Cricket

India's Shocking Defeat in Women's T20 World Cup Opener Marred by Controversial Run-Out CallIndia's hopes of a successful Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign suffered a major setback as they succumbed to a disappointing 58-run defeat against New Zealand in their opening match in Dubai. The Blackcaps, led by skipper Sophie Devine's unbeaten 57, posted a challenging total of 160/4. However, India's batting lineup faltered, with Rosemary Mair's four-wicket haul contributing to their eventual dismissal for just 102.The match was marred by a controversial incident in the 14th over. Kiwi batter Amelia Kerr was initially declared not out on a run-out appeal, despite being run out before completing the double. The umpires ruled that the ball was dead, leading to an animated reaction from India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur.Former India head coach Sanjay Bangar defended Harmanpreet's reaction, stating that she was justified in standing up for her team on a debatable issue. Indian leg-spinner Poonam Yadav also backed Harmanpreet, calling her a supportive captain whose scolding never affects the dressing room environment.Despite the loss, India will look to bounce back against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Dubai. The match will be telecasted live on Star Sports from 3:00 PM onwards.

India faces a crucial challenge in their second Women's T20 World Cup match against Pakistan on Sunday after a disappointing defeat to New Zealand. The loss has left India with a poor run-rate of -2.99, making it imperative for them to secure big victories in their remaining matches.India's performance against New Zealand was lackluster in all departments. They opted for an extra pacer in Arundhati Reddy, which led to a reshuffling of the batting order. Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh were forced to bat out of their usual positions, affecting their rhythm.The decision to include three pacers was questionable, as there was no dew and the Kiwis' pacers exploited the hard deck. India also missed the presence of left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, their second-most successful T20I bowler.Head coach Amol Muzumdar faces a dilemma in selecting the right combination for the Pakistan match. India may consider adding Dayalan Hemalatha to bolster their batting.Pakistan, on the other hand, will be confident after defeating Sri Lanka in their opening match. Their bowling attack, led by Nida Dhar, Fatima Sana, and Sadia Iqbal, is formidable. However, they will be monitoring the fitness of lead pacer Diana Baig, who suffered a calf strain.India holds a 12-3 head-to-head advantage over Pakistan in T20Is, but Pakistan has the potential to upset any opposition. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams desperate for a victory.

India's Harmanpreet Kaur Left Fuming After Controversial Run-Out Denial in T20 World Cup MatchDuring the highly anticipated India vs New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai on Friday, a controversial incident sparked a dramatic scene on the field. India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, was left visibly frustrated after her team was denied a crucial run-out.The incident occurred during the final delivery of the 14th over. New Zealand's Amelia Kerr attempted a second run after completing the first, but Harmanpreet, positioned at long-off, had the ball in her hands and was looking for an over change.Despite the umpire signaling the end of the over by handing Deepti Sharma her cap, Devine decided to go for a second run. Harmanpreet quickly assessed the situation and launched a bullet throw to the keeper's end, where Richa Ghosh swiftly removed the bails, catching Kerr well short of the crease.However, to the dismay of the Indian players, Kerr was recalled after the umpires ruled the ball dead, despite Harmanpreet's visible frustration. Animated discussions followed between coach Amol Muzumdar and the fourth umpire, as play remained suspended for a few minutes. Harmanpreet even appeared ready to join the debate, but the fourth umpire eventually instructed them to resume the match, leaving the Indians visibly unconvinced by the explanation.The decision sparked controversy on social media, with many fans and experts questioning the umpires' ruling. Star India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted to the development, sharing the clip of the event on his Twitter handle and questioning whose fault it was.The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and coordination between umpires and players on the field. It also raises questions about the interpretation of the rules regarding the end of an over and the subsequent actions of the players.

New Zealand Elects to Bat First Against India in Women's T20 World Cup OpenerIn the opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine opted to bat first after winning the toss. Devine cited the pitch's stability as a factor in her decision, believing it would not deteriorate significantly throughout the innings.New Zealand's lineup features a pace-heavy attack, with Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Lea Tahuhu as the primary options. Eden Carson and Amelia Kerr provide spin support.India, on the other hand, has opted for a three-pronged fast bowling attack for the first time in a T20I this year. Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh, and Arundhati Reddy will lead the charge, while Radha Yadav, India's second-highest wicket-taker this year, has been omitted to accommodate an extra seamer. Shreyanka Patil and S Asha will provide spin options alongside Deepti Sharma.New Zealand enters the tournament with a modest record of one win in 13 T20Is this year, while India has been in impressive form, winning 11 out of 17 matches in the same period. India is considered the favorite heading into the match.

India vs New Zealand: A Crucial Clash in the 'Group of Death'The 2024 T20 World Cup kicks off on Friday with a highly anticipated clash between India and New Zealand. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory in their opening match, as the margin for error is slim in Group A, which has been dubbed the "group of death."India and New Zealand have a long history in T20 cricket, with New Zealand holding a slight edge in head-to-head encounters. India has won only 4 of the 13 matches played between the two sides. However, India will be looking to turn the tide in this crucial match.The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Friday, October 4. The toss will take place at 7 PM IST, with the match starting at 7:30 PM IST.India will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, while New Zealand will be captained by Sophie Devine. Both teams boast a wealth of experience and talent, and the match promises to be a close and exciting contest.India will be hoping to rely on the batting prowess of Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues. The bowling attack will be led by Renuka Singh, Deepti Sharma, and Pooja Vastrakar.New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to their star players Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu to make an impact.The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar.With both teams eager to start their World Cup campaigns on a high, the India vs New Zealand clash is sure to be a thrilling spectacle.

India vs New Zealand: A Crucial Clash in the Women's T20 World CupIndia's quest for their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title begins with a formidable challenge against New Zealand, a team known for their resilience and determination. While New Zealand may not be as highly regarded as their Trans-Tasman rivals Australia, they pose a significant threat to India's aspirations.India's recent performances in global events have been marred by mental fragility at crucial moments. To address this issue, the team underwent counseling sessions during their preparatory camp at the National Cricket Academy. However, the true test of their mental fortitude will come on the field.Harmanpreet Kaur, India's skipper, is likely making her final appearance in the T20 World Cup. She has witnessed numerous near misses and disappointments, including India's defeat to Australia in the 2020 final. This Indian team boasts an abundance of talent, but they must execute their strategies flawlessly to overcome the reigning champions Australia.India's batting lineup will be under the spotlight against New Zealand. Senior players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Harmanpreet Kaur will need to deliver stellar performances to provide a solid foundation for the team.

Shafali Verma, the dynamic opener of the Indian women's cricket team, has forged an unbreakable bond with her batting partner, Smriti Mandhana. Their contrasting styles complement each other perfectly, with Shafali's aggressive approach blending seamlessly with Mandhana's elegant strokeplay."We can sense each other's feelings just by our facial expressions while batting," Shafali revealed. "We know each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we give each other positive vibes."This understanding has been crucial to India's recent dominance in women's cricket. Shafali acknowledges the importance of their partnership, especially during the powerplay. "We try to perform well for ourselves, our teammates, and the country," she said.Shafali admires Mandhana's exceptional timing and ability to construct big innings. "These are the two things I admire most about her batting," she said.As India embarks on its Women's T20 World Cup campaign, Shafali is determined to make amends for the team's runner-up finish in 2020. "Winning the World Cup has always been a dream for Harmanpreet di," she said, referring to captain Harmanpreet Kaur. "She's a great player, a great teammate, and a fantastic captain who inspires and motivates us all the time."Shafali made her World Cup debut at the tender age of 16. Despite missing out on the trophy by a whisker, she is confident of changing that this time around. "We were so close to winning, but hopefully, we can change that this time around," she said.The experience of playing in the final against Australia in front of a packed MCG crowd has taught Shafali to handle pressure better. "I couldn't hear anything because of the massive crowd," she recalled. "I've learned to focus more now."Shafali's journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. But through it all, she has remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence. Her partnership with Mandhana is a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual respect. As India aims to conquer the world stage, Shafali and Mandhana will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign kicks off on Friday with a highly anticipated clash against New Zealand. The team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, boasts a strong lineup featuring Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma.Despite reaching the final in 2020 and the semi-final in 2022, India has fallen short against Australia on both occasions. However, former India regular Punam Raut believes the team has a chance to make a strong run this year."We have a very good setup and a strong team," Raut said. "Our preparations have been excellent, and we have been playing well."Raut highlighted the importance of consistency, particularly in the batting department. "In T20, bringing consistency is the most difficult thing for a batter," she said. "If our main five batters consistently perform well, only then can we win."The tournament will be played in the United Arab Emirates, a familiar venue for the Indian team. Raut believes the conditions will favor spinners, who could be the X-factor in the competition."Spinners will be the X-factor in this World Cup because the conditions are favorable for them," Raut said. "We have quite a few good spinners, like Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma."India's second match in the tournament will be against Pakistan, a team they have traditionally dominated. Raut attributed this dominance to Pakistan's lack of batting strength."Pakistan always lack in batting, but they have a good bowling strength," Raut said. "If they have a good batting strength, they can do well against India."Australia remains the favorite to win the tournament, but Raut believes India can challenge them if they can overcome their consistency issues."Australia are a very good team, and we have to accept that," Raut said. "But if our main five batters consistently perform well, only then can we win."

As Team India embarks on their Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, the players received a heartwarming surprise that boosted their spirits. In a video shared on Instagram by 'Team India,' the squad was treated to special video messages from their family members on the eve of the tournament's commencement.From captain Harmanpreet Kaur to coach Amol Muzumdar, each player was greeted with a wholesome message from their loved ones. The video captured the players gathered in a room, their faces beaming with joy and emotion as they watched clips from their families. Smriti Mandhana's brother, Harmanpreet Kaur's parents, Shafali Verma's brother, Asha Shobana's family, Richa Ghosh's father, and Amol Muzumdar's daughter all shared heartfelt messages of support and encouragement.The players, who are currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the tournament, were visibly moved by the surprise. They laughed, teared up, and expressed their gratitude for the love and support from their families back home.India has yet to claim a Women's T20 World Cup title in the eight editions of the tournament. Their best finish was a runner-up position in 2020. However, the team faces a challenging group stage, which includes six-time champions Australia, twice runners-up New Zealand, Women's Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.Despite the tough competition, India's spin-heavy squad, led by Deepti Sharma, is expected to benefit from the slow pitch conditions in the UAE. The team boasts at least five regular spin bowling options, while only three seamers are included in the 15-player squad.India will also rely on the experience of Smriti Mandhana and the explosiveness of Shafali Verma at the top of the order. Both players are in good form heading into the tournament.The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting and competitive event. Team India will be determined to make history and bring home the coveted trophy for the first time.