Cricket

India and South Africa will clash in the second T20I on Sunday, with the hosts aiming to extend their winning streak in the format. Sanju Samson's blistering century in the series opener has given India a significant advantage, but they will be seeking more consistency from their top-order batsmen.Abhishek Sharma's string of low scores has raised concerns, and the team management may consider alternative options for the opening slot. Tilak Varma's promising start in the first match will also be under scrutiny as he looks to cement his place in the middle order.Despite a strong bowling performance in the first T20I, India's middle and lower order exposed a vulnerability. The team will be eager to address this weakness and build more substantial partnerships.South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to bounce back from their loss. Missing key players like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas will rely on their senior players to step up. Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will need to deliver if South Africa is to level the series.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. India will be aiming to take a 2-0 lead, while South Africa will be determined to avoid a series defeat.

Former Australian Test captain Ian Chappell has expressed concerns about the Indian batting lineup ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Chappell believes that if the Indian batters attempt to play over the top of the ball, they will be vulnerable to the extra bounce in Australian conditions.India's recent 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand at home has raised questions about the form of captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli. Chappell believes that the aging duo may be starting to decline, which could put pressure on the younger batters in the squad."India have got some batting problems," Chappell said. "Kohli and Rohit Sharma are both ageing, and you get to that point where people start talking about it and maybe it starts to creep into your head a little bit."However, Chappell also acknowledged that the Indian batters will be playing on good pitches in Australia. He warned that the extra bounce could expose any technical flaws in their batting."The only thing I'd say against that is they're coming to Australia where the pitches are pretty good, but there'll be the extra bounce and if they have gone over the top then the extra bounce will find them out," Chappell said.India has won the past two Test series in Australia, but former Australian skipper Mark Taylor believes that the pressure is now on the younger batters to make big runs."They (India) have moved on Pujara and they've moved on Rahane, and they've left Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, their best two players, but all of a sudden they've had a bit of a rocky period... and that has put pressure now on the younger guys and also their lower-order," Taylor said.The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will see India and Australia play Test matches in Perth, Adelaide (pink-ball match), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney from November 22 to January 7, 2025. It will be the first five-match Test series between India and Australia since 1991/92.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stern warning to India, stating that Pakistan will not be expected to make "good gestures" indefinitely following India's alleged refusal to visit Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.Naqvi's comments come amidst reports that India has declined to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in early 2025. The Champions Trophy will feature two groups of four teams each, with participants including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and defending champions Pakistan."In recent years, Pakistan has extended numerous good gestures. However, we hope we are not expected to always do so," Naqvi told reporters in Lahore, as quoted by Geo News.India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series since the 2012-13 Pakistan tour of India, due to strained political relations. Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in major International Cricket Council (ICC) white-ball events and Asia Cup tournaments.The last Test series between these Asian rivals took place in December 2007 in India. India's last tour of Pakistan for a bilateral series was in 2006, with their most recent visit to Pakistan being for the Asia Cup in 2008.Last year, Pakistan was set to host the Asia Cup in full, but India played its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model. The latest encounter between the two nations occurred during this year's ICC T20 World Cup on July 9 at Nassau County Stadium, New York, USA. India, batting first, scored 119, with Rishabh Pant contributing 42 runs. Jasprit Bumrah's impressive 3/14 then restricted Pakistan to 113/7, securing India a thrilling six-run victory.Naqvi's warning reflects Pakistan's growing frustration over India's reluctance to play bilateral cricket in Pakistan. The PCB has repeatedly expressed its desire to host India for a series, but India has cited security concerns as a reason for its refusal.The PCB's stance is supported by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has urged India to reconsider its position. The ICC has stated that it is committed to ensuring the safety of all teams participating in its events, including those held in Pakistan.It remains to be seen whether India will change its stance and agree to play in Pakistan. However, Naqvi's warning is a clear indication that Pakistan is no longer willing to tolerate India's reluctance to play bilateral cricket in the country.

India's opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has faced criticism for his recent performance in the first T20I against South Africa in Durban. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns over Sharma's aggressive approach, which he believes may be hindering his performance at the international level.Sharma managed only seven runs off eight balls as India set a 203-run target for South Africa. India eventually won the game comfortably, bowling South Africa out for 141 to register a 61-run victory and take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.However, Chopra noted the stark contrast between Sharma's performance and that of his opening partner Sanju Samson, who scored a blistering 107 off 50 balls."It's a tale of two openers," Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel. "There is Sanju (Samson), whose stars are shining bright, on one side. On the other side is Abhishek Sharma, whose stars have fallen."Sharma burst onto the scene with a sensational 100 off 47 balls in only his second T20I against Zimbabwe. However, his form has dipped since, with his highest score in seven other T20I innings being just 16.Chopra criticized Sharma's shot selection that led to his dismissal against Gerald Coetzee. "The shot he played in this match as well against Gerald Coetzee, it seems like he is a prisoner of his own reputation, that he would play like this only and is not going to wait."Chopra warned that continued underperformance could put Sharma's spot in the team at risk. "It's been one more failure. A time will come when it will be a problem. Questions will be asked about how long you will stick with him. Again, he will get three more games, but one by one the sand is being seen slipping from his hand," Chopra remarked.With three more games in the series, the pressure will be on the 24-year-old to deliver and justify his selection in the squad.

In the inaugural T20I of the four-match series between India and South Africa, South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen etched his name into the annals of T20 history. He became the fourth player to smash 100 sixes in a calendar year, joining an elite group that includes Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, and Andre Russell.India emerged victorious in the match, securing a convincing 61-run win at Kingsmead, Durban. Sanju Samson's blistering 107 off 50 balls and Varun Chakaravarthy's impressive spin bowling were the catalysts behind India's triumph.Klaasen's milestone six came during his innings of 25 off 22 balls, which also included two fours. This achievement underscores his exceptional power-hitting abilities and his status as one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format of the game.The match began with South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, opting to field first. Samson's explosive knock set the tone for India's innings, with his remarkable strike rate of 214 propelling the team to a strong start. Suryakumar Yadav contributed 21 runs, while Tilak Varma added 33. India finished their innings with a competitive total of 202 for 8.South Africa's chase faltered as no batter managed to score more than 30 runs. The Indian bowling attack, led by Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, dominated the innings. Klaasen top-scored with 25, while Coetzee made a brief but impactful contribution with 23 off 11 balls.Chakaravarthy and Bishnoi were the standout bowlers for India, each claiming three wickets. Their combined efforts restricted South Africa to 141 runs, resulting in a comfortable victory for India. Samson was named Player of the Match for his exceptional batting performance.The second T20I match between India and South Africa is scheduled for Sunday in Gqeberha.

India-South Africa T20I Opener Heats Up with On-Field AltercationDuring the opening match of the T20I series between India and South Africa in Durban, a heated exchange of words erupted between India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Proteas quick Marco Jansen. The incident occurred in the 15th over of South Africa's chase when Jansen objected to Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson collecting a throw on the pitch.Jansen's objection stemmed from his belief that Samson had collected the ball unfairly. The Indian skipper, Yadav, intervened and engaged in an animated conversation with Jansen and fellow Proteas batter Gerald Coetzee. The on-field umpire promptly intervened to separate the players from both teams.The altercation did not end there. As Yadav walked back to his position, he continued to exchange words with Coetzee. The tension on the field was palpable, but the situation was eventually defused.Later in the same over, Jansen was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi for 12 runs on the final delivery. India went on to secure a convincing 61-run victory, thanks to a blistering century from Samson (107 off 50 balls) and impressive performances from spinners Varun Chakaravarthy and Bishnoi.The victory marked India's first in a T20I match at Kingsmead, Durban, and gave them a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Despite the on-field altercation, the match was played in a competitive spirit, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.

Sanju Samson's recent resurgence has been a testament to his unwavering determination and hard work. The wicketkeeper-batter has notched up three centuries in his last six competitive matches, including a Duleep Trophy ton and two consecutive T20I centuries against Bangladesh and South Africa.Samson's impressive 50-ball 107 against South Africa in the first T20I in Durban was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He showcased his ability to clear the boundary with ease, hitting 10 fours and 6 sixes. This performance followed his equally impressive 111 runs against Bangladesh in the previous T20I.Samson's recent success has helped him shed the label of an inconsistent performer. He has consistently put in the hard work behind the scenes, and it is now paying off. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav praised Samson's dedication and commitment, highlighting his willingness to do the "boring work" that often goes unnoticed.Samson's aggressive approach to batting involves a degree of risk, but he is not afraid to take it. He believes in playing for the team and putting the team's needs ahead of his own. This selfless attitude has earned him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans.Samson's resurgence is a reminder that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. He has proven that he is a world-class batsman who can consistently perform at the highest level. As he continues to build on his current form, Samson is poised to become one of the most feared batsmen in the world.

India's remarkable 12-year winning streak on home soil came to an abrupt end with a clean sweep by New Zealand in the recently concluded Test series. This unprecedented defeat has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket fraternity and raised questions about the team's future.The streak, which began in 2013, saw India dominate visiting teams at home, winning 42 and losing just four of 53 Tests. This dominance was built on a formidable spin attack led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who exploited the turning tracks prepared for home matches.However, the New Zealand series exposed some weaknesses in India's approach. The pitches, which were once considered fortresses for the spinners, failed to provide the same level of assistance, allowing the Kiwi batters to score freely. Additionally, India's batting lineup, which had been the backbone of their success, struggled against the disciplined bowling of the visitors.The defeat has raised concerns about the transition that India is facing. Ashwin and Jadeja, both in their late 30s, are nearing the end of their careers. The team's search for their successors has not yet yielded promising results. Similarly, the batting lineup, which has relied heavily on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, needs to find new stars to carry the mantle.The New Zealand series has served as a wake-up call for India. The team must now reassess its strategies and identify the areas that need improvement. The transition to a new generation of players will be challenging, but it is essential for India to maintain its status as a cricketing powerhouse.

India's T20I dominance continued as they outplayed South Africa by 61 runs in the series opener in Durban. Sanju Samson's record-breaking century and a clinical bowling performance laid the foundation for India's comprehensive victory.Chasing a formidable target of 203, South Africa's batting faltered from the outset. Skipper Aiden Markram's early dismissal set the tone for a shaky start. Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi wreaked havoc on the Proteas' middle order, claiming key wickets at regular intervals.Samson's blistering knock of 107 off 50 balls, featuring 10 towering sixes and seven fours, propelled India to a competitive total. His innings equaled Rohit Sharma's record for the most sixes in a T20I innings by an Indian player.Despite losing wickets towards the end, India's lower order held firm to cross the 200-run mark. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav provided valuable contributions, while Tilak Varma added a quickfire 33.South Africa's response was marred by poor shot selection and a lack of partnerships. Gerald Coetzee's brief resistance of 23 off 11 balls proved futile as India's bowlers maintained a tight grip on the game.Bishnoi's three-wicket haul and Chakaravarthy's economical spell of 3/25 stifled South Africa's chase. The Proteas were eventually bowled out for 141 in 17.5 overs, handing India a commanding 1-0 lead in the four-match series.Samson's record-breaking century and India's clinical bowling performance set the stage for a dominant display in the remaining matches. The victory extends India's impressive run in T20I cricket and bodes well for their chances in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.