Cricket

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) draft is set to take place on September 1, and teams are eagerly preparing to bolster their squads. Here's a comprehensive look at the pre-draft signings, retention options, and potential targets for each club:Adelaide Strikers:* Pre-draft signing: Smriti Mandhana* Retention rights: Georgia Adams, Laura Wolvaardt* Draft picks: 6, 14, 22, 27The Strikers have secured the services of Indian superstar Smriti Mandhana and are expected to retain Laura Wolvaardt. They may seek a middle-order allrounder to complement their strong batting lineup.Brisbane Heat:* Pre-draft signing: Nadine de Klerk* Retention rights: Bess Heath* Draft picks: 7, 15, 18, 31With several key departures, the Heat will prioritize replacing Amelia Kerr's all-round abilities. They may also target a top-order batter to support Grace Harris and Georgia Redmayne.Hobart Hurricanes:* Pre-draft signing: Lizelle Lee* Retention rights: Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith* Draft picks: 1, 9, 24, 25The Hurricanes have secured Lizelle Lee and will use their top pick to acquire a top-four batter. They may also seek an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.Melbourne Renegades:* Pre-draft signing: Hayley Matthews* Retention rights: Eve Jones, Harmanpreet Kaur* Draft picks: 3, 11, 19, 30The Renegades have made significant domestic signings but may still target a top-order batter and an allrounder to complement their strong bowling unit.Melbourne Stars:* Pre-draft signing: Marizanne Kapp* Retention rights: Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley* Draft picks: 4, 12, 21, 28The Stars have a strong pace-bowling unit but may seek a high-quality frontline spinner. They may also target another top-order batter to support Meg Lanning.Perth Scorchers:* Pre-draft signing: Sophie Devine* Retention rights: Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt* Draft picks: 8, 16, 17, 32The Scorchers may opt for a similar batting-heavy approach as last year, having secured Sophie Devine. They may also consider strengthening their bowling department.Sydney Sixers:* Pre-draft signing: Amelia Kerr* Retention rights: Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, Linsey Smith* Draft picks: 2, 10, 23, 26The Sixers have added Amelia Kerr's all-round abilities and may seek another spinner. They may also target a top-order batter to supplement Alyssa Healy and Ellyse Perry.Sydney Thunder:* Pre-draft signing: Chamari Athapaththu* Retention rights: Heather Knight* Draft picks: 5, 13, 20, 29The Thunder have secured Heather Knight but may seek another frontline bowling option. They may also target a middle-order hitter to complement Taneale Peschel.

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Ansha Afridi Welcome Their First Child, Ali YarPakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and his wife, Ansha Afridi, have welcomed their first child, a son named Ali Yar. The joyous news was shared by the Afridi family on social media, eliciting an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans and supporters worldwide.Afridi, known for his exceptional bowling skills, couldn't contain his excitement during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. After taking the wicket of Hasan Mahmud on the fourth day of the game, he celebrated by mimicking cradling a newborn in his arms. This heartwarming gesture captured the attention of spectators and reflected the young father's immense love and affection for his child.The couple's journey to parenthood began in 2021 when Afridi got engaged to Ansha, the second-eldest daughter of former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi. Their nikah took place in a private ceremony in February 2022, followed by a week of wedding celebrations and Ansha's rukhsati in September 2023.The arrival of Ali Yar has brought immense joy to the Afridi family and the Pakistani sports community. Arshad Nadeem, who recently won the gold medal in men's javelin at the Paris Olympics 2024, took to social media to congratulate Shaheen and Ansha on their new role. Nadeem also wished Shahid Afridi on becoming a grandfather, showcasing the camaraderie and support within the Pakistani sports fraternity.Shaheen Shah Afridi's exceptional talent and dedication have made him one of the most promising young bowlers in the world. His wife, Ansha, has been a constant source of support throughout his career. The couple's first child, Ali Yar, is sure to bring even more happiness and fulfillment to their lives.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has vehemently denied recent media reports suggesting potential date changes for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. The board has emphasized that the tournament remains a top priority and preparations are well underway.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's recent statements during a media interaction were misconstrued, the board clarified. While Naqvi acknowledged that some domestic matches might be relocated to accommodate ongoing stadium renovations, he explicitly stated that the Champions Trophy schedule remains unaffected.This clarification comes after the PCB's decision to move the second Test match against Bangladesh from Karachi to Rawalpindi due to ongoing construction work at Karachi's National Bank Stadium, one of the designated venues for the 2025 tournament."It is disappointing that certain media outlets have misrepresented PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi's comments from yesterday's media interaction, misleadingly quoting him on the potential change of dates for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to security concerns, thus creating unnecessary sensationalism," the PCB statement reads.The PCB stressed that the stadium redevelopment and redesign projects are progressing as planned and will be completed well ahead of the Champions Trophy. The board reiterated its commitment to delivering a world-class event across three iconic Pakistani venues, providing an exceptional experience for cricket enthusiasts.Addressing concerns about potential schedule conflicts, the PCB confirmed that a draft schedule for the tournament, spanning from February 19 to March 9, 2025, has already been submitted to the International Cricket Council (ICC).While the relocation of the Bangladesh Test match sparked speculation about similar changes for future fixtures, including the England Test series scheduled for October, the PCB has not confirmed any further alterations.The board remains focused on ensuring the smooth execution of the Champions Trophy, stressing its dedication to hosting a successful tournament and showcasing Pakistan's passion for cricket on a global stage.

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a remarkable 48-ball 81, her career-best, propelling the defending champions to a decisive 82-run victory over Nepal in the Women's Asia Cup T20 tournament at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday. This win ensured India's progression to the semifinals.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India capitalized on the opportunity with Hemalatha contributing a valuable 47 runs. The partnership's aggressive approach was instrumental in India reaching a competitive total of 178 for three. Jemimah Rodrigues further bolstered the innings with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, enhancing the score with three boundaries in the concluding over.Facing a challenging target, Nepal's pursuit was hindered by India's proficient bowling attack, limiting them to 96 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The requirement for Nepal to surpass Pakistan's net run rate and secure a semifinal berth necessitated achieving the target within 10 overs, a feat they were unable to accomplish.Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 13 runs. She was well-supported by Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy, who took two wickets each, contributing to a formidable bowling performance that stifled Nepal's chase.Nepal's innings was characterized by regular wicket losses, with their top order struggling against India's seam and spin attack. Arundhati Reddy's early dismissal of Nepal's openers set the tone, while Deepti Sharma's all-round performance, including a direct hit, showcased India's dominance in the field.Shafali Verma's innings was a highlight, featuring an array of shots that put the Nepalese bowlers under pressure. Her aggressive batting, marked by 12 fours and a six, was particularly punishing against medium pacer Kabita Joshi and off-spinner Sabnam Rai. Hemalatha, despite a slower start, managed to support the innings effectively, contributing with both boundaries and a six.The match also witnessed moments of resilience from Nepal, including a missed catch opportunity that could have broken the opening partnership earlier. However, India's batting prowess and disciplined bowling ultimately proved too strong for Nepal, confirming India's place in the semifinals alongside Pakistan from Group A.

Pakistan Aims to Secure Runners-Up Spot in Women's Asia Cup Clash with UAEPakistan's women's cricket team faces the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a crucial match of the Women's Asia Cup 2024, with the aim of securing the runners-up spot in their group. After a disappointing loss to arch-rivals India in their opening match, Pakistan bounced back with a convincing victory over Nepal.UAE, on the other hand, has yet to register a win in the tournament, making them the underdogs in this encounter. However, Pakistan cannot afford to take their opponents lightly, as they will be eager to prove their worth and upset the favorites.The match will be played at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka, and is expected to be a closely contested affair. Pakistan will be relying on their experienced players, including captain Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar, and Javeria Khan, to guide them to victory.UAE will be looking to their young and talented players, such as Chaya Mughal and Esha Oza, to make an impact. The team will also be hoping for a strong performance from their captain, Humaira Tasneem, who has been in good form with the bat.The winner of this match will secure the runners-up spot in Group A, which will give them a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Pakistan will be determined to finish the group stage on a high note and build momentum for the knockout rounds.

Pakistan's star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has lauded Team India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024, despite Pakistan's disappointing group-stage exit.Afridi, who was stripped of his captaincy before the tournament, praised India's performance in the final against South Africa, which they won by a narrow margin. "Both teams played well. On the day, whichever team handles the pressure better wins. India played a good brand of cricket and deserved to win," he said.Afridi acknowledged India's late bowling heroics, led by Jasprit Bumrah, which turned the tide in their favor. He also expressed his admiration for India's overall performance throughout the tournament.Despite Pakistan's early exit, Afridi remained optimistic about the team's future. "Strong teams compete in the World Cup and they come after going through a process. I think we need to correct a few things and if we work hard, results will be with us," he said.Afridi's comments come amidst calls from former cricketers and fans for a major overhaul of the Pakistan team. However, he believes that the team has the potential to bounce back with the right approach."We have a lot of talent in Pakistan. We just need to find the right combination and work together as a unit. I am confident that we can achieve success in the future," he added.

England and West Indies are set to face off in a highly anticipated T20I match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. England, currently leading the series, will aim to solidify their position, while West Indies, ranked fourth, will seek to improve their standings.In their previous encounter, England's Adil Rashid emerged as the top fantasy performer with 67 points, while Gudakesh Motie led the way for West Indies with 101 points. England's recent victory over Namibia saw Harry Brook shine with 85 fantasy points, while Nicholas Pooran's 146 points propelled West Indies to victory against Afghanistan.The pitch at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is balanced, with an average first innings score of 110 runs. Pacers have historically dominated at this venue, accounting for 75% of wickets. The weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions with a slight chance of rain, which could favor the pacers.Fantasy XI Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Johnson Charles: A high-risk, high-reward pick with an average of 46 fantasy points per match.* Sam Curran: A consistent performer with an average of 61 fantasy points per match.* Alzarri Joseph: A reliable bowler with an average of 43 fantasy points per match.* Akeal Hosein: A left-arm spinner with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Phil Salt: A consistent batter with an average of 56 fantasy points per match.* Adil Rashid: A leg-break bowler with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Andre Russell: A versatile player with an average of 62 fantasy points per match.* Roston Chase: A consistent all-rounder with an average of 44 fantasy points per match.Squads:England: Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, Reece Topley, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Tom HartleyWest Indies: Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Obed McCoy, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar JosephFantasy XI Team:* Wicket-Keepers: Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt* Batters: Jonny Bairstow, Sherfane Rutherford* All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Andre Russell* Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan* Captain: Sam Curran* Vice-Captain: Adil Rashid

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has taken a dig at Pakistan's disastrous T20 World Cup campaign, rating it a mere "2 out of 10." Pakistan, the runners-up in the previous edition, crashed out of the tournament after losing their opening match to tournament debutants USA and suffering a defeat against arch-rivals India. They managed to register wins against Canada and Ireland, but it was too little too late.Pakistan's batting woes were evident throughout the tournament, with the team failing to chase down modest targets and struggling to post competitive totals. Captain Babar Azam acknowledged the team's shortcomings, stating, "We couldn't finish off close games, as a team we weren't good as a team."Despite the batting struggles, Pakistan's bowling unit performed admirably, taking early wickets and restricting opposition batters. However, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by the team's inability to score runs.Vaughan's scathing assessment of Pakistan's performance reflects the team's disappointing showing in the tournament. Pakistan's early exit has raised questions about the team's preparation and strategy, and it remains to be seen how they will address these issues ahead of future competitions.

Central Sparks emerged victorious in their clash against Southern Vipers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at New Road, Worcester. Despite both teams already securing their spots in the Finals Day, Sparks showcased their bowling prowess, restricting Vipers to a mere 98 runs.With key bowlers Hannah Baker and Emily Arlott rested, Sparks' bowling attack proved equally formidable. Grace Potts, Katie George, Bethan Ellis, and Ria Fackrell each claimed two wickets, preventing any Vipers batter from reaching the 20-run mark. Rhianna Southby's 19 runs from number eight stood as the highest score for the visitors.In response, Sparks chased down the target with ease, reaching 99 for 5 with 31 balls to spare. Davina Perrin's assertive 26 from 17 balls set the tone for the chase, while Amy Jones' 26 from 29 guided the team to victory.Vipers' innings began promisingly, with Maia Bouchier hitting a six off Potts. However, the momentum shifted after Danni Wyatt's dismissal, and the innings spiraled downward. Sparks' disciplined bowling attack kept the Vipers batters in check, with only six fours and one six scored throughout the innings.Sparks' reply was equally impressive. Ami Campbell's early fours set the pace, and Perrin's aggressive approach kept the pressure on Vipers. Despite losing a few wickets, Jones' powerful shot into the Basil D'Oliveira Stand and Courtney Webb's steady contribution ensured Sparks' comfortable victory.