Cricket

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali expressed astonishment at the contrasting performances of the Bangladesh cricket team, which recently suffered a humiliating 2-0 Test series defeat against India after registering a historic Test series win in Pakistan.Ali questioned the Bangladesh team's lackluster display in the Test series against India, saying, "Is this the same Bangladesh team that whitewashed Pakistan (2-0)? You saw in the Test matches (against India). They lost the first one and then were defeated in virtually two days, even the rain could not save them."Ali attributed India's dominance to their exceptional depth, highlighting the performance of the young Indian Premier League (IPL) stars led by Suryakumar Yadav. "India have changed cricket (with their dominance). Bangladesh is just an appetizer (for them)," he said.The T20I retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja has created opportunities for new players in the Indian team. Ali noted the absence of several key players from the playing XI in the match at Gwalior, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Ravi Bishnoi."Yeh IPL eleven hai, India ki team nahi hai," said Ali, emphasizing the strength of the Indian team's bench. "And still they hammered them in just 11-something overs, finishing with a six from (Hardik) Pandya."Ali praised the performances of debutants Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made their first international appearances in the match. He particularly lauded Yadav's impressive pace, saying, "There were two debuts, but it was a dream debut for Mayank Yadav. The first over was a maiden, including a 149.8 kmph delivery."Ali expressed hope that Yadav remains fit for India's upcoming tour of Australia, saying, "I pray that this kid remains fit and goes on the Australia tour."After the T20I series against Bangladesh, India will face New Zealand in a three-Test series before traveling to Australia for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which will be contested over five Test matches.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya showcased his exceptional batting prowess in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior, leaving fans in awe with a stunning "no-look" boundary. Pandya's unbeaten 39 off 16 deliveries propelled India to a comfortable seven-wicket victory, chasing down the target of 128 with ease.Pandya's destructive batting display was highlighted by three consecutive fours off Taskin Ahmed, including the remarkable no-look shot that sailed over the wicket-keeper's head. The video of the shot has gone viral on social media, showcasing Pandya's incredible skill and confidence.Bangladesh's innings began with early setbacks, as Arshdeep Singh dismissed both openers cheaply. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided some resistance, but Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, and Washington Sundar kept the Indian bowlers in control. Pandya also contributed with a wicket towards the end.In response, India's chase was anchored by Pandya's blistering knock. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav also made significant contributions, but it was Pandya's unbeaten innings that sealed the victory for India.Pandya's performance has been widely praised, with fans and experts alike marveling at his ability to combine power and finesse. His no-look boundary has become an instant highlight, demonstrating his exceptional hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes.The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The second match will be played in Rajkot on October 8, with Bangladesh looking to level the series and India aiming to extend their advantage.

Bangladesh's T20I series opener against India on Sunday exposed their batting deficiencies, as they failed to provide their bowlers with a competitive total to defend. The visitors' struggles with the bat were evident from the outset, as they managed a meager 39/2 after the powerplay.Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the team's shortcomings, particularly in the powerplay. "We didn't start well. In T20, the first six overs are important, but we didn't do well," he said. "The plan was to play positive cricket, but we had to manage some overs and how we wanted to approach it. Looks like we didn't have much plan."Bangladesh's tepid batting performance was compounded by India's aggressive approach with the ball. Arshdeep Singh's early strikes put the visitors on the back foot, and the Indian bowlers maintained the pressure throughout the innings.Mehidy Hasan Miraz's late cameo of 35* runs provided some respite for Bangladesh, but it was not enough to propel them to a competitive total. India's openers, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, made light work of the chase, reaching the target with more than eight overs to spare.Shanto emphasized the need for a more proactive approach in the second T20I. "We need to focus on rotating the strike. T20 is not only about hitting. If we keep wickets in hand, we can get a good score," he said. "We didn't score many runs. Rishad bowled well, and Fizz was also good, but we didn't have enough runs."Bangladesh's batting woes have been a recurring theme in recent times, and they will need to find a solution quickly if they want to compete against India in the remaining matches of the series.

Varun Chakravarthy's remarkable return to the Indian team was marked by a stellar performance in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. After a three-year absence, the mystery spinner played a pivotal role in India's crushing seven-wicket victory, claiming three wickets for 31 runs.Chakravarthy's comeback was an emotional moment for the 31-year-old, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country once again. "It was definitely emotional for me, and it feels nice to be back in the Blues, it feels like a rebirth," he said.The spinner's journey back to the national team has been marked by challenges and perseverance. After being dropped from the Indian side in November 2021, Chakravarthy faced criticism and doubts about his ability to return to the highest level. However, he remained determined to prove his worth.In the past year, Chakravarthy has enjoyed great success at the domestic level. He was the highest wicket-taker for Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2024 IPL, finishing with 21 wickets in 14 innings. He also played a key role in Dindigul Dragons' victory in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, taking 12 wickets in the tournament.Chakravarthy credits his recent success to the hard work he put in during the TNPL. "That's a place where I worked a lot, with Ash bhai [Ashwin]. We won the competition also, and that gave me the confidence here, because it was good preparation for me for this series," he said.In the first T20I against Bangladesh, Chakravarthy was introduced into the attack in the fifth over. He immediately made an impact, dismissing Towhid Hridoy in his second over. He followed that up with the wickets of Jaker Ali and Rishad Hossain, bamboozling the batters with his variations.Despite his impressive performance, Chakravarthy was disappointed with a dropped catch that could have given him a fourth wicket. However, he remained composed and focused on his task. "I thought it could have gone my way, but I can't complain," he said.Chakravarthy's return to form is a testament to his resilience and determination. He has overcome adversity to reclaim his place in the Indian team, and his performance in the first T20I suggests that he is ready to make a significant contribution to the side's success.

India's T20I team is undergoing a transition phase following the retirement of senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja. Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, the team is expected to continue its dominance in the shortest format.The upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh has brought several newcomers into the spotlight. Mayank Yadav, a fast bowler who impressed with his express deliveries for Lucknow Super Giants, is one of the most talked-about players. Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy are two other uncapped players who have been included in the squad.Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that these players will be closely watched. He suggests that Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Arshdeep Singh should all be included in the playing XI for the first T20I."Ideally, he [Mayank Yadav] should be playing. For him to play, I see three fast bowlers playing because, in the pecking order, it's Arshdeep, Harshit Rana, and Mayank Yadav. I see Mayank Yadav playing, all three fast bowlers. Unleash some pace," Chopra said.India's Predicted XI vs Bangladesh 1st T20I:1. Abhishek Sharma2. Sanju Samson (wk)3. Suryakumar Yadav (C)4. Riyan Parag5. Rinku Singh6. Hardik Pandya7. Washington Sundar8. Ravi Bishnoi9. Arshdeep Singh10. Harshit Rana11. Mayank Yadav

Team India Intensifies Fielding Preparations Ahead of Bangladesh T20I OpenerThe Indian cricket team is leaving no stone unturned in their preparations for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh, commencing on Sunday in Gwalior. The players recently engaged in a rigorous fielding practice session under the watchful eyes of fielding coach T Dilip and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate.Dilip, renowned for his transformative impact on the team's fielding performance, has introduced the Best Fielder Award during World Cup matches to motivate players to excel in this crucial aspect of the game. During the training session, he emphasized the importance of proper technique, guiding the players to "get your feet where you are throwing."All-rounder Hardik Pandya and spinner Varun Chakravarthy displayed exceptional dedication during the practice, while head coach Gautam Gambhir closely monitored the players' progress. Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, and Ravi Bishnoi showcased impressive catches, highlighting the team's commitment to fielding excellence.Following the conclusion of the Test series, India and Bangladesh will engage in a three-match T20I series. Suryakumar will continue to lead the Indian side, with Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma serving as wicketkeeper-batters.The T20I series will kick off with the first match in Gwalior on October 6, followed by the second and third matches in Delhi on October 9 and Hyderabad on October 12, respectively.

Pakistan's women's cricket team displayed a remarkable performance in the second T20I against South Africa, leveling the series with a 13-run victory in Multan.Pakistan's batting lineup showcased a collective effort, with Muneeba Ali leading the charge with a blistering 45 off 34 deliveries. Her innings included six boundaries and two maximums, providing a solid foundation for the team. Sidra Amin contributed with a steady 37, while captain Fatima Sana and Nida Dar chipped in with valuable runs. Aliya Riyaz's late cameo of 16 off 3 balls propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 181 for 4.South Africa's chase got off to a promising start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch forming a 50-run partnership. However, Pakistan's left-arm spinners, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal, proved to be a formidable force. Sandhu dismissed Wolvaardt for 36, while Iqbal accounted for Bosch and Nadine de Klerk in quick succession.With South Africa needing 94 runs off 42 balls, Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon stepped up with an impressive 80-run stand. Luus remained unbeaten on 53 off 29 deliveries, while Tryon contributed a quickfire 30 off 16 balls. Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to guide South Africa to victory.Sandhu finished with impressive figures of 2 for 20, while Iqbal claimed 2 for 27. Their economical bowling and crucial wickets played a pivotal role in Pakistan's triumph.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has highlighted the importance of Adam Zampa's leg-spin to Australia's success, emphasizing that when Zampa is neutralized, the team struggles to win. This was evident in England's three-wicket victory in the second T20I at Cardiff, where Zampa's figures of 0-37 from four overs proved ineffective.Ponting pointed out that Zampa's performance in victories stands in stark contrast to his performance in defeats. In wins, he boasts an impressive average of 15.20 and an economy rate of 6.38, while in defeats, his average jumps to 40.07 and his economy rate to 8.49.England's strategy in the second T20I was clear: target Zampa's weaknesses. They identified that he is more vulnerable to left-handed batters, and Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt adopted a cautious approach against him, rotating the strike rather than attacking him aggressively.However, it was Jacob Bethell's audacious performance that truly turned the tide. The 20-year-old hit Zampa for 26 runs off just 11 balls, including a remarkable 100m six over long-on. Bethell's aggressive approach and willingness to use his feet forced Zampa to vary his lengths, creating scoring opportunities.Ponting also criticized Australian batters Jake Fraser-McGurk and Marcus Stoinis for their ineffective approach against England's spinners, particularly Livingstone. Their tendency to step away from their bodies and mishit shots towards long-on left them vulnerable.In conclusion, Zampa's struggles in the second T20I highlighted his importance to Australia's success. England's strategy of targeting his weaknesses proved effective, and Bethell's aggressive approach further exposed his vulnerabilities. Australia will need to find a way to protect Zampa and neutralize England's spinners if they want to regain the lead in the series.

USA vs Canada: Tri-Series 2024, 5th T20I Live Streaming and Match DetailsThe United States and Canada will face off in the fifth T20I match of the Tri-Series 2024, which also features the Netherlands. This highly anticipated clash will take place on Tuesday, August 27, at the Sportpark Duivesteijn in Voorburg, Netherlands.Match Preview:Canada enters this match with momentum on their side after securing an eight-run victory over the Netherlands in their previous encounter. The team will be looking to continue their winning streak and improve their position in the standings.On the other hand, the United States has faced setbacks in the series, losing both of their previous matches. They will be eager to turn things around and secure their first win.Match Details:* Date: Tuesday, August 27* Time: 5:30 PM IST* Venue: Sportpark Duivesteijn, Voorburg* Live Streaming: FanCode app and website (India)Key Players to Watch:* USA: Monank Patel, Sushant Modani, Nisarg Patel* Canada: Navneet Dhaliwal, Hamza Tariq, Nikhil DuttaImportance of the Match:This match is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the tri-series. A win for Canada would strengthen their position at the top of the table, while a victory for the United States would give them a much-needed boost in confidence.Conclusion:The USA vs Canada Tri-Series 2024, 5th T20I match promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter. With both teams eager to secure a win, fans can expect a thrilling contest.