Cricket

England's Alice Capsey and Maia Bouchier propelled their team to a formidable total of 89 for 6 in a rain-shortened second T20I against New Zealand in Hove. Capsey's blistering 28 off 15 deliveries and Bouchier's composed 23 off 15 set the stage for England's victory.Despite the persistent rain delaying the start by two hours and reducing the match to nine overs per side, England's batters showcased their adaptability. Capsey and Bouchier found the boundary with ease, while Heather Knight contributed a quickfire 15 and Sophie Ecclestone ended the innings with a towering six.New Zealand's chase faltered under the pressure of Charlie Dean's exceptional bowling. Dean ripped through the Kiwi batting lineup, claiming two wickets in a single over for just three runs. Her victims included the dangerous Suzie Bates and Brooke Halliday, leaving New Zealand reeling at 28 for 3.Sarah Glenn's diving catch to dismiss Bates further dented New Zealand's hopes. Jess Kerr's dismissal off Ecclestone's bowling sealed the victory for England, who took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.The match was ultimately decided by the DLS method due to the persistent rain, with England emerging victorious by 23 runs. Dean's impressive figures of 2 for 3 in 1.4 overs proved decisive in securing the win.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most iconic cricketers of the modern era, have announced their retirement from T20 International cricket. Their contrasting personalities and playing styles have complemented each other perfectly, making them a formidable force in the Indian team for over a decade.Kohli, known for his aggressive and intense approach, has been a pillar of consistency for India. His relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him the respect of fans and opponents alike. Rohit, on the other hand, exudes calmness and composure, even in the most challenging situations. His elegant strokeplay and ability to adapt to any situation have made him one of the most successful batsmen in the world.Despite their differences, Kohli and Rohit share a deep respect for each other's abilities. They have always put the team's success ahead of their individual ambitions. This mutual respect has allowed them to coexist harmoniously, despite the intense competition and scrutiny that comes with being two of the biggest stars in the game.Their contrasting personalities were evident in their reactions to India's T20 World Cup triumph. Rohit, overcome with emotion, shed tears of joy. Kohli, on the other hand, remained composed, trying to soak in the moment while also acknowledging the contributions of his teammates.However, their shared respect for each other's achievements was evident in their post-match comments. Kohli praised Rohit's leadership and his role in India's victory. Rohit, in turn, acknowledged Kohli's immense contribution to Indian cricket.The retirement of Kohli and Rohit marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. They have been instrumental in India's rise to the top of the world rankings and have inspired a generation of young cricketers. Their legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of Indian cricketers.

Pakistan's women's cricket team finally secured their first victory of the tour against West Indies, showcasing a dominant performance in both batting and bowling. After winning the toss and electing to bat, West Indies struggled to gain momentum, with Sadia Iqbal and Nida Dar claiming three wickets each to restrict them to a mere 84 runs.Pakistan's chase was a stark contrast to their previous defeat in the third T20I. Led by Ayesha Zafar's composed 42 not out, they cruised to victory with 21 balls to spare. Zafar's innings was characterized by precise shot-making and boundary-hitting, ensuring a steady flow of runs.The victory marked a significant improvement for Pakistan, who had previously struggled to find their rhythm on the tour. The team's determination and focus were evident from the outset, with Qina Joseph's early dismissal setting the tone for a disciplined bowling performance.West Indies' batting woes were compounded by the loss of their captain, Hayley Matthews, who managed only a single run before being caught off Fatima Sana's bowling. Shemaine Campbelle's 26-run knock provided some resistance, but her untimely run-out triggered a collapse that saw West Indies lose four wickets for as many runs.Pakistan's openers, Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali, provided a solid start to the chase before falling in quick succession. However, Zafar and Gull Feroza took control, guiding Pakistan to victory with ease. Zafar's elegant boundary over mid-on sealed the win, marking a fitting end to a comprehensive performance.

Pakistan Cricket Fans Endure Rain Delay Under Plastic Sheets at Pindi StadiumIn a disappointing turn of events, Pakistan cricket fans were forced to seek shelter under large plastic sheets at the Pindi Cricket Stadium as heavy rainfall delayed the start of the first T20 international against New Zealand on Thursday.With no roof covering the stands, the fans were left exposed to the downpour, prompting them to take cover under the makeshift protection. Videos and images of the scene quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its apparent neglect of spectator comfort.The rain-soaked seats, primarily made of cloth material, further dampened the experience for the fans. The situation was particularly embarrassing for the PCB, as Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year.Before the rain interruption, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir made his long-awaited return to international cricket after a four-year absence. The 32-year-old had retired in 2020 but reversed his decision last month.Pakistan also handed T20I debuts to Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Muhammad Irfan Khan, aiming to assess their bench strength ahead of the World Cup in June. New Zealand, on the other hand, fielded a depleted squad due to the Indian Premier League, with Tim Robinson making his T20I debut.The rain delay has cast a shadow over the highly anticipated match, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the PCB's preparedness for major events.

Bangladesh's Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led his team to a resounding eight-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the second T20 international, leveling the three-match series. Shanto's unbeaten half-century and a solid partnership with Towhid Hridoy proved decisive in the chase.After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 165-5. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis provided a solid foundation with a 66-run partnership, but Bangladesh's bowlers fought back to restrict the visitors. Soumya Sarkar dismissed Kusal for 36, while Kamindu was run out after making 37.In response, Bangladesh's openers Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar gave their team a strong start, adding 68 runs in just 6.5 overs. However, Matheesha Pathirana broke the partnership by dismissing Sarkar for 26 and Das for 36.Hridoy and Shanto then took control of the chase, adding an unbeaten 87-run stand for the third wicket. Shanto played a captain's knock, hitting a 38-ball 53 with four fours and two sixes. Hridoy contributed with a 25-ball 32, including two fours and a six.Bangladesh's bowlers also played a crucial role in the victory. Taskin Ahmed removed Avishka Fernando for a duck, while Soumya Sarkar dismissed Kusal. Mustafizur Rahman got the better of Sadeera Samarawickrama, who had scored a half-century in the previous match.Sri Lanka stand-in captain Charith Asalanka admitted that his team fell short of runs and that Kamindu's run-out was a turning point in the game. He emphasized the need for his batters to make big runs in challenging conditions.Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka added 53 runs for the sixth wicket, but it was not enough to prevent Bangladesh from leveling the series.