Cricket

Pakistan's spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan wreaked havoc on England's batting lineup, leading Pakistan to a resounding nine-wicket victory in the third and decisive Test in Karachi. The triumph secured a memorable 2-1 series win for the hosts.Pakistan seized the initiative early on, establishing a crucial 77-run first-innings lead on a pitch that favored spinners from both sides. Noman and Sajid then turned the screws in England's second innings, bowling them out for a paltry 112.Noman claimed six wickets for 42 runs, while Sajid chipped in with four for 69. The duo accounted for 19 of England's 20 wickets in the match, with Pakistan's lone seamer, Aamer Jamal, remaining unused.Since being drafted into the team mid-series, Noman and Sajid have taken 39 of England's 40 wickets in the last two Tests. Their dominance has highlighted the spin-friendly conditions in Pakistan and exposed England's vulnerability against turning tracks."If you give England players even a slightly spinning track, they get nervous," Sajid remarked in a viral video. "Because the conditions they usually dominate make us nervous, but here it's they who get nervous."Pakistan's victory in the Test series is a significant boost ahead of their upcoming tour of Australia, where they will play three ODIs and three T20Is. The limited-overs series begins on Monday in Melbourne.

Pakistan's cricket team has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a 2-1 series victory against England on home soil. This triumph marks their first Test series win since 2021.After suffering an innings defeat in the series opener, Pakistan displayed resilience and determination to level the series in Multan. They then rolled out a raging turner in Rawalpindi, where their spin twins, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, wreaked havoc on the English batters.Ali and Khan claimed 19 of the 20 English wickets in the second Test, while also contributing useful cameos with the bat. Their performances vindicated Pakistan's bold selection call to drop three frontline players, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi.Sajid Khan, despite sustaining a cut on his chin while batting, returned to the field and spun a web around the English batters. Pakistan captain Shan Masood praised his team's character and fighting spirit, highlighting the contributions of players who "literally bled for us."England, on the other hand, struggled to adapt to the turning tracks and Pakistan's in-form spinners. Their usual tactics of swashbuckling batting proved inadequate, leading to a meager 112 in their second innings. Only Joe Root managed to offer some resistance with a score of 33.England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged the challenges faced by his team and expressed disappointment with their inability to match Pakistan's intensity. He emphasized the need to move on from the setbacks and prepare for the upcoming challenge in New Zealand.Pakistan's victory is a testament to their resilience and the effectiveness of their spin attack. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of home advantage in Test cricket.

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper renowned for his composure at the crease, endured a rare and frustrating third day in the second Test against Sri Lanka. Dismissed twice within just four hours, his uncharacteristic departures left New Zealand reeling at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday.Williamson's first dismissal came in New Zealand's first innings, when he misjudged a tossed-up delivery from spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and edged it to slip for just 7 off 53 balls. Following New Zealand's collapse to 88 all out, they were forced to follow on.In the second innings, Williamson partnered with Devon Conway in a resilient 97-run stand for the second wicket. However, his innings came to an abrupt end when he mistimed a shot off off-spinner Nishan Peiris and was caught by substitute fielder Ramesh Mendis for 46.Sri Lanka capitalized on these breakthroughs and was five wickets away from a comprehensive series victory at tea on day 3. Spinners Jayasuriya and Peiris dominated the day, pushing New Zealand into a corner as they continued to search for a way out of a dire situation.Williamson's uncharacteristic dismissals highlighted the pressure that Sri Lanka's spinners have exerted on the New Zealand batting lineup. The Black Caps will need to find a way to counter the spin threat if they are to avoid a series defeat.

India's Batting Woes Continue as Sri Lanka Clinch ODI SeriesIn a disappointing display, India's batting lineup crumbled against Sri Lanka's spin attack in the third and final ODI in Colombo. Chasing a competitive target of 249, India were bowled out for a mere 138, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive 110-run victory and their first bilateral ODI series win over India since 1997.Despite a promising start from Rohit Sharma, India's batters fell prey to the guile of Sri Lankan spinners Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana. Wellalage, who claimed a five-wicket haul, and Theekshana wreaked havoc on the Indian batting lineup, with Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and debutant Riyan Parag all falling victim to their spin wizardry.Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted a competitive total of 248/7, thanks to a well-paced 96 from opener Avishka Fernando and a solid contribution from Kusal Mendis (59). Fernando's innings laid the foundation for Sri Lanka, as he shared crucial partnerships with Pathum Nissanka (45) and Mendis.India's bowling effort was led by debutant Riyan Parag, who picked up three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav provided valuable support. However, the Sri Lankan batters managed to capitalize on the Indian bowlers' inconsistencies, with Mohammed Siraj proving expensive.The series victory marked a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, as they had not won a bilateral ODI series against India since 1997. The result also highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian team on turning tracks, as acknowledged by Maheesh Theekshana in his post-match comments."We knew they are used to small grounds and good wickets in India. So they would struggle on a big Premadasa ground. We knew we could get an advantage with some turn on the wicket, and we have good spinners," Theekshana said after the win.

Sri Lanka's stunning victory over India in the second ODI has set the stage for a thrilling series decider. Despite missing key players and facing a formidable Indian side, the hosts have shown remarkable resilience and determination.The match was dominated by spin, with the Khettarama Stadium's conditions favoring the slower bowlers. Jeffrey Vandersay emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka, claiming a sensational six-wicket haul to dismantle India's batting line-up. The visitors, who had looked comfortable at 150 for 6, collapsed to 225 all out.India's struggles against spin have become a major concern. Barring Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel, none of the other batters have looked at ease against the tweakers. The Indian team management will need to address this weakness before the series finale.Another area of concern for India is their inability to close out innings. In both games, they have allowed the Sri Lankan lower order to wag after having them six down for less than 150. This has resulted in totals above 200, which has proved challenging to chase.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have shown great character and adaptability. Despite losing Wanindu Hasaranga ahead of the second game, they have managed to secure a 1-0 lead. The team's performance has been a testament to the depth and talent within their squad.The series decider on Wednesday will be a crucial test for both teams. India will be desperate to avoid a series defeat, while Sri Lanka will be aiming to end a 27-year drought for a bilateral series win against the Men in Blue in ODIs.The match is expected to be another close contest, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. Sri Lanka will be hoping to exploit India's spin vulnerability, while India will need to find a way to counter the hosts' spinners and close out the innings effectively.

Trent Rockets commenced their Hundred campaign with a resounding 20-run victory over Northern Superchargers at Headingley, showcasing the prowess of their spin attack.Chasing a modest target of 124 on a dry pitch, the Superchargers faltered, mustering only 103 all out in 97 deliveries. Australian legspinner Alana King emerged as the tormentor-in-chief, claiming two crucial wickets for just 17 runs. Her mesmerizing delivery that dismissed Bess Heath would have drawn applause from the legendary Shane Warne.Lucy Higham's valiant 26 was the highest score for the Superchargers, but King, alongside fellow spinners Kirstie Gordon and Ash Gardner, tightened the screws. Aussie seamer Heather Graham also impressed with three wickets for 13 runs.Earlier, Grace Scrivens set the tone for the Rockets, showcasing her brilliance with six boundaries in her 32-run knock off 22 deliveries. However, her innings was cut short by Annabel Sutherland, who also accounted for Bryony Smith's wicket.Nat Sciver-Brunt, in a commendable all-round performance, remained unbeaten on 36 from 34 balls. Despite her efforts, the Superchargers' fielding was exceptional, restricting the Rockets to 123 for 5. Sutherland's three wickets, including Katie George's lbw dismissal, proved crucial in limiting the visitors' total.The Superchargers' batting faltered, falling short of the target as the Rockets secured a commanding victory."The wicket offered some turn and grip, which was beneficial for us," King remarked. "We kept our plans simple and it paid off. I relish pitches with some spin, and I'm delighted to have contributed."King expressed her satisfaction with the delivery that bowled Heath, describing it as a "leg-spinner's dream." She also praised the contributions of fellow Australians Gardner and Graham, highlighting the team's camaraderie.

Birmingham Bears' dominance in the Vitality Blast continued as they crushed Nottinghamshire Outlaws by nine wickets at Trent Bridge. The Bears' victory was built on a remarkable bowling performance that saw them dismiss the Outlaws for a paltry 57, their lowest total in the competition's history.The Outlaws' batting woes began in the powerplay, with George Garton and Zak Foulkes claiming three wickets. However, it was the Bears' spinners who wreaked havoc, with Jake Lintott, Moeen Ali, Dan Mousley, Danny Briggs, and Jacob Bethell sharing seven wickets.Nottinghamshire's only bright spot was a wicket for Afghan left-arm seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who made his debut for the county. However, the writing was on the wall from the outset, as the Outlaws collapsed to 16 for 4 in the powerplay.The Bears' batters made light work of the chase, reaching their target in just 32 balls. Rob Yates led the way with an unbeaten 35, hitting four fours and two sixes. The victory extended the Bears' winning streak to six matches and gave them an eighth win overall.In contrast, the Outlaws' hopes of retaining their title are fading fast. With only two wins from 10 matches, their only goal now is to avoid finishing bottom of the group.

England's spin quartet, led by Sarah Glenn's three-wicket haul, dominated New Zealand in the first T20I, setting the stage for a thrilling five-match series. Glenn's legspin proved devastating, claiming the wickets of experienced batters Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. Off-spinner Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets, while world No. 1 Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith took one each.Glenn expressed her delight at being part of such a formidable spin attack, emphasizing the diversity and effectiveness of each bowler. She welcomed the addition of Smith, who has consistently performed well in the powerplay and at the death.England captain Heather Knight indicated that the team would experiment with different combinations during the series to finalize their squad for the T20 World Cup in October. Glenn expressed confidence in the spin-heavy lineup, stating that it provided multiple perspectives and support.Despite their spin dominance, England dropped several catches and misfielded, which could have resulted in an even wider margin of victory. However, Glenn remained optimistic, believing that the team could improve their fielding with focus and intent.New Zealand's Suzie Bates acknowledged the challenge posed by England's spinners but expressed faith in her team's ability to counter-attack. She emphasized the need for bravery and aggression against the world-class spin attack.The series, which moves to Hove on Tuesday, will provide both teams with valuable preparation for the T20 World Cup. England will look to refine their spin-heavy strategy, while New Zealand will aim to find ways to neutralize it.

Southern Vipers, the reigning champions of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, showcased their dominance with a resounding 113-run victory over South East Stars. Maia Bouchier, the 25-year-old opener, led the charge with a career-best 93, propelling Vipers to a formidable total of 179 for 5.Bouchier's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as she dispatched the Stars' bowlers to all corners of the ground. She reached her half-century in just 27 balls, setting the tone for a high-scoring affair. Skipper Georgia Adams contributed 39, while Freya Kemp added a quickfire 30 at the end.In response, South East Stars' chase crumbled under the weight of Vipers' spin attack. Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, and Charli Knott combined to take nine wickets, with Dean claiming 3 for 5 and Smith 3 for 12. Bryony Smith, the Stars' skipper, was the only batter to offer any resistance, scoring 22 before being stumped.The Stars' innings never recovered from the early loss of three wickets in the powerplay. Paige Schofield, Tash Farrant, and Kalea Moore all fell cheaply, leaving the Stars reeling at 44 for 6. Knott wrapped up the innings in the 14th over, dismissing Alice Davidson-Richards and Emily Jones in quick succession.The victory ensures that Southern Vipers will enter Finals Day in Derby on Saturday as one of the favorites to retain their title. Their dominant performance against South East Stars serves as a warning to their rivals that they are a force to be reckoned with.