Cricket

Sri Lanka is poised to make history by hosting its inaugural men's T10 competition from December 12 to 22, marking a significant milestone in the country's cricketing landscape. This tournament, organized in partnership with T Ten Global Sports, will feature six franchises, one more than the Lanka Premier League, Sri Lanka's premier T20 competition.The tournament's draft is scheduled for November 10, with overseas players expected to participate. The draft will also include emerging players from Zimbabwe and the West Indies, where T Ten Global Sports operates similar ventures.Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Shammi Silva expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, "I am confident that the first ever draft of the Lanka T10 Super League is going to set the platform for an exciting and entertaining tournament, which will add color to the Sri Lankan cricketing calendar and bring in a new experience to our players and fans, alike."The T10 tournament is strategically placed in the cricketing calendar, coinciding with an 11-day window between the conclusion of the second Test in South Africa and the commencement of a white-ball series in New Zealand. This timing ensures the availability of Sri Lanka's top men's players, including stars like Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana.The tournament is expected to attract significant attention from fans and media alike, providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills and for established stars to further enhance their reputations. With its fast-paced and action-packed format, the Lanka T10 Super League promises to deliver an unforgettable cricketing experience for all involved.

Texas Gladiators Triumph Over Los Angeles Waves in Thrilling NCL EncounterIn a captivating National Cricket League (NCL) match on Sunday, Texas Gladiators emerged victorious over Los Angeles Waves by a margin of 4 wickets. The match showcased the explosive nature of the T10 format, with both teams displaying impressive batting performances.Chasing a target of 127, Texas Gladiators relied on the brilliance of James Fuller and Dawid Malan. Fuller, known for his aggressive batting style, smashed 39 runs off just 10 deliveries, including one four and five towering sixes. Malan, the English international, contributed with a valuable 38 runs off 16 balls.The Los Angeles Waves had earlier set a competitive total of 126 for the loss of three wickets. Tim David led the charge with a blistering 51 off 20 balls, featuring one four and seven sixes. Shakib Al Hasan and George Munsey also made significant contributions with quickfire knocks.For Texas Gladiators, Jason Behrendorff, Nisarg Patel, and Ashmead Nedd shared the wickets, taking one each. However, it was Tymal Mills who posed the biggest threat to the opposition, conceding just 20 runs in two overs while claiming three crucial wickets.Despite Mills' efforts, Texas Gladiators managed to stay in control of the chase thanks to the early momentum provided by Malan. Partnerships with Kennar Lewis and Nick Kelly kept them on track, before Fuller's late fireworks sealed the victory with seven balls to spare.The T10 format has revolutionized cricket, introducing a new level of excitement and unpredictability. The NCL, with its global superstar lineup, is taking this format to new heights, showcasing the immense talent and skill of the sport's finest players.

The National Cricket League's (NCL) Sixty Strikers has taken the United States by storm, captivating fans with its star-studded roster and thrilling T10 format. Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has showcased his brilliance on the pitch, while other international stars have unleashed their explosive power.Behind the scenes, Pakistan's legendary paceman Wasim Akram revealed the genesis of the league. Organizer Arun Agarwal approached Akram during the 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the USA and West Indies. Initially skeptical due to the tight timeframe, Akram was impressed by the organizers' execution."This is amazing," Akram said. "When Arun Agarwal met me during the T20 World Cup, he asked me to join this tournament. I was not sure if such a league could be organized in such a short time, but I must say he has done a fantastic job."Akram praised the facilities provided to players and the high-quality cricket on display. "This gives fans another chance to see their favorite players in action," he said.The Sixty Strikers tournament has adopted the drop-in pitch concept used in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Akram expressed hope that the wickets would continue to hold up well."I congratulate the organizers for starting the league with such renowned players," Akram said. "I hope the drop-in pitch remains in good condition for the next 10 days."Cricket's popularity in the USA has surged since the 2024 T20 World Cup. "After the World Cup, there has definitely been an interest in cricket here," Akram said. "Cricket has got a boost. People here are now more aware of the game and its nuances."With the addition of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar to the league, Akram believes its popularity will skyrocket. "Sachin's presence will give this tournament immense recognition and credibility," he said. "I am excited to meet him and relive our on-field rivalry."

NY Lagos Strikers Dominate Zim Afro T10 with Consecutive WinsThe NY Lagos Strikers have made a resounding start to their Zim Afro T10 tournament campaign, securing two consecutive victories against formidable opponents. Their impressive performances have been spearheaded by the exceptional batting of Rassie van der Dussen, who has delivered two consecutive half-centuries.In their opening match against the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars, van der Dussen played a pivotal role in the Strikers' victory, scoring a solid 51 runs. His innings was characterized by a strong partnership with Avishka Fernando, who contributed 39 runs to their 79-run stand. This partnership proved crucial in turning the tide of the match in favor of the Strikers.Van der Dussen continued his impressive form in the second match against the Jo'Burg Bangla Tigers, notching up an unbeaten 81 runs off just 32 balls. His innings featured an astonishing eight sixes and four boundaries, showcasing his aggressive batting style. This performance was instrumental in securing another victory for the NY Lagos Strikers.Speaking about his consecutive half-centuries, van der Dussen emphasized the importance of getting off to a good start and putting pressure on the opposition. He also praised the team's opening partnership with Fernando, which has been a key factor in their success."I think it's pretty similar like any other T10 format, it's ten overs so we look to get off to a good start and then once you find that rhythm it becomes important to put your opposition under pressure," said van der Dussen. "We have a nice opening pairing so Avishka and myself had a pretty good start again and from then on, we knew we could keep the pressure on the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars."The NY Lagos Strikers' success has also been attributed to their strong bowling attack, which has restricted their opponents to low scores. Thisara Perera, a member of the Strikers, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and emphasized the importance of continuing their winning streak."Actually, I know when are winning two games, it's a good feeling you know. As a team we did really well, we also had good practice sessions. So we are on the right track, so we need to continue our good performance in the future also," said Perera.The NY Lagos Strikers will look to maintain their winning momentum in their upcoming matches as they aim to secure a place in the playoffs. Their impressive start to the tournament has established them as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.

Australian batting maestro David Warner has set his sights on amassing runs at the Harare Sports Club in the upcoming Zim Afro T10 tournament. However, Zimbabwean captain Sikandar Raza hopes that a local player will outshine the international stars.Raza, who was impressed by the quality of cricket in the inaugural edition, believes that the second season will be even more exciting with the addition of international players like Warner, Dawid Malan, James Neesham, and Colin Munro."We have attracted a lot more international cricketers, with the likes of David Warner, one of the main signings of the season this year," said Raza. "This is going to be a very exciting tournament for sure."However, Raza's primary goal is for a Zimbabwean player to excel in the tournament. "I'm really hoping and praying that it's a Zimbabwean who scores the most number of runs, takes the most number of catches, and takes the most number of wickets," he said. "The growth for Zimbabwean cricket in this tournament is very crucial."While Warner is a major signing, pacer Blessing Muzarabani is the only Zimbabwean to be named a Global Icon for the NYS Lagos. Raza expressed his pride in Muzarabani's achievement."Certainly, very happy with that," said Raza. "Blessing has done really well over the past year and he has suddenly earned that right to be a Global Icon as well. As long as there is Zimbabwean representation, it makes me happy."Raza, who was a standout performer in the inaugural edition, is determined to contribute to his team's success. "The mentality is the same: to win the trophy," he said. "Cricket is a team game, but filled with individual brilliance, and if I can contribute for the success of the team, it will go a long way."Raza also encouraged young Zimbabwean players to learn from the international stars. "Enjoy as much as you can, and learn and grow as much as you can," he said. "Try and spend as much time as you can with the overseas players that are here, because they only here for 9-10 days. Try and learn as much as you can and you'll see that you can take this learning in your personal growth and that will help you to become a better cricketer."Raza believes that the T10 format has the potential to grow the sport and even make it an Olympic event. "T10 is a format that can definitely take cricket to the Olympic Games," he said.