Cricket

India vs Zimbabwe 2nd T20I: Team India Aims to Bounce Back After Shock LossAfter a disappointing 13-run defeat in the first T20I against Zimbabwe, Team India, led by Shubman Gill, will be eager to make amends in the second match of the three-match series. The match will be played at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, July 7, starting at 4:30 PM IST.With the first two T20Is being held on consecutive days, some changes to the Indian squad are expected. Harshit Rana and B Sai Sudharsan, who were included in the squad for only the first two matches, will be hoping to make their T20I debuts for India. Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel, who failed to impress in the first T20I, will also be looking to make a mark in the second match.India will be keen to avoid a series defeat against Zimbabwe, who have been in impressive form in recent months. The hosts stunned India in the first T20I, thanks to a brilliant all-round performance from Sikandar Raza.India's batting lineup, which includes the likes of Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson, will need to step up and deliver in the second T20I. The bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, will also need to be more disciplined and consistent.Zimbabwe, on the other hand, will be confident after their victory in the first match. They will be looking to continue their momentum and secure a series win against a strong Indian team.The match will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed live on the SonyLiv app and website.

England's spin quartet, led by Sarah Glenn's three-wicket haul, dominated New Zealand in the first T20I, setting the stage for a thrilling five-match series. Glenn's legspin proved devastating, claiming the wickets of experienced batters Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine. Off-spinner Charlie Dean chipped in with two wickets, while world No. 1 Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith took one each.Glenn expressed her delight at being part of such a formidable spin attack, emphasizing the diversity and effectiveness of each bowler. She welcomed the addition of Smith, who has consistently performed well in the powerplay and at the death.England captain Heather Knight indicated that the team would experiment with different combinations during the series to finalize their squad for the T20 World Cup in October. Glenn expressed confidence in the spin-heavy lineup, stating that it provided multiple perspectives and support.Despite their spin dominance, England dropped several catches and misfielded, which could have resulted in an even wider margin of victory. However, Glenn remained optimistic, believing that the team could improve their fielding with focus and intent.New Zealand's Suzie Bates acknowledged the challenge posed by England's spinners but expressed faith in her team's ability to counter-attack. She emphasized the need for bravery and aggression against the world-class spin attack.The series, which moves to Hove on Tuesday, will provide both teams with valuable preparation for the T20 World Cup. England will look to refine their spin-heavy strategy, while New Zealand will aim to find ways to neutralize it.

England's dominant batting performance, led by Danni Wyatt's rapid half-century, propelled them to a commanding 59-run victory over New Zealand in the first T20I at Southampton.Wyatt's blistering 76 off 51 deliveries, adorned with 11 fours and a six, set the tone for England's imposing total of 197 for 3. Nat Sciver-Brunt (47 off 23) and Maia Bouchier (32 off 26) provided valuable support, showcasing England's class and ability to manipulate the crease effectively.New Zealand's chase faltered from the outset, with Georgia Plimmer's run-out. England's spinners then took control, with Sarah Glenn (3-16) and Charlie Dean (2-28) leading the charge. Glenn's hat-trick in the 10th over, including the wickets of Suzie Bates and Maddy Green, left New Zealand reeling at 64 for 5.Despite Jess Kerr's defiant 38, New Zealand's innings was plagued by missed chances and a lack of partnerships. Freya Kemp, returning from injury, claimed the final wicket with the last ball of the match.England's victory not only secured a 1-0 lead in the five-match series but also allowed them to catch the start of their football team's Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland, having missed only 26 minutes of the match.

Riyan Parag, the 22-year-old cricketer from Assam, has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history by becoming the first male cricketer from the state to represent the Indian national team. The momentous occasion unfolded before the first T20I against Zimbabwe, where Parag's father, Parag Das, a former professional cricketer for Assam, had the honor of presenting him with the coveted India cap.Parag's achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination. His journey to the Indian team began with his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he emerged as the third highest-scorer for the Rajasthan Royals, amassing 573 runs in 15 matches with an impressive strike rate of 149.22.The occasion was imbued with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment, particularly in light of India's recent triumph in the T20 World Cup against South Africa. As the Indian team embarked on a new chapter with a youthful side in Zimbabwe, Parag found himself at the heart of this emotional narrative.Parag's debut was made even more special by the presence of his family. His father, Parag Das, who represented Assam in 43 first-class matches and 32 List-A games, beamed with pride as he placed the India cap on his son's head. His mother's warm embrace added to the heartwarming moment.Parag's debut, along with those of Abhishek Sharma and Dhruv Jurel, marked a significant milestone for Indian cricket. With the World Cup-winning players rested for this five-match T20I series, Parag and his fellow debutants have a golden opportunity to make their mark on the international stage.

Shubman Gill, the rising star of Indian cricket, will lead a young and promising Team India against Zimbabwe in the first T20I of the five-match series, commencing on June 6. This series marks a significant transition for the Indian team, as several senior players have been rested, including former T20I captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja.Gill, who has impressed with his consistent performances in recent times, will have the added responsibility of captaining the side. He will be supported by a talented group of youngsters eager to prove their worth on the international stage.The Indian team is expected to field a strong batting lineup, with Gill opening the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma, who is set to make his India debut. Ruturaj Gaikwad, known for his reliability, will bat at number three. Riyan Parag, a hard-hitting middle-order batter, could also make his India debut in this series. Rinku Singh, who narrowly missed out on a spot in India's 2024 T20 World Cup squad, will aim to continue his impressive form as a finisher.Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter, will be looking to make the most of his opportunities after failing to impress in his limited appearances for India. Washington Sundar, an experienced all-rounder, will provide balance to the team with his quality spin bowling and handy batting skills.The bowling attack will be led by Ravi Bishnoi, a leg-spinner who has the ability to trouble even the best batters. Khaleel Ahmed, a left-arm pacer, will be eager to make an impact after a successful IPL 2024 season. Avesh Khan, a right-arm pacer, will also be looking to prove his worth in the face of stiff competition in the Indian team. Mukesh Kumar, known for his pinpoint accuracy and discipline, could get a chance ahead of Harshit Rana and Tushar Deshpande.This series against Zimbabwe provides an excellent opportunity for the young Indian players to showcase their talent and stake their claim for a place in the main team. With a new era dawning for Indian cricket, the performances of these youngsters will be closely watched as they aim to build a strong foundation for the future.

South Africa's women's cricket team kicked off their tour of India with a resounding 12-run victory in the opening T20I in Chennai on Friday. The Proteas posted a formidable total of 189 for four, thanks to half-centuries from Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp. India's bowlers struggled to contain the South African batters, while their fielding was also below par.Brits and skipper Laura Wolvaardt provided a solid foundation for South Africa's innings, putting on a 50-run partnership in 43 balls. Brits was particularly impressive, scoring 81 off 56 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. Kapp also played a significant role, contributing 57 off 33 balls.India's poor fielding allowed South Africa to post their highest total in T20Is against India. Wolvaardt, Kapp, and Brits were all dropped at various stages of the innings. The lack of bounce on the pitch also allowed the South African batters to utilize sweep shots effectively.In response, India's openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana got off to a strong start, putting on a 56-run stand in just 32 balls. However, Verma fell to Ayabonga Khaka in the sixth over, and Mandhana was dismissed by Chloe Tryon in the 10th over.Dayalan Hemalatha and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur then put on a 31-run partnership, but Hemalatha was dismissed by Nadine de Klerk in the following over. Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues then took the attacking route, putting up a 50-run stand in 38 deliveries.Rodrigues brought up her 11th T20I half-century in just 29 deliveries, but India needed 21 runs off the final six balls. Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled a tight over, conceding only eight runs to seal the victory for South Africa.India's bowlers Pooja and Radha did manage to take two wickets each, but their efforts were overshadowed by their team's fielding lapses and the resilient batting display by South Africa.

Richa Ghosh, India's dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, suffered a concussion during the first T20I against South Africa in Chennai on Friday. The incident occurred in the 16th over of the first innings when Ghosh attempted to catch a top-edged shot from Tazmin Brits. The ball rebounded off her gloves and struck her face, forcing her to leave the field.Ghosh, who was playing her 50th T20I, was initially replaced by uncapped substitute Uma Chetry. However, at the change of innings, batter S Sajana was announced as the official concussion substitute. Sajana would have been eligible to bat if necessary, but the match ended before that with South Africa securing a 12-run victory.The injury to Ghosh is a significant blow to India's hopes in the three-match series. The 20-year-old has been a key player for the team, contributing with both bat and gloves. Her absence will be felt in the remaining matches.In addition to Ghosh's injury, South Africa's Tazmin Brits also suffered a contusion in her right lower leg. Brits had to be stretchered off the field in the second innings after experiencing discomfort. She had earlier top-scored for South Africa with a 56-ball 81 in the first innings.The injuries to both Ghosh and Brits highlight the physical demands of international cricket. The players put their bodies on the line every time they take the field, and injuries are an unfortunate but unavoidable part of the game.

India's women's cricket team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the opening T20I against South Africa in Chennai. The decision was influenced by the black-soil Chepauk surface, which Kaur believed would assist spin bowling.India opted for a three-pronged spin attack, including left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, who was the Player of the Series in Bangladesh, along with Asha Sobhana and Deepti Sharma. Offspinner Shreyanka Patil was surprisingly omitted from the XI.In the batting department, D Hemalatha was given an opportunity to cement her position at No. 3 in the absence of the injured Yastika Bhatia. Richa Ghosh played her 50th T20I in the match.South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, were not disheartened by having to bat first. They welcomed the return of allrounder Chloe Tryon, who had missed the earlier part of the tour due to a back injury. Opener Tazmin Brits also made her comeback after missing the Test due to illness.The series is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October. While India will participate in the Women's Asia Cup later this month, this could be South Africa's final series before the World Cup.India are aiming to complete a clean sweep of the tour, having already won the ODI series 3-0 and the one-off Test in Chennai last week.

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has quashed rumors of his impending retirement from T20I cricket, declaring that he has no plans to step away from the shortest format anytime soon.Bumrah's announcement comes after a triumphant T20 World Cup campaign for India, where he played a pivotal role in their victory over South Africa in the final. His exceptional bowling throughout the tournament, with an impressive economy rate of just 4.17, earned him the well-deserved accolade of Player of the Tournament.Despite the recent retirements of senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket, Bumrah remains committed to representing India in the format. "It's (my retirement) is a long way away. I have just started. Hopefully, it is far away now," he said during a felicitation ceremony at Wankhede Stadium.Bumrah's decision to continue playing T20Is is a testament to his passion for the game and his belief in India's potential to dominate the format. His exceptional skills and experience will be invaluable to the team as they look to build on their World Cup success.The pacer's emotional reaction to India's victory, sharing the moment with his son Angad, highlighted the significance of the achievement for him. "It was unreal. Usually, I am not the one who is at a loss of words, but seeing my son, the emotions that came in. I never cry after the game, but I started crying, and I cried two, three times," he said.Bumrah's commitment to T20I cricket is a positive sign for Indian cricket, as the team looks to maintain its dominance in the shortest format. His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the next generation of players and ensuring India's continued success on the international stage.