the match itself. Kohli hinted that it might have been a recurring tactic by the Australians, although no further proof was provided. The incident raised questions about the ethics of using technology in cricket and the importance of upholding the spirit of the game.Despite the controversy, Smith remained a key figure in the series, finishing as the highest run-getter on either side with 499 runs, including three centuries. However, the 'brain fade' moment remains a defining moment in his career and a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules and respecting the integrity of the sport.