Cricket

India Dominates West Indies in T20 World Cup Warm-UpDUBAI, United Arab Emirates - India showcased their prowess in a comprehensive 20-run victory over West Indies in a warm-up match ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup. Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as the star performer, anchoring India's innings with a crucial 52 off 40 deliveries.Rodrigues' steady knock, laced with five boundaries, provided the foundation for India's competitive total of 141 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Yastika Bhatia contributed a valuable 24 off 25 balls, including a four and a six, while Smriti Mandhana (14) and Deepti Sharma (13) made useful contributions.In response, West Indies struggled to keep pace with India's bowlers. Chinelle Henry's unbeaten 59 off 48 balls proved to be a lone bright spot, but it wasn't enough to prevent their team from falling short. Shemaine Campbelle (20) and Afy Fletcher (21) offered some resistance, but their efforts were in vain.India's bowling attack proved to be a formidable force, with Pooja Vastrakar leading the charge with three wickets. Deepti Sharma claimed two wickets for just 11 runs, while Renuka Singh, Asha Sobhana, and Radha Yadav chipped in with a wicket apiece.For West Indies, skipper Hayley Matthews was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 17 in her four overs. Chinelle Henry and Ashmini Munisar also picked up a wicket each.The victory serves as a confidence booster for India as they prepare for their opening match of the T20 World Cup against New Zealand on October 4. The tournament promises to be a highly competitive affair, with several top teams vying for the coveted title.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the 22-year-old Indian batter, has emerged as a key player in the national team and various T20 franchise leagues. Her journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, shaping her into a resilient and versatile cricketer.Rodrigues' international debut in 2018 was met with high expectations, and she has since navigated numerous obstacles to establish herself as a top-order batter. Her participation in the Kia Super League (KSL) in England proved transformative, not only enhancing her on-field performance but also fostering her independence and maturity.Despite the ongoing debate surrounding club versus country loyalties, Rodrigues embraces the opportunity to play alongside and learn from the best in the world in T20 leagues. She credits her Delhi Capitals captain, Meg Lanning, for instilling in her a sense of calmness under pressure.In the recent Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL), Rodrigues played a crucial role in Trinbago Knight Riders' success, showcasing her ability to finish matches. This experience has boosted her confidence ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE.Rodrigues acknowledges that the Indian team is focusing on their own strengths rather than dwelling on their opponents. She recalls the pressure she faced in last year's T20 World Cup semi-final against Pakistan, but credits her faith and the support of her parents for helping her overcome her nerves.In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, Rodrigues has been working on adapting to the number five batting position, where she aims to make a significant impact for India. She emphasizes the importance of aggression and adaptability in this role.While power-hitting is not her natural game, Rodrigues is developing this aspect of her batting. She draws inspiration from Virat Kohli, who relies on timing and gap-hitting to excel in T20 cricket.The Indian team has prioritized fielding and fitness in their preparations for the T20 World Cup. Rodrigues highlights the role of the support staff in enhancing these skills.Rodrigues dreams of a grand reception in Mumbai if India wins the T20 World Cup. Her name, meaning "dove" in Hebrew, symbolizes her hope for a successful campaign for the Indian team.

The second Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) overseas draft witnessed a surge of Indian talent, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma headlining the platinum-round picks. Rodrigues reunited with Jess Jonassen at Brisbane Heat, while Deepti joined Melbourne Stars, where she will play alongside Meg Lanning.Hobart Hurricanes, with the first pick, drafted in Danni Wyatt after losing out on Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, and Laura Wolvaardt to retention picks. Melbourne Renegades opted for Deandra Dottin in the platinum category, while Hayley Matthews was allocated a gold category as their second-round pick.Heat drafted in Shikha Pandey, marking her maiden WBBL season. Melbourne Stars also selected wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia as their third pick. Perth Scorchers, with Sophie Devine as their pre-signed captain, drafted in D Hemalatha, who has played alongside Beth Mooney at Gujarat Giants in the WPL.Adelaide Strikers' third pick was Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast, who has captained Ireland in ODIs. Sydney Sixers, with Amelia Kerr as a gold-category pick, could have a potent spin-bowling combo with Ecclestone.The presence of six Indians in the WBBL is the most for an edition of the tournament. This influx of Indian talent highlights the growing strength of women's cricket in India and the WBBL's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Jemimah Rodrigues, a seasoned T20 globetrotter, is currently honing her skills in the Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) for Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR). With the upcoming women's T20 World Cup in the UAE looming, Rodrigues views this tournament as an invaluable opportunity to test herself in competitive environments and clutch moments.Rodrigues' international debut came in 2018, but her career hit a rough patch in 2021. However, she rediscovered her form during her time with Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, where she struck an unbeaten 92 in her first game. This performance gave her career a second wind.As she prepares for her fourth T20 World Cup, Rodrigues believes that the WCPL stint will provide her with the best possible preparation. "These are the matches that I'm actually going to get before going and playing like proper team matches [T20 World Cup]," she said. "I'm really looking forward to a few things that I'm working on to try and implement it here because when you do it in practice it's different. When you do it in a match, it's way different and franchise cricket has always excited me."Rodrigues has been known to be a touch player, but she has had to move out of her comfort zone and bat at No. 5 for India. However, at the WCPL, she is likely to bat at No. 3. Despite the challenges of batting on slower Caribbean surfaces, Rodrigues is confident in her ability to adapt. "For me, just knowing which shots work and having that clarity and going out there with clarity helps wherever I play," she explained.Rodrigues' versatility and adaptability make her a valuable asset to any team. She is eager to embrace the challenges of the WCPL and use it as a platform to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues, Shikha Pandey, and former pacer Jhulan Goswami have joined the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) for the inaugural Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) scheduled from August 21 to 29.The Trinbago Knight Riders Women, led by Deandra Dottin, will commence their campaign against defending champions Barbados Royals Women on Thursday. The team boasts an impressive roster, including Australian captain Meg Lanning, all-rounder Jess Jonassen, and the newly arrived Indian trio.Jhulan Goswami, who retired from international cricket last year, will serve as the mentor for the Knight Riders this season. Her experience and guidance will be invaluable to the team as they navigate the tournament.The WCPL is a significant development for women's cricket in the Caribbean region. It provides a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and gain international exposure. The tournament also aims to inspire young girls to pursue cricket and break down barriers in the sport.The Trinbago Knight Riders, with their diverse mix of international and local talent, are poised to make a strong impression in the WCPL. The team's success will not only benefit the franchise but also contribute to the growth of women's cricket in the Caribbean and beyond.

The upcoming Women's Asia Cup in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, presents a crucial opportunity for India to solidify their plans ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October. As the defending champions, India aims to retain their title while addressing the conundrum of their number three batting position and determining the ideal batting order for Jemimah Rodrigues.Jemimah Rodrigues, India's former number three batter in T20Is, missed the T20I tour of Bangladesh due to a back injury. In her absence, all-rounder Dayalan Hemalatha has occupied the number three slot, showcasing her strong bottom-hand and big-hitting skills against spinners.The question remains: who will become India's number three batter in the Asia Cup? Former India captain Anjum Chopra believes it would be fair for Jemimah to return to her previous position. She highlights Jemimah's versatility as an opener and her ability to adapt to different batting positions.Despite being a long-time number three batter for India, Jemimah has demonstrated adaptability by scoring an unbeaten 53 off 30 balls as a number five batter in the series opener against South Africa at Chennai. Her power-packed shots and ability to move across the crease add firepower to the Indian middle-order.Anjum suggests that the number three position could depend on the team's starting lineup and the availability of an all-rounder. If India plays with an all-rounder, Jemimah could bat at three. However, if not, she could still occupy the position.Anjum personally prefers captain Harmanpreet Kaur to bat at number three but acknowledges that Harman may prefer her usual number four position. She emphasizes the importance of having Harman and Jemimah bat alongside each other, either at three and four or four and three.After the third T20I at Chennai, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stated that playing Hemalatha at number three was a calculated move, potentially allowing Harmanpreet and Jemimah to remain at four and five respectively.However, Anjum believes that Hemalatha is not the ideal batter at number three, arguing that the team should field their best batter as early as possible. She suggests that Jemimah, Harman, or Richa Ghosh should be promoted to the top order, with Pooja Vastrakar potentially taking up a finisher role.

India's Women's Asia Cup campaign begins on July 19 with a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has emphasized the team's unwavering determination to secure victory in every match, regardless of the opponent.India's recent 3-0 ODI series sweep against South Africa and emphatic 10-wicket Test win have boosted their confidence. Despite a 1-1 draw in the subsequent T20I series, the team remains focused on their goal of winning the Asia Cup.Harmanpreet acknowledges the heightened atmosphere surrounding matches against Pakistan but stresses the importance of maintaining composure. "As a leader, it's my responsibility to make my team feel light in that environment," she said. "We have to focus on the main things and not think about the things we can't control."The team's positive mindset and unwavering belief in their abilities have been instrumental in their recent success. "We are giving equal importance to all matches," Harmanpreet added. "We all are very greedy to win every game."Batter Jemimah Rodrigues echoed her captain's sentiments, highlighting the team's unity and determination. "The enthusiasm is really high," she said. "We know we have the support of every single person backing us."All-rounder Deepti Sharma expressed her excitement for the tournament, emphasizing the team's collective goal of performing well. "Our only goal is to perform well as a team," she said. "We will back each other so that we perform well on the field for the further matches."India's Women's Asia Cup campaign promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the team determined to showcase their skills and emerge victorious.

Trinbago Knight Riders Bolster Squad with Jemimah Rodrigues and Shikha Pandey for 2024 WCPLTrinbago Knight Riders (TKR) have made significant additions to their squad ahead of the 2024 Women's Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) season. Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues and fast bowler Shikha Pandey have joined the franchise, bringing a wealth of international experience and talent to the team.Rodrigues, a rising star in the Indian women's cricket team, is known for her aggressive batting style and ability to score runs quickly. She has represented India in over 100 international matches and has been a key player in their recent successes.Pandey, on the other hand, is a seasoned fast bowler with over 150 international appearances. Her accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways make her a formidable opponent. She has been a consistent performer for India and has played a crucial role in their victories.TKR have also retained five players from their 2023 squad: Deandra Dottin, Shamila Connell, Kycia Knight, Zaida James, and Samara Ramnath. These players provide a solid foundation for the team, with Dottin being a powerful all-rounder, Connell a reliable fast bowler, and Knight a skilled wicketkeeper-batter.In addition to Rodrigues and Pandey, TKR have also secured the services of Australian batter Meg Lanning and left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen. Lanning, a former Australian captain and one of the greatest batters in the world, will bring her wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Jonassen, a highly skilled spinner, will add depth to TKR's bowling attack.With these additions, TKR have assembled a formidable squad that will be aiming to challenge for the WCPL title in 2024. The tournament will be held in Trinidad from August 21 to 29, with all seven matches played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

India and South Africa will face off in a crucial ODI match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, with both teams seeking to achieve their respective goals. India aims to stabilize its ODI form, while South Africa seeks vital qualification points for the 2025 ODI World Cup.India's recent ODI performances have been underwhelming, with only one victory in their last six matches. However, they will be bolstered by the return of Jemimah Rodrigues, who missed the recent T20I series against Bangladesh due to a back injury. Medium pacer Pooja Vastrakar is also fit to play.South Africa, on the other hand, comes into the contest after losing the T20I series against Sri Lanka and drawing the ODIs. They will also begin a new era without Hilton Moreeng, who served as head coach for over a decade.The Proteas will welcome back opener Tazmin Brits, who has recovered from a knee-ligament tear. With just six matches remaining in their qualification bid for the 2025 ODI World Cup, her return is a significant boost.The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has traditionally favored heavy-hitting batters due to its flat pitches and small boundaries. However, the weather may play a role, as the monsoon has taken a break on match-eve.