Cricket

Scotland Opt to Bat First Against England in Women's T20 World CupIn a historic encounter, Scotland has chosen to bat first against England in the 17th match of the Women's T20 World Cup in Sharjah. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two nations in a women's T20I.Despite the unfamiliarity between the teams, there is a sense of familiarity due to the presence of players from both sides in the English domestic circuit. England, who are playing their first day game of the tournament, will face a Scotland team that has yet to register a win in the competition.Both teams have made changes to their lineups. England has replaced Alice Capsey with Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Bell with Linsey Smith. Scotland, meanwhile, has brought in Megan McColl for Priyanaz Chatterji.England currently sits third in Group B, tied with West Indies on four points but trailing on net run rate. A victory would elevate them to six points, level with first-placed South Africa. Scotland, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the group with no points.England will be aiming to boost their net run rate and secure a semi-final berth with a convincing win against Scotland. The Scots, despite their lack of success, will be eager to make a statement against their rivals.The match will also mark the farewell of Scotland's wicketkeeper-batter Lorna Jack-Brown, who has announced her retirement from international cricket to pursue a career as a police officer.

England vs Scotland Live Score: Scotland Aims for Redemption in Final MatchThe Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match between England and Scotland in Sharjah marks the first encounter between these two sides. Despite their lack of previous history, Scotland boasts a wealth of County Championship experience.Scotland, already eliminated from the semi-final race, is determined to end their T20 World Cup campaign on a high note. With qualification for the next World Cup on the line, they are eager to avoid a winless exit.England, on the other hand, is looking to maintain their momentum after a strong start to the tournament. They will be keen to secure a victory that will boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages.The match promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Scotland will be hoping to upset the odds and claim a famous victory, while England will be aiming to extend their winning streak and solidify their position as one of the tournament favorites.

South Africa's fate in the T20 World Cup hangs in the balance after their seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Despite their impressive start with wins over West Indies and Scotland, a loss to England and a slow chase against Bangladesh have left their semi-final hopes uncertain.The Proteas' bowling attack, led by Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, restricted Bangladesh to a modest 106. However, their fielding and spin bowling were less effective, allowing Bangladesh to settle into the game.In pursuit of the target, South Africa's top three batters were all dismissed before reaching 22, but Kapp and Chloe Tryon guided the team to victory with 16 balls to spare. Despite the win, South Africa's net run-rate dropped from 1.5 to 1.38, potentially putting them at a disadvantage in the semi-final race.The outcome of the final group game between West Indies and England will determine South Africa's fate. If England wins both matches, South Africa will likely qualify for the semi-finals. However, if West Indies wins one match, South Africa's chances will depend on their net run-rate.South Africa's spin bowling coach, Paul Adams, has played a crucial role in motivating the team. His pre-match poem, "Stay in the Game," has inspired the players to stay focused and united.Tazmin Brits, South Africa's leading run-scorer in the tournament, has also emphasized the importance of self-belief and a positive mindset. She has learned to be less critical of herself and is determined to improve her strike rate in the powerplays.As the tournament enters its final week, the margins for error will become even narrower. South Africa will hope that their slow chase against Bangladesh does not come back to haunt them and that they can secure a semi-final berth.

England's historic Test victory over Pakistan in Rawalpindi marked a significant milestone in the annals of cricket. The hosts, despite posting a formidable 579 runs in their first innings, succumbed to an innings and 47-run defeat, becoming the first Test-playing nation to suffer such a fate after scoring over 500 runs in the opening innings.Pakistan's batting woes continued on the final day as they were bowled out for 220 within the first session. Salman Ali Agha (63) and Aamer Jamal (55 not out) provided some resistance with their fighting half-centuries, but it was not enough to prevent England from securing a memorable triumph.Left-arm spinner Jack Leach played a pivotal role in England's victory, claiming all three wickets on the final morning to finish with figures of 4/30. Fast bowlers Gus Atkinson and debutant Brydon Carse had earlier dismantled Pakistan's top order on Day 4.The result extended Pakistan's dismal run in Test cricket under captain Shan Masood, who has now overseen six consecutive defeats. It was also Pakistan's seventh loss at home in 11 Test matches.Pakistan's last Test victory came in July 2023, when they defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 222 runs in Colombo. Since then, they have played six Test matches and lost all.The defeat in Rawalpindi also marked Pakistan's seventh consecutive Test loss at home, a streak that dates back to February 2021. Their last home victory came against South Africa in Rawalpindi, a staggering 1342 days ago.England's victory, on the other hand, was a testament to their resilience and determination. They had been outplayed by Pakistan in the first innings, but they fought back admirably to secure a famous win.

Pakistan's hopes of salvaging the Multan Test against England dwindled further as the visitors piled on a mammoth 823/7d in their first innings, leaving the hosts with a daunting task to avoid a crushing defeat.Despite posting a formidable 556 in their first innings, Pakistan's bowlers were unable to contain the English onslaught, with Harry Brook and Joe Root amassing a record-breaking 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Brook (317) and Root (262) both registered career-best scores on a flat Multan pitch, feasting on the Pakistani bowling attack.The Pakistan bowlers endured a torrid time, with six of them conceding over 100 runs in an innings for the first time in 20 years and only the second time in Test cricket history. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Aamer Jamal, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ali, and Salman Ali Agha joined an infamous group of bowlers who conceded centuries in an innings.England resumed Day 4 on 492-3 and continued their relentless scoring, adding 166 runs in 29 overs in the first session. Root and Brook remained unyielding, despite Pakistan's defensive leg-side bowling.Root's previous best of 254 was also against Pakistan in Manchester in 2016. Brook, in his maiden Test double hundred, displayed equal dominance, hitting 20 boundaries and a six off just 245 balls. His previous best was 186, scored against New Zealand at Wellington last year.Pakistan's only glimmer of hope came in the first hour when Root, on 186, failed to keep down a pull shot off Shah. However, Babar Azam dropped a regulation chance at mid-wicket, allowing Root to continue his onslaught.Root eventually completed his sixth Test double-century, which came in 517 minutes off 305 balls. Pakistan were without frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed, who suffered a fever and did not take the field on Thursday.With England's massive lead, Pakistan face an uphill battle to avoid a heavy defeat in the Multan Test.

England's relentless dominance against Pakistan continued on Day 4 of the Multan Test, as they etched their name in the history books with a world-record partnership. Joe Root and Harry Brook forged an unprecedented 454-run stand for the fourth wicket, shattering the previous record of 449 set by Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh in 2015.This remarkable partnership is not only the highest for the fourth wicket in Test history but also the highest ever for any wicket by a pair away from home. It also surpasses the previous highest partnership against Pakistan, set by Australia in 1934.Root, who recently surpassed Alastair Cook as England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, looked set to challenge Brian Lara's 400-run total. However, he was dismissed for 262 by Agha Salman, just after he and Brook had broken the world record.Despite Root's departure, England's momentum remained unabated. Earlier on Wednesday, Root had achieved another significant milestone by becoming England's highest run-scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Cook's tally.In his illustrious career, Root has amassed over 20,000 runs in 350 international matches, including 51 centuries and 108 half-centuries. His record-breaking performance in Multan has elevated him to the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test history, surpassing cricketing legends like Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, and Mahela Jayawardene.Root's remarkable achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As he continues to climb the ranks of Test cricket's all-time greats, England will undoubtedly look to him for further inspiration and success in the years to come.

Joe Root's masterful double century on the fourth day of the opening Test against Pakistan in Multan has etched his name into the annals of cricketing history. Resuming on 176, Root displayed unwavering composure and patience, reaching his double century off 305 deliveries with just 14 boundaries.This remarkable feat marks Root's sixth double century in Test cricket, surpassing the likes of Rahul Dravid, Alastair Cook, and Graeme Smith, who each scored five double centuries. By joining this elite group, Root now stands alongside legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Ricky Ponting, Marvan Atapattu, Kane Williamson, Javed Miandad, and Younis Khan.Root's double century was a testament to his exceptional technique and unwavering concentration. He played with a calm assurance, unfazed by the pressure of the occasion. His innings was characterized by a combination of elegant drives, deft flicks, and powerful pulls.As Root reached his double century, the Multan Cricket Stadium erupted in applause. The England captain removed his helmet, kissed the badge, and raised his bat in celebration. His teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him on this historic achievement.Root's double century has not only cemented his status as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation but has also given England a significant advantage in the Test match. With Pakistan still trailing by a substantial margin, Root's innings has put England in a commanding position to secure a victory in Multan.

Brydon Carse's maiden Test wickets in Multan were a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the oppressive heat and a two-day trial, Carse emerged with a sense of pride and accomplishment.Carse's debut performance was marked by patience and perseverance. After a first-day lbw verdict against Shan Masood was overturned on review, he remained undeterred. In his final two spells, he claimed the wickets of Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal, capping off a spirited effort in challenging conditions.England's bowlers faced an uphill battle against Pakistan's imposing first-innings total of 556. However, they maintained their discipline until the end, preventing a more significant deficit. Carse acknowledged the physical toll the heat and wicket took on the team, but emphasized the importance of hydration and recovery.Despite the absence of reverse-swing, Carse remained optimistic about England's chances. He believes that if the ball starts reversing in the second innings, they can set different fields and put pressure on Pakistan's attack.Reflecting on his maiden Test stint, Carse admitted to feeling disappointed by the overturned lbw appeal against Masood. However, he and his teammates remained focused on their task, and his breakthrough moment came when Naseem Shah edged a lifter to Harry Brook at leg slip.England faces an uphill battle in the match, but Carse remains confident. He believes that Zak Crawley's flying start to their first innings provides a glimmer of hope. With two full days of cricket remaining, Carse is determined to fight for a positive result.

South Africa and England, two formidable teams in women's cricket, clashed in a highly anticipated match in Sharjah. South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a pitch expected to favor slow bowlers. England's captain, Heather Knight, concurred with Wolvaardt's decision, indicating that she would have also chosen to bat.Both teams entered the match with impressive victories in their opening encounters. South Africa had comfortably defeated West Indies, while England had effortlessly overcome Bangladesh. Consequently, neither side made any changes to their starting lineups, both opting for a spin-heavy approach.The winner of this crucial match would ascend to the top of Group B. South Africa's batting lineup featured Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Derckson, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Ayabonga Khan.England's batting order consisted of Maya Bouchier, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Linsey Smith.The match promised to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. The outcome would have a significant impact on the standings in Group B and the teams' chances of advancing to the knockout stages.