Cricket

The highly anticipated first Test between India and New Zealand, scheduled to commence on Wednesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, faces the threat of rain interruptions. Weather forecasts predict consistent cloud cover and thunderstorms, with a high probability of precipitation throughout the five-day match.According to local weather reports, Bengaluru is expected to witness "generally cloudy sky with heavy rain" from October 16 to 18. While the forecast slightly improves for the final two days, rain remains a possibility. This inclement weather could force frequent stoppages and impact the flow of the game.India, fresh off a 2-0 Test series sweep against Bangladesh, currently lead the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged his team to avoid complacency against a formidable New Zealand side."New Zealand is a different challenge altogether. They have high-quality players who can hurt us. We respect them, but we don't fear anyone. We need to be focused from the first ball," Gambhir emphasized.India's Test schedule includes eight more matches before the conclusion of the 2024-25 WTC cycle. After the three-Test series against New Zealand, they will embark on a highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy tour of Australia, which will feature a five-Test series for the first time.The WTC final is scheduled to take place at Lord's in June 2024. India's performance in the upcoming Test matches will be crucial in determining their chances of reaching the final.

The T20 World Cup 2024 league stage has witnessed unexpected upsets and rain-induced interruptions, leaving several favorites in each group facing an uphill battle to reach the Super 8 stage.Group A:India, with six points, has secured a spot in the next round. USA needs to avoid defeat against Ireland to join India from Group A. Pakistan, despite a win over Canada, remains dependent on other results. They require Ireland to defeat USA and a victory in their final match against Ireland. Canada's hopes rest on winning their next game and hoping for both USA and Pakistan to lose with a lower NRR. Ireland, despite a poor NRR, has a slim chance of qualifying. They must win their remaining games by significant margins to improve their NRR.Group B:Australia has already qualified with three wins. England needs to win their remaining match and rely on Australia to defeat Scotland. Scotland's qualification is assured if they avoid defeat against Australia, even if England wins their final group game. Namibia and Oman have been eliminated.Group C:Afghanistan and West Indies have advanced to the Super 8 from Group C. New Zealand, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea have been eliminated.Group D:South Africa has qualified, while Sri Lanka has been eliminated. Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands are vying for the final Super 8 spot. Bangladesh needs a win against Nepal to secure their passage. The Netherlands can still qualify with a big win over Sri Lanka and a Nepal loss. Nepal must win both their remaining games and hope the Netherlands lose to South Africa.