Cricket

Lancashire Lightning emerged victorious in a thrilling Vitality Blast T20 encounter against Worcestershire Rapids at Emirates Old Trafford, securing a two-wicket triumph. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess and bowling resilience.Worcestershire Rapids, batting first, posted a competitive 181 for four, thanks to a superb 74 from Josh Cobb and a quickfire 45 from Adam Hose. Cobb's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he smashed eight fours and three sixes. However, Lancashire's bowlers, led by Saqib Mahmood and Tom Hartley, kept the Rapids in check, restricting them to a manageable total.Lancashire's chase got off to a flying start, with Keaton Jennings scoring 40 off just 24 balls. However, the Rapids bowlers fought back, claiming three quick wickets to put the home side under pressure. Tom Bruce, playing his first T20 match for Lancashire, steadied the ship with a composed 50 not out, while Steven Croft and Chris Green provided valuable contributions.With the match hanging in the balance, Luke Wood stepped up for Lancashire, hitting the winning six off the fifth ball of the final over. His heroics ensured that Lancashire strengthened their hopes of a home quarter-final and prevented Worcestershire from achieving their first T20 double over the Red Rose county.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) season draws to a close, former Zimbabwe captain and renowned wicketkeeper-batter Andy Flower eagerly anticipates the upcoming T20I series between India and Zimbabwe, commencing in Harare on Saturday. Flower, who currently serves as an IPL coach, expressed his keen interest in observing the performance of the young Indian team against Zimbabwe."This second-tier Indian team — and I am not disparaging — is the next best bunch of Indian cricketers," Flower remarked in an interview with The Hindu. "It is going to be fascinating to watch. Because I am an IPL coach at the moment, it is very interesting for me to get up close and personal, watching them play and getting to know some of them."Flower's comments highlight the depth of talent within the Indian cricket system, with the second-tier team representing a formidable force in its own right. The series against Zimbabwe provides an opportunity for these young players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a place in the senior national team.Flower also praised the Indian team that triumphed in the recent T20 World Cup, particularly the performances of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav. "I thought the big difference would be Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav," he said. "I was surprised the spinners didn't do better in that match, but Bumrah was outstanding again. He is a different gravy, isn't he? He is a class apart from all the other seamers in world cricket, in the white-ball game."Bumrah's exceptional pace and accuracy have made him one of the most feared bowlers in the world, while Yadav's variations and ability to deceive batsmen have proven invaluable to the Indian team.Flower also commented on the departure of Rahul Dravid as the Indian coach, expressing his admiration for Dravid's contributions to Indian cricket. "He has been on the road for a while as coach and he also worked at the NCA for a number of years and that would have benefited Indian cricket hugely," Flower said. "And he has done an outstanding job with the Indian team. In everything that he has taken on, he has always handled himself with grace, dignity, and integrity."Dravid's tenure as coach was marked by a renewed focus on discipline and professionalism, as well as a commitment to developing young players. His departure leaves a significant void in Indian cricket, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of players.

India's T20 team embarks on a new chapter without its talismanic duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as they embark on a five-match series against Zimbabwe starting July 6 in Harare. This series marks a transition for the team, as they seek to identify and nurture future stars for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India.Shubman Gill, who was a reserve in the T20 World Cup-winning squad, will lead the young Indian team. He will be joined by a host of IPL performers, including Punjab's Abhishek Sharma, Assam's Riyan Parag, and Sanju Samson. All these players are expected to make their international debuts during the series.The absence of Rohit and Kohli will be felt, but it also presents an opportunity for the new faces to showcase their skills. Zimbabwe may not be the most formidable opposition, but in T20 cricket, the gap between teams is relatively smaller. The hosts, led by the gutsy Sikandar Raza, could prove to be a handful on nippy afternoons at the Harare Sports Club.The series will provide valuable experience for the young Indian players, who will be vying for a place in the team for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will join the squad from the third match onwards, giving them a chance to impress.The Indian team will play 34 T20 matches between now and the 2026 World Cup. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav will also be back in the fold, but there will be limited vacancies in the playing eleven.The series against Zimbabwe will be a crucial step in India's preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The young players will have the opportunity to prove their mettle and stake their claim for a place in the team.

The Indian cricket team will require two to three years to regain its dominance in T20 cricket following the international retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, according to BCCI President Roger Binny.Kohli, 35, and Sharma, 37, played pivotal roles in India's second T20 World Cup triumph on Saturday, defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final. However, both players have now stepped away from the T20I format."There is so much talent in the IPL, and many cricketers are coming through, but it will take some time to bridge the gap after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is," Binny said."They have contributed so much. It's going to take time. We will probably see in the next two-three years, the team coming back into its own without them."Sharma leaves T20Is with 4231 runs from 159 matches, including five centuries and 32 fifties. Kohli, in 125 T20I matches, scored 4188 runs at an average of 48.69, with his highest score being 122 against Afghanistan in 2022.Both players will continue to play in the IPL and represent India in ODIs and Tests.Binny, who was part of India's 1983 ODI World Cup-winning team, believes that the maiden World Cup victory transformed India from underdogs to contenders."In 1983, we went as underdogs. But after that, that tag was taken off us. Whenever we go into World Cup, people expect India to win. No one is taking us lightly anymore," he said.The conclusion of the T20 World Cup marks the end of Rahul Dravid's tenure as head coach. There is speculation that former opener Gautam Gambhir will replace him, but Binny declined to comment on the matter."Nothing concrete has come yet. Gautam Gambhir has a lot of experience. He has worked with teams. He played Test matches, ODIs, T20s. Let's see," he said.

Rohit Sharma's Historic Milestone: First Player to Hit 200 Sixes in T20IsIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has etched his name in the annals of T20 cricket history by becoming the first player to smash 200 sixes in international matches. This remarkable feat was achieved during a crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 encounter against Australia in St Lucia.Rohit's achievement is a testament to his exceptional power-hitting abilities and his dominance in the shortest format of the game. He has consistently cleared the boundary with ease, leaving his opponents in awe and delighting fans worldwide.The closest to Rohit's record is New Zealand's Martin Guptill, who has 173 sixes to his name. Despite Guptill's impressive hitting prowess, Rohit's ability to hit sixes with such regularity sets him apart as a true master of the T20 format.Following Guptill, England's Jos Buttler has hit 137 sixes. Known for his innovative shots and aggressive batting style, Buttler's tally, while impressive, is still a significant distance from Rohit's unprecedented figure.Australia's Glenn Maxwell, renowned for his explosive batting and ability to turn a game on its head, has amassed 133 sixes. His unorthodox style and fearless approach have made him a key player in the T20 format. Close behind Maxwell is West Indies' Nicholas Pooran, a rising star in international cricket, with 132 sixes. Pooran's flair and talent promise a bright future, but he too has a long way to go to catch up with Rohit.Rohit's 200 sixes highlight not only his power but also his longevity and consistency in T20 cricket. He has been a mainstay in the Indian team for over a decade, consistently delivering match-winning performances and inspiring his teammates.As Rohit continues to push boundaries and set new records, fans worldwide eagerly await what the 'Hitman' will achieve next in his illustrious career. His ability to hit sixes with such ease and regularity has made him one of the most feared and respected batsmen in the world.

India Dominates Bangladesh in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 ClashIn a highly anticipated all-Asian clash at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, India extended their unbeaten streak in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding victory over Bangladesh.Bangladesh, who elected to bowl first, failed to contain the Indian batting onslaught. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, despite their recent struggles, found their rhythm and put on a solid opening partnership. Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant continued the momentum, with Yadav scoring a blistering half-century.India's bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, were equally impressive. They restricted Bangladesh to a modest total, with Mustafizur Rahman being the only bright spot for the Tigers.India's Batting MasterclassRohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set the tone for India's batting dominance. Sharma, who had been criticized for his slow starts, played a more aggressive role, hitting boundaries at will. Kohli, too, looked in good touch, timing the ball sweetly.Suryakumar Yadav, known for his unorthodox strokeplay, was at his best. He played a whirlwind knock of 54 runs off just 29 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Rishabh Pant provided the finishing touches with a quickfire 35 off 20 deliveries.Bangladesh's Bowling WoesBangladesh's bowlers struggled to contain India's batting firepower. Mahedi Hasan, who had been impressive in previous matches, was taken for runs. Shakib Al Hasan, the veteran all-rounder, also failed to make an impact.Mustafizur Rahman was the only bowler who managed to trouble the Indian batters. He picked up two wickets, including the prized scalp of Virat Kohli. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent India from posting a formidable total.India's Bowling DominanceIndia's bowlers continued their impressive form, restricting Bangladesh to a below-par score. Jasprit Bumrah was once again the star performer, taking three wickets for just 15 runs.Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with two wickets each. Bangladesh's batters were unable to cope with the pace and accuracy of the Indian bowlers.ConclusionIndia's victory over Bangladesh was a comprehensive display of their dominance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Their batting lineup is firing on all cylinders, while their bowling attack is proving to be impenetrable.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to turn their fortunes around. They have a tough task ahead of them, with matches against South Africa and Australia still to come.

Ahead of India's crucial Super Eights clash against Bangladesh in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, former West Indies legend Brian Lara has expressed confidence in the Indian opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Lara believes that the experienced duo will deliver a strong performance against Bangladesh, setting the tone for India's knockout stage aspirations.India currently sits in second place in Group 1 of the Super Eights, with a win against Afghanistan and two points. Bangladesh, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the table after losing to Australia. This match is crucial for Bangladesh to keep their Super Eights hopes alive, while India can virtually secure a semifinal berth with a victory.Despite the opening pair's struggles in the tournament so far, Lara remains optimistic about their ability to turn things around. "India is going to be 100 without loss in that match if they bat first, right? And even if they bat second, they are going to be 100 without loss," Lara said.Lara acknowledged the threat posed by Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman, but he believes that Rohit and Kohli's experience will prove too much for the opposition. "Of course, Fizz (Mustafizur) is an amazing bowler. He is going to come out and threaten, but I just feel that India is just too much," Lara said.Lara also praised the opening pair's overall quality, emphasizing their status as two of the best T20I players in the world. "I think it (Rohit-Virat pair) is going to give India that impetus that is needed going into the back end of the tournament of the semi-finals and the finals," Lara said.While the tournament has been dominated by bowlers, Lara believes that India's opening partnership can provide the necessary impetus for the team's success. "This World Cup is a World Cup where no team is very dominant because of the state of the pitches. But if India can solve the opening problem, and it is not a problem, it is the two best T20 players in the world, they are not going to run right now," Lara concluded.

Durham's thrilling come-from-behind victory over Yorkshire in the North Group of the Vitality Blast was a testament to their resilience and the heroics of Australian quick Ben Dwarshuis.Chasing 171, Yorkshire appeared to be cruising at 113 for 2 before leg-spinner Nathan Sowter's brilliance turned the tide. He dismissed Will Luxton and Jordan Thompson in quick succession, leaving Yorkshire vulnerable.Dwarshuis, playing in only his third game for Durham, then claimed his first wicket in the last over and defended four off the last ball against George Hill. The Vikings finished on 167 for 7, handing Durham a crucial three-run victory.Opener Graham Clark top-scored for Durham with 49 off 35 balls, while Adam Lyth led Yorkshire's chase with 54. Dan Moriarty impressed with two for 26 for Yorkshire, but Sowter's impact was pivotal.Durham's innings started brightly, with Clark and Alex Lees taking 10 off the first over. However, Yorkshire restricted them to 44 for 1 after six overs. Clark's dismissal for 49 in the 13th over left Durham struggling, but Ollie Robinson, Bas de Leede, and Michael Jones provided a late surge, contributing 64 runs off the last five overs.Yorkshire's chase began promisingly, with Lyth hitting two leg-side sixes. However, the loss of Dawid Malan and Joe Root raised Durham's hopes. Luxton threatened to take the game away with his aggressive batting, but Sowter's brilliance and Dwarshuis's heroics ultimately proved decisive.

Surrey's dominance in the Vitality Blast South Group continued as they crushed Glamorgan by nine wickets at the Kia Oval. The victory was set up by a superb bowling performance, led by Gus Atkinson, Sean Abbott, and Spencer Johnson, who restricted Glamorgan to a paltry 107 for 9.Atkinson struck early, dismissing Kiran Carlson and Sam Northeast in the second over. Abbott then joined the party, removing Colin Ingram in the sixth over. Glamorgan's struggles continued against spin, with Dan Lawrence and Cameron Steel claiming wickets.Ben Kellaway and Dan Douthwaite briefly threatened a recovery, but Johnson and Abbott returned to extinguish their hopes. Chris Cooke, Andy Gorvin, and Mason Crane all fell cheaply, leaving Glamorgan reeling at 84 for 8.Only a late flurry of boundaries from Chris Sole and Jamie McIlroy prevented Glamorgan from being bowled out for under 100.In reply, Surrey openers Dan Lawrence and Dom Sibley launched a blistering attack, adding 53 runs in the powerplay. Lawrence departed for 27, but Sibley continued his onslaught, finishing on 43 not out from 26 balls.Laurie Evans then joined the fray, smashing an unbeaten 31 from 13 balls, including two sixes. Surrey reached their target in just nine overs, securing their sixth win from eight group games.For Glamorgan, it was a disappointing sixth defeat in eight matches, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the South Group standings.