Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, etched his name in cricketing history with his remarkable performances against arch-rivals Pakistan. These matches carried immense significance due to the intense rivalry between the two nations, and Tendulkar rose to the occasion with some of his most memorable innings.One such iconic knock came on March 16, 2004, in Rawalpindi. Facing a formidable Pakistani bowling attack led by Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, and Abdul Razzaq, Tendulkar unleashed a blistering 141-run innings.Chasing a challenging target of 330, Tendulkar stood tall amidst the ruins, waging a lone battle with his scintillating knock. He reached his century off 106 balls, becoming the first Indian to score an ODI hundred on Pakistani soil. His innings was adorned with 13 boundaries and a six, and he also achieved the milestone of 13,000 ODI runs.Despite Tendulkar's heroics, India fell short by 12 runs, with Rahul Dravid's 36 being the next highest score. However, Tendulkar's performance cemented his status as a true legend of the game.Tendulkar's rivalry with Pakistan began with his international debut in 1989, where he faced a world-class bowling attack featuring Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Abdul Qadir. His ability to perform under pressure in these high-stakes matches showcased his exceptional talent and determination.Throughout his career, Tendulkar's battles with Pakistani legends like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar captivated fans on both sides of the border. His performances against Pakistan remain etched in the annals of cricket history, a testament to his greatness and the enduring rivalry between the two nations.

Sanju Samson, a prodigious talent in Indian cricket, has been a paradox of brilliance and underachievement. Blessed with an elegant batting style and an uncanny ability to pick the length early, he has captivated audiences with his silken touch and delectable placement. However, his international career has been a tale of unfulfilled potential, leaving many to wonder what ails this enigmatic batsman.Samson's international debut came in 2015, but it wasn't until 2021 that he made his ODI debut. Despite his impressive 56.66 average in ODIs, his T20I record has been underwhelming, with an average of just 19.30. This disparity has raised questions about his ability to translate his IPL dominance into international success.One possible explanation for Samson's struggles is his tendency to choose the wrong shots at the wrong time. His eagerness to impress may lead him to play risky strokes early in his innings, resulting in his downfall. Additionally, the weight of expectations and the pressure to perform may be weighing heavily on his mind.However, it would be unfair to dismiss Samson's talent based solely on his T20I record. His ODI performances suggest that he has the potential to be a valuable asset in the longer white-ball format. With the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2027 World Cup on the horizon, Samson has ample opportunities to prove his worth.The upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh and South Africa will be crucial for Samson. He needs to make a statement of intent and convince the selectors that he deserves a longer rope. The appointment of Rahul Dravid as head coach of Rajasthan Royals, where Samson is captain, could provide him with the guidance and support he needs to unlock his full potential.Samson's journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. He has experienced the adulation of fans and the scrutiny of critics. But through it all, he has remained a dedicated and hardworking cricketer. With a little more judiciousness in shot selection and a renewed belief in his abilities, Samson can overcome his international hurdles and become the world-class batsman he is destined to be.

Rohit Sharma, the enigmatic Indian skipper, has established himself as a formidable force in contemporary cricket across all formats. While he has bid farewell to the shortest format following India's triumph at the T20 World Cup, Rohit continues to dominate in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test cricket.In ODIs, Rohit has amassed an astonishing 10,866 runs in 265 matches, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. However, it was on November 13, 2014, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, that Rohit etched his name into cricketing history with an unforgettable knock.Facing Sri Lanka, Rohit unleashed a scintillating innings of 264 runs, shattering the previous record for the highest individual score in ODIs. His monumental innings, played off just 173 deliveries, was a testament to his indomitable spirit and impeccable timing.Rohit's innings was a symphony of boundaries and towering sixes, leaving the Sri Lankan bowlers bewildered. He struck 33 fours and 9 sixes, propelling India to an imposing total of 404/5. His herculean effort not only secured a comprehensive victory for India but also cemented his status as one of the most destructive batsmen in modern-day cricket.Rohit's magnum opus of an innings remains a defining moment in his illustrious career and a crowning achievement in the realm of limited-overs cricket. It is a testament to his exceptional talent and the indelible mark he has left on the game.

Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian cricketer, holds the unparalleled record of being the only batter in international cricket history to score 100 centuries. His illustrious career was marked by numerous landmark centuries that showcased his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.Early Milestones:Tendulkar's first Test century came at the tender age of 17, when he scored a match-saving 119 against England at Old Trafford in 1990. This remarkable innings announced his arrival on the global stage and established him as a rising star. In 1994, he achieved his maiden ODI century, scoring 110 against Australia in Colombo.Conquering Australia:Tendulkar's first century on Australian soil came in 1992 at Perth, a notoriously fast and bouncy pitch. His 114-run knock demonstrated his adaptability and technical prowess.World Cup Glory:Sachin's first World Cup century came in the 1996 edition against Kenya. His unbeaten 127 in Cuttack showcased his ability to perform under pressure and inspire his team.Record-Breaking Centuries:On September 25, 1998, Tendulkar set a new world record by scoring his 18th ODI century in his 191st innings. This surpassed Desmond Haynes' previous record of 17 centuries. In 2005, he surpassed Sunil Gavaskar's long-standing record for the most Test centuries, becoming the player with 35 tons in the longest format of the game.Unprecedented Achievements:Tendulkar became the first player in ODI history to score a double century, setting a world record with his 200 in Gwalior against South Africa in 2010. He also became the first player to score 50 Test centuries, a milestone he achieved in 2010 against South Africa.The 100th Century:In 2012, Tendulkar reached the pinnacle of his career by becoming the first cricketer to score 100 international centuries. This historic feat came during an Asia Cup match against Bangladesh.Legacy and Impact:Sachin Tendulkar's remarkable achievements have cemented his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His centuries were not just statistical milestones but moments of brilliance that inspired generations of cricketers and fans alike. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate aspiring cricketers around the world.

Indian Batters' Struggle Against Spin: Sehwag Points Out ReasonsThe Indian cricket team's recent struggles against spin bowling in the ODI series against Sri Lanka have raised concerns about the team's ability to handle quality spin. Former India opener Virender Sehwag has identified several reasons for this failure.One key factor, according to Sehwag, is the proliferation of white-ball cricket. In T20 cricket, bowlers are less likely to flight the ball, which limits their ability to develop the skills necessary to dismiss batsmen. Additionally, Indian players are playing less domestic cricket, where they would face more spin bowling.Sehwag also highlighted the lack of quality spinners in India. "I think there are no quality spinners in India right now whom I see who can fly well and take wickets," he said.In contrast, Sehwag pointed out that during his playing days, Indian batsmen played a significant amount of domestic cricket, which exposed them to a variety of spin bowlers. This experience helped them develop the skills to handle spin effectively.Sehwag's analysis suggests that the Indian team needs to address these issues if they want to improve their performance against spin bowling. This may involve increasing the amount of domestic cricket played by Indian players and developing more quality spinners within the country.

Dawid Malan, England's former top-ranked T20I batter, has bid farewell to international cricket at the age of 37. Malan, who represented England in 22 Tests, 30 ODIs, and 62 T20Is, is one of only two English batters (alongside Jos Buttler) to have scored centuries in all three formats.Malan's international breakthrough came on the 2017-18 Ashes tour, where he scored his only Test century, a gritty 140 in partnership with Jonny Bairstow at Perth. However, it was in the T20I format that he truly made his mark.In September 2020, Malan ascended to the top of the ICC's T20I batting rankings. The following March, he became the fastest men's player to reach 1000 runs in the format, achieving the milestone in just 24 innings. He was also a member of England's T20 World Cup-winning squad in Australia in 2022.Despite his success in T20Is, Malan's ODI career took longer to take off. However, he seized his opportunity when it came, scoring five ODI centuries in the space of 15 innings between June 2022 and September 2023. This impressive run of form earned him a place in England's 2023 World Cup squad.Reflecting on his career, Malan expressed both pride and regret. He acknowledged that he had "exceeded all expectations" in white-ball formats but admitted that his inability to establish himself consistently in Test cricket was a disappointment.Malan's departure from international cricket is likely to open up opportunities for younger players. He is expected to remain in high demand on the T20 franchise circuit, having recently played for Oval Invincibles in the Men's Hundred and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.

Shikhar Dhawan, the enigmatic southpaw batter, has bid farewell to international and domestic cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world. His journey, spanning over a decade, has been a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game.Dhawan's international debut in 2010 was a humble affair, dismissed for a duck against Australia. However, it was a mere blip in his illustrious career. In 2013, he announced his arrival on the global stage with a blistering 187 against the same opposition, earning him the moniker "Gabbar" and his signature "thigh celebration."Dhawan's true calling lay in limited-overs cricket. In 167 ODIs, he amassed 6,793 runs at an impressive average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties. His swashbuckling style and ability to score runs at a rapid pace made him a formidable force in the middle order.In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances, scoring 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties. His aggressive batting and quick reflexes made him a valuable asset in the shortest format of the game.Dhawan's leadership qualities were also evident, as he occasionally captained the Indian team in white-ball cricket. He led the team to victory in the 2018 Asia Cup, further cementing his legacy as a successful skipper.Despite facing setbacks and being dropped from the team in 2014, Dhawan's determination never wavered. He fought his way back into the side and became the fastest to reach 6000 runs in ODIs, achieving the feat in just 141 matches.Dhawan's contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his batting prowess. He was crowned Player of the Tournament in the U-19 World Cup 2004, Champions Trophy 2013, and Asia Cup 2018, showcasing his all-round abilities.As Dhawan hangs up his boots, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and unwavering passion for the game. His impact on Indian cricket will be felt for years to come, inspiring generations of young cricketers to strive for greatness.

Marcus Trescothick, England's assistant coach, has been appointed as the interim head coach for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against Australia. However, Trescothick remains undecided about his long-term aspirations for the white-ball role.Trescothick, who is currently assisting the Test team in their series against Sri Lanka, will join the white-ball squads at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton after the third Test at The Oval. The T20I series against Australia commences on September 11, just 24 hours after the scheduled conclusion of the Test match.Despite having no prior experience as a head coach, Trescothick has expressed interest in transitioning to the role. He served as an assistant coach at Somerset for 18 months following his retirement as a player in 2019 and has been part of England's coaching staff since 2021.Trescothick's close relationship with Jos Buttler, the white-ball captain, from their time together at Somerset will be an asset in his new role. Buttler, who has recovered from a calf injury, could feature for Lancashire in their T20 Blast quarter-final against Sussex on September 4.The ECB has yet to formally advertise the white-ball head coach position vacated by Matthew Mott's dismissal earlier this month. However, Trescothick could emerge as a strong contender if England performs well against Australia. Kumar Sangakkara is considered the early favorite, but his interest remains unconfirmed.Andrew Flintoff, who recently coached the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, could also be a potential candidate. However, he will not reprise his role in England's coaching staff against Australia due to reported compatibility issues with Buttler.

Ireland's Orla Prendergast orchestrated a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Dublin, showcasing her all-around brilliance with a match-winning century and crucial wickets.Chasing a challenging target of 261, Ireland faced an early setback with the loss of Gaby Lewis. However, Prendergast and Sarah Forbes steadied the innings with a 49-run partnership. Hunter contributed 42 runs before Prendergast took center stage.Prendergast's innings was a masterclass in composure and determination. She reached her half-century off 57 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking despite losing partners at the other end. In the final three overs, Ireland needed 30 runs with only three wickets remaining.Prendergast rose to the occasion, smashing two fours and a six off Kavisha Dilhari in the 48th over. Her century, off 97 balls, brought Ireland within sight of victory. She fittingly hit the winning single in the final over, securing a memorable three-wicket triumph.Earlier, Sri Lanka's Vishmi Gunaratne had set the tone with a maiden ODI century. She shared a 122-run partnership with Hasini Perera, who contributed 46 runs. However, Prendergast's three wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Athapaththu, kept Sri Lanka in check.Alana Dalzell and Jane Maguire also chipped in with two wickets each, restricting Sri Lanka to a competitive but ultimately insufficient total.Prendergast's unbeaten 122 is the second-highest score while batting at No. 4 or lower in a women's ODI chase. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award.This victory marks Ireland's first successful chase of over 200 in ODIs and their first ODI win over Sri Lanka in five attempts. It is a testament to the growing strength of Irish women's cricket and the exceptional talent of Orla Prendergast.