Cricket

International cricket will make a grand return to Gwalior after a 14-year hiatus, with the city set to host the opening T20I match between India and Bangladesh on October 6th. This historic encounter will mark the first-ever international cricket match at Gwalior's newly constructed Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium.Previously, Gwalior's Captain Roop Singh Stadium was the venue for international cricket matches, including the iconic 2010 ODI where Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in the format. However, since Tendulkar's memorable knock, international cricket has been absent from the city.The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium will now take center stage, hosting the first of three T20I matches between India and Bangladesh. This state-of-the-art facility boasts world-class amenities and a capacity of over 20,000 spectators.The Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a rich history in Indian cricket, having hosted several memorable matches over the years. Some notable encounters include:* West Indies' victory over India by 73 runs in January 1988* India's triumph over South Africa by 38 runs in November 1991* India's back-to-back wins over England by 3 and 4 wickets in March 1993* India's victory over Australia by 37 runs in October 2003* India's emphatic win over Pakistan by 153 runs in February 2010The stadium is also known for hosting the first and only day-night Ranji Trophy final in 1996 between Mumbai and Delhi. Mumbai emerged victorious in that five-day affair courtesy of their first-innings lead.In addition to its cricketing legacy, the Captain Roop Singh Stadium has a unique connection to hockey. Originally a hockey stadium, it was named after Roop Singh, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in hockey at the 1932 and 1936 Games. Roop Singh was the younger brother of hockey legend Dhyan Chand.The return of international cricket to Gwalior is a testament to the city's passion for the sport and the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association's commitment to promoting cricket at all levels. The Shrimant Madhav Rao Scindia Cricket Stadium is set to become a new landmark in Indian cricket, hosting many more memorable matches in the years to come.

India's newly appointed bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has been actively involved in guiding the team's bowlers ahead of the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. During a recent nets session, Morkel was observed closely monitoring the bowling technique of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.Morkel reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Pandya's approach, particularly his tendency to bowl too close to the stumps. The two engaged in a lengthy discussion, with Morkel providing detailed instructions on the necessary corrections. Morkel's focus extended beyond Pandya, as he also worked on the run-up and release point of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and rookies Harshit Rana and Mayank Yadav.The T20I series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of a new era for India's bowling unit under Morkel's guidance. The team will be eager to implement the lessons learned during the nets session and translate them into success on the field.India's T20 squad for the series includes a mix of experienced players and promising youngsters. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team, while Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma will provide wicketkeeping options. Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi bring experience and versatility to the bowling attack.Youngsters like Harshit Rana and Mayank Yadav will be keen to make their mark after impressive performances in the Indian Premier League. Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, and Nitish Kumar Reddy will also look to seize the opportunity to showcase their skills.The series against Bangladesh will also provide a second chance for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has been absent from India's T20I setup for an extended period.

South Africa's T20I captain Aiden Markram recently addressed the media ahead of the T20I series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. He discussed the team's recent ODI series loss to Afghanistan, his batting form, the promising newcomers in the squad, and the team's preparations for the upcoming busy schedule.ODI Series Loss to AfghanistanMarkram acknowledged the disappointing result in the ODI series against Afghanistan, but emphasized the lessons learned from the experience. He praised Afghanistan's quality as a team, particularly in their home conditions. Markram believes that the series exposed areas where South Africa needs to improve, and that each player can take away valuable insights to enhance their game.Batting FormMarkram admitted to a lean patch in his batting form, but expressed confidence in his ability to regain his touch. He emphasized that his focus is on contributing to the team's success, rather than chasing personal milestones. Markram believes that his recent unbeaten 69 in the consolation ODI win is a positive sign of his return to form.Promising NewcomersMarkram highlighted the significant role that the SA20 league has played in unearthing promising young talents for South Africa. He praised players like Nqabayomzi Peter, Jason Smith, and Ottniel Baartman for their impressive performances in the league. Markram believes that these players have the potential to make a significant impact on the T20I team in the future.Guiding NewcomersAs a senior player and leader, Markram emphasized his commitment to supporting and guiding the promising newcomers in the squad. He believes that sharing his experience and insights can help them develop their skills and adapt to the demands of international cricket. Markram aims to create a positive and supportive environment where the younger players can thrive.T20 World Cup FinalMarkram reflected on South Africa's journey to the T20 World Cup final earlier this year. He described the squad as a special group that had built a strong bond over many years. Markram believes that the team's unity and determination were key factors in their success. He also acknowledged the lessons learned from the final, which will help the team improve in the future.Busy ScheduleMarkram acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead for the South African team, including the upcoming India series, SA20, and Champions Trophy. He emphasized the importance of managing player workloads and ensuring that the team remains fresh and focused throughout the season. Markram believes that the team's depth and experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the busy schedule.

Scotland vs Bangladesh: Bangladesh Opt to Bat First in Women's T20 World Cup OpenerIn the inaugural match of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana elected to bat first after winning the toss against Scotland at the Sharjah International Cricket Stadium.Scotland, making their tournament debut, have a 0-4 record against Bangladesh in T20Is, with their last encounter in September 2022. However, Bangladesh has not tasted victory in a T20 World Cup match in a decade.This edition of the Women's T20 World Cup marks the first time the tournament is being held at a neutral venue.Bangladesh's Batting PerformanceBangladesh openers Shamima Sultana and Murshida Khatun provided a solid start, putting on a 45-run partnership. Shamima, in particular, looked in good touch, hitting some elegant boundaries.However, Scotland's bowlers fought back, with Katherine Fraser dismissing both openers in quick succession. Bangladesh continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with only Fargana Hoque (27) and Rumana Ahmed (22) offering significant resistance.Scotland's Bowling EffortScotland's bowlers were disciplined and accurate, making it difficult for Bangladesh to score freely. Fraser was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/22. Sarah Bryce and Abtaha Maqsood also chipped in with two wickets each.Scotland's Batting ChaseIn response, Scotland got off to a shaky start, losing opener Sarah Bryce early. However, skipper Kathryn Bryce and Rachel Slater steadied the innings with a 40-run partnership.Slater played a particularly aggressive innings, hitting three boundaries and a six. But Bangladesh's bowlers kept the pressure on, with Nahida Akter and Rumana Ahmed taking two wickets each.Bangladesh's VictoryDespite a valiant effort from Scotland, Bangladesh managed to defend their total of 120/8. The Scottish batters were unable to find the boundaries consistently, and the Bangladeshi fielders were sharp in the field.Bangladesh ultimately won the match by 18 runs, securing their first victory in a T20 World Cup match since 2014.

Ruturaj Gaikwad's omission from India's T20I squad for the Bangladesh series has sparked controversy, given his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for India in T20Is. However, reports suggest that the selectors have a strategic reason for this decision: to prepare Gaikwad for a potential Test call-up during the upcoming Australia tour.Gaikwad has amassed 633 runs in 23 T20Is for India, averaging 39.56 with one century and four fifties. Despite these numbers, he has struggled to secure a regular spot in the Indian T20I team.Sources close to the selection committee have revealed that Gaikwad is being considered as the third opener for the Australia tour. With Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the first-choice openers, India lacks a backup option. Shubman Gill, who can also open, has been assigned the No. 3 spot, while Virat Kohli bats at No. 4.The selectors believe that Gaikwad's experience and ability to play in different conditions make him the ideal candidate for the third opener's role. They also want him to continue playing red-ball cricket to enhance his Test credentials. This is why he has been asked to lead Rest of India (ROI) in the Irani Cup.The decision to prioritize Gaikwad's Test development over his T20I prospects has drawn mixed reactions. Some experts believe that it is a wise move, given India's need for a reliable opener in Test cricket. Others argue that Gaikwad should be given more opportunities in T20Is to prove his worth.Ultimately, the selectors' decision will be judged based on Gaikwad's performance in the Irani Cup and, if selected, on the Australia tour. If he can translate his T20I success into the longer format, he could cement his place in the Indian Test team for years to come.

Former Indian cricket selector Saba Karim has suggested that Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma could form a formidable opening partnership for India in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Karim believes that Rinku's aggressive style and ability to play big shots would complement Sharma's more composed approach."Rinku is quite a complete player," Karim said. "If he gets more opportunities, if he gets more deliveries to face, he can add more value to the side. So there is a strong possibility of having that combination."Rinku has typically batted in the middle order for India, but Karim believes he has the potential to be a successful opener. "He comes in number six or seven, and he hardly gets any balls to get himself in," Karim said. "But if he gets more opportunities, he can be a valuable asset to the team."India's squad for the Bangladesh T20Is also includes several other exciting young players, such as Riyan Parag, Harshit Rana, and Mayank Yadav. Yadav, who has been fast-tracked into the team after an impressive IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants, is the fastest bowler in India.The team will be led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in excellent form for India in recent months. Hardik Pandya is the only other senior player in the squad, which is a sign of India's commitment to developing young talent.India will play three T20Is against Bangladesh, with the first match scheduled for November 27 in Dhaka.

South Africa Opt to Bowl First in Second T20I Against IrelandIn the second T20I encounter between Ireland and South Africa in Abu Dhabi, both teams have made strategic adjustments to their bowling lineups. After a high-scoring affair on Friday, the teams have opted for different seam combinations.Ireland have replaced Craig Young with Graham Hume, while South Africa have included Lungi Ngidi in place of Ottneil Baartman. The batting lineups remain unchanged, with Ireland still missing Lorcan Tucker due to injury. Ross Adair will continue to open the batting for the Irish.South Africa's batting lineup remains intact, with Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton in good form. They will open the innings, followed by Matthew Breetzke at No. 3. All-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger will bat at No. 6 and 7, respectively.This is the final match of the T20I series, which will be followed by three ODIs next week. Ireland have yet to defeat South Africa in their seven previous T20I encounters.Ireland XI:1. Paul Stirling2. Ross Adair3. Harry Tector4. Curtis Campher5. Neil Rock (wk)6. George Dockrell7. Mark Adair8. Fionn Hand9. Matthew Humphreys10. Ben White11. Graham HumeSouth Africa XI:1. Ryan Rickelton (wk)2. Reeza Hendricks3. Matthew Breetzke4. Aiden Markam5. Tristan Stubbs6. Wiaan Mulder7. Patrick Kruger8. Bjorn Fortuin9. Nqaba Peter10. Lizaad Williams11. Lungi Ngidi

Bangladesh's selectors have made significant changes to their T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against India, recalling all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz and opener Parvez Hossain Emon. The series, scheduled to begin next week, will mark Mehidy's return to the T20I format after a year-long absence.Mehidy, a key all-rounder in Tests and ODIs, has been entrusted with a new role in the T20I side. Chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain explained that Mehidy will be expected to bat higher up the order, filling the void left by the recently retired Shakib Al Hasan."We feel that Mehidy Hasan Miraz is a good batter who can handle the middle order," Ashraf said. "We didn't pick him in the previous [T20] World Cup as we usually feel that he has a strong role as an allrounder in Tests and ODIs."Mehidy's batting credentials in T20Is are modest, with 248 runs in 20 innings at an average of 14.58 and a strike rate of 118.66. However, the selectors believe he has the potential to excel in the new role.Parvez Hossain Emon, a left-handed opener, has also been recalled to the squad after impressing the selectors in recent camps. He replaces Soumya Sarkar, who has been left out.Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan has been included in the squad due to an injury to Tanvir Islam. Rakibul is expected to provide support to the pace attack, which remains unchanged.Despite his mixed performance in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, veteran Mahmudullah has retained his place in the squad. Ashraf expressed confidence in Mahmudullah's abilities and emphasized the value of experienced players.Bangladesh's T20Is against India will be played in Gwalior (October 6), New Delhi (October 9), and Hyderabad (October 12).

India Announces Squad for T20I Series Against Bangladesh, Mayank Yadav Earns Maiden Call-UpNew Delhi: The Indian cricket team has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on October 6. The squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, features several notable inclusions and exclusions.Pace sensation Mayank Yadav has received his maiden call-up to the national team after an impressive performance in the domestic circuit. Yadav, who has been sidelined since April due to an injury, has been rewarded for his consistent pace and wicket-taking ability.Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy makes a comeback to the Indian squad after nearly three years. Chakravarthy, known for his deceptive variations, will bolster the team's spin attack.Test regulars Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant have been rested for the series, providing opportunities for other players to showcase their talent.Nitish Reddy, the reserve seam-bowling all-rounder, has been included in the squad after missing the recent Zimbabwe tour due to an injury. Promising cricketers Riyan Parag, Abhishek Sharma, and Harshit Rana have also secured their spots in the team.Jitesh Sharma will serve as the secondary wicketkeeper behind Sanju Samson, who will be the primary choice.The series against Bangladesh will serve as a crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. India will be looking to fine-tune their combinations and strategies ahead of the global tournament.