Cricket

Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm chinaman bowler, has emerged as a key player for India in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Despite missing the entire group stage, Kuldeep has made an immediate impact, picking up five wickets in two matches.After scalping three wickets against Bangladesh, Kuldeep drew a comparison between the pressure of playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the pressure of a World Cup. "IPL is completely different, boss. It's totally different," said Kuldeep. "What you experience in IPL is not what you're experiencing in T20 World Cup."Kuldeep enjoyed a brilliant season with Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, picking up 16 wickets in 11 games. However, he was surprisingly left out of India's XI in their first group game against Ireland.In the Super 8, Kuldeep has been on fire. After getting two wickets against Afghanistan, he picked up three crucial wickets against Bangladesh. The 29-year-old got the wickets of opener Tanzid Hasan, the experienced Shakib al-Hasan, and the in-form Towhid Hridoy. He finished with figures of 3-19 from his four overs.Kuldeep emphasized that spinners need to be aggressive to succeed in the shortest format. "In this format (T20), you have to read what the batters are trying to do, but be more aggressive. The length matters a lot. The aggression is helping me through the IPL and the T20 World Cup," he said.With wins over Afghanistan and Bangladesh, India boast a very healthy net run rate in their Super 8 group and are almost certainly going to make the semis of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

India Eyes Super Eights Victory Over Australia in T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of the highly anticipated Super Eights clash between India and Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024, heavy rainfall has drenched St Lucia, where the match is scheduled to take place at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on Monday.India, led by Rohit Sharma, currently sits atop Group 1 of the Super Eights, having emerged victorious in their previous encounters against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. The team is determined to maintain its momentum and secure significant wins to qualify for the semifinals.Their ultimate goal is to break India's ICC trophy drought, which has persisted since the 2013 Champions Trophy, and claim their first T20 World Cup title since the inaugural edition in South Africa in 2007.India enters this match following a dominant 50-run victory over Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Australia, on the other hand, led by Mitchell Marsh, suffered a disappointing 21-run defeat against Afghanistan in their previous match.In the previous encounter between India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. India's innings was propelled by Hardik Pandya's unbeaten 50 runs off just 24 deliveries, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. His exceptional performance helped India reach a total of 196/5 despite losing wickets in quick succession.Rishabh Pant's 36 runs from 24 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, and Shivam Dube's 34 runs from 24 balls, including 3 sixes, also contributed significantly to India's total.Bangladesh's batting lineup struggled against India's bowling attack during their chase. Najmul Hossain Shanto was the lone warrior for Bangladesh, scoring 40 runs from 32 balls with 1 four and 3 sixes, but his efforts were insufficient to help his team reach the 197-run target.Kuldeep Yadav led the Indian bowling attack, claiming three wickets while conceding only 19 runs in his four-over spell. Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah also played crucial roles, picking up two wickets each in their respective spells. Their combined efforts helped India secure a convincing 50-run victory over Bangladesh.

India's women's cricket team continued their dominance over South Africa, completing a comprehensive 3-0 sweep of the ODI series with a resounding six-wicket victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.Chasing a modest target of 216, India romped home with more than nine overs to spare, thanks to a brilliant 90-run knock from Smriti Mandhana. The left-handed opener once again showcased her exceptional batting skills, driving, clipping, and steering the ball effortlessly to the boundary. Despite missing out on a third consecutive century, her innings was a testament to her class and consistency.Priya Punia, who replaced D. Hemalatha in the lineup, made a valuable contribution with 28 runs, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with 42. However, it was Mandhana's brilliance that set the tone for India's victory.Earlier, South Africa, who opted to bat first, began promisingly with captain Laura Wolvaardt (61) and Tazmin Brits (38) putting on a 102-run partnership. However, Wolvaardt's dismissal triggered a collapse, as the Proteas lost wickets in quick succession.Arundhati Reddy, who replaced injured pacer Renuka Singh, played a key role in South Africa's downfall, taking two wickets for 36 runs. She dismissed Wolvaardt with a sharp catch off her own bowling and then accounted for Anneke Bosch in a similar fashion.Shreyanka Patil, who came in for leg-spinner Asha Sobhana, also made an impact, dismissing star batter Marizanne Kapp to reduce South Africa to 120 for four.Despite some resistance from Nadine de Klerk (26) and Mieke de Ridder (26 not out), South Africa could only manage to post 215 for nine in their allotted 50 overs.India's bowlers, led by Reddy and Patil, kept the South African batters in check throughout the innings, with the Proteas failing to build any substantial partnerships.In the end, India's superior batting depth proved too much for South Africa, as they cruised to victory with ease. The win extended India's unbeaten streak in ODIs against South Africa to 10 matches.

India's explosive batter Suryakumar Yadav's childhood coach, Ashok Aswalkar, has advised the Men in Blue to play their natural game when they face Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Aswalkar believes that India should not experiment too much against the Aussies, who are coming into the game after a humbling defeat by Afghanistan.As India prepare to take on Australia in a clash of cricketing heavyweights, Aswalkar said that the Men in Blue need to play their normal game as they have been playing in their last six matches. He also hailed the performance of India's ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has been in outstanding form in the T20 World Cup. The pacer has picked 10 wickets in just five games."Our openers are slowly starting to pick up the pace. If they can step up their game in a match against Australia, then nothing could be better than this for India. Try to play normal cricket, don't do too many experiments. They have to play the way they did in the last five to six matches. They just have to play a normal game against the Australian bowling lineup. Bumrah is special," Aswalkar told ANI.India selected four spinners for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, but pace was the major component of their assault in the first stage of the tournament. Talking about India's decision to take four spinners in the T20 WC, Aswalkar said, "Rohit Sharma answered this question. Rohit knows which combination to take. Kuldeep Yadav is a perfect option for India, his slow bowling on the slow wicket works wonders."Suryakumar has been the stalwart for India's two most recent wins at the marquee event, as he smashed a half-century against Afghanistan. Aswalkar wants Suryakumar to play without pressure as he has been playing in the last matches and advises wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant "not to play the reverse shot.""He needs some time. He has hitting power and India have to utilize it somewhere. Rishabh Pant is playing the wrong shots and losing his wicket. Suryakumar, Rishabh and all are performing well. I just advise the wicketkeeper-batter to not play the reverse shot. I want Suryakumar to play without any pressure," Aswalkar said.Meanwhile, a spirited Afghanistan humbled the 2021 champions Australia to collect their first-ever win over the cricketing powerhouse. Aswalkar said Afghanistan have the best bowling variations in cricket, Australia took them lightly and they lost the match."Underdogs always think to win the match against the big teams. Afghanistan have the best bowlers for variation. Afghanistan bowling can defeat any team in the World Cup, don't underestimate them in future matches. Australia have a long batting line-up but Afghanistan have their day and they won the match," he added.Australia will face the India challenge in their pursuit of a semi-final berth, following their loss against Afghanistan where they suffered a shocking 21-run loss in their penultimate Super Eights fixture, on Monday in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.Currently, India sit at the top of the Group 1 standings with four points while Australia (second) and Afghanistan (third) share two points each with Bangladesh yet to win a Super Eight match.

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has criticized Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's batting approach during their T20 World Cup Super Eight match against India. Bangladesh suffered a 50-run loss in the encounter, with Shakib scoring only 11 runs off seven balls.Sehwag expressed his disapproval of Shakib's decision to attempt a boundary shot against Kuldeep Yadav, resulting in his dismissal. He believes that Shakib should have played a more supportive role to his batting partner and stayed at the crease for a longer duration."When you have a set batter with you at the crease, at least support him. At least stay out in the middle and spend some time, try to get something out of the match," Sehwag said. "Instead, only 11 runs were scored off seven deliveries and then he walked back. So, I did not understand that."Sehwag also suggested that Shakib consider retiring from the sport to make way for younger players. "He has so much experience. So, is he not making the most of it or does he simply not care? or was he thinking that the target is too big and I just scored a six, and now I will score a six off every ball," Sehwag added.Bangladesh's chances of reaching the semifinals have become slim after suffering two defeats in the Super Eight stage. Their last match will be against Afghanistan on June 25.

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.