Cricket

India and South Africa, two cricketing powerhouses, are set to reignite their rivalry in a four-match T20I series in South Africa from November 8. The two teams last faced off in a thrilling T20 World Cup final in June, where India emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 7 runs.The T20I rivalry between India and South Africa has been a captivating spectacle, marked by competitive and high-stakes matches. Over the years, both teams have consistently delivered close, hard-fought contests, whether on South African soil or in India.India has a slight edge in the bilateral T20I series against South Africa, having won 6 out of 9 matches played in South Africa. However, the Proteas have shown their resilience on home soil, particularly in the T20 World Cup final.India's victory over South Africa in the 2007 T20 World Cup was a pivotal moment in the history of the format. India went on to win the inaugural championship, and the victory over South Africa was a key step in their triumph.David Miller, South Africa's prolific batsman, leads the run-scoring charts in India-South Africa bilateral T20Is with 452 runs in 21 matches. He is followed by Indian stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both retired from the shortest format of the game.Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India's medium-fast bowler, leads the charts when it comes to most wickets in India-South Africa bilateral T20Is. He has taken 14 wickets from 12 matches against South Africa in T20Is.Suryakumar Yadav, who is set to lead India in the upcoming series, has played two T20Is in South Africa, scoring 56 and 100 in December 2023. His century in the third T20I of the series powered India to a 106-run victory and helped them draw the series 1-1.The India-South Africa T20I rivalry has showcased the adaptability of both teams, with South Africa performing well on Indian pitches, which are generally slower, and India showing resilience on South African fast, bouncy tracks.The upcoming series promises to be another thrilling chapter in the India-South Africa T20I rivalry. With both teams boasting talented players and a history of close matches, fans can expect a captivating spectacle of cricket.

South Africa's T20I squad for the upcoming series against India has been announced, with the return of Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee after a conditioning break. The pair have been working on shoulder and hip niggles, respectively, and will be eager to make an impact in the upcoming matches.Lungi Ngidi, who is currently part of the Test squad in Bangladesh, will also have an extended period of time off to work on his conditioning. He is not part of the T20I squad for the India series, while Kagiso Rabada has been rested with the Tests in mind.Despite the absence of Ngidi and Rabada, South Africa still have several big names in the squad. Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Keshav Maharaj, who were not part of South Africa's white-ball squads in the UAE, have all been included.The squad will be captained by regular leader Aiden Markram and with Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton at the top of the order. There are two new caps, allrounders Mihlali Mpongwana and Andile Simelane, who were the joint second-leading wicket-takers in the recently completed T20 Challenge.Donovan Ferreira, who was the third-highest run-scorer in the T20 Challenge, and Patrick Kruger have also been included. Notably, there is no room for Tabraiz Shamsi after he opted out of a national contract last month.Their seam-bowling contingent will be bolstered with the addition of Lutho Sipamla for the third and fourth matches on the Highveld. Sipamla last played for South Africa in 2022 in a Test match and has not played white-ball international since 2021, but his career-best 4 for 12 at the Wanderers in the T20 Challenge final forced him into the squad.South Africa will be hoping to put in a strong performance against India, who are one of the top-ranked T20I teams in the world. The series will be a good test for the Proteas as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.

Mayank Yadav's Injury Woes Continue, Sidelined for Months with Back ProblemIndian speedster Mayank Yadav's promising international debut has been cut short by a back injury, ruling him out of the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa. The 25-year-old, who impressed with his pace and accuracy in the recent series against Bangladesh, is now facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.Sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have revealed that Yadav's back issue is likely to keep him out of action for several months. The bowler is currently undergoing treatment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru."He's back here for another problem, which might keep him out for two-three months. Mostly it's something related to the back, but there's not much clarity into it. But then, it's also something which is believed to keep him out for a considerable amount of time," a source told IANS.Yadav's injury setback is a major blow to his burgeoning career. The Delhi-born pacer has faced several injury challenges in the past, including a torn hamstring that ruled him out of IPL 2023 and a separate injury that forced him to miss the entire 2023/24 Ranji Trophy season.Despite these setbacks, Yadav has shown resilience and determination to overcome adversity. He underwent extensive rehabilitation at the CoE following his abdominal strain in IPL 2024, where he impressed with his rapid three-wicket spells and speeds exceeding 150kmph.With the IPL retentions deadline approaching on October 31, Yadav is expected to be one of the five players retained by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The franchise acquired him for INR 20 lakhs in the auction before the 2022 season.Yadav's injury is a reminder of the physical demands of international cricket and the importance of injury prevention and management. The BCCI will be hoping that the young pacer can recover fully and return to the field stronger than ever before.

Zimbabwe is set to host Afghanistan for a historic all-format tour, featuring the country's first Boxing Day Test in 28 years and its inaugural New Year's Test. Both matches will be played in Bulawayo.The tour will commence with three T20Is in Harare from December 9-12, followed by three ODIs from December 15-19. The teams will then travel to Bulawayo for the two-Test series.Zimbabwe's only previous Boxing Day Test was in 1996 against England in Harare, which ended in a draw due to rain. The country has also participated in Boxing Day Tests in Wellington (2000) and Port Elizabeth (2017).Zimbabwe Cricket chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed excitement about the upcoming tour, stating, "Boxing Day and New Year's Test matches are iconic cricket fixtures that we are delighted to be adding to our calendar this festive season."Afghanistan Cricket Board counterpart Mirwais Ashraf added, "The all-format tour to Zimbabwe is a significant event for us. We have a rich history with Zimbabwe, and playing there has always been challenging."Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have faced off in two Test matches, 28 ODIs, and 15 T20Is, with each team claiming one victory in the Test series held in Abu Dhabi in 2021.The tour promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the talents of both teams across all formats of the game.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: Gautam Gambhir's Guidance Propels All-Rounder's RiseIn the realm of cricket, fast-bowling all-rounders are a rare breed. India has faced a dearth of quality batters who can also bowl pace, with Hardik Pandya being the standout exception. However, with Pandya's India career currently limited to white-ball cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has turned to Nitish Kumar Reddy for the upcoming Australia tour.Reddy has already made a mark with his batting in the T20I series against Bangladesh. As his stock rises in international cricket, he has revealed a valuable tip from coach Gautam Gambhir that has played a pivotal role in his success.In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Reddy shared the insights he gained from Gambhir and other members of the team management during the Bangladesh series. "They encouraged me to play aggressively, with the same approach I displayed in the IPL," Reddy said. "They emphasized playing according to the situation."During a drinks break, Gambhir approached Reddy after he played a reverse sweep that required a DRS review. "He told me, 'Nitish, you have good power. You can clear the boundary line easily. You have no need to play reverse sweep on these kind of wickets because the ball is keeping low,'" Reddy recalled.Reddy's 74-run knock against Bangladesh in the second T20I showcased his batting prowess. He credits Gambhir's guidance for his success during this phase of his career. "He told me to back my power, and I did just that," Reddy said. "The over bowled by the spinner turned out very well for me at that time."Gambhir also provided valuable advice on Reddy's bowling. The pacer typically bowls between 130-135 kmph, but he has the potential to reach speeds over 140 kmph. However, Reddy prioritizes consistency over pace."I feel like bowling 130-135 is good pace," Reddy said. "Rather than trying to bowl faster, I want to focus on consistency. I want to hit the top of the off stump. That's what Gautam sir also kept on mentioning to me."Reddy's all-round abilities have made him a valuable asset to the Indian team. With his batting prowess and developing bowling skills, he is poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Australia tour.

Australia's T20I squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan has been announced, with Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson returning from injury. However, a new captain is yet to be confirmed, as Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, and Pat Cummins are all unavailable.Bartlett, Ellis, and Johnson were all ruled out of Australia's recent tour of the UK with various injuries. Johnson made his return to domestic cricket last Friday, while Bartlett and Ellis are expected to be fit for the three-match series against Pakistan, which begins on November 14.The 13-man squad is largely unchanged from the one that toured the UK in September, with Glenn Maxwell returning to the T20I fold after being rested for the T20I portion of that tour. Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk are expected to open the batting, as they likely will in the ODI series that precedes the T20Is against Pakistan.With the series finishing just four days before the opening Test against India in Perth, none of the Test players were made available. Marsh and Head are also missing the ODI series while on paternity leave.Australia will have a different coaching staff for the T20I series as well, with head coach Andrew McDonald, batting coach Michael Di Venuto, and bowling coach Daniel Vettori all resting ahead of the Test series. Assistant coach Andre Borovec will take charge, as he did for Australia's five-match T20I series against India in India last October. Former Australia batter Brad Hodge is also set to join the group as an assistant coach after touring with Australia's T20 World Cup squad as a coaching consultant in June. Matthew Wade, who is yet to retire from international cricket and captained Australia's T20I side in February, is reportedly set to join the squad as well in a coaching role.

Team India Suffers Setback as Mayank Yadav Ruled Out of South Africa SeriesNew Delhi: Indian cricket has suffered a significant blow with the news that tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav will miss the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa due to injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the series, which begins on November 8, confirming Mayank's absence.Mayank, who made his international debut in the recent home T20Is against Bangladesh, has been plagued by recurring injuries. An abdominal muscle issue forced him to miss the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.Despite his injury woes, Mayank made a striking tournament debut for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023. He consistently bowled at speeds over 150 kph and earned the Player of the Match award in his first two games.In his four overs against Gujarat Titans, Mayank claimed 3 wickets for 27 runs, reaching a top speed of 155.8 kph. In his second IPL game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he improved upon that, clocking 156.7 kph - the fastest ball recorded in IPL 2023.Mayank consistently exceeded the 150 kph mark, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 14 in his four overs. Notably, he became the first player in IPL history to win the Player of the Match award in his first two matches.In the squad announcement, India included all-rounder Ramandeep Singh and pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak. Notably, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Reddy, who featured in the Bangladesh T20Is, are absent as they will be traveling to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Meanwhile, spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, along with pacers Yash Dayal and Avesh Khan, have been added to the squad.Mayank's absence is a major setback for Team India, who will be looking to build on their recent success against Bangladesh. The pacer's ability to bowl at high speeds and generate swing would have been a valuable asset against South Africa's strong batting lineup.

India Announce T20I Squad for South Africa Series, Ramandeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak Earn Maiden Call-upsThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa, which commences on November 8 in Durban. The squad features two notable inclusions: middle-order batter Ramandeep Singh and fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak, who have earned their maiden India call-ups.Ramandeep Singh, a 24-year-old right-handed batter, has been in impressive form for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has consistently scored runs at a high strike rate, showcasing his ability to accelerate the innings in the middle overs.Vijaykumar Vyshak, a 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler, has also caught the attention of selectors with his performances for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. He has impressed with his pace and accuracy, consistently troubling batters with his ability to swing the ball both ways.However, the squad also includes three notable absentees due to injuries. Batting allrounder Riyan Parag is undergoing rehabilitation for a chronic right shoulder injury, while fast bowler Mayank Yadav and seam-bowling allrounder Shivam Dube are also unavailable due to unspecified injuries.Mayank Yadav, who made his international debut during the recent home T20Is against Bangladesh, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. He missed the entire IPL 2024 season due to an abdominal muscle issue, which has raised concerns about his long-term fitness.The Indian squad for the T20I series against South Africa is as follows:* Suryakumar Yadav (capt)* Abhishek Sharma* Sanju Samson (wk)* Rinku Singh* Tilak Varma* Jitesh Sharma (wk)* Hardik Pandya* Axar Patel* Ramandeep Singh* Varun Chakaravarthy* Ravi Bishnoi* Arshdeep Singh* Vijaykumar Vyshak* Avesh Khan* Yash DayalThe series against South Africa will be a crucial test for India as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia. The team will be looking to build momentum and fine-tune their combinations ahead of the global tournament.

Zimbabwe's T20I World Record: A Masterclass in Batting DominanceIn a historic display of batting prowess, Zimbabwe shattered the T20I world record with a staggering total of 344 against Gambia in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier. This remarkable feat surpassed Nepal's previous benchmark of 314, set against Mongolia in 2023.Leading the charge was Zimbabwe's talismanic skipper, Sikandar Raza, who etched his name in history as the first Zimbabwean to score a century in T20 internationals. His blistering knock of 133* off just 43 balls was a testament to his exceptional skill and form. Raza's innings was a whirlwind of aggression, as he dispatched the Gambian bowlers to all corners of the ground, hitting 15 sixes and 7 fours.Openers Brian Bennett and T Marumani set the tone for Zimbabwe's record-breaking innings with an explosive partnership of 98 runs in just 5.4 overs. Bennett's brisk 50 off 26 balls and Marumani's blistering 62 off 19 deliveries showcased their batting prowess and intent from the very start.Clive Madande maintained the momentum with a rapid unbeaten 53 off just 17 deliveries, further adding to Zimbabwe's record-breaking total.This landmark victory not only established Zimbabwe as a force to be reckoned with in T20I cricket but also highlighted the exceptional talent of Sikandar Raza. His century and the team's record-breaking total will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Zimbabwean cricketers.