Cricket

Lauren Filer, England's fastest bowler, is determined to keep her feet on the ground despite her impressive performance in the opening ODI against New Zealand. While acknowledging the team's dominance over the Kiwis, Filer emphasizes the need for caution and a focus on individual performance.Filer's economical bowling in Durham, where she conceded only two boundaries and one wide in her five powerplay overs, has boosted her confidence. She attributes this improvement to a better understanding of her game and a willingness to experiment with variations.With the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh approaching, Filer is aware of the potential need to adapt her role on slower wickets. She is eager to showcase her range of variations, including a quicker ball, slower balls, and yorkers, to mitigate the conditions.Filer's versatility and raw pace have drawn comparisons to Jofra Archer, who plays a crucial role for the England men's team. While she aspires to emulate Archer's impact, Filer remains focused on the present and improving her accuracy and variations.Despite the presence of England's formidable spin trio, Filer is determined to earn a central role at the World Cup. She recognizes the challenge of displacing Ecclestone, Dean, and Glenn but believes in her own abilities and the support of her teammates.Filer credits the positive and supportive dressing room environment as a key factor in her development. She values the trust and camaraderie among the players, which provides a safety net on challenging days.

Sri Lanka's Under-19 team secured a resounding 65-run victory over England's Under-19s in the first of three one-day internationals at Chelmsford.Sri Lanka's middle-order trio of Dinura Kalupahana, Sharujan Shanmuganathan, and Mahith Perera played pivotal roles in their team's success. Kalupahana's aggressive 52 off 37 balls, Shanmuganathan's steady 57 off 75 balls, and Perera's composed 58 off 60 balls propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 294 for 6.England's chase got off to a promising start with a 90-run partnership between Noah Thain and Luc Benkenstein. Thain anchored the innings with a well-crafted 58 off 69 balls, while Benkenstein provided the fireworks with two sixes in his 51 off 50 balls.However, England's hopes were dashed when Thain and Benkenstein departed in quick succession. Praveen Maneesha then dealt a devastating blow to England's batting, claiming three wickets in seven deliveries, including Thain and Haydon Mustard.Rocky Flintoff, the son of former England captain Andrew Flintoff, was among Maneesha's victims. Middlesex's Noah Cornwell also made a significant contribution with three wickets for 54 runs, including the dismissals of Sri Lanka's openers.Despite a defiant 26 from Harry Moore, England fell well short of their target, finishing on 229 all out with 27 balls remaining.

South Africa's narrow defeat in the second ODI against India has instilled immense confidence in the team, according to Marizanne Kapp. Despite falling short by just four runs, the Proteas displayed a fighting spirit that bodes well for their future prospects, particularly with the 50-over World Cup in India next year.After a shaky start, losing three wickets for 67 runs, South Africa rallied behind Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 134 and Kapp's crucial contribution. The duo forged a 184-run partnership, bringing the Proteas within striking distance of the 325-run target."To get that close is obviously a massive confidence booster," said Kapp. "We know we can reach that total."Kapp highlighted the team's intent to play an aggressive brand of cricket, a departure from their previous performance in the series opener. "We had a meeting with the batting coach after our first ODI," she explained. "He said that if we had scored 100 in 20 overs in that ODI, he would have been happy even if we got bowled out."During the chase, Wolvaardt surpassed 4000 ODI runs, becoming South Africa's highest run-getter in the format. Kapp also reached the 3000-run mark, solidifying her status as one of the team's most prolific batters.Kapp's batting has flourished in recent months, with two centuries and four half-centuries in her last 15 innings. She attributes her success to a positive mindset and a natural partnership with Wolvaardt."The way my batting has gone in the last couple of years, I have been striking at close to 100," said Kapp. "I have found that if I am being positive, I usually score runs more often than not."Despite the narrow defeat, Kapp believes that games like these bring out the best in her and Wolvaardt. "I pride myself in performing in those situations," she said. "Wolfie and I, we enjoy that."

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews' absence due to illness has dealt a significant blow to the team's hopes of salvaging the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Matthews, who missed the second ODI in Hambantota, will also sit out the third and final match on June 21.Matthews' absence is a major setback for West Indies, who have already conceded the series 2-0. The 24-year-old all-rounder has been a key figure for the team in recent years, leading them to the semi-finals of the 2022 Women's World Cup.In the nine ODIs she has played since the start of 2023, Matthews has scored 519 runs at an average of 74.14, including three centuries. She has also taken 11 wickets, the joint-highest with Afy Fletcher.Matthews' absence will be particularly felt in the batting department, where West Indies have struggled in the series so far. In the second ODI, they were bowled out for just 92 runs, their lowest total in ODIs since 2019.Shemaine Campbelle, who led the team in Matthews' absence in the second ODI, is likely to continue as captain for the third match. However, West Indies will need to find a way to replace Matthews' all-round contributions if they are to avoid a whitewash.Cricket West Indies (CWI) has expressed hope that Matthews will recover in time for the three-match T20I series, which begins on June 24 at the same venue.

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.

Lauren Down, a seasoned New Zealand cricketer, is making a triumphant return to the international stage after a maternity leave. She will join the White Ferns squad for their upcoming tour of England, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is starting on June 26.Down, who has amassed 28 ODIs and 13 T20Is, last played for New Zealand at the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa. Since then, she has taken a break from cricket to welcome her first child."We're thrilled to have Lauren back," said White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer. "She has dedicated herself to regaining her fitness and confidence over the past four months, and this tour provides the perfect opportunity to reintegrate her into the team."Down will be joined by fellow middle-order batter Mikaela Greig, who made her international debut in March against England. Greig's selection is a testament to her impressive performances for New Zealand A.Pace bowler Rosemary Mair will miss the tour due to back pain, while seamer Lea Tahuhu will remain in New Zealand for the birth of her second child. Off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will join the squad for the T20I leg.Molly Penfold returns to the team as a seam bowling option after her strong showing against England A in March. Hayley Jensen, who sustained a calf injury during the New Zealand A series, is still recovering and was not considered for selection.Sawyer emphasized that the tour is part of New Zealand's long-term planning for major events, including the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October and the 50-over tournament in India next year."Every series is an opportunity to evaluate our best playing XI," said Sawyer. "With the T20 and one-day World Cups approaching, it's crucial to assess how Lauren and Mikaela can contribute to our team."England emerged victorious in their recent T20I and ODI series against New Zealand in New Zealand. However, Sawyer remains optimistic about his team's chances in England."We didn't achieve the results we desired when we faced England at home, but we witnessed some promising performances from our players," said Sawyer. "Playing a world-class team like England in their own backyard will be a challenge, but we're confident that we've prepared ourselves to succeed."

Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian cricketer, has been honored with the ICC ODI Player of the Year award and named in the ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year for 2023. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional performance throughout the year, which has seen him regain his form and establish himself as one of the most dominant batters in the world.At 35, Kohli has experienced a resurgence in form, marking a significant high point in his career after a period of fluctuating performances. Over the course of 27 One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2023, he amassed 1,377 runs, boasting an average of 72.47 and a strike rate of 99.13. His remarkable consistency was highlighted by scoring six centuries and eight half-centuries across 24 innings, with his highest score being an unbeaten 166.Kohli's instrumental role in India's victory at the Asia Cup 2023 was underscored by a memorable innings of 122 not out off 94 balls against Pakistan during the Super Four stage. His abilities continued to shine at the ODI World Cup hosted by India, where he led an extraordinary campaign. Accumulating 765 runs in 11 matches, he averaged 95.62, with his tally including three centuries and six fifties. His top score in the tournament was 117.His outstanding performance not only crowned him as the leading run-scorer of the tournament but also set a new record for the most runs scored in a single World Cup edition, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 673 runs set in 2003. Additionally, Kohli broke Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries by scoring his 50th in the semifinal against New Zealand.Kohli's resurgence has been attributed to several factors, including a renewed focus on his fitness and a change in his batting technique. He has also benefited from the support of his teammates and the guidance of head coach Rahul Dravid.Looking ahead, Kohli is set to represent India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup hosted by the West Indies and the USA. He enters the tournament on the back of winning the Orange Cap for the most runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of over 154.Kohli's return to form is a welcome sight for Indian cricket fans and a reminder of his immense talent and determination. As he continues to break records and inspire his team, he is poised to cement his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

Nat Sciver-Brunt's all-around brilliance propelled England to a resounding 178-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final ODI at Chelmsford. Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 124 from 117 balls anchored England's innings of 302 for 5, while her two wickets in her designated five-over spell, including Pakistan's top-scorer Muneeba Ali, showcased her return to bowling after a knee niggle.Despite leaving the field with a slight hamstring niggle, Sciver-Brunt expressed satisfaction with her performance. "I had a great time, and it's a great way to finish the series," she said. "The body is pretty sore! It's probably not my quickest five overs ever, but I was happy to bowl in a consistent area."England's bowling attack was spearheaded by Lauren Bell's two wickets in the powerplay, while Sophie Ecclestone's 3 for 15 included her 100th ODI wicket in a record-breaking 64 matches. However, Sciver-Brunt's batting heroics overshadowed the team's overall performance.Sciver-Brunt's ninth ODI century, her fourth in her last nine innings, was a testament to her exceptional skill and mental fortitude. She negotiated the loss of openers and played second-fiddle to Danni Wyatt before taking the initiative in the final overs, smashing consecutive sixes off Diana Baig."I'm pretty happy with the level of skill, but the mental game of it as well," Sciver-Brunt said. "I managed to get through those tougher patches today and communicate well with my batting partner."Despite her self-proclaimed scratchiness, Sciver-Brunt's only clear-cut chance came on 86, when she was dropped by the wicketkeeper. Her ability to battle through adversity resonated with Heather Knight's pre-series assessment that England needed to improve their management of challenging moments in 50-over innings.Sciver-Brunt acknowledged the need for players to adapt between formats, with the 20-over World Cup looming and the 50-over version approaching in 2025. "At the end of the day, the skill is pretty much the same," she said. "It's just elongated, or you might use different things in your armoury at different times."

Pakistan Women, seeking redemption after their defeat in the first ODI, have opted to bat first against England Women in the second ODI at Taunton. Despite overcast skies and the threat of rain, the match commenced on time with an unchanged Pakistani lineup.England, on the other hand, made two alterations to their squad. Lauren Filer replaced Lauren Bell as a seamer, while Danni Wyatt returned from illness to bolster the batting lineup. Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn was omitted to accommodate Wyatt's return.Pakistan's batting lineup remains unchanged from the first ODI, which they lost by 37 runs. Sidra Ameen, Sadaf Shamas, Muneeba Ali, Ayesha Zafar, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Najiha Alvi, Umm-e-Hani, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu will take to the crease.England's batting order features Maia Bouchier, Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Danni Wyatt, Amy Jones, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, and Lauren Filer.Sophia Dunkley, who has been in impressive form for South East Stars in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, has been added to England's ODI squad for the remaining two games. However, she has been named as the 12th player for the Taunton match.With the series on the line, both teams will be eager to secure a victory. Pakistan will be determined to level the series, while England will aim to extend their lead and clinch the series. The match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing talented players capable of turning the tide in their favor.