Cricket

Hardik Pandya's resurgence in the T20 World Cup has been a testament to his resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities. After a tumultuous year marred by injuries and setbacks, Pandya has rediscovered his form and confidence, playing a pivotal role in India's impressive start to the tournament.Pandya's struggles began in the 2019 ODI World Cup against Bangladesh, where he suffered a freak injury that sidelined him for four months. Upon his return, he endured a challenging stint as captain of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, leaving him devoid of hope.However, the T20 World Cup has provided Pandya with a fresh start. In India's opening match against Pakistan, he played a crucial all-round role, scoring 33 runs and taking three wickets. Against Bangladesh, he showcased his batting prowess with a blistering 27-ball-50, earning him the Player of the Match award.Pandya's resurgence has been attributed to his unwavering belief in himself and the support of his teammates. "I have been fortunate to play for the country, it was a freak injury I had, I wanted to come back but God had other plans," he said. "I was speaking to our coach Rahul sir (Dravid) and he said 'Luck comes to people who work hard' and that has stuck with me for a long time."Pandya's impressive performances have been complemented by valuable contributions from his teammates. Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube have all played significant roles in India's victories.Despite their success, Pandya acknowledges areas where the team can improve. "We as a group can get better in a lot of places, losing wickets in bunches is something we can rectify and get better at, apart from that, we are looking good," he said.Senior off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also emphasized the importance of appreciating impactful innings of 20 or 30 runs, rather than solely focusing on milestone scores. "We are not used to an approach where batsmen throw it away after making 30's 20's, but it is about time we embrace an approach like this especially while batting first," he said.As India continues its T20 World Cup campaign, Pandya's resurgence and the team's collective efforts will be crucial in their quest for glory.

India's dominance in the T20 World Cup Super 8s continued as they secured a convincing 50-run victory over Bangladesh in their second match. Hardik Pandya's all-round brilliance and Kuldeep Yadav's astute bowling played pivotal roles in India's triumph.India's batting lineup fired on all cylinders, posting a formidable total of 196 for five. Virat Kohli (37), Shivam Dube (34), and Hardik Pandya (50*) contributed valuable runs. Pandya's blistering knock, which included four boundaries and three sixes, propelled India to their highest total at the venue.Bangladesh's chase faltered from the outset as Kuldeep Yadav's guile and deception proved too much to handle. The left-arm spinner claimed three crucial wickets, including that of opener Tanzid Hasan and the dangerous Towhid Hridoy. Jasprit Bumrah also chipped in with two economical wickets, restricting Bangladesh to a mere 146 for eight.India's innings got off to a flying start thanks to Rohit Sharma (23) and Virat Kohli. They played with freedom and aggression, setting the tone for the innings. However, Bangladesh's unusual strategy of opening with spinners from both ends paid dividends as Rohit was dismissed after a mistimed shot.Kohli continued to impress, hitting a towering six off Mustafizur Rahman. However, he fell prey to a slow off-cutter from Tanzim Hasan. Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant also departed in quick succession, leaving India at 83 for three.Undeterred, Dube and Hardik forged a crucial 53-run partnership to revive India's innings. Dube targeted the deep midwicket boundary, while Hardik showcased his power-hitting prowess.Bangladesh's batting woes continued despite Najmul Shanto's valiant effort (40). Litton Das's brief cameo was followed by a string of dismissals, as India's bowlers maintained a tight grip on the game.Kuldeep Yadav and Hardik Pandya emerged as the heroes for India. Kuldeep's introduction in the Caribbean leg of the tournament has been a game-changer, while Hardik's all-round skills proved invaluable.India's victory against Bangladesh strengthens their position in the Super 8s. They will face Australia, the only other unbeaten team, in their final Super 8 fixture on Monday.

In a scintillating display of power-hitting, Hardik Pandya propelled India to their highest total of the 2024 T20 World Cup, smashing an unbeaten 27-ball 50 against Bangladesh in the Super 8 encounter in Antigua.Pandya's blistering knock, which included four boundaries and three towering sixes, came at a staggering strike rate of over 185. He became the first Indian batter to score a half-century at No. 6 in T20 World Cup history, guiding India to a formidable 196 for 5.The vice-captain's heroics overshadowed significant contributions from Shivam Dube (34 off 24), Rishabh Pant (36 off 24), and Virat Kohli (37 off 28). Bangladesh's Tanzim Hasan Sakib emerged as the pick of their bowlers, claiming two wickets for 32 runs.Pandya's innings drew widespread praise on social media, with fans hailing his match-winning performance. The 30-year-old's ability to accelerate the scoring rate and clear the boundary with ease proved pivotal for India."He (Dube) had to take his time because his role was to take on the spinners," Pandya said during the mid-innings chat. "I think when the time came we both were allowed to free our hands and that was very important to us."India's total of 196 is their highest ever in T20Is in North Sound. The team will now look to their bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, to defend their imposing score and secure a crucial victory in the Super 8 stage.

India and South Africa will face off in the third and final ODI of their series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. India holds a 2-0 lead after winning the first two matches, but South Africa will be determined to salvage some pride and earn valuable ODI World Cup qualification points.India's batting has been in fine form, with Smriti Mandhana scoring two centuries and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur returning to form with a hundred in the second ODI. However, opener Shafali Verma's credentials for 50-over cricket remain under scrutiny, and Sunday's match could be her last chance to prove her worth.For South Africa, the game is crucial for their World Cup qualification hopes. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp have been in impressive form, scoring centuries in the second ODI. The Proteas will need more runs from their top-order batters, such as Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch, to challenge India's formidable total.There are two intriguing aspects to the series-ender. India may rotate its squad to keep players match-fit ahead of the Test and T20Is in Chennai. Additionally, the fickle Bengaluru monsoon weather, which has been favorable for cricket so far, could play a role in the outcome.

Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan has etched his name in the annals of T20 World Cup history by becoming the first bowler to claim 50 wickets in the tournament. The veteran all-rounder achieved the milestone during Bangladesh's Super Eight clash against India in Adelaide on Saturday.Shakib's 50th wicket came in the form of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who was caught at mid-off for 23 off 11 deliveries. The left-arm spinner has now played 42 T20 World Cup matches, averaging 19.38 with an impressive strike rate of 6.81.Shakib's achievement is a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. He is now the undisputed leader in the list of most wickets taken at T20 World Cups, well ahead of Pakistan's Shahid Afridi (39 wickets) and Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga (38 wickets).The Bangladesh star has been a key figure in his team's success at the tournament. He was instrumental in Bangladesh's historic victory over England in the 2016 edition, where he took 10 wickets and scored 114 runs.Shakib's milestone comes at a crucial time for Bangladesh, who are looking to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup for the first time. They face a tough challenge against India, who are the defending champions and have won all four previous T20 World Cup encounters between the two teams.However, with Shakib leading the charge, Bangladesh will be confident of causing an upset and keeping their hopes of reaching the last four alive.

Ahead of India's crucial Super Eights clash against Bangladesh in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, former West Indies legend Brian Lara has expressed confidence in the Indian opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Lara believes that the experienced duo will deliver a strong performance against Bangladesh, setting the tone for India's knockout stage aspirations.India currently sits in second place in Group 1 of the Super Eights, with a win against Afghanistan and two points. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the table after losing to Australia. This match is crucial for Bangladesh to keep their Super Eights hopes alive, while India can virtually secure a semifinal berth with a victory.Despite the opening pair's struggles in the tournament so far, Lara remains optimistic about their ability to turn things around. "India is going to be 100 without loss in that match if they bat first, right? And even if they bat second, they are going to be 100 without loss," Lara said.Lara acknowledged the threat posed by Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, but he believes that Rohit and Kohli's experience will prove too much for the opposition. "Of course, Fizz (Mustafizur) is an amazing bowler. He is going to come out and threaten, but I just feel that India is just too much," Lara said.Lara also praised the opening pair's overall quality, emphasizing their status as two of the best T20I players in the world. "I think it (Rohit-Virat pair) is going to give India that impetus that is needed going into the back end of the tournament of the semi-finals and the finals," Lara said.While the tournament has been dominated by bowlers, Lara believes that India's opening partnership can provide the necessary impetus for the team's success. "This World Cup is a World Cup where no team is very dominant because of the state of the pitches. But if India can solve the opening problem, and it is not a problem, it is the two best T20 players in the world, they are not going to run right now," Lara concluded.

India vs Bangladesh: A Rivalry Renewed in the Super EightsThe highly anticipated Super Eights clash between India and Bangladesh at the ongoing T20 World Cup promises to be a captivating encounter, fueled by both on-field rivalry and off-field tensions.India, the tournament favorites, enter the match with an unblemished record in the Super Eights, having dispatched Afghanistan with ease. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has struggled for consistency, losing to South Africa in their opening match.Despite their contrasting fortunes, Bangladesh has a history of upsetting India in big matches. The two South Asian neighbors have been involved in several off-field controversies, with Bangladesh expressing concerns over India's financial dominance in cricket.The head-to-head record between the two teams heavily favors India, but Bangladesh has shown resilience in the past. Rohit Sharma and his men will be wary of their opponents' ability to punch above their weight.The match will also feature a subplot of long-standing rivalry. The two teams have faced off in numerous high-stakes matches over the past decade, creating an atmosphere of intense competition.Both India and Bangladesh will be desperate for their batting stars to find form in this crucial encounter. India's top order, led by Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, has been in impressive touch, while Bangladesh will rely on the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim to deliver.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. India's experience and firepower will be tested against Bangladesh's determination and unpredictability.

India's quest for T20 World Cup glory in 2024 hinges on finding the optimal balance in their playing XI, according to former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar. During the group stage in the United States, India opted for a combination of three frontline pacers and two spinners. However, in the Super 8 match against Afghanistan, Mohammed Siraj was replaced by Kuldeep Yadav to bolster the spin attack. Hardik Pandya served as the third pacer, while Shivam Dube provided an additional seaming option.Manjrekar believes that India's diverse player pool allows them to adapt to different conditions and field the most effective lineup. "It's always advantageous to have multiple options, and that's crucial for any team management when there are exciting players to choose from," Manjrekar said on 'Caught & Bold' on Disney Hotstar. "However, they must prioritize selecting the best playing 11 to maximize India's chances of winning in specific conditions."India's impressive run in the ongoing T20 World Cup has showcased their versatility. They topped Group A with seven points after defeating Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. Their final group stage match against Canada was abandoned due to rain. In their first Super 8 game, India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs, with Suryakumar Yadav shining with a blistering 53 off 28 balls.India will face Bangladesh on Saturday at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak. The team's roster includes a mix of experienced and emerging players: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Reserves include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan.

After a match-winning knock of 53 off 28 against Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8 match, India batter Suryakumar Yadav heaped praise on Afghan spinner Rashid Khan, calling him the world's best bowler. During his 53-run innings, Suryakumar hit 16 runs off the six deliveries he faced from Rashid, helping India reach a winning total of 181/8 at the Kensington Oval on Thursday night.Speaking after the match, the world no.1 T20I batter emphasized the importance of asserting dominance against a player he regards as the world's best bowler. "I have told this before as well and I'll say that again on air when he bowls, it's very difficult to pick him so I know what shots I want to play when I'm inside. Best bowler in the world. You can't let him dominate. You have to be a step ahead. But I am happy to be on a better side today," said Suryakumar.Batting first, India were 79/3 after 10 overs, having lost Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli. But Suryakumar's partnership with Hardik Pandya got them back on track, leading to a solid first-innings score of 181/8. In their response, Afghanistan were bowled out for 134, thanks to an exceptional spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with figures of 3-7, as India sealed a 47-run win.For his match-defining knock, Suryakumar was adjudged Player of the Match. Speaking about his performance, the batter said, "I think there's a lot of hard work and practice gone behind this. And as I say again and again, there's a lot of process and routines involved and when I go inside, when I play the game, I know I'm pretty clear in my mind what I want to do. Really happy with the way things went. And yeah, the first batter to get better of the match, hopefully the first of many.""I still remember when Hardik came into bat, I told him the same thing. Let's keep back with the same intent. Let's not leave too much to the end because in the end, it was definitely going to be a difficult thing to do with the ball getting old, reversing and all. So, I said let's keep pressing the pedal and see where we get in the end of 16 overs. But yeah, very happy with the way we got 180 on the board," he added.When asked about the adjustments needed after playing on challenging pitches in the USA and then moving to the Caribbean, the 33-year-old responded, "I think you just need to know what the game plan is. You practice accordingly when you get a few practice sessions and just know your game and when you go inside give the team fast what the team requires on that given day. Just, just be that way when you look at how the."