Cricket

Player-of-the-match Sneh Rana's unwavering belief and the team's resilience propelled India to a thrilling victory in the one-off Test against South Africa. Despite South Africa's spirited batting display, India remained steadfast in their conviction that they would emerge victorious."We always had positive vibes. There was not a single player who thought the match was slipping away from us. The match was always inclined towards India. Everyone believed we would take the wickets," Rana said after the match.The Indian team's unwavering belief extended beyond the players to the support staff, who shared the same conviction. Rana's satisfaction stemmed not only from the victory but also from the fact that it came against one of the best teams in the world."As far as satisfaction is concerned, there's a lot of satisfaction especially when you beat the best teams; when you give a performance against them at a time when it is needed the most. I think there is nothing more satisfactory than that," she added.Rana acknowledged the challenges posed by the pitch, which favored batters more than bowlers. However, she emphasized the importance of adapting to different conditions and using variations in bowling. She also highlighted the need for more Test cricket, believing it to be one of the best formats for women's cricket."I think Test is one of the best formats of cricket. And the more it is played, the better it is for women's cricket. Thanks to the BCCI for organizing multi-day domestic competition. I think that will also help. According to me, there should be at least two Tests (in a series)," she said.

South Africa's valiant effort in the recently concluded Test match against India has been lauded by captain Laura Wolvaardt. Despite conceding a massive 500 runs on the first day, the Proteas displayed remarkable resilience and determination to extend the match to the final session on day four.Wolvaardt praised her team's batting performance, highlighting the grit and determination of each batter who faced the Indian spinners. She emphasized the importance of their ability to navigate the challenging conditions and see out the match.Reflecting on her experience as captain in the last two Tests against Australia and India, Wolvaardt acknowledged the contrasting challenges posed by the different pitches. She noted the emphasis on pace and bounce at the WACA in Perth, while the Chennai pitch demanded a more nuanced approach to spin bowling.Wolvaardt expressed her admiration for the Chennai crowd, who provided enthusiastic support for both teams. She described the atmosphere as entertaining and motivating, with the crowd's songs and cheers adding to the spectacle.Despite the loss, Wolvaardt believes that the experience will be invaluable for her team's growth. She emphasized the importance of learning from the challenges they faced and using them to improve their performance in future matches.

South Africa's journey in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 ended in heartbreak as they fell short in the final against India. Despite an impressive run throughout the tournament, the Proteas were unable to overcome a formidable Indian team in the title clash.The match was a tale of two halves. South Africa, chasing a modest target of 134, started strongly with Quinton de Kock and Rilee Rossouw putting on a 50-run partnership. However, the Indian bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, tightened their grip on the game.As wickets fell at regular intervals, the pressure mounted on South Africa. David Miller, who had been in excellent form throughout the tournament, was dismissed for 19 by a sensational catch from Suryakumar Yadav. With the required run rate climbing, the Proteas' hopes dwindled.In the end, South Africa fell 30 runs short, handing India their second T20 World Cup title. While the result was disappointing, the Proteas can take solace in their impressive performance throughout the tournament.Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, South Africa remained unbeaten until the final. They defeated defending champions England, a resurgent Afghanistan, and other strong teams with ease. This run of success is a testament to the team's growth and development in recent years.Despite the absence of veterans like AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, and Dale Steyn, South Africa has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in global tournaments. The team's young players, such as Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje, have stepped up and played key roles.The Proteas' performance in the T20 World Cup is a reminder of their resilience and determination. While they may have fallen short of the ultimate prize, they have shown that they are capable of competing with the best in the world. As they look ahead to future tournaments, South Africa will be confident that they can build on this success and achieve their long-awaited ICC trophy.

Suryakumar Yadav's remarkable catch in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa has etched his name into Indian cricket history. The 33-year-old's athleticism, balance, and game awareness were on full display as he secured a crucial catch that helped India secure a thrilling seven-run victory.Speaking to PTI, Yadav remained modest about his contribution, attributing it to divine intervention. "I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country...god's plan it was," he said.The catch came at a pivotal moment in the match. South Africa needed 16 runs from the final over, with David Miller on strike. Hardik Pandya bowled a wide full toss, which Miller connected with. Yadav, positioned near the boundary, steadied himself, caught the ball, released it as he went over the boundary, and then re-entered the field to complete an astonishing catch.The catch evoked memories of Kapil Dev's legendary catch in the 1983 World Cup final against the West Indies. Dev had sprinted from mid-on to dismiss Viv Richards with a spectacular catch off Madan Lal's bowling.India's fielding coach, T Dilip, praised Yadav's decision-making and awareness. "When the moment comes, it's his decision and awareness of rope, that's very important, and knowing with confidence that he can throw and come back, it's decision-making at that time, and he got on to that," Dilip said.Yadav's catch was a testament to India's exceptional fielding throughout the tournament. "We fielded like a pack of wolves, as Rahul bhai and Rohit keep saying... Everybody knew their roles but together we hunted every opportunity which came our way leaving no stone unturned," Dilip added.India's T20 World Cup victory marked the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC title. However, the team is currently stranded in Bridgetown due to a category 4 hurricane that has caused widespread disruption, including a complete shutdown of air services on the island.

Jasprit Bumrah's heroics propelled India to a thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, etching his name in the annals of cricket history. The 30-year-old pacer's match-winning spell in the dying overs turned the tide in India's favor, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.India's total of 176/7 in 20 overs seemed within reach for South Africa, especially after a crucial partnership between Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen. With just five overs remaining, the Proteas needed a mere 30 runs to secure the title.However, Bumrah's introduction into the attack proved to be a game-changer. In the 16th over, he conceded only four runs, followed by a miserly two runs and a wicket in the 18th over. His pinpoint accuracy and variations left the South African batters clueless.In the final over, the Proteas required 16 runs to lift the trophy. Hardik Pandya, India's all-rounder, stepped up to the challenge and defended the target with aplomb. Bumrah's heroics had set the stage for India's triumph.After the match, Mohammed Siraj, India's pacer, hailed Bumrah's brilliance, gifting him a placard that read, "Bumrah - Best bowler on land, air, and water." Siraj's admiration reflected the impact Bumrah had on the game."My only belief was on Jassy (Bumrah) bhai," said Siraj. "He's the only game-changer. Whatever I thought exactly happened. Unbelievable feeling guys, can't explain."Bumrah's exceptional performance throughout the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award, with 15 wickets in eight matches. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace made him a formidable force."I don't usually cry after a game, but this feels really special," said Bumrah. "Midway stage we felt we were in trouble, but to pull off a win like this is an unreal feeling. I'm just really over the moon."Bumrah's match-winning spell and India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 will be etched in the memories of cricket fans forever. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination proved to be the difference between victory and defeat.

India's women's cricket team registered a dominant 10-wicket victory over South Africa in the one-off Test match in Chennai, securing their second 10-wicket triumph in Test history.After declaring their first innings at 603 for six, India dismissed South Africa for 266 in their first innings. However, the Proteas put up a spirited fight in their second innings, thanks to centuries from Laura Wolvaardt (122) and Sune Luus (109).Wolvaardt became the first woman to score a century in all three formats of the game within the same calendar year. Despite her heroics, India's bowlers kept the pressure on, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Rajeshwari Gayakwad claiming crucial wickets.South Africa managed to surpass India's total, setting a new record for their highest team total against India in Tests. However, they struggled to build lasting partnerships, and India's bowlers eventually dismissed them for 373.Chasing a modest target of 37 runs, India's openers Shubha Satheesh and Shafali Verma guided the team to a comfortable victory in just 9.2 overs without losing a wicket.India's victory marks their second 10-wicket triumph in Tests, with the previous one coming against South Africa at Paarl in 2002. It also extends their unbeaten streak in Tests to five matches.

India's Pooja Vastrakar's costly drop in the fourth day of the one-off Test against South Africa at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday allowed Nadine de Klerk to survive and potentially alter the course of the match.In the 153rd over of South Africa's second innings, de Klerk attempted to hit a fuller delivery across the line, resulting in a top edge that flew towards mid-off. Vastrakar, positioned at mid-off, initially caught the ball but fumbled twice before eventually dropping it. Renuka Singh also rushed towards Vastrakar in an effort to catch the dropped ball but also failed to grab it.The dropped catch proved costly as de Klerk went on to score 61 runs, helping South Africa post a respectable total of 373 in their second innings. However, India's bowlers, led by Sneh Rana's impressive 8/77 in the first innings, ultimately proved too strong for the visitors.Despite valiant efforts from captain Laura Wolvaardt (122) and former skipper Sune Luus (109), South Africa were unable to avoid an innings defeat. India's openers, Shafali Verma and Shubha Satheesh, quickly reached the target of 37 runs in 9.2 overs, sealing a resounding 10-wicket victory for the hosts.Verma's blistering 197-ball double-century in the first innings was a record-breaking performance, while Rana's career-best figures helped dismiss South Africa for 266. India's dominance continued in the second innings, with the bowlers restricting South Africa to 373 despite de Klerk's half-century.The victory marked a significant achievement for India, who have now won their last three Test matches against South Africa. It also highlighted the team's depth and resilience, with several players stepping up to make crucial contributions.

Robin Uthappa's Emotional Tribute to India's T20 World Cup TriumphFormer Indian batter Robin Uthappa has expressed his heartfelt emotions in a moving tribute to the Indian team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Uthappa, who was part of India's maiden T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2007, couldn't control his tears as he recalled the struggles and hardships faced by the players in the past year.India's triumph in Barbados ended a 13-year wait for an ICC title. However, the journey to the top was not without its challenges. The team had lost back-to-back finals in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.Uthappa, in a discussion with veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighted the constant trolling and criticism that each player had to endure. "I was so full of emotions, you would've found me in tears," Uthappa said. "I went through each player individually, and what they have been through. I apologize in advance if I get emotional on this show, but when you go through each player individually, and what they've been through over the past 4-5 years -- trolling, criticism -- and you've been part of it as well, so you know what it feels like."Uthappa emphasized that every cricketer in India faces harsh trolling and criticism at some point in their careers. "I could feel the emotions of each player individually," he said. "I cried for the first 20 minutes after the victory. I went and bowed before god, saying thank you. As a cricketer who has represented India, thank you. This victory was so special because it was long incoming."Uthappa also praised the role of coach Rahul Dravid, who he described as an "absolute mentor." "We say a 50-year-old man celebrate like a kid when the World Cup trophy was given to him," Uthappa said. "This is the beauty of the sport. I am so grateful to god for everyone. All of the players deserve to win the World Cup."

India's Triumphant Captain Rohit Sharma Celebrates T20 World Cup Victory on Barbados BeachOn the heels of India's exhilarating victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, skipper Rohit Sharma took a moment to bask in the glory on the picturesque beaches of Barbados. The official photoshoot captured the skipper's jubilation as he posed with the coveted trophy, a testament to India's second triumph in the tournament's history.India's victory was hard-fought, with the team overcoming a spirited South African side in a thrilling final at the Kensington Oval on June 29. After posting a challenging 176 for 7, thanks to Virat Kohli's 76 and Axar Patel's 47, India's bowlers stepped up to defend the total.Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh combined to restrict South Africa to 169/8, with Pandya claiming three wickets and Bumrah and Singh taking two each. A crucial catch by Suryakumar Yadav on the boundary line to dismiss David Miller proved to be a turning point in the match.The victory marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket, as it was their first T20 World Cup triumph since the inaugural edition in 2007 under MS Dhoni's leadership. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared images of Sharma's photoshoot on social media, captioning it with a message of pride and accomplishment: "A billion dreams, a billion emotions, and a billion smiles! Mission accomplished. World Cup conquered. We are World Champions. Hey, Captain! You've done it."Sharma's leadership and the team's collective effort played a pivotal role in India's success. The victory is a testament to the team's resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.