Cricket

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian opener, has etched his name in the annals of men's T20I cricket by becoming only the second batsman to hit sixes off the first two deliveries of a match. This remarkable feat was achieved during the fifth and final T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday.Jaiswal's historic achievement began with a slog sweep over midwicket off Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza's first ball, which was later deemed a no-ball for overstepping. Undeterred, Jaiswal took full advantage of the free-hit and launched the next delivery straight down the ground for another maximum. India's score soared to 13 off just one ball, setting the tone for an aggressive innings.However, Jaiswal's momentum was short-lived as Raza's yorker-length ball targeted his toes, resulting in his leg stump being dislodged. Despite his dismissal, Jaiswal's sixes off the first two deliveries will forever be etched in the history books.Tanzania's Ivan Selemani holds the distinction of being the first batter to achieve this feat in 2022 against Rwanda's Martin Akayezu. England's Phil Salt also showcased his power-hitting prowess by launching two consecutive sixes off the first two deliveries of an innings, albeit while chasing a target set by the opposition.Jaiswal's achievement highlights the growing trend of aggressive batting in T20 cricket, where batsmen are increasingly looking to score boundaries from the outset. His sixes off the first two deliveries not only set the tone for India's innings but also sent a clear message to the opposition that they were not going to be intimidated.

Zimbabwe's captain, Sikandar Raza, broke his losing streak in the toss for the fifth T20I against India in Harare. Employing a new technique, Raza opted to bowl first, anticipating an improvement in the pitch's batting conditions later in the game."Our wickets tend to get better as the game progresses," Raza explained. "We have the motivation, confidence, and skills to finish the series on a high."Zimbabwe made one change to their lineup, resting Tendai Chatara and bringing in Brandon Mavuta for his series debut. India, on the other hand, made two changes, with Mukesh Kumar replacing Khaleel Ahmed and Riyan Parag returning in place of Ruturaj Gaikwad.India's captain, Shubman Gill, revealed that they had intended to bat first regardless of the toss outcome. He praised his team's performance, particularly the spinners and fast bowlers in the powerplay."Our players have shown great hunger despite the back-to-back games," Gill said. "We aim to complete a 4-1 series win, while Zimbabwe will be eager to end the series on a positive note after their victory in the first match."This match serves as a final opportunity for players to impress ahead of India's upcoming T20I series in Sri Lanka. The squad for that series, as well as the subsequent three ODIs, has yet to be announced.

India's dominance in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe continued as they secured an unassailable 3-1 lead with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory in the fourth match in Harare on Saturday.Opting to bowl first, India's bowlers restricted Zimbabwe to a modest 152 for seven. Part-time bowlers Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma played pivotal roles in the middle overs, dismantling Zimbabwe's dangerous opening partnership.Wesley Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani had provided Zimbabwe with their best opening stand of the series, putting on 63 runs. However, Sharma broke the partnership by inducing Marumani into a mistimed pull-shot, while Dube dismissed Madhevere with a short ball.Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with a brisk 46 off 28 balls, but the Indian bowlers kept the overall scoring in check. Tushar Deshpande, making his debut, had a mixed outing but managed to dismiss Raza in the slog overs, preventing Zimbabwe from setting a more challenging target.In reply, India's openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 15.2 overs without losing a wicket. Jaiswal, who missed out on the T20 World Cup, showcased his skills with an unbeaten 93, including nine boundaries and a six. Gill played the supporting role perfectly, remaining unbeaten on 58.Jaiswal's aggressive approach contrasted with Gill's composed batting, as they ensured Zimbabwe had no chance to halt the run-chase. India's dominant performance in this match highlighted the effective contributions from part-time bowlers and commanding batting displays from Jaiswal and Gill, securing the series win with one match remaining.

Ravi Bishnoi's Direct Hit Run-Out Highlights India's Disciplined Bowling and Fielding in Zimbabwe T20IIn the fourth T20I between India and Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club on Saturday, Ravi Bishnoi showcased his exceptional fielding skills with a stunning direct hit that dismissed Zimbabwean batsman Johnathan Campbell. The moment occurred in the 15th over when Bishnoi, bowling to Sikandar Raza, noticed Campbell attempting a quick single. Raza played a hurried shot to the off-side, prompting Campbell to set off but then change his mind halfway down the pitch.Bishnoi, with his agility and alertness, swiftly moved across to the ball, gathered it quickly, and despite being off-balance, unleashed a throw that found its mark at the non-striker's end. Campbell was caught short by a considerable distance, and the third umpire's intervention was unnecessary as Bishnoi's accuracy was spot-on.India's decision to bowl first proved fruitful as they restricted Zimbabwe to 152/7. Khaleel Ahmed led the bowling attack with figures of 2-32, well-supported by Tushar Deshpande, Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma, and Shivam Dube, each contributing with a wicket apiece.Zimbabwe started well with a solid 63-run opening partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wesley Madhevere, but they struggled after losing their openers in quick succession. Captain Sikandar Raza provided impetus to the innings with a brisk 46 off 28 deliveries, including two fours and three sixes, before his dismissal dented Zimbabwe's hopes of a bigger total.Despite Raza's efforts, Zimbabwe couldn't capitalize as India's bowlers maintained pressure throughout. Bishnoi's fielding gem encapsulated India's sharpness on the field, exemplifying their commitment to tight bowling and excellent fielding standards that restricted Zimbabwe effectively.India's disciplined performance in both bowling and fielding ensured they maintained control, limiting Zimbabwe to a manageable total. Bishnoi's run-out of Campbell stood out as a pivotal moment, showcasing his athleticism and contributing to India's comprehensive display in the field.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an updated schedule for the Indian cricket team's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The revised itinerary has shifted the matches by a single day, with the tour now commencing on July 27, a day later than the originally planned start date of July 26.India will be playing three T20 Internationals and three ODIs across July to August. The T20Is will be held at Pallekele on July 27, 28, and 30, while the ODIs will be played at Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7.The Indian team, under new head coach Gautam Gambhir, will begin the series with the T20Is at Pallekele. The one-dayers will be played in Colombo.The BCCI has not yet announced the Indian team for the upcoming tour, but it is anticipated that experienced players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be given a break for the ODI leg. It is likely that Hardik Pandya will captain the T20I team, while KL Rahul may be appointed as the ODI captain.Gambhir, who recently took over from Rahul Dravid as head coach, will be in charge during the tour. Dravid, who guided India to their second T20 World Cup victory in the Americas, has passed the baton to Gambhir.Sri Lanka will also have a new coach in Sanath Jayasuriya, who replaces Chris Silverwood. Furthermore, following Wanindu Hasaranga's resignation on Thursday, Sri Lanka will be led by a new captain. Sri Lanka have not yet announced the name of their new captain, who will be tasked with leading the team in the upcoming bilateral series against India.The upcoming tour of Sri Lanka will be a crucial test for the Indian team under new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The team will be looking to build on their recent success in the T20 World Cup and continue their dominance in the ODI format. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be looking to make a statement under their new coach and captain. The series promises to be an exciting and competitive one, with both teams eager to prove their mettle.

Indian bowlers, led by Khaleel Ahmed and Ravi Bishnoi, put up a commendable performance, restricting Zimbabwe to a modest 152/7 in the fourth T20I at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday.Zimbabwe's openers, Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani, provided a solid start, amassing a 63-run partnership. However, Indian spinners Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Abhishek Sharma chipped in with crucial wickets, bringing India back into the game.Bishnoi bowled an economical spell, conceding only 22 runs in his four overs. Sundar and Sharma also contributed with figures of 1/32 and 1/20, respectively.Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza looked set for a half-century, but India debutant Tushar Deshpande dismissed him for 46 off 28 balls. Raza's innings included two fours and three sixes.In the end, Zimbabwe managed to post a competitive total of 152/7, thanks to contributions from Madhevere (25), Marumani (32), and Raza (46).

India, led by Shubman Gill, opted to bowl first in the fourth T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on Saturday. The decision was made after Gill won the toss for the fourth time in the series.Tushar Deshpande, the Mumbai and Chennai Super Kings fast bowler, made his international debut for India. He replaced Avesh Khan in the only change from the third game. Deshpande's selection is a testament to his impressive performance in the IPL, where he was CSK's highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 13 games.India's XI remained largely unchanged, with four openers batting from positions 1-4 and only four specialist bowlers. Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma will be expected to contribute with the ball.Gill expressed his desire to exploit the early-morning conditions and improve India's performance in the death overs. Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza emphasized the importance of leveling the series at 2-2 and outlined his vision for the team's development leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.Zimbabwe made one change, bringing in Faraz Akram, the Saudi Arabia-born allrounder, in place of Wellington Masakadza.

India and Zimbabwe will face off in the fourth T20I in Harare, with both teams seeking a series victory. India has secured two comfortable wins after an initial defeat, but questions remain about their selection strategy.In the third T20I, India fielded four openers, leaving them short on bowling options. Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma conceded 50 runs in their combined four overs, highlighting the need for a stronger bowling lineup.Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has struggled with fielding errors, dropping seven catches in the last two games. Captain Sikandar Raza expressed frustration, stating, "It is the fielding again. We are very proud of our fielding but unfortunately the wheels have come off in the last two games."Their top-order batting has also been inconsistent, with Clive Madande, Brian Bennett, and Johnathan Campbell eager to impress ahead of their maiden call-ups for the Test against Ireland.Blessing Muzarabani has been Zimbabwe's standout fast bowler, using his height and bounce to trouble Indian batters. He has an impressive economy rate of 6.00, the best among fast bowlers from both teams.Washington Sundar has been India's go-to bowler after the powerplay, taking five wickets in the middle overs at an economy of 4.60. He will be keen to showcase his all-round abilities with the Sri Lanka series approaching.Zimbabwe is unlikely to make significant changes, while India may rotate their fast bowlers. Mukesh Kumar or Khaleel Ahmed could replace Avesh Khan.The pitch in Harare is expected to be two-paced with variable bounce, similar to previous matches. The weather forecast is favorable, with no rain expected.

India's young guns are on the cusp of securing a series victory against Zimbabwe in the ongoing Twenty20 International series. After a disappointing loss in the opening encounter, the Shubman Gill-led team has bounced back with two convincing wins to take a commanding 2-1 lead.The series triumph may not hold significant weight in the grand scheme of cricket, but it has provided a platform for several promising players to showcase their potential. Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar have emerged as strong contenders to fill the void left by the departure of some of India's veteran stars.Washington has impressed with his all-round abilities, claiming six wickets at an economical rate of 4.5. His performance has put him in contention for the spin-all-rounder role in the Indian team, especially with Ravindra Jadeja's retirement from T20Is.Abhishek, on the other hand, has underlined his credentials as a future star with a blistering century in the second T20I. His aggressive batting and ability to play a variety of shots have made him a strong candidate for the top-order.With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma no longer part of the T20I setup, India is looking to identify their next generation of leaders. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the frontrunner to fill one of the top-order spots, while Abhishek is vying for the other alongside Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad.Shivam Dube and Sanju Samson, who have been on the fringes of the Indian team, also have a chance to stake their claim in the remaining two games of the series. They will be eager to prove their worth and cement their place in the future plans of the Indian team.The performance of the bowlers, particularly leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, has also been encouraging. Bishnoi's googlies have proved to be a handful for the Zimbabwean batters, and he has picked up six wickets in the series so far.Zimbabwe, on the other hand, has struggled to maintain their early momentum after winning the first game. They have shown glimpses of brilliance, such as Blessing Muzarabani's fiery spells and Dion Myers' well-paced fifty. However, they need to find a way to consistently challenge this resurgent Indian team.