Cricket

Sachin Tendulkar's Historic Double Century: A Moment Etched in Cricket HistoryOn February 24, 2010, the Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Gwalior witnessed a historic moment in cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary Indian batsman, became the first player to score a double century in One Day International (ODI) cricket.Tendulkar's remarkable innings came against a formidable South African bowling attack that included Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Jacques Kallis, Roelof van der Merwe, Charl Langeveldt, and Jean-Paul Duminy. Undeterred, Tendulkar unleashed a breathtaking display of batting, smashing 25 fours and 3 sixes in his unbeaten 200 off 147 balls.India posted a mammoth 401/3 in their 50 overs, with Tendulkar reaching his 50 off 37 balls, 100 off 90 balls, and 150 off 118 balls. South Africa were bowled out for 248 in response, giving India a commanding 153-run victory.After the match, Tendulkar expressed his gratitude to the Indian fans and dedicated his achievement to them. He also acknowledged the contributions of Yusuf Pathan and MS Dhoni, who played crucial roles in India's victory.Tendulkar's double century was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his exceptional fitness and longevity in international cricket. At the age of 36, he showcased his remarkable ability to adapt and excel at the highest level.The innings inspired future generations of cricketers, with more double centuries being scored in the years that followed. It remains one of the greatest moments in cricket history and further cemented Sachin Tendulkar's legendary status in the sport.

West Indies' T20I and ODI squads for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka have undergone significant changes, with several key players opting out and promising youngsters earning call-ups.In the T20I squad, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Akeal Hosein have all withdrawn for personal reasons. Opening batter Evin Lewis, who last played a T20I during the 2022 World Cup, makes a welcome return. Brandon King also returns after recovering from injury.To fill the void left by Russell, West Indies have called up Trinbago Knight Riders teammate Terrance Hinds and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons' Shamar Springer. Both all-rounders impressed in the recent CPL season.Rovman Powell will continue to lead the T20I side, with Roston Chase as his deputy. Johnson Charles, who had a strong CPL campaign, missed the cut, while Andre Fletcher will serve as the reserve opener.In the ODI squad, 17-year-old Jewel Andrew has earned a surprise call-up. He could become the youngest West Indian to debut in ODI cricket. Andrew has shown promise in his limited appearances so far.Shai Hope will continue to captain the ODI team, with Alzarri Joseph as his deputy. Matthew Forde, who missed out on the T20I squad, has been included.The ODI squad also features two specialist spinners in Hayden Walsh Jr. and Gudakesh Motie. Batters Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty retain their spots.West Indies' white-ball tour of Sri Lanka will begin on October 13 and will run until October 26.

Tristan Stubbs' maiden ODI century propelled South Africa to a resounding 174-run victory over Ireland, securing the Proteas' series triumph with a match to spare. The 24-year-old Stubbs unleashed an explosive 112 off 81 deliveries, adorned with eight boundaries and three towering sixes, as South Africa amassed a formidable 343-4 in their allotted 50 overs.Ireland's response crumbled under the weight of the Proteas' onslaught, as they were dismissed for a paltry 169 with nearly 20 overs remaining. The defeat marked their second consecutive heavy loss, following a 139-run setback in the series opener.Stubbs, who had impressed with a 79 in the first match, continued his ruthless form on Friday. He reached his century in just 75 deliveries, exposing the deficiencies of the Irish bowling attack despite their rotation of seven bowlers.The Proteas' middle order provided ample support to Stubbs. Kyle Verreynne contributed a solid 67 off 64 balls, while Wiaan Mulder chipped in with a brisk 43 off 34 deliveries. At the top of the order, Ryan Rickelton added to his 91 from the opening fixture with a valuable 40."I thought in the first game, myself and 'Ricks' got out back to back. Today I didn't want that to happen," Stubbs explained. "That was the big focus. I thought they bowled quite well. They made us hit to the big side. We were rotating nicely and that helped us get the runs."The only concern for South Africa was the injury to skipper Temba Bavuma, who was forced to retire with an elbow injury sustained while attempting to avoid a run out. Bavuma had scored 35 when he was forced to leave the field, and he remained off the field during Ireland's innings, with Rassie van der Dussen taking over the captaincy."I think I aggravated an old injury on my elbow. We will get to know in the next few days. Right now, I am at the mercy of the doctors," Bavuma said.Ireland's reply began disastrously, with openers Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling dismissed cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 7-2 after three overs. The Proteas continued to make regular breakthroughs, but tailenders Craig Young (29 not out) and Graham Hume (21) provided some entertainment with a 52-run last-wicket partnership.South Africa fast bowler Lizaad Williams, who had claimed a career-best 4-32 in the first match, continued his impressive form with figures of 3-36 from five overs."It was a tough day at the office," said Stirling.The three-match series concludes at the same Abu Dhabi venue on Monday.

Shahid Afridi's Blazing Century: A Record-Breaking Moment in ODI HistoryOn October 4, 1996, the world of cricket witnessed a remarkable feat that would forever etch the name of Shahid Afridi in the annals of the sport. In a match against Sri Lanka at the KCA Centenary Tournament, the Pakistani all-rounder unleashed a blistering century that shattered the record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs).Afridi, batting at number three, was tasked with providing quick runs for Pakistan. He responded with an astonishing display of power hitting, reaching the century mark in a mere 37 balls. This eclipsed the previous record of 48 balls held by Sri Lanka's Sanath Jayasuriya.Afridi's innings was a symphony of destruction. He smashed 11 sixes, equaling Jayasuriya's record for the most sixes in an ODI century knock. One over from Sri Lankan bowler Pramodya Wickramasinghe yielded 28 runs, a record at the time.Afridi's century propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 371 for 9. Opener Saeed Anwar also contributed a century (115). Sri Lanka, despite a valiant effort from Aravinda de Silva (122), fell short by 82 runs.Afridi's record stood for 17 years until it was broken by New Zealand's Corey Anderson in 2013. Anderson reached the century mark in 36 balls, one delivery faster than Afridi. However, South Africa's AB de Villiers later surpassed Anderson with a stunning 31-ball century.Afridi's blazing century remains a testament to his exceptional talent and the impact he had on the game of cricket. It was a moment that showcased his raw power and the excitement he brought to the sport.

South Africa's T20I captain Aiden Markram recently addressed the media ahead of the T20I series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. He discussed the team's recent ODI series loss to Afghanistan, his batting form, the promising newcomers in the squad, and the team's preparations for the upcoming busy schedule.ODI Series Loss to AfghanistanMarkram acknowledged the disappointing result in the ODI series against Afghanistan, but emphasized the lessons learned from the experience. He praised Afghanistan's quality as a team, particularly in their home conditions. Markram believes that the series exposed areas where South Africa needs to improve, and that each player can take away valuable insights to enhance their game.Batting FormMarkram admitted to a lean patch in his batting form, but expressed confidence in his ability to regain his touch. He emphasized that his focus is on contributing to the team's success, rather than chasing personal milestones. Markram believes that his recent unbeaten 69 in the consolation ODI win is a positive sign of his return to form.Promising NewcomersMarkram highlighted the significant role that the SA20 league has played in unearthing promising young talents for South Africa. He praised players like Nqabayomzi Peter, Jason Smith, and Ottniel Baartman for their impressive performances in the league. Markram believes that these players have the potential to make a significant impact on the T20I team in the future.Guiding NewcomersAs a senior player and leader, Markram emphasized his commitment to supporting and guiding the promising newcomers in the squad. He believes that sharing his experience and insights can help them develop their skills and adapt to the demands of international cricket. Markram aims to create a positive and supportive environment where the younger players can thrive.T20 World Cup FinalMarkram reflected on South Africa's journey to the T20 World Cup final earlier this year. He described the squad as a special group that had built a strong bond over many years. Markram believes that the team's unity and determination were key factors in their success. He also acknowledged the lessons learned from the final, which will help the team improve in the future.Busy ScheduleMarkram acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead for the South African team, including the upcoming India series, SA20, and Champions Trophy. He emphasized the importance of managing player workloads and ensuring that the team remains fresh and focused throughout the season. Markram believes that the team's depth and experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the busy schedule.

South Africa Elects to Bat First in ODI Opener Against IrelandIn the inaugural One-Day International (ODI) match between South Africa and Ireland in Abu Dhabi, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bat first. The decision was made after assessing the pitch, which featured additional grass cover and a projected par score of 260-270.Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen returned to the South African XI after missing the recent Afghanistan series, which the Proteas lost 2-1. Andy Balbirnie, who was omitted from the T20I squad, made his ODI comeback as an opener alongside Paul Stirling.Ireland handed a maiden ODI cap to legspinner Gavin Hoey, while Stephen Doheny took over wicketkeeping duties. The Irish team also included Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Graham Hume, and Craig Young.South Africa's batting lineup featured Rickelton as the wicketkeeper, followed by Tony de Zorzi, Bavuma, van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman.The match marked the first time the two teams had faced off in an ODI since 2019. South Africa holds a 3-1 advantage in their previous ODI encounters.

Ireland vs South Africa: Ireland Aim to Continue Momentum in First ODIIreland will face South Africa in the first ODI of a three-match series in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, October 2. The Irish team is brimming with confidence after their stunning victory over the Proteas in the second T20I, which resulted in a drawn series.The Adair brothers, Mark and Ross, were instrumental in Ireland's historic T20I triumph. Ross Adair smashed a century, while his brother Mark claimed four wickets. South Africa, on the other hand, appeared out of sorts in the series decider after their emphatic eight-wicket win in the first match.In the absence of Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma will lead the South African team in the ODI series. Ireland will be hoping to carry their momentum from the T20I series into the ODIs. They will be keen to prove that their T20I success was not a fluke and that they can compete with the top teams in the world.The match will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi and will start at 5 PM IST. It will not be telecasted on any TV channel but will be streamed live on FanCode.Key Points:* Ireland and South Africa will face off in the first ODI of a three-match series in Abu Dhabi.* Ireland are riding high on confidence after their T20I series draw against South Africa.* Ross Adair and Mark Adair were the stars for Ireland in the T20I series.* South Africa will be led by Temba Bavuma in the absence of Aiden Markram.* The match will be played at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi and will start at 5 PM IST.* The match will be streamed live on FanCode.

Rohit Sharma's transformation from an ordinary ODI batter to one of the greatest ODI openers of all time is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. After a slow start to his ODI career, Sharma's fortunes changed dramatically in 2013 when he was promoted to the opening slot. Since then, he has amassed over 8800 runs in ODIs, including 29 centuries and 44 fifties, at an astonishing average of 56.45 and strike rate of 96.29.However, Sharma's Test career was a different story. Despite a promising start with two centuries in his first two Tests, he struggled to live up to expectations and his future in red-ball cricket seemed uncertain. His numbers in 27 Tests were below par, with an average of 39.6 and only three centuries.In 2019, Sharma's Test career took a dramatic turn when he was promoted to open the innings against South Africa in Vizag. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands, smashing two centuries in the match and becoming only the sixth Indian to achieve this feat. Since then, Sharma has emerged as a genuine match-winner for India at the top of the order.In 34 Tests as an opener, Sharma has scored 2563 runs at an average of 48.35, including nine centuries and seven fifties. His strike rate of 65.16 at home showcases his aggressive mindset and ability to take the shine off the new ball.Sharma's overseas performances have also improved significantly since he became an opener. In 12 Tests outside India, he has an aggregate of 919 runs at an average of 43.76, with two centuries and five fifties. His century at The Oval in 2021 helped India draw the series against England, while his 127 against the West Indies in Roseau was a major contributing factor in India's victory.Sharma's rise to the top of the Test batting rankings is a testament to his hard work and determination. He has overcome adversity and proved his critics wrong. Today, he is one of the most feared batsmen in the world and a key player for India in all formats of the game.

England and Australia faced off in a thrilling fifth and final ODI match, with Australia winning the toss and electing to field. England openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett got off to a strong start, putting on 58 runs in the first 6 overs.Salt was particularly aggressive, hitting two sixes and a four off Aaron Hardie's bowling. However, Hardie eventually got his revenge, dismissing Salt for 45 off a short ball that was caught by Marnus Labuschagne at point.Duckett continued to play positively, hitting a four off Josh Hazlewood's bowling. However, he was also dismissed by Hardie, who bowled him for 27. Will Jacks came in at number 3 and played a solid innings, scoring 26 runs off 29 balls.England's middle order struggled to maintain the momentum, with Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Liam Livingstone all falling cheaply. Jacob Bethell and Brydon Carse provided some resistance, but England were eventually bowled out for 179 in 44.2 overs.Australia's bowlers were impressive, with Hardie taking 3 wickets for 32 runs and Hazlewood taking 2 wickets for 29 runs. Mitchell Starc also bowled well, taking 1 wicket for 36 runs.In reply, Australia's openers Travis Head and Matthew Short got off to a solid start, putting on 40 runs for the first wicket. However, England's bowlers fought back, with Olly Stone dismissing Head for 22 and Adil Rashid dismissing Short for 25.Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then steadied the innings, putting on 50 runs for the third wicket. Smith was eventually dismissed by Rashid for 30, but Labuschagne went on to score an unbeaten 62 off 76 balls.Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie provided some late fireworks, hitting 24 and 22 runs respectively. Australia eventually reached their target with 5 overs to spare, winning the match by 6 wickets.