Cricket

Bangladesh's batting woes continue to haunt them as they struggle to consistently post competitive totals in T20 cricket. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has acknowledged the team's shortcomings, admitting that they lack the skills and mentality to score 180-plus runs on a regular basis.Shanto believes that the lack of high-scoring wickets in Bangladesh has contributed to their batting struggles. "We play on 140-150 wickets at home. Our batters don't know how to score 180 runs," he said. "I won't blame just the wickets, but we have to consider skills and mentality."The team's powerplay approach has also come under scrutiny, with the opening stands contributing only 69 runs in the last eight innings. Shanto emphasized the importance of a strong start, saying, "Powerplay is definitely a worry. The approach we talked about (before the game), it will be successful if we make a good start with the bat."Shanto defended his team's performance against India, saying, "We are a better team than this. We haven't done well in this format for a long time, but I don't believe we are such a bad team." However, he acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in shot selection.The captain also praised Indian pacer Mayank Yadav, who made an impressive debut on Sunday. "He is a good bowler," Shanto said. "But we have some similar fast bowlers in the nets. I don't think we were too worried about (Mayank Yadav)."Bangladesh will need to address their batting issues if they want to compete with the top teams in T20 cricket. Shanto and his team have a lot of work to do, but they remain confident that they can turn things around.

Pakistan cricket legend Zaheer Abbas, renowned as the "Asian Bradman," has expressed deep concern over the decline of Pakistan cricket, attributing it to the excessive emphasis on T20 cricket and the influx of money that has shifted players' focus away from the game.Speaking at the 'Cricket Predicta Conclave' in Bahi Ajman Palace hotel, Abbas lamented, "There's too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket. This is why we're not performing well in the longer format."Abbas's comments highlight the growing debate in the cricketing world about the imbalance between different formats, with T20 cricket drawing widespread attention at the cost of the traditional Test format.Abbas, who led Pakistan cricket to unprecedented heights during his playing days, expressed dismay over the modern players' preoccupation with financial gain. "So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself," he remarked.This shift, according to Abbas, is one of the key reasons Pakistan has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position in international cricket, particularly in Test matches.The former Pakistan captain did not mince words when speaking about the leadership within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). "It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket," he said, expressing frustration with cricket administration in the country."We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players."Abbas also touched upon the much-anticipated 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan. Advocating for a smooth cricketing exchange between India and Pakistan, Abbas said, "The Indian team should tour Pakistan, as it will promote cricket in the subcontinent, especially in Pakistan."He stressed that India's presence in Pakistan would be a positive development, adding, "The Indian team is a great ambassador of cricket. If they come and play in Pakistan, it will take cricket forward in our country."The strained relationship between India and Pakistan has impacted their cricketing ties, with bilateral series between the two sides on hold for several years. Abbas's appeal reflects a desire for renewed engagement between the neighboring countries, which would help revive cricket in Pakistan.Despite his own status as one of cricket's all-time greats, Zaheer Abbas still holds Sir Gary Sobers in the highest regard. "Gary Sobers is the greatest cricketer in the world, in my eyes," said Abbas, reminiscing about his dream of playing alongside Sobers.That dream came true when Abbas was selected for the World XI in 1971-72, with Sobers as captain. "I was so happy to know that Gary was my captain. It was a moment I could hardly express," Abbas recalled with admiration.During this period, the World XI played 16 matches, including five against Australia that were initially granted official Test status, although this status was later revoked. "Gary was not only a great cricketer and a brilliant captain but also a wonderful human being," Abbas said, underscoring the profound influence Sobers had on his career.Abbas also recounted a humorous yet unforgettable incident from a Test match against India in 1978, when he was on 96 runs and faced an unexpected bowler--Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar."When I saw Gavaskar coming to bowl, I thought it would be tough for me. I wasn't taking him seriously," Abbas chuckled. However, his light-hearted approach cost him dearly. "I played a shot, it went in the air, and I was caught," he said.That moment marked Gavaskar's only wicket in Test cricket, a fact the Indian great would later fondly recall. "Gavaskar said he'll always be proud of the fact that his first and only Test wicket was that of Zaheer Abbas," Abbas shared with a smile.

The India-Bangladesh rivalry in T20 internationals has been marked by thrilling encounters and unforgettable moments. Here are some of the most memorable clashes between these two teams:1. 2016 World Cup Final-Over Thriller (Bengaluru)In the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, India and Bangladesh faced off in a Super 10 match that ended in a dramatic finish. Chasing 147, Bangladesh needed 11 runs off the last over with four wickets in hand. Hardik Pandya bowled the final over, and Bangladesh seemed poised for victory with just 2 runs needed off 3 balls. However, Pandya took two wickets in two balls, leaving Bangladesh requiring two off the final delivery. Shuvagata Hom tried to sneak a single, but MS Dhoni's lightning-fast sprint to run out Mustafizur Rahman sealed a miraculous 1-run victory for India.2. Karthik's Last-Ball Heroics - Nidahas Trophy Final (2018)In the Nidahas Trophy final in 2018, India needed 167 to win against Bangladesh. India struggled in the chase, and with 34 runs needed off the last two overs, Bangladesh seemed to have the upper hand. Enter Dinesh Karthik. His unbeaten 29 off just 8 balls, including three sixes and two fours, turned the game on its head. The match went down to the last ball, with India needing 5 runs to win. Karthik struck a sensational flat six over extra cover off Soumya Sarkar's bowling, sealing a nail-biting 4-wicket victory for India.3. Asia Cup T20 Final (2016)In the 2016 Asia Cup final in Dhaka, India and Bangladesh met in a rain-shortened 15-over match. Bangladesh posted a challenging total of 120, and India's chase was led by Shikhar Dhawan, who played a fluent knock of 60 off 44 balls. While Bangladesh kept the pressure on, MS Dhoni once again finished the game in style, hitting a towering six to seal an 8-wicket win for India.4. Deepak Chahar's Record-Breaking Spell (Nagpur 2019)In the 2019 T20I series decider in Nagpur, India and Bangladesh were tied at 1-1. Bangladesh was in control of their chase of 175, but Deepak Chahar produced a sensational spell of bowling, taking 6 wickets for just 7 runs, including a hat-trick. Chahar's spell not only turned the game in India's favor but also set a new record for the best bowling figures in T20 internationals. Bangladesh was bowled out for 144, handing India a series-clinching 30-run victory.5. Bangladesh's Only Win vs India, 2019Bangladesh secured their first and only T20I victory against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi in November 2019. Batting first, India posted 148/6. Bangladesh, in reply, chased down the target with three balls to spare, thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 60 off 43 balls.

India vs Pakistan: A Rivalry Defined by Close Encounters in T20 World CupsIndia and Pakistan, two cricketing powerhouses, have engaged in a captivating rivalry in the T20 World Cup, with each encounter marked by intense competition and thrilling finishes. Their first meeting in the inaugural Women's T20 World Cup in 2009 set the tone for a series of memorable clashes.India has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 12 of the 15 matches played so far. However, Pakistan has shown resilience, triumphing in three games, including a narrow two-run victory in the 2016 edition.In the T20 World Cup, India has maintained its dominance, winning five of the seven matches against Pakistan. The upcoming encounter on Sunday in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup promises to be another nail-biting affair.Key Moments in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Encounters:* 2009: India's Priyanka Roy claimed a five-wicket haul to restrict Pakistan to 75, leading India to a five-wicket victory.* 2010: Poonam Raut's unbeaten 54 guided India to a nine-wicket win, chasing down Pakistan's 104/6.* 2012: Pakistan's Nida Dar's three wickets helped restrict India to 97/8, securing a one-run victory for Pakistan.* 2014: India's Soniya Dabir took three wickets to restrict Pakistan to 100/9, securing a six-run victory.* 2016: Rain played a crucial role, with Pakistan declared the winner by two runs (DLS) after being ahead of the par score.* 2018: Mithali Raj's 56 off 47 led India to a seven-wicket victory, chasing down Pakistan's 133/7.* 2023: Jemimah Rodrigues' whirlwind 53 not out helped India chase down Pakistan's 149/4, securing a seven-wicket victory.Upcoming Clash:India and Pakistan will face off on Sunday in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. India, coming off a heavy defeat to New Zealand, will be eager to bounce back, while Pakistan will be confident after their victory over Sri Lanka. The match promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams determined to secure a crucial victory.

Pakistan cricket legend Zaheer Abbas has expressed his concerns over the decline of the sport in his country, citing the excessive focus on T20 cricket and the influx of money as major contributing factors.Abbas, who played a pivotal role in elevating Pakistan cricket to great heights during his playing days, believes that the proliferation of T20 cricket has created an imbalance in the game. He lamented that players have become overly focused on the shorter format, neglecting the fundamentals of Test cricket."There's too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket," Abbas said. "This is why we're not performing well in the longer format."The former Pakistan captain also criticized the growing emphasis on financial gains among modern players. He believes that the pursuit of money has diverted their attention from the game itself."So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself," Abbas remarked.Abbas also took aim at the leadership within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of lacking understanding of the game. He expressed frustration with the cricket administration in the country, which he believes is more concerned with personal interests than with the development of the sport."It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket," Abbas said. "We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players."Despite the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, Abbas remains optimistic about the future. He believes that the upcoming 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to take place in Pakistan, could provide a much-needed boost to the sport in the country.Abbas called for smooth cricketing relations between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of the Indian team as a great ambassador of the sport. He expressed hope that India's participation in the Champions Trophy would help revive cricket in Pakistan."The Indian team is a great ambassador of cricket," Abbas said. "If they come and play in Pakistan, it will take cricket forward in our country."

Pakistan and Sri Lanka kicked off the Women's Asia Cup 2023 in Sharjah with a thrilling encounter. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana opted to bat first, citing the slow wicket and low bounce. Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu, on the other hand, was content to chase, given her team's recent success and the abundance of spin options in their arsenal.Pakistan's batting lineup featured Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Nida Dar, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Tuba Hassan, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Diana Baig, and Omaima Sohail. Sri Lanka's team included Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu, Harshita Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sachini Nisansala, and Udeskhika Prabodani.Despite Pakistan's slight edge in the head-to-head record, Sri Lanka had won the last three matches between the two sides. The match was poised to be a close contest, with both teams eager to start the tournament on a positive note.

Bangladesh Skipper Nigar Sultana Eyes Victory in Women's T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of the highly anticipated Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana has expressed her team's determination to make a mark on the global stage. Bangladesh will embark on their World Cup journey on Thursday, facing Scotland in their opening match.Sultana believes that this tournament presents a golden opportunity for her team to showcase their talent and potential. "It is a huge opportunity for the team, playing this kind of event in front of the world, to show the talent and the potential we have," she said.The Bangladesh skipper has set a clear goal for her team: to secure a victory in every match. "Individually, this will be my fourth T20 World Cup for Bangladesh, but I'm yet to win a game - so first and foremost, as a team or as an individual player, my goal is to get a win," Sultana stated.Bangladesh's aspirations extend beyond just winning matches. They aim to push for a semi-final berth in the prestigious tournament. "That will give us momentum we can use throughout the tournament as we try and push for a semi-final spot," Sultana added.Bangladesh finds itself in a competitive Group B, alongside England, Scotland, South Africa, and West Indies. Despite a disappointing defeat to Sri Lanka in their first warm-up match, Bangladesh bounced back with a victory over Pakistan, instilling confidence within the team.Sultana acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic about her team's chances. "We are trying to push for the semi-final spot. We know it will be tough, but we are confident that we can do it," she said.The Bangladesh squad for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 comprises:* Nigar Sultana (C, WK)* Nahida Akter* Murshida Khatun* Shorna Akter* Ritu Moni* Sobhana Mostary* Rabeya Khan* Sultana Khatun* Fahima Khatun* Marufa Akter* Jahanara Alam* Dilara Akter* Taj Nehar* Shathi Rani* Disha Biswas

Pakistan Cricket's Decline Attributed to T20 Dominance and Financial DistractionsZaheer Abbas, a legendary Pakistani cricketer, has expressed concern over the decline of Pakistan cricket, attributing it to the excessive emphasis on T20 cricket and the influx of money in the shortest format.Abbas believes that the proliferation of T20 cricket in Pakistan has led players to neglect the fundamentals of Test cricket. "There's too much T20 cricket being played in Pakistan, and because of that, our players have forgotten the essence of Test cricket," he said.He also criticized the financial incentives in T20 cricket and global leagues, which he believes have shifted players' focus away from the game itself. "So much money has come into cricket that the players today are only focused on making money, and their attention is diverted from the game itself," he added.Abbas's comments highlight the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, which has struggled to maintain its once-dominant position in international cricket, particularly in Test matches. He also expressed frustration with the leadership turbulence within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)."It is the misfortune of Pakistan cricket that those who run it do not understand cricket," he said. "We took Pakistan cricket to great heights. The world admired our cricket. But today, those in charge are only concerned with their own interests, not with cricket or the players."Despite the challenges, Abbas remains optimistic about the future of Pakistan cricket. He believes that India should tour Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, even though the countries have strained relations."The Indian team should tour Pakistan, as it will promote cricket in the subcontinent, especially in Pakistan," he said. "The Indian team is a great ambassador of cricket. If they come and play in Pakistan, it will take cricket forward in our country."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is considering a major overhaul of the Hundred tournament's draft system and player compensation structure. The proposed changes aim to attract top international players and boost the league's competitiveness.Under the new plans, franchises could make direct offers of multi-year contracts worth up to £300,000 per season to players. This would represent a significant increase from the current salary cap of £125,000 for men and £50,000 for women.The ECB is also considering lobbying the UK's Home Office to allow each team to field a fourth overseas player in the XI, up from the current limit of three. This move would bring the Hundred in line with other major T20 leagues worldwide.The proposed changes are part of a broader effort to increase the Hundred's appeal to top players and fans. The ECB has fallen behind other short-form leagues in attracting men's stars, and the new salary structure aims to address this issue.The plans would also see each team able to sign one designated 'England star' on a multi-year deal, worth around £100,000 in the women's competition and £250,000 in the men's.The ECB is confident that the proposed changes will make the Hundred more competitive and attractive to players and fans alike. The league's 2025 season will start in early August, immediately after England's men complete a Test series against India.