Cricket

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has revised the schedule for the Women's Asia Cup 2024, set to take place in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from July 19 to 28. The tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups of four.Defending champions India will kick off their campaign on the opening day, July 19, against arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash. The match, originally scheduled for July 21, has been moved to the evening slot. Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will open the tournament in the afternoon.The other group matches have also been adjusted. Nepal and Pakistan will now face off on July 21, while India will take on UAE on the same day. The rest of the schedule remains unchanged.Group A consists of India, Nepal, Pakistan, and UAE, while Group B comprises hosts Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for July 26. The final will be played on July 28.Unlike the previous edition, where teams played each other once before the semi-finals, this year's format features a group stage. India will face Nepal on July 23, their only day game in the group stage.The Women's Asia Cup 2024 will mark the return of an all-female team of umpires and match officials. The tournament will serve as a crucial preparation for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20.India, with seven titles, is the most successful team in the Women's Asia Cup. They will be aiming to defend their crown and extend their dominance in the region.

New Zealand, a team renowned for its consistent performance in World Cups, faces the prospect of an early exit from the T20 World Cup after a disappointing start. The Black Caps, who have reached the semi-finals in all six recent editions of the ODI and T20 World Cups, find themselves at the bottom of Group C with a negative run rate of -4.2.Their dismal performance began with a stunning 84-run loss to Afghanistan in their tournament opener. New Zealand's batting lineup collapsed, with the team being bowled out for a mere 75 runs in 15.2 overs. The defeat has left them in a precarious position, with their hopes of advancing to the Super 12 stage hanging in the balance.To avoid an embarrassing group stage exit, New Zealand must deliver a much-improved performance in their upcoming match against tournament co-hosts West Indies. The match is a must-win for the Black Caps, who will be desperate to revive their campaign.New Zealand's batting woes have been a major concern. The team has struggled to find consistency, with only Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips showing any form. The bowling attack, led by Tim Southee and Trent Boult, has also been inconsistent, failing to provide the necessary support to the batsmen.West Indies, on the other hand, have enjoyed a more positive start to the tournament. They defeated Scotland in their opening match and will be confident of extending their winning streak against New Zealand. The hosts will be buoyed by the return of Andre Russell, who missed the Scotland game due to injury.The match between West Indies and New Zealand promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams desperate for a victory. New Zealand will be under immense pressure to avoid an early exit, while West Indies will be looking to secure their place in the Super 12 stage.