Cricket

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed mixed feelings following his team's 2-1 T20I series defeat to Sri Lanka. While acknowledging the home side's victory, Sammy questioned the wisdom of Sri Lanka's decision to prepare turning tracks for the final two games, which were must-wins for the hosts.Sammy argued that such conditions would not be the norm at the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host. He believes that the ICC will ensure that pitches are more balanced, giving both batters and bowlers a fair chance.Despite the defeat, Sammy praised his team's performance, particularly in the first game, which was played on a more balanced wicket. He believes that West Indies showed their depth and challenged Sri Lanka, who had to adjust their tactics to gain an advantage.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka defended the decision to prepare turning tracks, citing the team's strength in spin bowling. He believes that playing to their strengths gives them the best chance of winning. However, Asalanka acknowledged that Sri Lanka needs to improve their fast-bowling contingent to be competitive in all conditions.Sammy echoed Asalanka's concerns, emphasizing the importance of developing fast bowlers who can perform on different surfaces. He believes that Sri Lanka's reliance on spin could hinder their progress in the long run.Despite the contrasting views on pitches, both Sammy and Asalanka agreed that Sri Lanka's batters performed better than West Indies' throughout the series. Asalanka expressed confidence in his team's ability to score runs on any type of wicket, while Sammy acknowledged the need for his batters to improve their adaptability.Overall, the series highlighted the importance of balanced pitches and the need for teams to develop all-round capabilities. While Sri Lanka's spin-friendly tracks gave them an advantage in this particular series, it remains to be seen how they will fare on more challenging surfaces in the future.

In the second T20I of the three-match series, West Indies captain Rovman Powell opted to bat first after winning the toss at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Both teams anticipated significant turn on the pitch, with Powell estimating a par score of 145-150. Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka concurred with Powell's decision to bat first.West Indies bolstered their spin attack by introducing left-arm spinner Fabian Allen in place of seam-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer. They also reinstated Shai Hope in the top order, replacing Andre Fletcher as wicketkeeper. Hope had featured in the first T20I of the series.Sri Lanka, buoyed by their 73-run victory in the previous match, retained the same XI, featuring three frontline spinners and the part-time spin options of Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis.The series is currently tied 1-1, with West Indies securing a comfortable victory in the first game.

After a disappointing loss in the opening match, Sri Lanka displayed resilience and determination to level the three-match T20I series against West Indies with a convincing 73-run victory in the second game.West Indies, who won the toss and elected to bat first, struggled to gain momentum throughout their innings. Brandon King and Evin Lewis provided a solid start with a 40-run partnership, but the Sri Lankan bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting the visitors to a modest total of 131/8.Sri Lanka's bowlers were led by Maheesh Theekshana, who claimed three wickets for just 12 runs in his four overs. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara also chipped in with two wickets each.In response, Sri Lanka's openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, laid the foundation for a successful chase with a 50-run partnership. Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis then accelerated the scoring rate, taking the team to a comfortable position.Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, played a crucial role in the middle order, scoring a quickfire 38 off 23 balls. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga also made valuable contributions, ensuring that Sri Lanka reached their target with ease.The victory not only leveled the series but also boosted Sri Lanka's confidence ahead of the crucial third and final T20I. The hosts will be eager to secure a series win, while West Indies will be determined to bounce back and claim the series.

Sri Lanka, seeking to level the three-match T20I series against West Indies, won the toss and opted to bat first in the second game at Dambulla. The hosts trail 1-0 after losing the series opener by five wickets.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka expressed hope for more spin-friendly conditions than in the first match, estimating a par score of around 170. West Indies skipper Rovman Powell, on the other hand, indicated his team's preference for chasing, despite the different surface from the previous game.Sri Lanka made two changes to their lineup, bringing in spin-bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage for Chamindu Wickramasinghe and slinger Nuwan Thushara for Asitha Fernando. West Indies made a single change, with Andre Fletcher replacing the injured Shai Hope as wicketkeeper.The weather conditions remained favorable, with no rain interruptions expected throughout the evening.

India's Fearless Approach Powers T20I DominanceIn the realm of international cricket, the Indian team has emerged as a formidable force, driven by a fearless and attacking approach. This philosophy has propelled them to the pinnacle of the ICC Men's T20I rankings and the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup title.The recent three-match T20I series against Bangladesh showcased the unwavering commitment to this aggressive style. India dominated the visitors from start to finish, securing a seventh consecutive bilateral T20I home series win.At the heart of this success lies the belief that individual failure is an acceptable risk in pursuit of team victory. This mindset was exemplified by Sanju Samson's explosive knock in the final outing. Despite two previous failures, Samson embraced the challenge and delivered a magnificent 47-ball 111.Samson's performance is a testament to the unwavering support he has received from the leadership group. After a pair of ducks in the preceding T20I series against Sri Lanka, Samson's confidence could have been shaken. However, the captain and coach stood firmly behind him, providing the necessary encouragement to bounce back.The early communication from the management also played a crucial role in Samson's preparation. Three weeks prior to the series, he received a message confirming his role as opener. This advance notice allowed him to tailor his training and gain an extra edge.Samson's success is a reflection of the team's ethos. He is a highly skilled talent who remains true to his strengths, embodying the best of modern Indian cricketers. "I like to go out and fail or succeed on my own terms," Samson said. "This is what I have stuck to ever since I started playing cricket."The Indian team's fearless approach is not without its risks. However, the rewards have been undeniable. By embracing a mindset that prioritizes attacking play, they have established themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the world.

The highly anticipated first T20I between Sri Lanka and West Indies commenced in Dambulla, with a massive turnout of enthusiastic spectators. The atmosphere was electric as the teams took to the field, their national anthems reverberating through the stadium.West Indies captain Rovman Powell elected to bowl first, citing the overcast conditions and damp outfield. He expressed confidence in his bowlers' ability to exploit the conditions. Powell also acknowledged the team's impressive form over the past year.Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka echoed Powell's sentiments, stating that they too would have preferred to bowl first. He emphasized the importance of starting preparations for the 2026 World Cup.The West Indies lineup featured several key players, including Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shai Hope, and Roston Chase. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, fielded a strong team led by Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga.The toss proved crucial, as West Indies' bowlers immediately made an impact. The Sri Lankan openers struggled to find their rhythm, with Pathum Nissanka dismissed early by Alzarri Joseph. Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera also fell cheaply, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 33/3.West Indies continued to dominate, with Romario Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie sharing the wickets. Sri Lanka's middle order failed to provide any resistance, and they were eventually bowled out for a paltry 101 in 18.4 overs.In response, West Indies openers Evin Lewis and Brandon King got off to a solid start. However, they were both dismissed in quick succession, leaving the visitors at 32/2. Shai Hope and Roston Chase steadied the innings, but Sri Lanka's bowlers kept them in check.Despite a late surge from Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, West Indies fell short of the target, finishing on 93/7. Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.Sri Lanka secured a narrow victory by eight runs, taking an early lead in the three-match T20I series. The remaining two matches will be played in Dambulla, while the subsequent three ODIs will be held in Pallekele.

Scotland Opt to Bat First Against England in Women's T20 World CupIn a historic encounter, Scotland has chosen to bat first against England in the 17th match of the Women's T20 World Cup in Sharjah. This marks the first-ever meeting between the two nations in a women's T20I.Despite the unfamiliarity between the teams, there is a sense of familiarity due to the presence of players from both sides in the English domestic circuit. England, who are playing their first day game of the tournament, will face a Scotland team that has yet to register a win in the competition.Both teams have made changes to their lineups. England has replaced Alice Capsey with Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Bell with Linsey Smith. Scotland, meanwhile, has brought in Megan McColl for Priyanaz Chatterji.England currently sits third in Group B, tied with West Indies on four points but trailing on net run rate. A victory would elevate them to six points, level with first-placed South Africa. Scotland, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the group with no points.England will be aiming to boost their net run rate and secure a semi-final berth with a convincing win against Scotland. The Scots, despite their lack of success, will be eager to make a statement against their rivals.The match will also mark the farewell of Scotland's wicketkeeper-batter Lorna Jack-Brown, who has announced her retirement from international cricket to pursue a career as a police officer.

India's dominance in T20I cricket continued as they clinched a resounding 3-0 series victory against Bangladesh with a massive 133-run triumph in the third and final match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The victory marked India's 16th consecutive unbeaten streak in T20I series at home.Captain Suryakumar Yadav hailed the team's selfless approach and adaptability, crediting head coach Gautam Gambhir's guidance. "We've achieved a lot as a team. Gauti bhai said no one is bigger than the team, and you have to hit the ball out of the field," Suryakumar said.India's batting prowess was on full display as they amassed an impressive 297/6, the second-highest total in men's T20I history against Bangladesh. Sanju Samson stole the show with a breathtaking 111 off just 47 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes. Suryakumar provided excellent support with 75 runs off 35 balls, while the lower order chipped in to help India reach their highest-ever total in men's T20Is.Suryakumar emphasized the need for flexibility in both batting and bowling. "We have to be flexible when it comes to batting and bowling. Bowlers who can have to chip in, and batters have to be flexible," he said.Bangladesh's chase was derailed by India's disciplined bowling attack. Mustafizur Rahman was the only Bangladeshi bowler to impress, taking 3/52. India's spinners, led by Axar Patel (2/22) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/31), kept the Bangladeshi batsmen in check.The series victory extends India's dominance in T20I cricket and sets the stage for their upcoming tour of South Africa, where they will play a four-match T20I series starting on November 8.

Mayank Yadav's blistering start in the third T20I against Bangladesh has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The 22-year-old paceman became only the fourth bowler to claim a wicket on the first ball of a T20I innings, joining an elite group that includes Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.Yadav's thunderbolt delivery caught Parvez Hossain Emon off guard, forcing him to play an awkward shot that was comfortably caught by Parag at first slip. The wicket set the tone for India's dominant performance, as they restricted Bangladesh to 164/7 in 20 overs after posting a mammoth 297/6.India's batting onslaught was led by Sanju Samson, who became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a T20I century. Samson's blistering knock of 111 runs off just 47 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes, propelled India to their second-highest T20I score.Samson's century was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his exceptional form at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In eight innings at the venue, he has amassed 398 runs at an average of 66.33 and a strike rate of 162.44, with a century and two fifties.The match also witnessed the second-fastest T20I century by a full-member team player. Samson's 47-ball ton is only behind the 35-ball centuries scored by South Africa's David Miller and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.Yadav's wicket and Samson's century were just two of the many highlights in a high-scoring affair that showcased the depth and talent of Indian cricket. The victory not only sealed the series for India but also provided a glimpse into the future of the team, with young players like Yadav and Samson stepping up to the plate.