Cricket

Sri Lanka Opts to Bowl First in Women's Asia Cup Semi-Final Against PakistanIn a crucial semi-final clash of the Women's Asia Cup, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu elected to field first after winning the toss in Dambulla. Athapaththu expressed her team's intention to restrict Pakistan to a modest total of 140 or less.Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan fielded unchanged lineups for the high-stakes encounter. Pakistan skipper Nida Dar, on the other hand, preferred to bat first in a knockout match to alleviate pressure. She also stated that a score above 140 would provide a solid foundation for their defense.Sri Lanka, who have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, and Pakistan have experienced contrasting fortunes in T20I cricket this year. Athapaththu's team has triumphed in 12 of their 15 matches, while Pakistan has managed only three victories in 11 outings, with two of those wins coming in the ongoing Asia Cup.The winner of this semi-final will advance to the final to face India, who have already secured their place.Sri Lanka Playing XI:1. Vishmi Gunaratne2. Chamari Athapaththu (c)3. Harshitha Samarawickrama4. Hasini Perera5. Anushka Sanjeewaniu (wk)6. Kavisha Dilhari7. Nilakshika Silva8. Inoshi Priyadharshani9. Udeshika Prabodhani10. Sugandika Kumari11. Achini KulasuriyaPakistan Playing XI:1. Gull Feroza2. Muneeba Ali (wk)3. Sidra Amin4. Nida Dar (c)5. Omaima Sohail6. Aliya Riaz7. Fatima Sana8. Tuba Hassan9. Sadia Iqbal10. Nashra Sandhu11. Syeda Aroob Shah

India's newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav will make their debut as a leadership duo against a struggling Sri Lankan side in a series of limited-overs matches. The first game of the three-match T20I series will be held on Saturday in Pallekele.Gambhir, a two-time World Cup winner, takes over the coaching reins from Rahul Dravid. The new coach faces a significant challenge, considering that under Dravid's guidance, the team reached the final in each of the ICC events -- World Test Championship, ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup -- in the respective recent editions.Known for his tenacity and intense approach, Gambhir's coaching style will present a fresh experience for the players. They will also need to adapt to the leadership of their new T20I captain, Suryakumar.The selection of Suryakumar as captain came as a mild surprise, as he was chosen over Hardik Pandya despite his relatively limited captaincy experience. The BCCI selection committee emphasized their preference for a captain who was consistently available for selection and considered "dressing room feedback" when deciding to reset the T20I team's leadership.The Indian selectors have ample time to reconstruct the team for the next T20 World Cup in 2026, which will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Following the recent World Cup victory and the retirement of experienced players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from T20Is, the team finds itself in a transitional phase.This presents an opportunity for young talents like Shubman Gill, the vice-captain in both white-ball formats, to solidify his position in the team. Other promising players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag, will also aim to establish themselves.Axar Patel seamlessly steps into Jadeja's role in the playing eleven, while India boasts a wealth of all-round options with the presence of Pandya, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar.Jasprit Bumrah has been given a well-deserved rest for this tour, allowing Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj to capitalize on the favorable conditions at the Pallekele International Stadium.Sri Lanka's bowling attack has been weakened by the absence of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara. The team has brought in Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.The island nation, which won the T20 World Cup in 2014, is currently facing challenging times after being eliminated in the first round of the recent edition. In the wake of this disappointment, captain Wanindu Hasaranga, coach Chris Silverwood and consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene all submitted their resignations.Former SL captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim coach for Sri Lanka. He has encouraged his team to capitalize on the absence of experienced players in the Indian squad. However, Jayasuriya is well aware that his team is in dire need of consistent and strong performances to turn their fortunes around.The responsibility of leading the team has been given to the promising batsman Charith Asalanka, as Sri Lanka, similar to India, ventures into unfamiliar territory with the aim of improving their cricket.With the advantage of playing on their home turf, Sri Lanka have reason to be optimistic about changing their fortunes, considering the wealth of talent within their squad. This includes the aggressive former captain Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and the seasoned Dinesh Chandimal.

The Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024 is reaching its climax, with the semi-finals set to take place in Dambulla on Friday. India, the in-form team, will face Bangladesh, while hosts Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan.India vs BangladeshIndia, the tournament favorites, have won 10 of their 14 T20Is this year. They will rely on their spin-bowling allrounder Deepti Sharma, who has taken eight wickets in three matches. Bangladesh, on the other hand, have struggled with their batting but have found some form in the Asia Cup. Opener Murshida Khatun will be crucial for their chances.Sri Lanka vs PakistanSri Lanka, the hosts, have won 12 of their 15 T20Is this year. They have a strong all-round team and will be confident of winning their maiden Asia Cup title. Pakistan, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency in 2024. However, they will take confidence from their recent 10-wicket victory against UAE. Opener Gull Feroza has been in good form and will be a key player for them.Key Players* India: Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues* Bangladesh: Murshida Khatun, Nigar Sultana, Jahanara Alam* Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu, Vishmi Gunaratne, Inoka Ranaweera* Pakistan: Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Nida DarWhere to WatchIn 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.

Hosts Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have secured their spots in the semifinals of the Women's Asia Cup T20 tournament after dominant victories over Thailand and Malaysia, respectively.In the first match of the day, Bangladesh showcased their batting prowess with opener Murshida Khatun leading the charge with a blistering 80 off 59 deliveries. Skipper Nigar Sultana also contributed a valuable 62 off 37 balls, helping Bangladesh post a formidable total of 191 for 2.Malaysia's chase faltered as they were restricted to a mere 77 for 8 in 20 overs, handing Bangladesh a convincing victory.In the second match, Sri Lanka proved equally dominant, dismissing Thailand for a paltry 93 for 7. Wicket-keeper batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai top-scored for Thailand with a 47 off 53 balls.Sri Lanka's chase was a breeze, with skipper Chamari Athapaththu (49 not out) and Vishmi Gunaratne (39) guiding their team to a comfortable 10-wicket victory.In the semifinals, defending champions India will face Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan on Friday.

Thailand's captain, Thipatcha Putthawong, made a decisive call at the toss, opting to bat first against Sri Lanka in the crucial final group match of the Women's Asia Cup 2024. The Thai team remained unchanged from their previous encounter with Bangladesh, aiming for a "par score" and emphasizing partnerships.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, made four alterations to their lineup, bringing back experienced players like Hasini Perera and Udeshika Prabodhani. Captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed her desire to bat but acknowledged the opportunity to bowl first, citing their strong bowling unit.With Bangladesh already securing a semi-final berth, Sri Lanka stood at the top of Group B with two wins. A victory would guarantee their place in the final four, while even a narrow loss could suffice. Thailand, however, needed a substantial win to overtake Sri Lanka's net run rate.Sri Lanka had dominated their previous matches, crushing Bangladesh by seven wickets and Malaysia by 144 runs. Thailand, meanwhile, had a mixed record, winning against Malaysia but losing to Bangladesh.

Suryakumar Yadav Hints at Axar Patel's Inclusion in Playing XI for Sri Lanka T20I OpenerNewly appointed Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has dropped a strong indication that left-arm spinner Axar Patel will play a crucial role in the upcoming series opener against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.As India embarks on a new era under Yadav's leadership, the team's strategy and team selection will be closely scrutinized. Yadav, who previously captained India to a 4-1 series victory over Australia in 2023, will be eager to establish his authority and guide the team to success.During India's first training session in Sri Lanka, Yadav was captured on camera advising Patel to "take it easy" and that he would be "seen bowling in the third and fourth over." This comment suggests that Patel is likely to be included in the playing XI for the first T20I, especially considering the spin-friendly conditions expected in Pallekele.Patel's inclusion aligns with the strategy employed by former T20I captain Rohit Sharma, who frequently utilized Patel's skills during the powerplay overs. Patel's ability to control the run rate and pick up wickets early on could prove invaluable for India in the upcoming series.Yadav's decision to include Patel in the playing XI also highlights the importance of spin bowling in T20 cricket. With the advent of power-hitting and aggressive batting, spinners have become increasingly crucial in providing control and variation. Patel's left-arm orthodox bowling style and ability to generate turn and bounce could be a potent weapon for India in Sri Lanka.As India prepares for the first T20I against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on Yadav's leadership and the team's performance. The inclusion of Patel in the playing XI is a clear indication that Yadav is keen on utilizing the spinner's skills and establishing a balanced and effective team.

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh showcased their dominance in the Women's Asia Cup T20 tournament on Monday, securing emphatic victories over Malaysia and Thailand respectively.Sri Lanka, the host nation, unleashed a batting masterclass against Malaysia. Chamari Athapaththu led the charge with an extraordinary 119 not out off 69 deliveries, peppered with 14 boundaries and seven towering sixes. Her innings propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 184 for 4. Harshitha Madavi and Anushka Sanjeewani provided valuable support with contributions of 26 and 31 runs.Malaysia's batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of Sri Lanka's bowling attack. Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, and Kavisha Dilhari combined to dismantle the Malaysian innings, claiming three, two, and two wickets respectively. Malaysia was bundled out for a mere 40 runs in just 19.5 overs, with only Elsa Hunter reaching double figures.In the second match of the day, Bangladesh outplayed Thailand by seven wickets. Thailand's batting struggled to gain momentum, managing only 96 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Nattaya Boochatham's 40 off 41 balls was the lone bright spot for Thailand.Bangladesh's bowlers were in top form, with Rabeya Khan leading the charge with four wickets for 14 runs. Sabikun Nahar and Ritu Moni chipped in with two wickets each.Chasing a modest target of 97, Bangladesh cruised to victory in 17.3 overs. Murshida Khatun anchored the innings with a patient 50 off 55 balls. Dilara Akter and Ishma Tanjim provided support with contributions of 17 and 16 runs respectively.With these victories, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have emerged as the frontrunners in Group B, each with four points. They are well-positioned to secure semifinal berths as the tournament progresses.

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team, led by Chamari Athapaththu, has opted to bat first in their crucial Asia Cup semi-final clash against Malaysia. The match holds immense significance for both teams, with Sri Lanka aiming to secure a spot in the final and Malaysia seeking their first win of the tournament.Sri Lanka has made significant changes to their lineup, introducing four new players to the XI that defeated Bangladesh in their previous match. Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, and Achini Kulasuriya have been replaced by Ama Kanchana, Inoshi Priyadharshani, and Sachini Nisansala in the bowling department. Kawya Kavindi has also been included in the batting lineup, replacing Hasini Perera.Malaysia, on the other hand, has made a single change, handing a debut to 16-year-old Nur Izzatul Syafiqa in place of Jamahidiya Intan. The Malaysian team is under immense pressure to win this match after suffering a convincing defeat to Thailand in their opening fixture.The Sri Lankan team boasts a strong batting lineup, with Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari being key players to watch. Their bowling attack, led by Ama Kanchana and Inoshi Priyadharshani, will be crucial in containing the Malaysian batters.Malaysia will rely heavily on their captain, Winifred Duraisingam, and wicket-keeper Wan Julia for runs. Their bowling attack, featuring Elsa Hunter and Mahirah Izzati Ismail, will need to step up and restrict the Sri Lankan batters.The match promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to secure a place in the final. Sri Lanka will be the favorites, but Malaysia will be determined to cause an upset and make history.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, will make his debut as India's head coach with a limited overs series in Sri Lanka. The tour will commence with three T20I matches scheduled for July 27, 28, and 30 in Pallekele. The three-match T20I series will be followed by three ODI matches on August 2, 4, and 7 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.Gambhir, who was appointed as India's head coach in June 2023, will be tasked with guiding the team to success in the upcoming series. India will be looking to build on their recent success in white-ball cricket, having won the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2023 Asia Cup.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where they failed to qualify for the knockout stages. The hosts will be led by Dasun Shanaka, who will be looking to make a statement against a strong Indian team.The series is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams boasting a number of talented players. India will be relying on the experience of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, while Sri Lanka will be looking to their young stars, such as Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, to make an impact.The series will also be an opportunity for Gambhir to assess his team's strengths and weaknesses ahead of the 2023 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Australia later this year. India will be hoping to perform well in the series and build momentum ahead of the global tournament.