Cricket

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed mixed feelings following his team's 2-1 T20I series defeat to Sri Lanka. While acknowledging the home side's victory, Sammy questioned the wisdom of Sri Lanka's decision to prepare turning tracks for the final two games, which were must-wins for the hosts.Sammy argued that such conditions would not be the norm at the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host. He believes that the ICC will ensure that pitches are more balanced, giving both batters and bowlers a fair chance.Despite the defeat, Sammy praised his team's performance, particularly in the first game, which was played on a more balanced wicket. He believes that West Indies showed their depth and challenged Sri Lanka, who had to adjust their tactics to gain an advantage.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka defended the decision to prepare turning tracks, citing the team's strength in spin bowling. He believes that playing to their strengths gives them the best chance of winning. However, Asalanka acknowledged that Sri Lanka needs to improve their fast-bowling contingent to be competitive in all conditions.Sammy echoed Asalanka's concerns, emphasizing the importance of developing fast bowlers who can perform on different surfaces. He believes that Sri Lanka's reliance on spin could hinder their progress in the long run.Despite the contrasting views on pitches, both Sammy and Asalanka agreed that Sri Lanka's batters performed better than West Indies' throughout the series. Asalanka expressed confidence in his team's ability to score runs on any type of wicket, while Sammy acknowledged the need for his batters to improve their adaptability.Overall, the series highlighted the importance of balanced pitches and the need for teams to develop all-round capabilities. While Sri Lanka's spin-friendly tracks gave them an advantage in this particular series, it remains to be seen how they will fare on more challenging surfaces in the future.

Daren Sammy, the head coach of the West Indies cricket team, urged his players to dismiss their eight-wicket loss to England as a minor setback and maintain their belief in their ability to win an unprecedented third men's T20 World Cup title.Despite setting England a competitive target of 181 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia, the West Indies bowlers failed to make an impact, allowing the defending champions to cruise to victory with 15 balls to spare. Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow's unbroken 97-run partnership for the third wicket proved decisive for England.Sammy acknowledged that his team fell short of a winning total on a flat pitch, but he emphasized that this loss should not dampen their spirits. "It's part of the game," Sammy said. "We still believe we've got a team that could win this World Cup."The West Indies made two changes to their lineup, bringing back Roston Chase and Romario Shepherd in place of Shai Hope and Obed McCoy. Sammy defended the decision, highlighting Shepherd's all-around abilities and his potential impact against England's strong batting lineup.Despite their current position at the bottom of Group 2 in the Super Eight, the West Indies remain confident in their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. They will need to secure victories against both the USA and South Africa in their remaining matches."We did not execute our plans well enough," Sammy admitted. "But that doesn't mean we're out of it. We've got to win all our matches, and that's what we'll focus on."The West Indies will travel to Barbados for their next match against the USA on Friday. Sammy indicated that the team will assess their performance and make any necessary adjustments to improve their chances of success.

T20 World Cup Trivia: A Journey Through the Tournament's HistoryThe T20 World Cup, a global extravaganza of cricket, has captivated fans worldwide since its inception in 2007. Over the years, the tournament has witnessed thrilling matches, unforgettable performances, and the rise of cricketing legends. Here's a comprehensive look at some intriguing trivia from the tournament's rich history:Unique Players:Rohit Sharma and Shakib Al Hasan stand out as the only players to have participated in all eight editions of the T20 World Cup. Remarkably, they will continue their streak in the upcoming ninth edition, representing their respective teams, India and Bangladesh.Captaincy Triumphs:Daren Sammy, the former West Indies captain, holds the distinction of being the only player to have led his team to victory in two editions of the T20 World Cup. He guided the Caribbean side to triumphs in 2012 and 2016.Wicket-Keeper Captains:MS Dhoni and Jos Buttler have etched their names in history as the only wicket-keeper captains to lift the T20 World Cup trophy. Dhoni led India to victory in 2007, while Buttler captained England to the title in 2022.Tied Matches:The 2012 edition of the T20 World Cup witnessed two thrilling tied matches, both involving New Zealand. The Black Caps lost both matches in the subsequent one-over eliminators, a testament to the tournament's unpredictable nature.Semi-Final Dominance:Pakistan has established itself as the most consistent team in the T20 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals six times, more than any other nation. Their ability to perform under pressure has made them a formidable force in the tournament.International Representation:Dirk Nannes, Roelof van der Merwe, David Wiese, and Mark Chapman share a unique distinction in T20 World Cup history. They have represented two different countries in the tournament: Nannes for Netherlands and Australia, van der Merwe for South Africa and Netherlands, Wiese for South Africa and New Zealand, and Chapman for Hong Kong and New Zealand.Non-Test Nation Bowler:Ahsan Malik, a Pakistani bowler, made history in the 2014 T20 World Cup by becoming the first player from a non-Test playing nation to claim a five-wicket haul in an inning. His impressive performance highlighted the tournament's ability to showcase talent from all corners of the cricketing world.Umpiring Milestone:Aleem Dar, a renowned Pakistani umpire, holds the record for officiating in the most T20 World Cup matches. With 45 appearances to his name, Dar has witnessed countless moments of cricketing brilliance and controversy.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has identified former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as a potential candidate for the head coaching role of the men's national team. The PCB is seeking a permanent head coach ahead of New Zealand's white-ball tour of Pakistan in April.Watson, currently the coach of the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has overseen a remarkable turnaround for the franchise, leading them to their first playoff qualification in five years. His impressive performance and interpersonal skills have caught the attention of the PCB.However, Watson is not the only candidate under consideration. Former West Indies captain Daren Sammy, who has a strong relationship with Pakistan cricket, is also a desired option. Sammy is currently the limited-overs coach of West Indies and the head coach of Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL.The PCB is keen to secure a head coach who can commit to a long-term role, unlike Mohammad Hafeez, who was appointed on a temporary basis for tours of Australia and New Zealand. The board is willing to offer a flexible role that allows the head coach to balance other commitments, as was the case with Mickey Arthur, who juggled his role with Derbyshire in the English county season.The appointment of coaches in Pakistan has been affected by administrative instability. Former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf removed Arthur and Bradburn after a disappointing World Cup, despite their successful tenure. The PCB is now seeking to appoint a head coach who can provide stability and long-term success for the national team.