Cricket

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has meticulously planned a series of seven red-ball matches for the Bangladesh Test team, signaling a shift in focus from T20Is to the World Test Championship (WTC) for the remainder of the year. Bangladesh has four crucial Test series remaining in their 2023-25 WTC cycle against Pakistan, India, South Africa, and West Indies.To prepare for these challenging encounters, the Test cricketers will engage in three four-day matches in Chattogram next month. These home matches will be followed by two four-day fixtures against Pakistan A in Darwin from July 19 to 29. The Bangladesh A team will then embark on a tour to Pakistan in August for two additional four-day matches against the same opponents. New Zealand A is also expected to tour Bangladesh in August or September.In addition to these matches, Bangladesh players have been diligently participating in training camps in Chattogram and Sylhet since May. BCB's cricket operations chairman, Jalal Yunus, expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Test players in these camps. He emphasized that the four-day games against formidable opponents will provide invaluable experience ahead of the WTC matches."We aim to provide the best possible preparation for our players before the demanding Test schedule in the coming months," Yunus stated. "The rest is up to the players. I have been closely monitoring the Bangladesh Tigers camp, and I am pleased with their progress."The Bangladesh senior men's team is expected to depart for Pakistan on August 17 for two Tests, with venues and dates yet to be announced. Following the Pakistan series, they will face India in two Tests in Chennai and Kanpur, accompanied by three T20Is.Bangladesh may potentially tour India twice in three months if the BCB accepts the Afghanistan Cricket Board's revised schedule for two white-ball series in late July. The ACB has proposed playing three ODIs and three T20Is in Greater Noida. This tour was initially postponed in March due to Bangladesh's busy schedule in 2024, but with the Champions Trophy now on their agenda, the BCB is considering the tour, given that they have only three ODIs scheduled between now and next February.Sources indicate that the series is still under discussion, as the BCB has reservations about playing in Noida during July due to unfavorable weather conditions.After the bilateral series in India in September, Bangladesh will host South Africa for two home Tests in October. They will then tour West Indies for a full series in November and December.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is nearing its climax, with only four matches remaining in the Super Eight stage. All eight teams are still in contention for a spot in the semi-finals, but the scenarios for each team vary depending on their current standings and upcoming fixtures.Super 8 Group 1:India, with four points and a net run rate of +2.425, is in a strong position. A win against Australia in their final Super Eight match will secure their top spot and a semi-final berth. However, a loss could lead to them being overtaken by Australia or even Afghanistan if they win their match against Bangladesh.Australia, with two points and a net run rate of +0.223, is in a precarious position after a surprising loss to Afghanistan. Victory against India will likely see them qualify for the semi-finals, but a loss may allow Afghanistan or Bangladesh to take their place.Afghanistan, also on two points but with a net run rate of -0.650, remains in the race for the semi-finals. A win against Bangladesh could see them through, particularly if India defeats Australia earlier in the day, making their task easier.Bangladesh, with zero points and a net run rate of -2.489, still has a chance to reach the semi-finals thanks to Afghanistan's victory over Australia. They need to win against Afghanistan and hope India defeats Australia to improve their net run rate enough to surpass their Asian rivals and Australia.Super 8 Group 2:South Africa, with four points and a net run rate of +0.625, is in a favorable position. Despite remaining undefeated, they face a crucial match against the West Indies. A win will ensure they top their group and secure a semi-final spot. However, a loss could endanger their chances.West Indies, with two points and a net run rate of +1.814, control their fate. Defeating South Africa will send them to the semi-finals. A loss would require them to rely on the USA defeating England and also to maintain a superior net run rate.England, holding two points and a net run rate of +0.412, need a victory against the USA to secure a semi-final spot. A narrow win coupled with a close West Indies victory could see them miss the semi-finals based on net run rate.USA, with zero points and a net run rate of -2.908, require a near-miraculous series of outcomes to qualify for the semi-finals. They must defeat England decisively and hope South Africa win heavily against the West Indies to surpass both teams' net run rates.The ongoing ICC T20 World Cup continues to provide thrilling moments as the teams vie for a place in the semi-finals. The next few matches will be crucial in determining which teams will advance to the knockout stages.

Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top-ranked T20I batter, has once again proven his mettle, guiding India to a comfortable 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their first Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yadav's second consecutive half-century, a 28-ball 53, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Post-match, Yadav and Axar Patel engaged in a playful banter, revealing an amusing exchange between Yadav and Virat Kohli during India's batting innings. Axar inquired about Kohli's advice to Yadav during a drinks break in the 10th over, as Yadav had immediately begun slog-sweeping after the break.Yadav explained his strategy, saying, "160 was a par score on this wicket. I thought if I started with a few boundaries and got the momentum going after the break, it would help the next batters."Axar jokingly accused Yadav of "bluffing" Kohli, but Yadav countered, "No, I didn't bluff! I was just being myself."Yadav's adaptability and ability to play in different modes were evident in his match-winning performance. After scoring a 49-ball 50 against USA, Yadav maintained a strike rate of over 180 on a challenging Barbados pitch.Yadav's flamboyant knock, along with contributions from Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, propelled India to 180 in 20 overs. Afghanistan's chase proved futile, as Jasprit Bumrah continued his stellar performance, claiming three wickets for seven runs in his four overs.India will face Bangladesh in their next Super 8 match on Saturday, June 22, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Rishabh Pant's struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup continued on Saturday as he failed to capitalize on a promising start against Bangladesh. The left-handed batter has been dismissed cheaply in all five innings he has played so far, leaving India's batting lineup in a precarious position.In the Super Eight match against Bangladesh, Pant got off to a solid start, scoring 36 runs off 28 balls. However, he once again failed to convert his start into a substantial score, falling to a reverse sweep that was caught by Tanzim Hasan Sakib at short third man.Pant's dismissal drew a frustrated reaction from his teammate Virat Kohli, who was seen shaking his head and mouthing words of disappointment. The incident highlighted the growing concern over Pant's form, which has been a major talking point throughout the tournament.Despite Pant's struggles, India managed to secure a comfortable 50-run victory over Bangladesh, thanks to a clinical performance from their bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah were the standout performers, taking three and two wickets respectively.India's victory keeps them unbeaten in the tournament and moves them closer to a semi-final berth. However, Pant's continued failure to deliver is a major concern for the team, who will need him to find his form if they are to challenge for the title.

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli finally showcased his batting prowess in the T20 World Cup 2024, scoring a brisk 37 off 28 deliveries in India's victory over Bangladesh. This performance marked a significant improvement for Kohli, who had struggled in the tournament's initial matches.Kohli's innings in Antigua was a delight for fans, as he entertained with his trademark shots and aggressive approach. India posted a formidable 196/5 on the board, thanks in part to Kohli's contribution.Beyond his batting, Kohli also provided a moment of nostalgia for fans when he displayed his gully cricket skills. During Bangladesh's chase, a six from Rishad Hossain sent the ball underneath an advertising hoarding. Kohli, with his knees on the ground, crawled under the hoarding to retrieve the ball, evoking memories of childhood street cricket.The match's Player of the Match was Hardik Pandya, who scored a blistering 50 off 27 balls and claimed a wicket with his bowling. Pandya expressed his satisfaction with India's performance, highlighting their teamwork and execution of plans. He also acknowledged the need for improvement in certain areas, such as reducing the number of wickets lost in clusters.India's next challenge in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s will be against Australia. The team will be eager to continue their winning momentum and secure a spot in the knockout stages.

India and Australia, two cricketing powerhouses, are set to clash in a high-stakes Super 8 match at the T20 World Cup on Monday. A victory for India would secure their place in the semifinals and potentially eliminate Australia from the tournament.India has been in impressive form, with victories over Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Hardik Pandya has been a standout performer, contributing with both bat and ball. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav has also been crucial, delivering match-winning performances.Australia, on the other hand, has faced setbacks. They suffered an unexpected loss to Afghanistan, exposing weaknesses in their batting and fielding. The team's fate now rests on the outcome of India's match against Bangladesh. A win for India would effectively end Australia's hopes of advancing.The match will be played at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, which has historically favored high scores in day-night matches. However, the conditions are expected to favor slower bowlers, which could benefit India's spin attack.India is determined to avenge past defeats against Australia in ICC events. They will be motivated to disrupt Australia's campaign and secure a spot in the semifinals. Australia, facing an uphill battle, will need to regroup and deliver a strong performance to keep their tournament hopes alive.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two fierce rivals. The stakes are high, and both teams will be desperate for victory.

Australia's hopes of advancing to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup hang in the balance after their shock defeat to Afghanistan. The Group 1 standings are now a battleground, with India virtually assured of a spot and the second berth up for grabs between Australia and Afghanistan.Australia's loss to Afghanistan has opened the door for Afghanistan to qualify for the semifinals. If Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh in their remaining match, they will join India in the last four. However, if Australia beats India and Afghanistan loses to Bangladesh, Australia will advance based on a superior net run rate (NRR).India's position is relatively secure. A win over Australia would guarantee them the top spot in the group, while a loss would still leave them with a chance of qualifying if Afghanistan loses to Bangladesh.Bangladesh's chances of reaching the semifinals are slim. They have lost both their matches and would need to beat Afghanistan and hope for a washout in the India-Australia match to have any chance of progressing.The remaining matches in Group 1 will be crucial in determining the semifinalists. India vs Australia on June 24 and Afghanistan vs Bangladesh on June 25 will hold the key to which two teams will advance to the last four.

Kuldeep Yadav, India's left-arm wristspinner, has emerged as a crucial cog in the team's Super Eight campaign at the T20 World Cup. After sitting out the group stage, Kuldeep has made an immediate impact, claiming five wickets in two matches.In India's comprehensive victory over Bangladesh, Kuldeep took 3 for 19, bamboozling the opposition batters with his variations. He dismissed Tanzid Hasan with a sharp googly, trapped Towhid Hridoy lbw with a straight delivery, and deceived Shakib Al Hasan with a slower, bouncing delivery.Kuldeep's success in the Caribbean is no coincidence. The pitches in Antigua and Barbados suit his style of bowling, providing assistance for spinners. Kuldeep's experience playing in the West Indies during India's 2017 tour also proved invaluable.Despite being brought into the side late, Kuldeep has not felt any added pressure. He approaches every game with the same mindset, focusing on maintaining his length and varying his pace.Kuldeep's ability to bowl in the middle phase has been particularly effective. He has been able to stem the flow of runs and create wicket-taking opportunities. His success has been a major factor in India's dominance in the Super Eight stage.Kuldeep's performance has highlighted the importance of having a specialist spinner in the team. His ability to control the middle overs and take wickets has given India a significant advantage. As India prepares to face Australia in the semi-finals, Kuldeep will be a key player in their quest for a place in the final.

Hardik Pandya's stellar all-round performance against Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup has propelled India's hopes of reaching the semi-finals. Batting at No. 6, Pandya smashed a crucial half-century and claimed a wicket, guiding India to a commanding 50-run victory.Pandya's batting prowess has been a consistent strength for India throughout the tournament. He became the first Indian No. 6 to score a half-century in a T20 World Cup match, amassing 89 runs with a strike rate of 141. His ability to accelerate the innings and provide late-order impetus has been invaluable.Indian skipper Rohit Sharma hailed Pandya's contributions, emphasizing his batting's impact on the team's success. "His batting puts us in a good stead. We want to finish well, and Hardik being Hardik, we know what he is capable of," Sharma said.Other Indian batters also played significant roles in the victory. Virat Kohli contributed 37 runs, while Rishabh Pant and Shivam Dube added 36 and 34, respectively. Rohit Sharma himself set an aggressive tone with 23 runs off 11 balls.Sharma praised the team's execution of the game plan, highlighting the importance of all batters contributing. "All eight batters need to play their role. We saw one guy get 50 and we got 197. In T20, we don't need to get fifties and hundreds; what matters is the pressure you put on the bowlers," he said.Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged that his team allowed India to score at least 30 runs more than the par score. He also pointed out the lack of intent in Bangladesh's batting, particularly in the first six overs.The victory against Bangladesh has boosted India's chances of reaching the semi-finals. With two wins from three matches, India is well-positioned to qualify for the knockout stage. Pandya's all-round brilliance has been a key factor in India's success, and his continued contributions will be crucial as the tournament progresses.