Cricket

India's World Cup-winning spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed his concerns about the challenges that the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women's cricket team will face in the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The tournament, which begins on Thursday in the UAE, will see India placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and New Zealand.Harbhajan believes that Australia will pose the biggest threat to India's title hopes. "Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions," he said. "But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat."India's recent record against Australia in T20Is is not encouraging, with the Aussies winning 23 of the 32 matches played between the two teams. However, Harbhajan also warned India of the potential threat posed by Sri Lanka, who recently defeated India in the Asia Cup final."Sri Lanka, too, after their recent series win against India, will be confident when they play against India," Harbhajan said. "So, that will also be a good contest."Despite the challenges, Harbhajan believes that India has the potential to win their maiden ICC title. "Team India will be the team to beat in this tournament," he said. "They have both experience and youth. Harman is in good form, Smriti is in good form, and Deepti is an unbelievable spinner.""They are a very capable team and have been playing very good cricket," Harbhajan added. "The unit looks solid. If India plays good cricket overall, I believe they will win this tournament."Harbhajan also advised the Indian team to take it one match at a time and not succumb to the pressure of the big occasion. "You have to try to give your best and not take pressure," he said. "At this stage, the only thing that matters is to know yourself and play as a unit. Results will follow."

The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 is fast approaching, and excitement is building worldwide for this highly anticipated cricketing spectacle. Six-time champions Australia enter the tournament as firm favorites to defend their title, boasting a well-balanced side led by Alyssa Healey.India, on the other hand, will be eager to build on their impressive start to the World Cup campaign, having defeated West Indies and South Africa in convincing fashion in the warm-up fixtures. However, they face a tough group that includes Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, leaving plenty of room for upsets.The change of venue from Bangladesh to the UAE has sparked discussions among experts. Georgie Heath, a Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Foundation ambassador, believes it will impact team strategies. England, for instance, has opted for a spin-heavy attack, while Australia has gone more seam-heavy.The UAE's batter-friendly conditions are expected to lead to higher scores and more attacking batting. Sri Lanka, with explosive batters like Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama, could benefit from this change.Despite Australia's dominance, Heath believes there are teams that can challenge them. England, with its world-class spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn, could be a force to be reckoned with. Sri Lanka, having won the Asia Cup and impressed in recent matches, is also a dark horse.India, despite their recent near misses, have yet to find the winning habit. Heath believes they need to overcome their tendency to fail at the final hurdle and develop a killer instinct.Pakistan, on the other hand, is struggling to find consistency and a winning formula. They have a young captain in Fatima Sana, but she may lack the experience and leadership qualities needed to guide the team.The Women's T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with several teams capable of challenging Australia's dominance. The change of venue and the emergence of dark horses add an extra layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated event.

Sri Lankan Spinner Praveen Jayawickrama Banned for One Year for Anti-Corruption BreachThe International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a one-year ban on Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama for breaching the anti-corruption code. The ban, which was announced on August 18, 2023, includes a six-month suspension.Jayawickrama admitted to obstructing an investigation by the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). The charges relate to both international cricket and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).The 24-year-old made his international debut in 2021 and has represented Sri Lanka in five Tests, five ODIs, and five T20Is. He last played for the national team in a T20I series against Australia in 2022.In the LPL, Jayawickrama played for the Jaffna Kings in 2021 and the Dambulla Sixers in 2024. He took two wickets in his only appearance for the Kings in 2021.The ICC's investigation into Jayawickrama's conduct began in August 2022. The specific details of the allegations against him have not been made public.Jayawickrama has accepted the ban and has expressed remorse for his actions. He has also pledged to cooperate fully with the ICC's ongoing investigation.The ICC's anti-corruption code is designed to protect the integrity of the sport. It prohibits players from engaging in any form of corruption, including match-fixing, spot-fixing, and betting on matches.The ICC has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and has taken a number of steps to strengthen its anti-corruption measures in recent years. These measures include increased education and awareness programs for players and officials, as well as the establishment of a dedicated Anti-Corruption Unit.

The World Test Championship (WTC) is nearing its conclusion, with 10 series remaining. The race for the top two spots is intensifying, with several teams vying for qualification.India's DominanceIndia currently leads the standings with 74.24 percentage points. They have a favorable schedule, with eight remaining Tests against New Zealand and Australia. If they win all eight, they will finish with 85.09%, securing their place in the final. However, they need at least four wins and two draws (56 points) to guarantee qualification, regardless of other results.Sri Lanka's SurgeSri Lanka has made a strong push towards the top two with 55.56 percentage points. They have four Tests remaining against South Africa and Australia. If they win all four, they will finish on 69.23%, assuring themselves of a final berth. Even if they lose one and win three, they will have a chance of qualifying, depending on other results.Australia's ContentionAustralia is currently in second place with 62.50 percentage points. They have seven Tests remaining against India and Sri Lanka. If they win all seven, they can finish on 76.32%. However, India and South Africa can still surpass them.South Africa's ChancesSouth Africa has 38.89 percentage points. They have six Tests remaining against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. If they win all six, they will finish with 69.44%, which should be enough for qualification. Five wins and a draw will keep them in contention, while five wins and a defeat will give them a chance if other results favor them.Other ContendersBangladesh, New Zealand, England, Pakistan, and West Indies have slimmer chances of qualifying. Bangladesh needs to win all four remaining Tests to improve to 56.25%, which may not be enough. New Zealand can theoretically finish with 64.29%, but their recent form suggests they won't reach that mark. England's maximum achievable percentage is 57.95%, while Pakistan can reach 59.52% if they win all seven remaining Tests. West Indies has already played four series and has only 20 points, making their qualification unlikely.ConclusionThe race for the top two spots in the WTC is heating up. India, Sri Lanka, Australia, and South Africa are the frontrunners, while Bangladesh, New Zealand, England, Pakistan, and West Indies have an outside chance. The remaining series will determine which teams will advance to the final and compete for the coveted WTC title.

A Canine Interruption and Sri Lanka's Triumph: Highlights from the Weekend in SportsOn Saturday, the Durham vs Kent County Championship match took an unexpected turn when a playful dog made its way onto the field. The adorable canine briefly halted play, leaving commentators and spectators alike in amusement. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media.Meanwhile, on the international cricket scene, Sri Lanka celebrated a historic victory against New Zealand in the second Test in Galle. Debutant off-spinner Nishan Peiris emerged as the hero, claiming six wickets to seal Sri Lanka's first series win against the Kiwis in 15 years.Peiris and fellow spinner Prabath Jayasuriya wreaked havoc on New Zealand's batting lineup, sharing 18 wickets in the match. Jayasuriya's six-wicket haul in the first innings restricted New Zealand to a mere 88 runs, while Peiris's six wickets in the second innings proved decisive.Despite a valiant effort from New Zealand's lower order, Sri Lanka's bowlers remained relentless. Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner all scored half-centuries, but it was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from securing an innings and 154-run victory.The win marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, as it is their first series triumph against New Zealand since 2009. It also extends their unbeaten streak at Galle to six Tests, with New Zealand's 360-run total being their highest innings score at the venue.

New Zealand's batting woes continued on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka, despite valiant efforts from Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell. The visitors resumed on 249 for 5, trailing by 353 runs, but lost three wickets in the first session to slip further behind.Phillips and Blundell, who had both scored half-centuries overnight, added 64 runs for the sixth wicket before Peiris dismissed them both. Phillips was caught at long-on for 78, while Blundell was trapped lbw for 60.Mitchell Santner then joined forces with Phillips to put on another 64 runs for the seventh wicket. Santner struck 48 not out off 56 balls, including two sixes and a four.However, New Zealand's lower order could not provide the necessary support, and they were eventually bowled out for 335, still 179 runs behind Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 602 for 5 declared.Peiris was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, finishing with figures of 5 for 155. He was ably supported by Prabath Jayasuriya, who took 3 for 77.New Zealand now face an uphill battle to save the match. They need to bat out the remaining two days without losing any further wickets, a task that looks increasingly unlikely given their fragile batting lineup.

Prabath Jayasuriya's exceptional bowling performance in the second Test against New Zealand was bolstered by the impressive debut of Nishan Peiris, who proved to be a formidable foil.In the first innings, Jayasuriya claimed five wickets, but his figures of 4 for 136 were hard-earned. However, in the second innings, he secured a customary Galle five-for, thanks to the improved control of his spin colleagues.Recognizing the need for more consistent support, Sri Lanka replaced Ramesh Mendis with Peiris. The debutant justified his selection on day three, claiming six wickets to match Jayasuriya's tally."When you bowl with him, it's very easy," Jayasuriya said of Peiris. "He bowled with a lot of confidence and showed his potential."The duo's combined efforts resulted in 13 New Zealand wickets falling on day three. Jayasuriya's nagging lines and lengths complemented Peiris's ability to drift, dip, and turn the ball away from left-handers.Peiris's variety was evident in his dismissals of Rachin Ravindra, who was bowled around his legs in the first innings and trapped lbw in the second."He gave me a lot of support," Jayasuriya added. "One bowler usually has to do the holding job, while the other attacks."Despite Sri Lanka's significant advantage, Jayasuriya remains cautious. He acknowledges that New Zealand's batters are capable of better performances."They were on the field for 600 runs and perhaps they were a bit tired," Jayasuriya said. "But I think they are a good side. Their top order has some experienced players.""We cannot take things lightly. What we do in the first hour will be crucial. We just need to bowl good deliveries."

Sri Lanka's relentless dominance continued in the second Test against New Zealand, as they closed in on a resounding victory at the Galle International Stadium. The hosts enforced a follow-on after dismissing the tourists for a paltry 88 in their first innings, and New Zealand found themselves in dire straits at stumps on day three, trailing by 303 runs with five wickets remaining.Tom Blundell (47*) and Glenn Phillips (32*) provided some resistance for the Kiwis, but the Sri Lankan bowlers remained relentless. Debutant off-spinner Nishan Peiris played a pivotal role, claiming three top-order wickets to leave New Zealand reeling at 199-5.Devon Conway, under pressure to retain his place in the side, showed resilience with a gritty 61 off 62 deliveries. He forged a 97-run partnership with former captain Kane Williamson, who contributed 48. However, Conway's resistance ended when he was lured into a drive by Dinesh Chandimal, who took a spectacular catch at deep cover.Williamson, ranked second in the world behind England's Joe Root, also departed after misjudging a shot off Peiris. Ramesh Mendis held onto a tumbling catch at long-on to end Williamson's innings.Tom Latham had earlier fallen for a duck, caught by Pathum Nissanka at short leg off Peiris. The off-spinner had also taken three wickets in New Zealand's first innings, including the prized scalp of Williamson.Sri Lanka's dominance was evident in their first innings, where they declared on a mammoth 602-5. Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya wreaked havoc in New Zealand's second innings, claiming 6-42 to take his tally to nine five-wicket hauls.Jayasuriya needs to dismiss all five remaining New Zealand batsmen to equal the record for the fastest bowler to reach 100 Test wickets, currently held by England's George Lohmann.

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.