Cricket

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is drawing inspiration from the men's team's recent T20 World Cup triumph as they prepare for their own campaign in the UAE in October. The women's team has yet to lift the T20 World Cup, coming close in 2020 when they finished as runners-up in Australia."We have been really inspired by the men's team, the way they won the T20 World Cup this year," Kaur said. "They worked really hard for this trophy and won some tough matches. We need to learn how they maintained their body language for such matches and how they approached such games."The women's team has faced heartbreak in recent major tournaments, losing the ODI World Cup final in 2017, the T20 World Cup final in 2020, and the Commonwealth Games final in 2022, all by narrow margins. They also suffered a disappointing defeat to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup last month.However, Kaur is confident that her team has learned from their mistakes and is ready to challenge for the title in the UAE. "We are working extremely hard to live up to those expectations, we have been holding camps where all players are working hard. We have also worked on the mistakes we made the last time. Now we're ready with a positive mindset."India is placed in Group A with Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Kaur acknowledges the pressure of facing these strong teams but emphasizes the importance of staying focused and playing to their potential."The World Cup is a kind of tournament for which all teams prepare differently," Kaur said. "So no team can be taken lightly and similarly no team should be overestimated either. We are working extremely hard to live up to those expectations."India's campaign will kick off on October 4 against New Zealand, before taking on Pakistan on October 6, Sri Lanka on October 9, and Australia on October 13. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on October 17 and 18, with the final scheduled for October 20 in Dubai.

Harmanpreet Kaur, the skipper of the Indian women's cricket team, exudes confidence in her team's ability to clinch their maiden global title at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup. She believes that the playing conditions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the tournament has been relocated due to political instability in Bangladesh, could favor the Indian side.Despite the change in venue, Harmanpreet remains unfazed, stating that the conditions in the UAE are similar to those in India. "We have not played much cricket in the UAE, but the conditions are going to be similar to Indian conditions," she said. "We will see how the conditions play out and try to adjust ourselves as soon as possible."Harmanpreet emphasized the importance of a positive and assertive approach throughout the World Cup. "As a team, we learn from our defeats and break those barriers that are pushing us back. Hopefully, this time we can express ourselves in a more positive way in the World Cup," she said.She expressed confidence in the Indian bowling attack, despite their struggles in the recent Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka. "The bowlers are working really hard as a team and, hopefully, in this World Cup, we tick all the boxes," she said.Harmanpreet, who led Mumbai Indians to victory in the inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL), stressed the significance of staying focused on the present moment. "It is always important for us to play good cricket, keeping ourselves in the present. Whatever the situation is in front of us, we go there and evaluate it as soon as possible," she said.The Indian women's cricket team has consistently performed well in major tournaments, reaching the final of the 2020 T20 World Cup and the semifinals of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet's leadership and the team's determination to break the final barrier and secure their first global title will be crucial in their quest for glory in the upcoming tournament.

India Unveils Squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024The Indian Women's Cricket Team has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 3rd to 20th. The tournament will feature 10 teams divided into two groups, with India placed in Group A alongside Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.Led by experienced captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, the Indian squad boasts a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. The team's batting lineup is anchored by Mandhana, who is currently ranked as the world's top batter in T20Is. She will be supported by the likes of Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh, who have all made significant contributions to the team's recent successes.The bowling attack is spearheaded by Renuka Singh Thakur, who has emerged as one of the most potent fast bowlers in the world. She will be joined by the experienced Deepti Sharma, who is known for her all-round abilities, and the promising Dayalan Hemalatha.The squad also includes wicket-keepers Yastika Bhatia and Shreyanka Patil, both of whom have shown impressive form in recent matches. The team's fielding has been a key strength in recent years, and the inclusion of players like Pooja Vastrakar and Arundhati Reddy will further bolster this aspect.India will be aiming to make a strong impact in the tournament and challenge for the title. They have a proven track record of success in T20 cricket, having reached the semi-finals of the previous two editions of the World Cup. With a talented squad and a wealth of experience, the team will be confident of putting up a strong performance in the UAE.

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their initial batches of player nominations ahead of the upcoming drafts. Among the notable names is Shamar Joseph, who could return to the tournament where he made his triumphant Test debut.Joseph, who has been in impressive form for the West Indies, has nominated for the BBL draft. He could potentially join his former teammate Finn Allen, who has already signed with the Perth Scorchers.India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is among the first group of players confirmed for the WBBL draft. She could be retained by the Melbourne Renegades, who she has played for in the past. Other notable Indian players in the draft include Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma.England captain Heather Knight and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone have also nominated for the WBBL draft. However, their availability for the entire tournament is uncertain due to England's tour of South Africa.Other notable retention options include Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), James Vince (Sydney Sixers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), and Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes).Players are drafted in either Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze categories, and clubs must select at least two during the draft. Those signed under pre-draft agreements are allocated a pick that matches their salary band.The BBL and WBBL drafts will take place on September 1.

India's Women's T20 World Cup 2024 preparations are underway with a fitness and conditioning camp in Bengaluru. The camp, which will focus on fielding and fitness, will feature a large squad of probables, excluding those currently playing in the Women's Hundred or Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).The Indian team will not have any international cricket before the World Cup, which will be held from October 3 to 20. The India A team is currently in Australia for a multi-format series.Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh will miss the first camp due to their Hundred commitments, while Jemimah Rodrigues will be playing in the WCPL for Trinbago Knight Riders.The camp will also include sessions with a sports psychologist, as requested by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The psychologist will help players address challenges and cope with pressure and mental fatigue.The squad for the World Cup will reconvene in early September for an intense skill-based camp. India will be aiming to win the World Cup for the first time after falling short in previous tournaments, including the 2020 final and 2022 semi-finals against Australia.Shreyanka Patil, who suffered a finger injury during the Women's Asia Cup, is expected to recover in time for the tournament and will participate in the conditioning camp. Yastika Bhatia, who is recovering from a knee injury, is also expected to continue her rehabilitation at the NCA.The selectors are prioritizing a spin-based squad, but the uncertainty surrounding the host venue due to security concerns in Bangladesh may also impact the pace bowling group.Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar are the regular pacers, while Arundhati Reddy is pushing for a spot after impressive performances in the domestic season and the WPL. Meghna Singh and Titas Sadhu are also in contention.The fast-bowling group will be guided by Troy Cooley, the former Australia fast bowler who is a bowling consultant at the NCA. The group will play intra-squad games in September before departing for the World Cup.

India vs Sri Lanka: Women's Asia Cup Final Set for Sunday ShowdownThe stage is set for an enthralling final in the Women's Asia Cup 2024 as India and Sri Lanka prepare to battle it out for the coveted title on Sunday, July 28. Both teams have remained undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing their dominance and determination.India, led by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur, has been in imperious form. They cruised to a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the semi-finals, with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma leading the charge with blistering knocks. The team is eyeing its eighth Women's Asia Cup title, a testament to their consistent excellence.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has emerged as a formidable force in this tournament. They edged past Pakistan in a thrilling semi-final, with Chamari Athapaththu and Nilakshi de Silva playing pivotal roles. The hosts will be buoyed by the home crowd support and will be eager to create history by winning their first-ever Women's Asia Cup title.The final match will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. The action will commence at 3:00 PM IST and will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Fans can also catch the live streaming of the match on Hotstar.Both India and Sri Lanka have a wealth of experience and talent in their ranks. India will rely on the batting prowess of Mandhana, Verma, and Kaur, while Sri Lanka will look to Athapaththu, de Silva, and Harshitha Madavi to deliver the goods.The final promises to be a captivating contest between two evenly matched teams. India will be aiming to extend its dominance in the tournament, while Sri Lanka will be determined to upset the favorites and etch their name in the history books.

Indian Batters Rise in ICC T20I Rankings After Asia Cup PerformancesIndian batters Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma have made significant strides in the latest ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings, thanks to their impressive performances in the ongoing Women's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.Harmanpreet, the Indian captain, and opener Shafali are now jointly ranked 11th in the T20I batting rankings. Harmanpreet's unbeaten 5 against Pakistan and 66 against the United Arab Emirates have helped her gain one spot, while Shafali's scores of 40 and 37 have lifted her four positions.Sri Lanka's off-spinner Inoshi Priyadharshani has also made a notable jump, advancing three places to a career-best fourth position after taking two wickets against Bangladesh and one against Malaysia.Other notable movers in the batting rankings include India's wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh (up four places to 24th), Bangladesh's Murshida Khatun (up six places to 47th), Sri Lanka's Vishmi Gunaratne (up seven places to 51st), and Thailand's Nattaya Boochatham (up 10 places to 76th).Among the bowlers, Bangladesh's Nahida Akter has risen nine places to 21st, while Marufa Akter is up one place to 26th. Sri Lanka's Udeshika Prabodhani has progressed four places to 30th, and India's Shreyanka Patil has surged 19 places to 41st.England captain Heather Knight has re-entered the top 20 in the batting rankings, gaining two spots after scoring a match-winning 46 not out off 31 balls in the final match of their home series against New Zealand. Her teammate, new-ball bowler Lauren Bell, has moved into the top 10 following a three-wicket haul.New Zealand's Amelia Kerr has advanced two places to 13th in the batting rankings, while her sister Jess Kerr has moved up five places to joint-42nd in the bowling rankings.

Indian Women Shine in ICC WT20I RankingsNew Delhi: India's star batter Smriti Mandhana has maintained her impressive fifth position in the latest ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings, released on Tuesday. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the explosive Shafali Verma have both made significant gains, moving up to a joint eleventh place.Mandhana's consistent performances have kept her among the elite batters in the world. She has been a key figure in India's recent successes, including their victory in the Commonwealth Games and their runner-up finish in the T20 World Cup.Harmanpreet Kaur has also been in fine form, leading India to several victories in the past year. Her aggressive batting style and leadership skills have earned her a place among the top batters in the world.Shafali Verma, the young batting sensation, has made a meteoric rise in the rankings. Her fearless approach and ability to score runs quickly have made her a valuable asset for India. She has jumped four spots to join Harmanpreet Kaur at eleventh place.Jemimah Rodrigues, another talented Indian batter, is ranked 19th, while the big-hitting Richa Ghosh is 24th. These four Indian players in the top 20 reflect the depth and quality of India's batting lineup.In the bowlers' rankings, off-spinner Deepti Sharma remains steady at number three. Her ability to take wickets and control the run rate has made her one of the most effective bowlers in the world.Seamer Renuka Singh has made a significant jump to number nine. Her pace and accuracy have been instrumental in India's recent victories. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav is ranked 20th.The young Shreyanka Patil has also made an impressive rise, moving up 19 spots to 41st place. Her leg-spin bowling has caught the attention of selectors and fans alike.Englishwoman Sophie Ecclestone continues to top the bowlers' rankings, followed by Australia's Megan Schutt and New Zealand's Amelia Kerr.The ICC WT20I rankings are a reflection of the performances of players in the past 12 months. The Indian women's team has been in excellent form during this period, and their players' high rankings are a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Harmanpreet Kaur: Cricket is Like a 'God' to MeIndian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur has expressed her deep love and gratitude for the sport, stating that it has given her everything. Ahead of India's Women's Asia Cup match against Nepal, Kaur shared her thoughts on the impact cricket has had on her life."Cricket, I think, is everything to me," Kaur said. "Without cricket, I do not think I would be anything. The name that cricket has given me, no other field could have given it to me. So I think, for me, cricket is like a god."Kaur recalled the moment she first held the Indian jersey, a moment that filled her with pride and gratitude. "I can say that off-field, when I held the Indian jersey for the first time, I took a photo after wearing it for the first time, and I was just thinking about who deserves this photo first," she said. "Should I send it to my parents, or the coach who gave me this platform, who gave me admission to his school, and said, 'I will start cricket in school for you,' should I send it to him? So I was so confused, who should I send first, because both were equally important to me."On the field, Kaur's most memorable moment came in the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup semifinal against Australia, where she scored a brilliant 171* off 115 balls. "On the field, in 2017, when I scored 171, that was something," she recalled. "I remember before that game, one of my friends told me, 'We will win tomorrow only if you score 150 runs.' I said, '150 runs? I have heard that you will score 100 runs, you will win tomorrow. 150, I mean, what is this demand, right? I will have to score 150 runs to win tomorrow.' So that was stuck in my head for the whole night, and I kept thinking, 'It is the Australian team, so I will have to play something different to beat them,' because they had such a strong team. So I think that was very special for me."Kaur believes that the Indian women's cricket team has made significant progress in recent years, becoming more aggressive and confident on the field. "So we always discuss that if there are two options, we will always choose the aggressive option," she said. "Before, it felt like we were playing timidly. When things did not go according to our plan, we used to get scared very quickly, but now we play a little brave cricket, so we make brave decisions. With time, we have forced people to come to the stadium through our performance."