Cricket

Riyan Parag's impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has earned him a call-up to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. Parag, who was the third-highest run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 573 runs in 16 matches, had expressed his disappointment at not being selected for the T20 World Cup, which India won after defeating South Africa in the final.Despite his disappointment, Parag has remained focused on his cricket and has been rewarded with a place in the Indian squad for the Zimbabwe series. Former India pacer S Sreesanth has criticized Parag for his earlier remarks, stating that young players should prioritize patriotism and support the team regardless of their selection.Meanwhile, Shubman Gill will lead the Indian cricket team in the absence of Rohit Sharma for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. The team traveled to Zimbabwe right after the T20 World Cup 2024, where they will play five T20I encounters between July 6-14.India's squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe:* Shubman Gill (Captain)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Ruturaj Gaikwad* Abhishek Sharma* Rinku Singh* Sanju Samson* Dhruv Jurel* Nitish Reddy* Riyan Parag* Washington Sundar* Ravi Bishnoi* Avesh Khan* Khaleel Ahmed* Mukesh Kumar* Tushar Deshpande

South Africa's women's cricket team has received a major boost with the return of all-rounder Chloe Tryon for the upcoming T20I series against India. Tryon has been sidelined since April due to a back injury but has now recovered and is eager to make her comeback.Tryon's inclusion in the squad is a significant development for South Africa, as she brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team. She is a hard-hitting batter, a skillful bowler, and a reliable fielder. Her return will provide the Proteas with much-needed depth and balance.Interim head coach Dillon du Preez expressed his delight at Tryon's return, saying, "She brings a lot of experience to the team and we can't wait to see her back on the field."The T20I series against India will be a crucial opportunity for South Africa to fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. The Proteas will be looking to build on their recent performances, which have included a 3-0 ODI series defeat to India and a hard-fought draw in the ongoing one-off Test in Chennai.The squad for the T20I series includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars. Captain Laura Wolvaardt will lead the team, while other key players include Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, and Ayabonga Khaka.South Africa will play three T20Is against India in Chennai on July 5, 7, and 9. The Proteas will be determined to put in strong performances and gain valuable experience ahead of the T20 World Cup.

England and West Indies are set to face off in a highly anticipated T20I match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia. England, currently leading the series, will aim to solidify their position, while West Indies, ranked fourth, will seek to improve their standings.In their previous encounter, England's Adil Rashid emerged as the top fantasy performer with 67 points, while Gudakesh Motie led the way for West Indies with 101 points. England's recent victory over Namibia saw Harry Brook shine with 85 fantasy points, while Nicholas Pooran's 146 points propelled West Indies to victory against Afghanistan.The pitch at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium is balanced, with an average first innings score of 110 runs. Pacers have historically dominated at this venue, accounting for 75% of wickets. The weather forecast predicts cloudy conditions with a slight chance of rain, which could favor the pacers.Fantasy XI Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:* Johnson Charles: A high-risk, high-reward pick with an average of 46 fantasy points per match.* Sam Curran: A consistent performer with an average of 61 fantasy points per match.* Alzarri Joseph: A reliable bowler with an average of 43 fantasy points per match.* Akeal Hosein: A left-arm spinner with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Phil Salt: A consistent batter with an average of 56 fantasy points per match.* Adil Rashid: A leg-break bowler with an average of 53 fantasy points per match.* Andre Russell: A versatile player with an average of 62 fantasy points per match.* Roston Chase: A consistent all-rounder with an average of 44 fantasy points per match.Squads:England: Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood, Reece Topley, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Tom HartleyWest Indies: Andre Russell, Johnson Charles, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Obed McCoy, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar JosephFantasy XI Team:* Wicket-Keepers: Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt* Batters: Jonny Bairstow, Sherfane Rutherford* All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Andre Russell* Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan* Captain: Sam Curran* Vice-Captain: Adil Rashid

Pakistan's recent 2-0 T20I series loss to England has raised concerns among cricket enthusiasts, with former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja expressing his dissatisfaction with the team's management. Raja criticized the team's experimentation and lack of a consistent approach, which he believes has hindered their performance.In the fourth T20I at Kennington Oval, England dominated Pakistan in all aspects of the game, chasing down a target of 158 with ease. Pakistan's batting lineup lacked power in the middle order, while their pace bowlers failed to provide the necessary support.Raja expressed his concerns about the constant changes in Pakistan's white-ball setup. He criticized the management for experimenting with the team's composition, which has led to a lack of stability and consistency."They should stop experimenting with the team. Go into a game with a proper combination. You need to get out of the phobia of strike rate because you don't have that kind of players. Aapne is team ka satyanash kar diya hai (You have completely made a cock-up of this team)," Raja said on his YouTube channel.Raja also questioned the decision to introduce Saim Ayub as an opening batsman, which disrupted the successful partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Ayub's performance at the top of the order has been underwhelming, and Pakistan's middle-order batsmen have also struggled to contribute consistently."You have ruined the team by breaking the opening pair (of Babar and Rizwan). The role of the middle order is not defined. You have put all-rounders in the middle and two wicket-keepers are playing. You are changing the fast bowlers. Your spinners don't spin the ball and don't have the confidence. You put Imad Wasim out of the playing XI. There is no sideways movement and you have completely dismantled the team just before the T20 World Cup," he added.Pakistan's batting woes were evident in their recent T20I series against New Zealand. Ayub struggled to find form initially but showed some improvement in the first match. However, his overall performance was underwhelming, and Pakistan's middle-order batsmen failed to step up.Heading into the upcoming T20 World Cup, Pakistan finds itself in a challenging position. They are placed in Group A alongside India, Canada, USA, and Ireland. Their journey begins with a match against the USA at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas on Thursday.

England, led by returning captain Jos Buttler, have opted to field first against Pakistan in the fourth T20I at the Kia Oval. The decision was influenced by overcast skies and the threat of rain, as confirmed by Buttler.England have made one change to their lineup, with Mark Wood replacing Reece Topley. Jofra Archer retains his place in the side, while Sam Curran, the Player of the Tournament in England's T20 World Cup triumph, remains on the sidelines.Pakistan, who need a victory to keep their series hopes alive, have also made two changes. Usman Khan replaces the out-of-form Saim Ayub at the top of the order, while Naseem Shah comes in for Imad Wasim, who is experiencing discomfort in his ribcage.The match marks the return of the opening partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, after Pakistan's experiment of separating the duo failed.

England vs Pakistan 1st T20I: Preview, Team News, and Live UpdatesEngland and Pakistan will lock horns in the opening T20I of their four-match series on Wednesday at Headingley in Leeds. The match marks the start of a highly anticipated series between two of the world's top cricket nations.Pakistan's Recent FormPakistan will enter the series on the back of a 2-1 T20I series victory over Ireland. Captain Babar Azam led the charge with a brilliant century in the second match, while Haris Rauf impressed with his pace and accuracy. However, the team has released pacer Hasan Ali from the squad due to fitness concerns.England's SquadEngland will be without the services of Liam Livingstone, who is recovering from a knee injury. However, the team has been bolstered by the return of several key players from the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Phil Salt, and Sam Curran.Key Players to WatchEngland:* Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper batsman)* Jonny Bairstow (batsman)* Phil Salt (batsman)* Sam Curran (all-rounder)* Adil Rashid (leg-spinner)Pakistan:* Babar Azam (captain, batsman)* Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper batsman)* Fakhar Zaman (batsman)* Haris Rauf (fast bowler)* Shaheen Afridi (fast bowler)Match Details* Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2023* Time: 6:30 PM BST* Venue: Headingley, Leeds* Live Scorecard: [Link to live scorecard]

England captain Heather Knight has urged her team to "put on a show" with the bat in the third and final T20I against Pakistan at Headingley. The hosts have already secured the series after winning the first two matches, but Knight is keen for her side to maintain their momentum."We were back to our best in Northampton," said Knight, referring to England's 65-run victory in the second T20I. "That was a proper performance."England have made one change to their team, bringing in the extra pace of Lauren Filer for Lauren Bell. Knight believes the pitch at Headingley may offer some assistance to the seamers, but she expects it to dry out quickly on a sunny afternoon.Pakistan, meanwhile, have also made one change, adding opener Ayesha Zafar to their batting lineup in place of spinner Nashra Sandhu. Captain Nida Dar acknowledged that her team needs to improve their batting performance."We have been doing well in the fielding and bowling," said Dar. "We need to work on the batting side."

Pakistan's skipper Babar Azam opted to field first after winning the toss in the crucial third T20I against Ireland. The match holds significance as it will determine the series winner.Pakistan made a strategic move by resting Naseem Shah and bringing in Hasan Ali for his first T20I appearance since September 2022. Ireland, on the other hand, introduced two changes to their lineup. Regular captain Paul Stirling and Gareth Delany were rested, making way for Lorcan Tucker as the new captain and the inclusion of Neil Rock and Ross Adair.This marks the first time Tucker will lead Ireland in any format. The match serves as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA. Ireland will participate in a T20I tri-series in the Netherlands, which also includes Scotland, while Pakistan will embark on a four-match T20I tour of England.

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has expressed his concerns about the inconsistent performances of opener Saim Ayub, questioning the decision to break the established opening duo of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam.Ayub, who struggled in the recent T20I series against New Zealand, showed signs of improvement in the first T20I against Ireland with a quick-paced knock of 45(29). However, he failed to maintain consistency in the second T20I, falling for a score of 6.Raja believes that Ayub's inconsistent performances do not justify breaking the successful opening partnership of Rizwan and Azam. "I don't think Saim Ayub gives you security, he shows flashes of brilliance. If you don't score 50 off 30 balls then breaking Rizwan and Babar's opening duo doesn't make any sense," Raja said on his YouTube channel.In four matches against New Zealand, Ayub scored 52 runs at an average of 14.25, with 32 as his highest score. Before Ayub's inclusion, Babar and Rizwan were the designated openers for Pakistan and were one of the most prolific opening pairs in white-ball cricket.The duo forged a record-breaking 105-run stand in the 2022 Men's T20I World Cup, setting a new record for the most century partnerships as an opening duo in the tournament's history.Raja's comments highlight the importance of consistency and reliability in opening partnerships. While Ayub has shown glimpses of his potential, his inconsistent performances have raised questions about his ability to provide a solid foundation for Pakistan's batting lineup.The third and final T20I between Pakistan and Ireland will be played on Tuesday, with the series currently tied at 1-1. The match will be a crucial test for Ayub and the Pakistan team as they look to secure a series victory and build momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.