Cricket

Rain dashed New Zealand's hopes of a consolation victory against Sri Lanka, washing out the third and final One Day International (ODI) on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.Sri Lanka secured its fifth ODI series win at home this year after defeating the Black Caps in the first two rain-affected matches. New Zealand made a promising start in the series, reaching 112-1 in 21 overs before rain halted play. Will Young completed his half-century and remained unbeaten on 56, while Henry Nicholls finally found some form with an unbeaten 46.Both batters looked set to post a challenging total, sharing an 88-run stand off 106 balls. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka timed a spectacular leap to perfection at mid-off, taking a stunning catch over his head to dismiss Tim Robinson for 9 in the fourth over.Rain deprived Sri Lanka of testing its bench strength after the host made five changes. Seam bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe debuted but bowled only two overs for 14 runs. New Zealand brought in fast bowlers Zakary Foulkes, who made his ODI debut, and Adam Milne in place of Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy. Milne replaced Lockie Ferguson, who flew home after a calf injury during the preceding drawn Twenty20 series at Dambulla.The series served as preparation for New Zealand for next year's Champions Trophy, which Sri Lanka failed to qualify for by finishing ninth in last year's World Cup in India.

India's recent 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand has served as a "wake-up call" for the team, according to former cricketer Ajay Jadeja. However, he remains confident in India's ability to bounce back and secure a series win in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.Speaking at the Sportstar Sports Conclave in Rajasthan, Jadeja emphasized the importance of such setbacks in the team's development. "You need a wake-up call sometimes," he said. "We won the (T20) World Cup this year, we're the best team, with the best captain, but suddenly Rohit Sharma is criticized for not moving well. I feel for him."Despite the recent loss, Jadeja believes India has the experience and talent to overcome Australia in their own backyard. "We may not reach the World Test Championship final, but I believe we can secure the series win," he said. "Our team has more experience from multiple tours Down Under, unlike earlier eras when players only visited every eight years."Jadeja also praised the impact of Rishabh Pant, who played a pivotal role in India's 2020/21 series win in Australia. "He's freakish and brilliant," Jadeja said. However, he cautioned against stifling Pant's creativity. "As long as he's playing, he'll be one of India's best. The challenge lies in not stifling his creativity. Once you try to control such players, their brilliance diminishes. It's a double-edged sword."Jadeja also highlighted the mental strength required at the international level, citing Jasprit Bumrah as a prime example. "At that stage, it's about training your mind, not just your body," he said. "Bumrah is a prime example; despite being advised to change his action as a teenager, he trusted his instincts and persevered. That belief, paired with mental toughness, is remarkable."

Mumbai's Ranji Trophy campaign has been a topsy-turvy affair so far, but they will be hoping to kick-start their season with a win against Odisha from Wednesday. The defending champions have been placed fourth in a group of eight, and their relatively inexperienced batting line-up will be banking on captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer to take the game away from Odisha.Iyer, who ended his three-year First Class hundred drought last month, will be making his return to the side after taking a break from the last round. His inclusion is a major boost for Mumbai, who will be looking to him to provide stability and experience to their batting order.Odisha, on the other hand, are yet to take off in this campaign. They have played three matches so far, losing two and drawing one. However, they will be confident of causing an upset against Mumbai, having beaten them in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last year.The match will be played at the Sharad Pawar Cricket Academy ground in Mumbai. The pitch is expected to be a good batting surface, and both teams will be looking to post big scores.

Shubman Gill's technical prowess and unwavering determination were on full display as he crafted a magnificent 90-run knock on a challenging Indore pitch, giving India a crucial advantage in the third and final Test against New Zealand.Gill's innings was a testament to his meticulous preparation, as he revisited the technical work he had done before the five-Test series against England earlier this year. This allowed him to rediscover his rhythm and confidence against spinners, who were expected to dominate on the rank turner."I was just trying to have fun," Gill said after the day's play. "I love batting, and I wanted to enjoy the opportunity to bat for as long as possible."Gill's partnership with Rishabh Pant, who contributed a quickfire 60, gave India a 28-run lead. New Zealand ended the second day at 171 for 9, still trailing by 143 runs.Gill emphasized the importance of having a clear mindset while batting on a turning track. "I was trying to have fun and enjoy the moment, even if it was difficult," he said. "I wasn't putting too much pressure on myself."He also credited his partnership with Pant for releasing pressure on him. "The way Rishabh came in and started hitting those boundaries, it made it difficult for the bowlers to bowl consistently in that area," Gill said.Gill's innings was particularly impressive given the "bit of panic" that India experienced at the end of the opening day. However, he believes that "one good partnership" of 70-80 runs on the third morning should see the hosts through."It's all about one good partnership," Gill said. "When you are chasing a total which is around 150-160, if you have one good partnership of 70-80 runs, the match is done and dusted."Gill's performance has been a bright spot for India in a series that has been marred by inconsistent batting. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his unwavering belief in his abilities make him a valuable asset to the team.

The Ranji Trophy Group-C match between Bengal and Kerala ended in a dull draw at the Jadavpur University ground on Tuesday due to the massive loss of play on the first two days caused by the impact of Cyclone Dana.Resuming from 267 for seven, Kerala declared at 356 for nine, adding 89 quick runs in 18 overs in the morning. Overnight batters Salman Nizar and Mohammed Azharuddeen formed a 124-run partnership for the eighth wicket to guide Kerala to a position of strength.Azharuddeen (84, 97b, 11x4s, 2x6s) shouldered the responsibility and plundered 54, including six fours and two sixes off Shahbaz Ahmed and Mohammed Kaif, off 49 deliveries before falling to Kaif. Ishan Porel removed Nidheesh M.D. to pick up his sixth wicket.When Kerala declared its innings, Nizar (95 n.o., 262b, 8x4s, 1x6) was five short of what would have been his maiden ton.Chasing an improbable 357 in a little more than two sessions, Bengal openers, debutant Shuvam Dey (67, 113b, 7x4, 1x6) and Sudip Chatterjee (57, 102b, 9x4), batted sensibly to score half-centuries and put up 101 runs on an unresponsive track.Jalaj Saxena trapped Chatterjee lbw in the middle session, while Aditya Sarvate claimed Dey and Avilin Ghosh in consecutive overs after tea. Anustup Majumdar and Sudip Gharami displayed some patience and gamesmanship to last more than 22 overs as the match dragged on until bad light halted play.The match ended in a draw, with both teams securing one point apiece as the first innings could not be completed.

Hyderabad's relentless bowling attack, spearheaded by left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan's seven-wicket haul, proved too formidable for Pondicherry, leading to an emphatic innings and 50-run victory in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium.Thyagarajan's exceptional performance marked his 10th five-wicket haul in just 23 Ranji matches, showcasing his growing stature as a potent spin threat. Pondicherry's hopes of salvaging a draw were dashed as Hyderabad's bowlers maintained a relentless pressure throughout the fourth and final day.Opener Ganga Sridhar Raju provided a glimmer of hope for Pondicherry with a fine maiden Ranji century (106 off 214 balls). His gritty innings demonstrated his ability to counter the home team's attack on a pitch that showed signs of wear and tear. However, Raju's dismissal by Rohit Rayudu, a part-time off-spinner, proved to be a turning point.From that moment on, Hyderabad's bowlers took wickets at regular intervals. Akash Kargave (31), Marimuthu Vinkeshwaran (21), and Ankit Sharma (22 not out) offered some resistance, but there was no substantial partnership to threaten the hosts.Thyagarajan's consistent line and length, coupled with his ability to spin the ball sharply away, proved too much for Pondicherry's batsmen. He chipped away at the opposition's lineup, ensuring that there were no dramatic turnarounds.Left-arm spinner Aniketh, who had taken six wickets in the first innings, was below par in the second innings, failing to add to his tally. However, pace bowler Chama Milind continued to impress, picking up one wicket.With this victory, Hyderabad has now accumulated seven points from three games, solidifying their position in the tournament standings.

New Zealand's cricketers have enjoyed a remarkable week, with both the men's and women's teams achieving historic victories. The men's team secured their first Test match win in India in 36 years, while the women's team triumphed in the T20 World Cup for the first time ever.The women's victory was particularly impressive, as they overcame the host nation India in the final. The Indian team had begun their campaign with a loss to New Zealand, which ultimately proved costly as the Kiwis edged past them in the group stage and advanced to the semifinals.Harmanpreet Kaur's Indian team now has a chance for immediate revenge, as they face New Zealand in the first of a three-match ODI series on Thursday. The Indian women will be eager to settle the score from the T20 World Cup, where they were thrashed 4-1 by the White Ferns.Amelia Kerr was the star of that series win for New Zealand, plundering 353 runs at an average of 117.66. She will be a key player for the Kiwis once again, along with captain Sophie Devine and veteran Suzie Bates.The Indian bowlers will have their work cut out for them, as they face a formidable New Zealand batting lineup. Renuka Singh, Radha Yadav, and Deepti Sharma will need to be at their best to contain the likes of Kerr, Devine, and Bates.In the men's Test match, New Zealand's victory was built on a solid batting performance. Tom Latham and Devon Conway both scored centuries, while Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls made valuable contributions. The bowlers also played their part, with Tim Southee and Trent Boult taking seven wickets each.The victory was a significant achievement for New Zealand, as it ended India's long unbeaten streak at home. It also gave the Kiwis a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the second Test scheduled to begin on November 25.

Pakistan's frontline spinners, led by Noman Ali's eight-wicket haul, orchestrated a resounding 152-run victory over England in the second Test in Multan, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.Chasing a challenging target of 297 on a turning Multan Cricket Stadium pitch, England's batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure of Pakistan's spin attack. Skipper Ben Stokes, who has often played match-defining knocks, top-scored for England with 37, but his efforts proved futile.Noman Ali emerged as the star performer for Pakistan, claiming 8-46 in a devastating spell. His victims included England's top-order batters, including Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith. Off-spinner Sajid Khan also contributed with the wicket of Ollie Pope.England's batting woes began early on the fourth day's morning session, as they resumed on 36-2. Pope's dismissal in the second over set the tone for a collapse. Noman Ali then ran amok, trapping Root lbw and Brook in similar fashion.Stokes, known for his aggressive batting, attempted to revive England's hopes with a counterattacking approach. However, his dismissal, caught at midwicket while attempting a big shot, proved to be the final nail in the coffin.Pakistan's victory was a testament to the effectiveness of their spin attack on a turning track. The hosts' bowlers exploited the conditions to their advantage, making it difficult for England's batters to negotiate the spin and bounce.The result leaves the series evenly poised heading into the final Test in Karachi. Pakistan will be confident of securing a series win on home soil, while England will be determined to bounce back and claim the series.

Ajith Ram, a rising star in the Tamil Nadu cricket team, has emerged as a tireless workhorse in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament semifinal against Chhattisgarh. Despite the wicket offering little assistance to spinners, Ram has toiled relentlessly, bowling 42 overs in two days and claiming four wickets for 109 runs.Ram's unwavering determination to bowl long spells stems from his belief that it provides ample opportunities to outwit batters. "I love bowling a lot. Long spells mean more chances to pick up wickets," he said. "I enjoy the challenge of plotting a batter's dismissal."The 24-year-old spinner has carried his impressive form from the previous Ranji Trophy season into this tournament. He credits his success to his ability to adjust his bowling to the conditions and the batter's strengths. "When you bowl a lot in the long format, you can build up patiently for a batter," he explained. "I like that a lot."Ram's contributions have been crucial for Tamil Nadu, who are aiming to reach the final of the tournament. He has not only been economical with the ball but has also chipped in with valuable runs down the order. "It'll be better if I could contribute to the team with the bat," he said.Ram's performance has caught the attention of cricket pundits, who believe he has the potential to become a mainstay in the Tamil Nadu team and even the Indian national side. His ability to bowl long spells, control the run rate, and take wickets makes him a valuable asset to any team.As Tamil Nadu continues its quest for victory in the Buchi Babu tournament, Ram is expected to play a pivotal role. His tireless work ethic and unwavering determination will undoubtedly be key factors in his team's success.