Cricket

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a remarkable 48-ball 81, her career-best, propelling the defending champions to a decisive 82-run victory over Nepal in the Women's Asia Cup T20 tournament at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday. This win ensured India's progression to the semifinals.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India capitalized on the opportunity with Hemalatha contributing a valuable 47 runs. The partnership's aggressive approach was instrumental in India reaching a competitive total of 178 for three. Jemimah Rodrigues further bolstered the innings with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, enhancing the score with three boundaries in the concluding over.Facing a challenging target, Nepal's pursuit was hindered by India's proficient bowling attack, limiting them to 96 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The requirement for Nepal to surpass Pakistan's net run rate and secure a semifinal berth necessitated achieving the target within 10 overs, a feat they were unable to accomplish.Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 13 runs. She was well-supported by Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy, who took two wickets each, contributing to a formidable bowling performance that stifled Nepal's chase.Nepal's innings was characterized by regular wicket losses, with their top order struggling against India's seam and spin attack. Arundhati Reddy's early dismissal of Nepal's openers set the tone, while Deepti Sharma's all-round performance, including a direct hit, showcased India's dominance in the field.Shafali Verma's innings was a highlight, featuring an array of shots that put the Nepalese bowlers under pressure. Her aggressive batting, marked by 12 fours and a six, was particularly punishing against medium pacer Kabita Joshi and off-spinner Sabnam Rai. Hemalatha, despite a slower start, managed to support the innings effectively, contributing with both boundaries and a six.The match also witnessed moments of resilience from Nepal, including a missed catch opportunity that could have broken the opening partnership earlier. However, India's batting prowess and disciplined bowling ultimately proved too strong for Nepal, confirming India's place in the semifinals alongside Pakistan from Group A.

Indian Batters Rise in ICC T20I Rankings After Asia Cup PerformancesIndian batters Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma have made significant strides in the latest ICC Women's T20I Player Rankings, thanks to their impressive performances in the ongoing Women's Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.Harmanpreet, the Indian captain, and opener Shafali are now jointly ranked 11th in the T20I batting rankings. Harmanpreet's unbeaten 5 against Pakistan and 66 against the United Arab Emirates have helped her gain one spot, while Shafali's scores of 40 and 37 have lifted her four positions.Sri Lanka's off-spinner Inoshi Priyadharshani has also made a notable jump, advancing three places to a career-best fourth position after taking two wickets against Bangladesh and one against Malaysia.Other notable movers in the batting rankings include India's wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh (up four places to 24th), Bangladesh's Murshida Khatun (up six places to 47th), Sri Lanka's Vishmi Gunaratne (up seven places to 51st), and Thailand's Nattaya Boochatham (up 10 places to 76th).Among the bowlers, Bangladesh's Nahida Akter has risen nine places to 21st, while Marufa Akter is up one place to 26th. Sri Lanka's Udeshika Prabodhani has progressed four places to 30th, and India's Shreyanka Patil has surged 19 places to 41st.England captain Heather Knight has re-entered the top 20 in the batting rankings, gaining two spots after scoring a match-winning 46 not out off 31 balls in the final match of their home series against New Zealand. Her teammate, new-ball bowler Lauren Bell, has moved into the top 10 following a three-wicket haul.New Zealand's Amelia Kerr has advanced two places to 13th in the batting rankings, while her sister Jess Kerr has moved up five places to joint-42nd in the bowling rankings.

Indian Openers Dominate in Women's Asia Cup OpenerIn the inaugural match of the Women's Asia Cup 2024, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana showcased their aggressive batting prowess, leading their team to a comfortable victory over Pakistan.Chasing a modest target of 109 runs, Verma and Mandhana set the tone for India's chase with an explosive start. Verma, known for her power-hitting, contributed a crucial 40 runs, while Mandhana complemented her efforts with a well-crafted 45 runs.The duo's partnership was a masterclass in aggressive batting. They consistently found the boundary with an array of powerful strokes, including fours and sixes. Their dominance was evident in the sixth over, where they amassed 15 runs off Tuba Hassan's bowling, including two fours and a towering six.Mandhana and Verma displayed a remarkable understanding of each other's strengths, rotating the strike effectively and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Their ability to find gaps in the field and clear the boundary with ease kept the Pakistani fielders on their toes.The aggressive approach adopted by the Indian openers was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. It allowed them to maintain a healthy run rate and keep the required run rate within manageable limits. Their ability to score freely also provided the subsequent batters with the luxury of playing their natural game without undue pressure.Despite various strategies employed by the Pakistani bowlers, the Indian openers remained undeterred, showcasing their skill, temperament, and determination to succeed. Their partnership not only set the tone for India's successful chase but also highlighted the depth and quality of the Indian batting lineup.

The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 is set to kick off the tournament on July 19 in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Here's an in-depth analysis of the match:Recent Form:India has enjoyed a strong run in T20Is over the past year, winning 10 out of 17 matches. They clinched the Asian Games gold and swept Bangladesh 5-0. However, they faced setbacks in series against England and Australia.Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled in T20Is, winning only seven out of 19 matches. They lost series in Bangladesh, West Indies, and England. Their lone series win came against New Zealand.Head-to-Head Record:India holds a dominant edge in the head-to-head record against Pakistan, winning 11 out of 14 matches. At the Asia Cup, India has won five out of six encounters. However, Pakistan emerged victorious in their last meeting at the 2022 Asia Cup in Sylhet.Players to Watch:For India, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma are key players. Mandhana is a prolific run-scorer with over 3300 T20I runs, while Verma is a destructive opener with a high strike rate.Pakistan's star is captain Nida Dar, an all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. Sidra Amin has also been in impressive form, scoring 205 runs in eight innings this year.Broadcast Information:In India and Sri Lanka, the Women's Asia Cup 2024 will be telecast on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India.Conclusion:The India vs Pakistan match at the Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter. India will be looking to maintain their dominance, while Pakistan will be eager to upset their rivals. With both teams boasting talented players, the match is sure to deliver excitement and drama.

Indian Women's Cricketers Rise in ICC T20 RankingsIndian women's cricket team opener Shafali Verma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur have made significant strides in the latest ICC T20 rankings, released on Tuesday. Verma has climbed two positions to share the 15th rank with New Zealand's Amelia Kerr and England's Danni Wyatt, while Kaur has gained three places to occupy the 12th spot.Verma's impressive performances in the recently concluded series against South Africa have propelled her up the rankings. The young opener has been in scintillating form, scoring consistently and playing some eye-catching shots. Her ability to clear the boundary with ease has made her a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup.Kaur, who led India to a 2-1 series victory over South Africa, has also been rewarded for her consistent performances. The experienced all-rounder has been a key figure in the Indian team for many years, and her leadership and batting skills have been instrumental in their success.Smriti Mandhana, known for her aggressive batting style, remains the highest-ranked Indian batter, holding steady at the fifth position. Mandhana has been in excellent form in recent months, and her ability to score runs at a brisk pace has made her one of the most feared batters in the world.Among the bowlers, the experienced Deepti Sharma maintained her position at the third spot. Sharma has been a consistent performer for India, and her ability to bowl both spin and seam makes her a valuable asset to the team.Radha Yadav made significant progress, moving up eight places to reach the 15th rank. Yadav has been in impressive form in recent matches, and her ability to take wickets at crucial junctures has been a major factor in India's success.Pooja Vastrakar ascended six positions to secure the 23rd spot. Vastrakar has been a reliable all-rounder for India, and her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her a valuable member of the team.Shreyanka Patil also improved her standing, climbing nine places to occupy the 60th position. Patil has been a promising young bowler for India, and her recent performances have shown that she has the potential to become a top-class spinner.In other news, England spinner Sarah Glenn achieved a new career-high rating of 768 points. Glenn has taken eight wickets in the first four matches of England's ongoing T20I series at home against New Zealand. This achievement has allowed her to retain her position as the world's No.2 ranked T20I bowler.The only player ahead of Glenn in the ratings is her teammate and fellow spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, who also has eight scalps from the first four matches of the five-game series.

India's Women's Asia Cup title defense will rely on a familiar core group. The squad selected for the tournament mirrors the 17-member roster currently facing South Africa in the ongoing T20I series, with Amanjot Kaur and Shabnam Shakil being the only omissions.Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwar, and Meghna Singh will serve as traveling reserves as India embarks on its journey to Sri Lanka, the host nation and the team they defeated in the 2022 edition.India's batting lineup boasts a formidable top order, featuring the explosive Shafali Verma and the experienced Smriti Mandhana, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur providing stability in the middle order. Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry will share wicketkeeping duties.Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma's all-round abilities offer versatility to the team management, allowing them to adjust the XI based on conditions. India's first match in the Asia Cup will be against arch-rivals Pakistan on July 19. They will also face UAE and Nepal in the group stage, aiming to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.Dambulla will host all 15 matches of the tournament, including the semi-finals and the final. The Asia Cup serves as a crucial preparation for India ahead of the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.

The recently concluded one-off Test between India and South Africa in Lucknow highlighted the compelling case for more international Tests in the women's game. The match showcased a captivating blend of individual brilliance, gritty performances, and challenging conditions.India's batting prowess was on full display as Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana slammed a double century and a century, respectively, setting the tone for the game. Off-spinner Sneh Rana emerged as the match-winner, claiming a historic maiden ten-wicket haul (ten for 188). Her career-best figures of eight for 77 in the first innings included five of the last six wickets on the third morning.Despite India's comprehensive 10-wicket victory, the match was far from one-sided. The South Africans, despite not playing any multi-day games at home, showed remarkable resilience. After conceding a massive 337-run lead in the first innings, they fought back valiantly in the second.Skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus led the charge with valiant centuries. The Proteas adopted a patient approach, adjusting to the slow nature of the surface and playing on the backfoot. They managed to overhaul India's deficit by 36 runs, forcing the game into the final session on the last day.While India's dominance in Tests was underscored with their third win in seven months, South Africa's performance served as a reminder of the importance of investing in the longer format. The match provided a platform for both teams to showcase their skills and highlighted the need for more competitive opportunities in women's Test cricket.

The Indian women's cricket team made history on the opening day of the Test match against South Africa, scoring a mammoth 525 for the loss of four wickets. This was the most runs scored by any team in a day's play in Test history, surpassing the previous record of 509 set by Sri Lanka against Bangladesh in 2022.Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana led the charge for India, scoring 205 and 149 respectively. Verma's double century was the highest individual score by an Indian woman in Test cricket, while Mandhana's century was her second in the format.South African spinner Delmi Tucker was the most successful bowler for the Proteas, taking two wickets for 141 runs. However, she praised the Indian batters for their stunning performance."We will look back and refresh today, sit down and have discussions about tomorrow. Nothing taking away from their (Indian) batters today; they were phenomenal," Tucker said.The pitch was expected to be spin-friendly, but it played more like a batting paradise on Friday. Misfields and overthrows also added to South Africa's woes.Tucker admitted that the visitors could not execute their strategies well on the day, but she remained optimistic about their chances in the remaining days of the Test."We did try a few things when Smriti and Verma were batting. We switched to around the wicket and changed the field. We were happy with it for some time, but they took it away," she said."We could have definitely been better on the field. Yeah, it's hot out there. Also, overthrows and misfields are not the best of things. But, staying positive and sharp could help in avoiding those misfields."The South African women do not have a proper red-ball setup back home, which has made their task tougher. However, Tucker said they are still learning and improving."We (SA Women) are still young (in) Test cricket, so we are still getting used to it. It's tough unlike T20s and ODIs, but we are still learning," she said."I don't think we did too bad. We did our homework and we knew what was coming."

Shafali Verma Blazes to Record-Breaking Double Century in Women's Test CricketIndian opener Shafali Verma has etched her name in the annals of women's cricket history by smashing the fastest double-century in Test cricket. During the one-off match against South Africa in Lucknow, the 20-year-old prodigy surpassed Australia's Annabel Sutherland's previous record of 248 balls. Verma achieved the milestone in a mere 194 deliveries, showcasing her exceptional batting prowess.Verma's blistering knock propelled her to become the second Indian woman after former captain Mithali Raj to score a double century in Test cricket. Raj had achieved the feat in 2002, scoring 214 off 407 balls against England.Throughout her aggressive innings, Verma displayed her power-hitting abilities, striking 23 boundaries and eight towering sixes. She reached her double century with consecutive sixes off off-spinner Delmi Tucker, followed by a single. Her remarkable knock was eventually halted when she was run out for 205 off 197 balls.Verma's opening partner, Smriti Mandhana, also played a crucial role in India's dominant performance. Mandhana scored a brilliant 149 off 161 balls, including 27 boundaries and one six. Together, the duo formed a formidable opening partnership of 292 runs, which came off just 52 overs.India has been in complete control of the opening day against South Africa, scoring at a blistering pace close to a run-a-ball. Verma's record-breaking double century has set the tone for a potential Indian victory in the one-off Test match.