Cricket

Pakistan's white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, exudes confidence in his team's ability to triumph in the upcoming T20 international series against Australia. His aspirations extend beyond victory, aiming for a clean sweep of the home team.Pakistan's recent ODI series triumph in Australia, their first since 2002, came as a surprise to many. The Australian team's decision to rest five senior players for the decider in Perth drew criticism from former players and disappointment from Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.Pakistan's white-ball coach, Jason Gillispie, expressed disappointment over Cricket Australia's perceived lack of promotion for the Pakistan-Australia series.Rizwan believes that a united Pakistan team can achieve a whitewash in the T20 series. He emphasized the importance of appropriate conduct on tour, reminding players of their role as ambassadors for Pakistan."We must strive to win major titles like the World Cups and Champions Trophy to showcase the true potential of Pakistan cricket," Rizwan stated.He urged the team to break long-standing records of underperformance in various countries. Rizwan's leadership style involves consulting with players and officials to ensure clarity in decision-making.

Sanju Samson's scintillating century propelled India to a resounding 61-run victory in the series opener against South Africa in Durban. However, the lack of contributions from other key batters remains a concern heading into the second game in Gqeberha.Samson's 107-run knock from 50 balls, studded with seven fours and 10 sixes, powered India to a formidable 211/4. The Proteas, missing several key players, struggled to keep up with the pace and were restricted to 150/9.Despite the emphatic win, India's batting lineup has raised questions. Apart from Samson, only Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (29) made significant contributions. The likes of Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma failed to make an impact.The weather forecast for the second T20I in Gqeberha is not promising. Rain is expected to arrive after the start of the match, around 6 PM local time (9:30 PM IST). The forecast predicts high chances of afternoon and evening showers, which could lead to interruptions and delays.Even if the overs are reduced, there is a high possibility that rain might return later in the day, which could eventually lead to the match being washed out. The temperature will fluctuate between 15 to 21 degree celsius throughout the day.For South Africa, the loss was a hard blow, marking their second consecutive defeat to India after their loss in the T20 World Cup final in June. With key players such as Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi all missing from the squad, the Proteas are already struggling without some of their most experienced campaigners.The absence of these senior players will make the second T20I an uphill battle for South Africa, particularly with their recent form. Having lost 0-3 to the West Indies and drawn a series against Ireland, the Proteas will need improved performances from their senior players, including captain Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen.

India and South Africa are set to reignite their rivalry in a highly anticipated four-match T20 series, commencing on Friday in Durban. The series holds immense significance as a rematch of the thrilling T20 World Cup final, where India emerged victorious to claim their second title.Heading into the series, India boasts a slight edge in the head-to-head record, having won 15 out of 27 T20I encounters against South Africa. Since the World Cup final, both teams have experienced contrasting fortunes in the shortest format.India has been on a winning streak, triumphing in three consecutive T20I series. They defeated Zimbabwe 4-1, Sri Lanka 3-0, and Bangladesh 3-0, showcasing their dominance in the format. In contrast, South Africa has struggled since their narrow loss to India in the World Cup final. They were whitewashed 3-0 by the West Indies and drew 1-1 against Ireland, losing four of their five T20I matches since the tournament.As the two sides prepare to clash, South Africa will be eager to turn their fortunes around at home, while India, high on confidence, will aim to continue their winning momentum. The first T20I in Durban promises to be an exciting contest, as the World Champions look to extend their dominance, and South Africa seeks redemption.

Vijaykumar Vyshak, a 27-year-old pacer from Bengaluru, has received his maiden call-up to the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 series in South Africa. The selection marks a significant milestone in Vyshak's career, which has been characterized by hard work, determination, and a remarkable transformation.Vyshak's journey to the national team began as a top-order batter. However, a decade ago, he switched to pace bowling, a decision that proved to be pivotal. Despite facing challenges due to his gluten allergy and weight, Vyshak remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.In 2019, Vyshak sought guidance from former international athlete BP Aiyappa and trainers Sai Prasanna and Puneeth. Under their tutelage, he underwent rigorous training sessions, focusing on stamina, endurance, and technique. Additionally, he worked with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun to refine his bowling action.Vyshak's impressive performances for Karnataka in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament caught the attention of the selectors. His ability to swing the ball both ways, vary his pace, and soak pressure makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team.Speaking about his selection, Vyshak expressed his disbelief and gratitude. "An India call-up is what every cricketer aspires for. It's a dream come true," he said.Vyshak's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers. It demonstrates that with hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude, anything is possible. As he prepares to don the Indian jersey, Vyshak is eager to prove his worth and contribute to the team's success.

India's Predicted XI for the third T20I against Bangladesh in Hyderabad on Saturday is expected to undergo significant changes, as the hosts have already secured the series victory with a 2-0 lead.The young Indian team has showcased promising performances, with Nitish Kumar Reddy emerging as a standout performer in the second T20I. His all-round abilities, including a match-winning knock and impressive bowling, have impressed the team management. Mayank Yadav's express pace has also earned him a spot as a reserve bowler for the upcoming New Zealand Tests.However, concerns remain over Sanju Samson's form, as he has failed to make a substantial impact in the series. The third T20I provides him with an opportunity to prove his worth and boost his chances of future selection.Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to open the batting for India once again. Abhishek has shown glimpses of form, but the onus will be on Sanju to find his rhythm. A strong performance in the third T20I could be crucial for his confidence.Suryakumar Yadav will continue to lead the side, with Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy forming the middle order. This young batting core will be eager to make a statement and solidify their positions in the team.Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar are expected to play as all-rounders. Hardik's impressive performances with both bat and ball have been a major asset for India.In the bowling department, Harshit Rana is likely to make his debut, joining Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI. Mayank Yadav is expected to be rested for the final match.

Australia's T20 series triumph over Scotland concluded with a moment of laughter, not solely due to their dominant performance but also because of an unusual trophy. After securing a 3-0 sweep in Edinburgh, the Australian players were left perplexed by a peculiar trophy resembling an "ice-cream cup" or, as some jokingly referred to it, a "kadhai."The miniature bowl, known in Scotland as a "quaich," is traditionally used for consuming whiskey or other beverages. When the presenter handed the trophy to captain Mitchell Marsh, the entire team erupted in laughter. Marsh himself couldn't conceal his amusement, holding the cup with a mixture of bewilderment and humor. Players gathered for a team photo, unsure of how to pose with the tiny, unconventional trophy, further adding to the hilarity.Despite their unfamiliarity with the quaich's historical significance, the Australians embraced the surprise with good humor, passing the cup around for a few laughs. The entire scene provided a lighthearted conclusion to what had been a commanding series victory for the visitors.Fans on social media quickly joined the fun, dubbing the trophy an "ice-cream cup" and even comparing it to a "tea cup." On the field, it was Cameron Green who stole the show. The all-rounder delivered a stellar performance with both bat and ball, claiming 3-35 and smashing an unbeaten 62 as Australia chased down Scotland's total of 149 with ease, winning with 23 balls to spare.Brandon McMullen's half-century for Scotland proved insufficient to halt Australia's charge, as Green and captain Mitch Marsh steadied the innings after a shaky start. Aaron Hardie and Tim David finished the job, sealing an effortless victory for the tourists.However, it was the unexpected "ice-cream cup" moment that stole the post-match spotlight, providing a memorable and amusing end to the series.

Australia A's depth was on full display as they clinched the T20 series against India A with an emphatic eight-wicket victory. Legspinner Grace Parsons and quick Nicola Hancock, both making their Australia A debuts, played pivotal roles in the triumph.Parsons, a 20-year-old Brisbane Heat WBBL squad member, made a stunning T20 debut, claiming four wickets for just 30 runs in her eight overs. She dismissed India A's top-scorer Priya Punia (29) and wrapped up her spell with two wickets in three balls.Hancock, a late addition to the squad, also impressed, taking the first wicket and conceding only 14 runs from her three overs. Her dismissal of Shweta Sehrawat, caught by Nicole Faltum, set the tone for India A's struggles.India A's batting faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals. They lost three wickets for just 10 runs between the 11th and 13th overs, failing to build any momentum.Australia A's chase was controlled by Tahlia Wilson, who scored her second consecutive half-century. Captain Tahlia McGrath, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first match, provided support with a flurry of boundaries. The pair put on an unbroken 69-run stand to seal the victory with ten deliveries to spare.Parsons and Hancock's impressive debuts highlight the depth of talent available to Australia A. Their performances, along with Wilson's consistent batting, have given the team a strong foundation for the future.

Team India's emphatic 3-0 T20 series sweep against Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The victory was not only a testament to the team's talent but also highlighted a crucial change in team dynamics.Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, revealed that since the T20 World Cup, the players have been instructed to refrain from forming smaller groups and instead sit together as a team. This initiative, according to Yadav, has fostered a stronger bond among the players, which has translated into improved performances on the field."We don't sit together as a team only when we win a game or a series. This trend started during the World Cup, where no matter the result or performance in the game, we used to sit together. We decided that we wouldn't sit in groups of 2 or 3 people but always sit together as a team. The same thing happened during this series. This leads to better bonding between the players and reflects on the ground. It also builds that friendship and ability to stand in support of a fellow member of the team," Yadav explained.However, former India cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Ashish Nehra expressed surprise at Yadav's revelation. Jadeja emphasized that team bonding should occur naturally within a team environment rather than being enforced as a change."That is what you expect in a team sport. I'm just surprised that players are talking about this even today and it has been rather a change in the team that players won't sit in small groups. I don't know, did you not all sit together in previous teams? But again, the captain mentioned that he brought this change, although this is old," Jadeja said.Nehra echoed Jadeja's sentiments, questioning why the management had not implemented this practice earlier. "Didn't he say that this change happened during the World Cup? That happened only a month back. I'm not doubting him, but I'm rather surprised that this has only started now," Nehra remarked.Despite the contrasting views on the team bonding initiative, India's dominant performance against Sri Lanka suggests that it has had a positive impact on the team's cohesion and unity. The team will now turn their attention to the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, where they will aim to continue their winning ways.

Sanath Jayasuriya, the interim head coach of Sri Lanka, has revealed that Zubin Bharucha, the high performance director of Rajasthan Royals, has assisted his batters in preparing for the upcoming Twenty20 series against India. Jayasuriya believes that his team can capitalize on the retirements of prominent Indian players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.Following India's World Cup victory last month, Rohit, Kohli, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja announced their retirement from T20 International cricket. The Twenty20 series versus Sri Lanka will begin in Pallekele on July 27.Despite the fact that a few Sri Lankan players compete in the Lanka Premier League, Jayasuriya disclosed that they have trained with Bharucha for six days. "We just started the sessions just after the LPL. Most of the players are playing the LPL, so they were busy with cricket and what we wanted (for them) was to play cricket as much as possible," he said, as per PTI."We got Zubin from Rajasthan Royals and we had about six days of work and also with the other cricketers who finished with the LPL. I hope the players have learnt what you (management) wanted to do in terms of practice and their technique."The preparation was good, and we have two more days in Kandy before the T20 starts," he added.According to Jayasuriya, Bharucha's sessions with the players were intensive, and they learned a lot from him. "It is important to learn as international cricketers new techniques, new approaches and shot making to be effective," he said.In the Twenty20 Internationals, India has Suryakumar Yadav as their new captain. Jayasuriya, despite acknowledging his team's challenges, urged them to seize the opportunity. "Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are best players in the world. Looking at their talent and the kind of cricket they have played we all know where they belong, along with Jadeja," Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by Associated Press during a press meet."Their absence will be loss to the Indian team and we have to take maximum advantage out of that," he said.Following the disaster in the T20 World Cup, heads were rolled in the Sri Lankan team's upper management. Following Sri Lanka's elimination from the preliminary round, Wanindu Hasaranga, the captain of the squad, Chris Silverwood, the head coach, and Mahela Jayewardene, the high performance consultant, all tendered their resignations.Regarding Sri Lanka's current situation, Jayasuriya expressed his optimism that the players will be able to grow personally. "It is up to the players, we have been doing all the work in terms of practice, we have given training, we have got best coaches. I think Sri Lanka Cricket has provided most of the things and now it is up to the players," he said."For the present cricketers to come to that level, we have been doing all the necessary work and I hope in next two years there will be a lot of development in these boys," the batting great added."We need to give a little bit of time. I know, for the cricket-loving public it is frustrating sometimes but be patient, give us time, we are working on it. It is really hard work on it with the players and they will do well."While appreciating the angst of the supporters, the 1996 World Cup winner stated Sri Lanka has the quality in its ranks to emerge from difficult circumstances. "We have enough of talent. What we want (from them) is to go out in the middle and deliver -- it is not easy, we know that," he said."We have delivered when we were playing and now the time has come, people are waiting for this present team to perform and with what we are doing at the moment they will deliver very soon," he added.