Cricket

India's Slip-Up: Missed Chance Haunts Bowlers in Bengaluru TestIndia's bowlers were dealt a cruel blow on Day 2 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru when a glaring fielding error allowed New Zealand captain Tom Latham to escape unscathed.With India reeling from a dismal 46-run first innings total, their bowlers desperately needed early wickets to claw their way back into the match. In the 13th over, Mohammed Siraj delivered a short-of-length delivery that induced an edge from Latham's bat. The ball flew towards the slips, where Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were stationed at first and second slip, respectively.To the astonishment of everyone, both fielders hesitated and the ball slipped through their grasp, racing to the third man fence. The catch was a routine one at the international level, and the lapse in concentration proved costly for India.Rahul, who had earlier scored a duck with the bat, later suggested that he had not spotted the ball well. However, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating on the match, suggested that the revamped slip cordon, due to the absence of Shubman Gill, may have contributed to the missed chance.India captain Rohit Sharma, already facing criticism for his decision to bat first after winning the toss, was visibly frustrated by the fielding error. He threw his arms in disgust, expressing his disappointment with the team's performance in the field.The missed chance proved to be a turning point in the match, as Latham went on to score a crucial 95 runs, helping New Zealand build a substantial lead. India's bowlers toiled hard but were unable to make further inroads into the New Zealand batting lineup, and the visitors eventually declared their innings at 348/10.India's fielding woes continued throughout the match, with several other dropped catches and misfields. The team's poor fielding performance added to their batting woes, leaving them in a precarious position as they head into the second innings.

In 2016, Virat Kohli led the Indian cricket team to a resounding 3-0 Test series victory over New Zealand. During the second Test in Kolkata, Kohli etched his name in history by scoring his highest Test score against the Kiwis – a magnificent double century.The Indian innings got off to a shaky start as openers Gautam Gambhir and Murali Vijay departed early, leaving the team at 60/2. However, Kohli, batting at number four, steadied the ship with a crucial partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (43).Kohli then joined forces with Ajinkya Rahane, and the duo forged a mammoth 365-run stand, the highest partnership for India in Tests against New Zealand. Kohli played aggressively against the likes of Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, amassing 211 runs with 20 fours. Rahane, too, contributed handsomely with 188 runs, including 18 fours and 4 sixes.Rohit Sharma's quickfire half-century after Kohli's dismissal helped India post a formidable 557/5 before declaring. New Zealand's response was promising initially, but they collapsed after losing their first wicket at 118. Ashwin wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming six wickets as the Kiwis were bowled out for 299.In India's second innings, Pujara's century ensured a solid score of 216/3 before another declaration. New Zealand faced an even more daunting task in the fourth innings and were bundled out for 153, handing India a comprehensive victory.Ashwin was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning performance, while Kohli received the ICC Test Championship mace, a testament to his exceptional batting throughout the series.

The highly anticipated first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was marred by incessant rain on Day 1, delaying the toss and preventing any on-field action. However, the crowd found solace in the appearance of local hero Virat Kohli, who emerged on the field under an umbrella, sparking thunderous applause from the stands.Kohli, a beloved figure in Bengaluru due to his long association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has a special connection with the city's fanbase. His presence on the field, albeit briefly, provided a much-needed boost to the spirits of the rain-soaked spectators.The heavy showers, which began overnight, continued throughout the morning, forcing the ground staff to keep the pitch covered. The scheduled 9:30 AM (0400 GMT) start time was pushed back indefinitely, with rain forecast to disrupt play for the first two days of the match.The inclement weather also affected preparations for the series opener. Training sessions for both teams were canceled on Tuesday, leaving them with limited time to acclimatize to the conditions.Despite the weather setbacks, India remains the firm favorite in the three-Test series. Rohit Sharma's in-form side is coming off a 2-0 sweep of Bangladesh, while New Zealand will be without injured leading batsman Kane Williamson for at least the first match.New Zealand, who lost both Tests in Sri Lanka last month, will be led by Tom Latham for the first time in a full-time capacity after Tim Southee stepped down as captain following the Sri Lanka series.The second Test of the series will begin in Pune on October 24, while the third and final Test will be played in Mumbai from November 1.

Bengaluru's SubAir System Poised to Play Crucial Role in India-New Zealand TestBengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is bracing for a potential weather battle as the first Test between India and New Zealand looms on Wednesday. Persistent rain has already delayed the toss, but the venue's state-of-the-art drainage system, known as the "SubAir" system, stands ready to mitigate the impact of further downpours.The SubAir system serves two vital functions: water drainage and aeration. By facilitating proper air circulation within the soil, it promotes the health and vitality of the grass. The system can seamlessly switch between drainage and aeration modes, adapting to the specific requirements of the moment.During rainfall, the SubAir system swiftly activates its drainage mode, efficiently removing excess water from the surface. This rapid drainage capability ensures that the grass remains in optimal condition, preventing waterlogging and associated issues that could compromise the quality of the turf.The SubAir system was reportedly introduced at the venue in 2017 and has proven its effectiveness in ensuring timely resumption of play after rainfall. It can reportedly get the ground ready for play within half an hour after the rain stops.Both India and New Zealand will be eager to get the match underway. India seeks to consolidate their position atop the World Test Championships Table, while New Zealand, the inaugural edition's champions, needs victories to keep their slim chances of finishing in the top two alive.The SubAir system will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the series opener. If the weather relents and there is no further rain, the system will ensure that the match can proceed as scheduled. However, if the rain persists, the system's ability to rapidly drain excess water will be crucial in minimizing the impact on the game.

The highly anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand, scheduled to commence on Wednesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, faces the threat of rain interruptions. Weather forecasts predict consistent cloud cover and thunderstorms, with a high probability of precipitation throughout the five-day match.According to local weather reports, Bengaluru is expected to witness "generally cloudy sky with heavy rain" from October 16 to 18. While the forecast slightly improves for the final two days, rain remains a possibility. This inclement weather could force frequent stoppages and impact the flow of the game.India, fresh off a 2-0 Test series sweep against Bangladesh, currently lead the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his team to avoid complacency against a formidable New Zealand side."New Zealand is a different challenge altogether. They have high-quality players who can hurt us. We respect them, but we don't fear anyone. We need to be focused from the first ball," Gambhir emphasized.India's Test schedule includes eight more matches before the conclusion of the 2024-25 WTC cycle. After the three-Test series against New Zealand, they will embark on a highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia, which will feature a five-Test series for the first time.The WTC final is scheduled to take place at Lord's in June 2024. India's performance in the upcoming Test matches will be crucial in determining their chances of reaching the final.

The India-New Zealand Test cricket rivalry has been marked by mutual respect and competitive matches. In October 1999, New Zealand toured India for a three-Test series, with the first Test taking place in Mohali.The match began with a delayed start due to a damp pitch. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming won the toss and elected to field. India's batting lineup struggled against the Kiwi bowlers, with Dion Nash taking 6/27 as India was bundled out for just 83 runs in their first innings.However, India's bowlers responded strongly, with Javagal Srinath taking 6/45 to dismiss New Zealand for 215 runs in their first innings. Openers Devang Gandhi and Sadagoppan Ramesh then put on a 137-run stand for India, followed by a 229-run partnership between Rahul Dravid (144) and Sachin Tendulkar (126*). Sourav Ganguly's unbeaten 64 helped India declare their second innings at 505/3, setting New Zealand a target of 374 runs.Fleming led New Zealand's resistance with a determined 73-run knock, but India's bowlers kept the pressure on. Despite their best efforts, New Zealand ended their second innings at 251/7, drawing the Test match.Nash's spell of 6/27 remains one of the standout performances in New Zealand cricket history. His remarkable swing and seam bowling dismantled India's batting lineup, showcasing his ability to exploit the conditions in India, where seam bowlers often struggle.The Mohali Test was a testament to the competitive nature of the India-New Zealand rivalry. Both teams displayed resilience and determination, with Nash's bowling performance standing out as a defining moment in the match.

India's Harmanpreet Kaur Left Fuming After Controversial Run-Out Denial in T20 World Cup MatchDuring the highly anticipated India vs New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai on Friday, a controversial incident sparked a dramatic scene on the field. India's captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, was left visibly frustrated after her team was denied a crucial run-out.The incident occurred during the final delivery of the 14th over. New Zealand's Amelia Kerr attempted a second run after completing the first, but Harmanpreet, positioned at long-off, had the ball in her hands and was looking for an over change.Despite the umpire signaling the end of the over by handing Deepti Sharma her cap, Devine decided to go for a second run. Harmanpreet quickly assessed the situation and launched a bullet throw to the keeper's end, where Richa Ghosh swiftly removed the bails, catching Kerr well short of the crease.However, to the dismay of the Indian players, Kerr was recalled after the umpires ruled the ball dead, despite Harmanpreet's visible frustration. Animated discussions followed between coach Amol Muzumdar and the fourth umpire, as play remained suspended for a few minutes. Harmanpreet even appeared ready to join the debate, but the fourth umpire eventually instructed them to resume the match, leaving the Indians visibly unconvinced by the explanation.The decision sparked controversy on social media, with many fans and experts questioning the umpires' ruling. Star India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also reacted to the development, sharing the clip of the event on his Twitter handle and questioning whose fault it was.The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and coordination between umpires and players on the field. It also raises questions about the interpretation of the rules regarding the end of an over and the subsequent actions of the players.

India vs New Zealand: A Crucial Clash in the 'Group of Death'The 2024 T20 World Cup kicks off on Friday with a highly anticipated clash between India and New Zealand. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory in their opening match, as the margin for error is slim in Group A, which has been dubbed the "group of death."India and New Zealand have a long history in T20 cricket, with New Zealand holding a slight edge in head-to-head encounters. India has won only 4 of the 13 matches played between the two sides. However, India will be looking to turn the tide in this crucial match.The match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Friday, October 4. The toss will take place at 7 PM IST, with the match starting at 7:30 PM IST.India will be led by Harmanpreet Kaur, while New Zealand will be captained by Sophie Devine. Both teams boast a wealth of experience and talent, and the match promises to be a close and exciting contest.India will be hoping to rely on the batting prowess of Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues. The bowling attack will be led by Renuka Singh, Deepti Sharma, and Pooja Vastrakar.New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to their star players Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu to make an impact.The match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar.With both teams eager to start their World Cup campaigns on a high, the India vs New Zealand clash is sure to be a thrilling spectacle.

MS Dhoni's Heartbreaking Run-Out in 2019 World Cup Semifinal: A Moment of Anguish and AcceptanceThe 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester, etched itself into the hearts of millions of Indian fans for all the wrong reasons. Chasing a modest target of 240, India's hopes rested on the shoulders of their legendary captain, MS Dhoni.With just 31 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Dhoni, known as the "best finisher in the world," was at the crease. However, tragedy struck in the penultimate over bowled by Lockie Ferguson. Dhoni mistimed a pull shot, and the ball popped up towards short fine leg.In a moment of hesitation, Dhoni and his batting partner, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ran for two. But a slight stutter on the second run proved fatal as Martin Guptill's direct hit at the keeper's end found Dhoni short.The crowd gasped in disbelief as Dhoni, who had scored a valiant 50 off 72 balls, was run out. India lost the match by 18 runs, their World Cup dreams shattered.In a recent event, Dhoni was asked about that fateful moment. With a heavy heart, he admitted, "It was a difficult one because I knew that this would be my last World Cup.""It was a heartbreak moment, but we accepted the result and tried to move on," he added. "It takes time, and one gets some time after the World Cup. I haven't played any international cricket after that, so I got a lot of time."Dhoni's words resonated with fans who had witnessed his brilliance over the years. He had led India to numerous triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.But even the greatest of players can experience heartbreak. Dhoni's run-out in the 2019 World Cup semifinal was a reminder that even in the most crucial moments, fate can play a cruel hand.