Cricket

New Zealand's T20 World Cup preparations have suffered a setback with the injuries to Finn Allen and Adam Milne, who have been ruled out of the upcoming tour of Pakistan.Allen, a dynamic opening batter, sustained a back injury during training, while Milne, a fast bowler, picked up an ankle problem. Their absence raises concerns about their availability for the T20 World Cup, which begins in October.Tom Blundell, the Test wicketkeeper, and uncapped allrounder Zak Foulkes have been called up as replacements. Blundell has previous T20I experience, while Foulkes impressed with his performances for Canterbury in the Super Smash.New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed sympathy for Allen and Milne, acknowledging their contributions to the team's T20 success since the last World Cup. He stated that the medical staff would work closely with both players to facilitate their recovery and return to cricket.Foulkes, a 21-year-old, has shown promise with his bowling skills, particularly in T20 cricket. Stead praised his impressive season with Canterbury, where he was their leading wicket-taker in all three competitions.New Zealand's T20 World Cup squad is expected to be announced by May 1, with the final 15 to be confirmed by May 25. The injuries to Allen and Milne could impact the team's selection decisions, especially regarding the number of fast bowlers included.The Pakistan tour was already set to be without nine players due to IPL commitments, while Will Young, Tom Latham, and Tim Southee were also unavailable. Michael Bracewell will captain the side, which also includes uncapped batter Tim Robinson.

Former New Zealand leg-spinner Jack Alabaster, a legendary figure in the country's cricketing history, passed away at the age of 93 on Tuesday night in Cromwell, U.K. Alabaster's demise has left a void in the cricketing fraternity, as he was widely regarded as one of the finest spinners to emerge from New Zealand.Alabaster's cricketing journey began with Otago in domestic cricket, where he made a significant impact with his exceptional leg-spin bowling. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the national team in 1955, and he went on to represent New Zealand in 21 Test matches over the next 17 years.During his Test career, Alabaster claimed 49 wickets at an average of 38.02, showcasing his ability to deceive batsmen with his subtle variations and accurate line and length. He played a pivotal role in New Zealand's first four Test victories, including a historic maiden Test win against South Africa in 1961-62.In that memorable Test, Alabaster produced a match-winning performance, claiming 8/180 in the third innings. His exceptional bowling helped New Zealand overcome a 30-run deficit in the first innings and secure a famous victory. Alabaster's contribution to New Zealand's cricketing success cannot be overstated.Apart from his Test exploits, Alabaster also represented New Zealand in numerous other international matches, including tours of India, Pakistan, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. He was a key member of the New Zealand team that toured the West Indies in 1971-72, where he had the privilege of bowling to the legendary Garry Sobers.Alabaster's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He was a respected figure in the cricketing community, known for his humility, sportsmanship, and unwavering dedication to the game. His passing has been met with heartfelt tributes from former teammates, opponents, and cricket enthusiasts alike.

England's Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone orchestrated a dominant bowling performance to secure a comprehensive five-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final T20I of the series. The triumph sealed a 4-1 series win for England.Sciver-Brunt's early breakthroughs left New Zealand reeling at 23 for 3. She dismissed openers Suzie Bates and Maddy Green before trapping Amelia Kerr lbw. Ecclestone then took over, claiming the wickets of Katey Martin and Hannah Rowe to reduce the hosts to 69 for 5.However, 19-year-old Izzy Gaze played a defiant innings, scoring an unbeaten 51 to rescue New Zealand. She shared a crucial 56-run partnership with Brooke Halliday for the sixth wicket.In reply, England lost early wickets but Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight steadied the ship with a 57-run stand. Sciver-Brunt fell for 31, but Knight remained unbeaten on 35 to guide England to victory.Ecclestone finished with figures of 3 for 30, while Sciver-Brunt claimed 2 for 24. Gaze's half-century was in vain as England secured a comfortable win.The two teams will now face off in a three-match ODI series, starting in Wellington on Monday.

England's T20I and ODI campaign against New Zealand has been dealt a blow with the news that legspinner Sarah Glenn has been ruled out due to concussion. Glenn sustained the injury during the third T20I in Nelson, where she landed heavily after dropping a catch.Despite initially staying on the field and bowling the next over, Glenn was eventually substituted out for Holly Armitage at the change of innings. She missed the fourth T20I in Wellington and will now miss at least the first two ODIs as she follows the ECB's Graded Return to Play Protocols.Glenn's absence is a significant loss for England, as she is a key member of their spin attack. However, the team was able to replace her with Sophie Ecclestone in Wellington, who returned to the squad after featuring in the Women's Premier League (WPL).Alongside Ecclestone, Danni Wyatt, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Alice Capsey also became available for the fourth T20I, which England won by a commanding 47 runs to wrap up the series.Offspinner Charlie Dean claimed four wickets in the fourth T20I, and with Ecclestone and Glenn also available, England could field a formidable spin attack for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.Meanwhile, New Zealand have an injury concern of their own after captain Sophie Devine sustained a quad strain in Wellington. Devine was limited to one over and did not bat, and will undergo an MRI scan on Thursday to determine the extent of the injury."Probably just a small niggle," Devine said. "Just looking ahead with the one-dayers being really important with WC [World Championship] points. I probably wanted to get back out there but someone with a bit more of a rational brain kept me off."

England's Maia Bouchier emerged as a batting sensation, guiding her team to a commanding 47-run victory over New Zealand in the third T20I in Wellington. Bouchier's blistering 91 propelled England to a formidable 177 for 3, setting an insurmountable target for the hosts.Bouchier, promoted to open the innings, seized the opportunity with aplomb. Despite an early reprieve on 5, she unleashed a destructive display, reaching her maiden T20I half-century in just 33 balls. Her innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring a magnificent straight six off Hannah Rowe.Bouchier's dominance continued as she forged a 75-run partnership with Alice Capsey. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight provided the late fireworks, adding 34 runs off just 14 balls. England's aggressive approach saw them amass 65 runs in the final five overs, leaving New Zealand with a daunting chase.New Zealand's hopes were dealt a major blow when captain Sophie Devine suffered a quad strain while bowling. Her absence was keenly felt as the hosts struggled to keep pace with England's imposing total. Bernadine Bezuidenhout and Amelia Kerr provided some resistance, but Charlie Dean's four-wicket haul extinguished any hopes of a comeback.Dean's impressive performance highlighted England's bowling strength. Sophie Ecclestone, returning to international duty, was typically economical, despite a rare fielding lapse. Lauren Bell's early strike on Suzie Bates further weakened New Zealand's batting lineup.Bouchier's outstanding innings and England's collective dominance secured a series-clinching victory. The visitors' aggressive approach and clinical execution proved too much for a depleted New Zealand side.

England's Heather Knight once again proved her mettle as she guided her team to a 15-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Nelson. Knight's unbeaten 56* lifted England from a precarious 77 for 6 to a competitive 149 for 7.New Zealand's chase started promisingly with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr at the helm. However, the return of England's frontline spinners, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, and Sarah Glenn, proved decisive. Dean and Glenn had earlier played crucial roles with the bat, supporting Knight's rescue act.Smith, making her international comeback after nearly five years, made an immediate impact by dismissing Suzie Bates with her first delivery. Dean then removed Devine, while Gibson's dismissal of Kerr proved to be the turning point.As the asking rate climbed, New Zealand's middle and lower order crumbled under the pressure. Maddy Green's struggles continued, and Lauren Bell claimed two wickets in three balls to seal the victory for England.Knight's innings was a masterclass in composure and adaptability. She played alongside Dean and Glenn to stabilize the innings and then accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs. Her ability to adapt to the situation and play according to the team's needs is a testament to her leadership qualities.England's spinners were the stars of the show, with Dean, Smith, and Glenn combining for figures of 12-0-74-4. Their ability to control the run rate and pick up crucial wickets proved to be the difference between the two sides.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed New Zealand's tour of Pakistan for a five-match T20I series in April 2024. The Black Caps will arrive in Islamabad on April 14 and play three matches in Rawalpindi from April 18 to 21, followed by two more at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 25 and 27.This tour marks New Zealand's third visit to Pakistan since December 2022, highlighting the growing camaraderie between the two cricketing nations. The visitors played two Tests and three ODIs in Pakistan at the turn of that year, before returning in April 2023 for a series of ten white-ball games.The upcoming T20I series will serve as New Zealand's final international engagement before the T20 World Cup in June. It will also be a crucial part of Pakistan's preparations for the global event, with the hosts set to play a total of 12 T20Is ahead of the tournament.However, the series clashes with the Indian Premier League (IPL), which means several of New Zealand's leading T20 cricketers may be unavailable. Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Trent Boult, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson are all contracted by IPL teams this season.Despite the potential absence of some key players, the PCB is confident that the series will be highly competitive. "This tour symbolises the deep-rooted ties and mutual respect that define the relationship between our two cricketing nations," said Usman Wahla, the PCB's director of international cricket.The series will take place shortly after the holy month of Ramzan and the Eid holidays, with games scheduled to begin at 7pm local time. The final few games of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have necessitated a late start because of Ramzan, taking place at 9pm.

Tim Southee's captaincy and New Zealand's winless streak against Australia were under scrutiny after a heartbreaking three-wicket loss in Christchurch. Southee admitted that his position as captain is vulnerable, especially considering the team's upcoming tour to the subcontinent.Southee's form has been a concern, with the pacer taking only four wickets in the series. He acknowledged that the team's spin-friendly conditions in Asia could lead to a change in the side's composition.Southee's captaincy decisions were also questioned, particularly his reluctance to introduce spinner Glenn Phillips earlier in the fourth day. Phillips had dismissed both Alex Carey and Mitchell Marsh in the series, but Southee opted to stick with pace bowlers.The selection of Scott Kuggeleijn, who bowled only three overs in the second innings, was also criticized. However, Southee defended Kuggeleijn's inclusion, citing his valuable batting contribution.Southee refused to blame fielding errors for the loss, despite several critical drops. He also denied that the team had a mental block against Australia, but acknowledged that they had struggled in crunch moments.The loss extended New Zealand's 13-year winless streak in Tests against Australia and their 31-year drought at home against their neighbor. Southee expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the team's future.

Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar has hailed Kane Williamson and Tim Southee as the "torchbearers" of New Zealand cricket after the Kiwi duo reached the milestone of playing 100 Test matches. Tendulkar, in a social media post, noted that it was "fitting" that both Williamson and Southee played their 100th Test match together, 16 years after they played in the 2008 U19 World Cup.Southee and Williamson became just the fifth and sixth Black Caps players to reach the milestone of 100 Test matches. The two Blackcaps veterans were teammates at the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup in 2008, where the team reached the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions, India.Southee had already made his senior international debut a few weeks before the U19 World Cup, in the T20I format. He would go on to make his Test debut within a year. Williamson, on the other hand, had to wait until 2010 to make his Test debut, but since made rapid strides across formats to evolve into one of New Zealand's greatest-ever batters.Williamson has 8675 runs in Tests, well ahead of Ross Taylor, the next best for New Zealand, and averages 55.25 in the format. No other active player has more Test hundreds than Williamson's 32. Southee, meanwhile, has 378 Test wickets and is just over 50 wickets away from eclipsing Richard Hadlee's tally for most Test wickets by a Kiwi bowler.Tendulkar, in his social media post, praised Williamson and Southee for their contributions to New Zealand cricket. "Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been the torchbearers of New Zealand cricket ever since they burst onto the scene at the 2008 U-19 World Cup," Tendulkar wrote. "It is only fitting that they also play their 100th Test match together around 16 years later. All the very best to them for their landmark match against familiar foes Australia."