Cricket

West Indies have suffered another injury blow ahead of their remaining two T20Is against England, with Matthew Forde ruled out due to a thigh strain. Forde, who was initially called up as cover for the suspended Alzarri Joseph, sustained the injury in training ahead of the third T20I in St Lucia.Obed McCoy has been drafted into the squad as Forde's replacement. McCoy, who was unavailable for the start of the series due to an injury sustained during the CPL, last played for West Indies in their home series against South Africa in August.Forde's absence is a further setback for West Indies, who have already conceded the series to England after losing the first three matches. The hosts will be desperate to avoid a whitewash in the remaining two games, which will be played at the Daren Sammy Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.England, meanwhile, will be looking to secure their first series win in the Caribbean in any format since 2019. The tourists have been in impressive form throughout the series, with Jos Buttler leading the way with the bat and Adil Rashid excelling with the ball.The remaining two T20Is are set to be closely contested, with both teams having something to prove. West Indies will be determined to salvage some pride, while England will be keen to maintain their winning momentum and secure a comprehensive series victory.

India's dominance in the fourth and final T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg was a testament to their all-round brilliance. The visitors clinched the series 3-1 with a resounding 135-run victory, showcasing their prowess in both batting and bowling.Chasing a mammoth 284-run target, South Africa's hopes were shattered by the brilliance of pacer Arshdeep Singh. His devastating spell reduced the hosts to a disastrous 10/4 within just three overs, effectively ending the contest early. Singh's ability to swing the ball both ways proved too much for the South African batsmen, dismissing Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, and Heinrich Klaasen in quick succession.David Miller and Tristan Stubbs attempted to salvage the innings with an 86-run partnership, but their efforts were cut short by Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi. Stubbs fell off the very next ball after Miller's dismissal, and South Africa were eventually bowled out in the 19th over. Marco Jansen's late hitting provided some consolation, but it was too little, too late.Earlier, India had set a commanding 283/1, their highest-ever T20I score overseas and the highest by any team on South African soil. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma were the architects of this record-breaking total, combining for a 210-run partnership for the second wicket.Samson, who had already struck a century in the first game, once again showcased his precision and elegance, scoring 109* off 56 balls. Varma, batting at number three, continued his sensational form with a muscular 120* off 47 balls. The duo's centuries marked a rare feat in T20I cricket, with two Indian batters reaching the milestone in the same innings.Abhishek Sharma also played a crucial role, setting the tone in the Powerplay with four huge sixes. On a flat track offering true bounce, the Indian batsmen were in full flow, hammering a record 23 sixes. Samson's nine maximums were just one shy of Varma's 10.India's comprehensive victory in the fourth T20I was a fitting end to a successful series. Their all-round performance, led by the brilliance of Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, and Tilak Varma, proved too much for South Africa to handle.

In a historic display of batting prowess, India shattered records and left South Africa's bowlers bewildered in the fourth and final T20I at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma etched their names in the annals of cricket history, becoming the first pair to score centuries in the same T20I innings.Samson, known for his audacious strokeplay, unleashed a whirlwind knock of 109* off just 56 deliveries, peppering the boundaries with 6 fours and 9 towering sixes. Varma, the young prodigy, matched Samson's brilliance with a stunning 120* off a mere 47 balls, smashing 9 fours and 10 sixes.India's batting onslaught propelled them to a mammoth 283/1, the highest total ever recorded in a T20I between two Full Member sides. The previous record of 297/6, set by India against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in 2024, was shattered by this extraordinary performance.The partnership between Samson and Varma was equally remarkable, reaching a staggering 210* runs. This became the highest partnership for any wicket for India and the highest partnership for any wicket against South Africa in a T20I. It also stands as the highest partnership for the second wicket or below in all T20Is.India's batting fireworks extended to the six-hitting department, as they smashed a record 23 sixes. This surpassed the previous best of 22 sixes, which had been achieved by India against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in 2024, by West Indies against South Africa in Centurion in 2023, and by Afghanistan against Ireland in Dehradun in 2019.Samson's century was his third in T20Is in 2024, making him the first player ever to achieve this feat in a calendar year. He has now been involved in three 170+ T20I partnerships, the most for any batter.India also set a new record for the fewest overs taken to reach 200 runs in a T20I, achieving the milestone in just 14.1 overs. This surpassed the previous best of 13.5 overs, set by South Africa against West Indies in Centurion in 2023, and 13.6 overs, set by India against Bangladesh in Hyderabad in 2024.

Abhishek Sharma's Explosive Cameo Powers India to a Big Total in JohannesburgAfter a slow start to the series, India's opening batter Abhishek Sharma has found his rhythm in the final two matches, tormenting South African bowlers with his aggressive batting. In the fourth and final T20I in Johannesburg on Friday, Sharma continued his impressive form, scoring a blistering 36 off just 18 balls to set the tone for a big total.Sharma's innings was a display of power and precision, as he smashed four sixes and two fours. The highlight of his knock came in the fifth over when he launched Proteas pacer Andile Simelane for a massive six out of the ground. Charging down the track, Sharma created room and smoked the ball over extra cover, sending it soaring onto the roof before it bounced out of the ground.Sharma's resurgence in the series is a welcome sign for India, who have been looking for consistency from their openers. In the third T20I in Centurion, Sharma found his mojo back with a blistering fifty off just 25 balls, which included five sixes and three fours.In the first two matches of the series, Sharma struggled to make an impact, scoring only 7 runs in the first T20I and 4 runs in the second. However, his dismissals in both innings were strikingly similar, as he was caught behind the wicket while attempting to play aggressive shots.Sharma's recent performances suggest that he has overcome his early struggles and is now ready to play a significant role in India's batting lineup. His ability to score quickly and aggressively makes him a valuable asset to the team, especially in the T20 format.

India and South Africa will face off in the fourth and final T20I match in Johannesburg on Friday, November 15, with the series win on the line. India currently holds a 2-1 lead after winning the third game by a narrow margin.In the opening match, India dominated with a 61-run victory, thanks to Sanju Samson's brilliant century (107 off 50 balls). However, South Africa bounced back in the second game, winning by 3 wickets despite Varun Chakaravarthy's five-wicket haul.In the third game, Tilak Varma shone with an unbeaten 107 as India edged past South Africa by 11 runs. The Proteas fought hard in the chase of 220 but fell short at 208 for 7.India will be aiming to seal the series win in the fourth T20I, while South Africa will be desperate to level the series. The match will be played at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, starting at 08:30 PM IST.The match will be telecast live on Sports18 and Colors Cineplex TV channels in India. It will also be streamed live on Jio Cinema app and website.

India, with an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match T20I series against South Africa, is poised to secure a historic series victory. The Proteas, despite being unable to win the series, will aim to salvage a 2-2 draw.For the fourth and final match, India may consider handing debuts to pacers Vijakumar Vyshak and Yash Dayal. All-rounder Ramandeep Singh made his T20I debut in the third match, and the management may opt to give more players their first caps.India has utilized 12 of its 15 players in the series, and it remains to be seen if either Dayal or Vyshak will be given a chance to showcase their skills. Sanju Samson, who has struggled against Marco Jansen in recent matches, will be eager to break out of his slump.Skipper Surya Kumar Yadav may consider using Ramandeep Singh's medium pace in the final game, as he offers versatility and can field anywhere except as a wicketkeeper.Centuries from Samson and Tilak Varma have been crucial for India's success in the series, but the team will need a more collective batting effort to clinch a 3-1 victory.The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg has been a favorable venue for India, where they won the 2007 T20 World Cup final. Yadav, who has an impressive victory percentage of 81.25 as captain, will aim to improve upon the 1-1 draw in the previous series in South Africa.

England have extended their winning streak in the T20I series against West Indies, winning the toss for the third consecutive time and opting to bowl first in the third match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia. The toss was delayed due to overnight rain, but Jos Buttler maintained his perfect record in the series by choosing to field.England, seeking an unassailable 3-0 lead, made one change to their lineup, bringing in Rehan Ahmed as the primary legspinner in place of Adil Rashid. West Indies, on the other hand, made three alterations, welcoming back Alzarri Joseph from suspension and replacing Matthew Forde and Sherfane Rutherford with Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer.The first two matches of the series have followed a similar pattern, with England restricting West Indies to modest totals and chasing them down comfortably. The conditions in Saint Lucia are expected to favor batters once again, with the floodlights and dew creating a conducive environment for run-scoring. However, the recent rains have left the outfield slightly damp and sluggish.England hold a slight historical advantage at this venue, having won both previous encounters here, including an eight-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup earlier this year. West Indies will be eager to turn their fortunes around and avoid a series sweep.

Varun Chakravarthy's journey in international cricket has been a rollercoaster ride. After a brief stint with the Indian team in 2021, he found himself out of favor and struggling to regain his place. However, through sheer determination and a willingness to reinvent himself, Chakravarthy has emerged as a formidable force in the Indian T20I setup.In 2023, Chakravarthy underwent a transformation in his bowling style. He abandoned his sidespin technique and embraced overspin, which gave him greater bite and accuracy. This change proved to be a masterstroke, as he finished the IPL season with 20 wickets and was instrumental in Kolkata Knight Riders' title triumph.His impressive IPL form earned him a recall to the Indian team for the T20I series against Bangladesh. In his first match back, he snared three wickets, and he continued to impress in subsequent games. Chakravarthy's ability to take wickets at crucial junctures has made him a valuable asset to the Indian team.In the recent T20I series against South Africa, Chakravarthy was the standout performer. He finished with ten wickets in four matches, including a five-wicket haul in the second game. His performances have not only solidified his place in the Indian team but have also made him a contender for a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup squad.Chakravarthy's success is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite setbacks and criticism, he has persevered and emerged as one of the most effective T20I bowlers in the world. His journey is an inspiration to all aspiring cricketers, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.

Pakistan Opts to Field First in Rain-Delayed T20I Opener Against AustraliaIn a rain-affected first T20I at the Gabba, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan elected to field first after winning the toss. The match, initially scheduled for a full 20 overs, was reduced to a seven-over contest due to persistent lightning and rain in Brisbane.Pakistan's batting-heavy lineup features the return of wicketkeeper-batter Sahibzada Farhan, who replaced left-arm fast bowler Jahandad Khan at the last minute. The pace attack boasts the formidable trio of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, while Babar Azam and Rizwan will open the batting.Australia's captain, Josh Inglis, echoed Rizwan's decision to field first. Their top five remains largely unchanged from the ODI series, with Adam Zampa as the specialist spinner and Tim David slotting into the middle order. Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson complete the bowling attack.The reduced format of the match means that only two bowlers can bowl a maximum of two overs each, while all other bowlers are restricted to one over. The powerplay consists of two overs.Australia:1. Jake Fraser-McGurk2. Matt Short3. Josh Inglis (capt & wk)4. Glenn Maxwell5. Tim David6. Marcus Stoinis7. Aaron Hardie8. Xavier Bartlett9. Nathan Ellis10. Adam Zampa11. Spencer JohnsonPakistan:1. Babar Azam2. Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk)3. Sahibzada Farhan4. Usman Khan5. Salman Agha6. Irfan Khan7. Abbas Afridi8. Shaheen Shah Afridi9. Haseebullah Khan10. Haris Rauf11. Naseem Shah