Cricket

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indies batsman and T20 World Cup ambassador, has attributed the low-scoring matches in the USA leg of the tournament to "jet-lagged and tired" pitches. According to the ICC, drop-in pitches were prepared in Florida since late December, employing proprietary techniques honed over a decade at Adelaide Oval in Australia.The drop-in pitches were transported from Florida to New York in semi-trailer trucks for installation at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, which proved to be one of the most difficult wickets for batting during the tournament. "It's been a low-scoring World Cup without a doubt, and the wicket is on the slower side sometime. It's a batting format... going to give bowlers edge from time to time, bowlers pretty much in control of T20 World Cup," Gayle said during a press conference on Friday.The tournament will conclude with the final between India and South Africa at Kensington Oval in Barbados. "Barbados has been one of the best for batting, hope batters are going to get some runs tomorrow. "We want to see better surface but the wicket in States was a bit jet-lagged as well, as we know. It was tired, all that travel from Australia, didn't get time to recover properly. That's why we had some low-scoring games," Gayle added.The development of the pitches was undertaken by Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions, led by renowned Adelaide Oval head curator Damian Hough. The drop-in square - the type used around the world including at Adelaide Oval and Eden Park - was curated in Florida and transported by road to New York via a convoy of more than 20 semi-trailer trucks in April.The matches in New York took place at a state-of-the-art 34,000-seat modular stadium located at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, east of Manhattan. The former West Indies captain lauded the ICC for efforts to promote the game in mainland America. "The ICC did a fantastic job, the trophy tour, did well to promote the game within the US. They have taken the trophy to the football games, baseball games, they have done a very good job from the marketing point of view," Gayle said.Coming back to the big-ticket title clash, Gayle said lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah could decide India's fate against South Africa. Inaugural edition winners India and first-time finalists South Africa will battle it out at the Kensington Oval in their bid to be crowned the world champions in the game's shortest format. "India are going to be so hard to beat. They bat so deep and in Jasprit Bumrah, have a world-class death bowler who can break the hearts of the opponents," Gayle wrote in a column for the ICC."In contrast, I picked South Africa as a dark horse before the tournament began, and it is very special to see them finally reach their first final after so many semi-final upsets. "Getting over the hump and winning a World Cup is so special and if they can do it, it will create memories that will last a lifetime for the players and the nation." The final pits two undefeated teams with India seeking to reclaim the trophy they last won in the 2007 edition, and South Africa seeking to etch their name on a senior World Cup trophy for the first time. Gayle found it tough to predict a winner. "It is going to be so hard to call – with two teams who have played clean and aggressive cricket throughout the tournament," he said. "We have a final fit for the occasion."

The highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa is set to take place on Saturday at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. However, the match is facing a potential threat from rain, with the weather forecast predicting a 51% chance of precipitation.To mitigate the risk of rain interruptions, the ICC has implemented several measures. Firstly, a reserve day (June 30) has been designated in case the match cannot be completed on the scheduled day. According to the ICC's playing conditions for the tournament, every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day, with any necessary reduction in overs. Only if the minimum number of overs required for a match cannot be bowled on the scheduled day will the match be completed on the reserve day.If a full game is not possible, both teams must bat 10 overs to achieve a result. Additionally, an extra 190 minutes have been allocated to get a result on the scheduled day. If play has not resumed by the cut-off time on the scheduled day, the match will resume from the same point on the reserve day, meaning there will be no fresh start.If no play is possible on the scheduled day, the game will begin at the same time it was supposed to on the original day. Importantly, if the overs are reduced on the scheduled day and played before interruption on the same day, it will begin from the same point on the reserve day.For example, if the match starts at 20 overs per side and there is an interruption at 9 overs, the overs may be reduced to 17 overs per side. If play resumes and an over is bowled before another interruption, the match will continue on the reserve day at 17 overs per side, with the overs further reduced if necessary.The ICC's measures aim to ensure that the T20 World Cup final is completed in a fair and timely manner, despite the potential for rain interruptions.

South Africa, a team historically known for crumbling under pressure in major tournaments, has shown remarkable resilience in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Their captain, Aiden Markram, attributes this newfound confidence to their ability to pull off close wins, instilling a belief that victory is possible in any situation.Ahead of the highly anticipated final against India, Markram acknowledged the team's past struggles but emphasized their determination to break free from that burden. He highlighted the team's recent victories over Nepal, Bangladesh, and West Indies, which were all decided by narrow margins."To have done them two, three, maybe four times throughout the competition so far has sort of given the team the belief that you can win from any position," Markram said. "I think that's quite important for a team to have."While India remains the overwhelming favorite, South Africa has several factors in their favor. They are eager to create a new chapter in their cricketing history and are not letting the pressure of the occasion overwhelm them."We're kind of used to it now," Markram said of the team's frequent travel and schedule disruptions. "There's no point sulking around and making it more miserable than what it might already seem to be."Markram also emphasized the team's hunger to win the title, regardless of the result. "I think there's still a massive hunger for us to go out and win tomorrow's game," he said. "We'd love to get to our first final and be able to win that first final."South Africa's newfound confidence and resilience will be put to the ultimate test against a formidable Indian team. However, the Proteas are determined to prove that they are no longer the team that crumbles under pressure and are ready to make history in Barbados.

The Indian cricket team has secured its progression into the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals, with a resounding victory against the mighty Australians. Riding on Rohit Sharma's 92 off 41 balls, India bagged a 24-run win to set up semi-finals date with England.While there were plenty of positives from the game against Australia, there were some negatives too, especially the poor form of Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. India great Sunil Gavaskar, who has given his 2 cents on Virat time and again, suggested that Jadeja's place in the team shouldn't even be questioned.Jadeja, who is a marquee all-rounder, with ability to deliver with the bat, the ball and in field, has been going through a barren run for a while. However, Gavaskar feels that the fact that Jadeja saved 20-30 runs in the field, shouldn't be overlooked just because he hasn't been able to deliver with the bat and the ball."I am not at all concerned as he is very experienced. For whatever opportunities he's got, he's done well. And don't forget, in the field itself, he saved 20 to 30 runs with his fielding ability, taking catches, and getting the run out. So don't forget those 20-30 plus runs. Then he enters the field, with anything that he does with the bat and ball is an added value to his ability.""So I don't think we should even think about questioning (Jadeja). The problem with India and Indian fans is, 2 bad games and you go 'what to do with him, what to do with him?'," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.Gavaskar gave a sharp reply to fans asking whether the all-rounder deserves a place in India's XI, suggesting questions aren't raised of people make a couple of errors in other professions."You know that is the worry. Nobody who asks these questions even thinks about their own professions, whether they have made 2 errors and whether people are questioning their place in their own profession, whichever profession they are. This is just simply a good topic for television, you don't question Jadeja's place in the playing XI. He's a rock star," Gavaskar further added.Against Australia, Jadeja scored an unbeaten 9 off 5 balls. With the ball, he bowled only 1 over as Glenn Maxwell looked to take him to the cleaners.

India's legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh ignited social media with a witty tweet following India's emphatic semi-final victory over England in the 2024 T20 World Cup. As India emerged as convincing winners by 68 runs, Yuvraj took to Twitter to post "Goodnight in-laws," a humorous reference to his wife Hazel Keech, who hails from Britain.Yuvraj, a key member of India's triumphant 2007 T20 World Cup squad, will now eagerly support Rohit Sharma and his team as they strive for a second title. After the semi-final, Yuvraj tweeted: "Well played boys. Goodnight in-laws."Batting first, India posted a competitive 171 runs on the board in 20 overs. England's batting lineup was then dismantled by India's bowlers, who restricted them to a mere 103 runs. Axar Patel emerged as the Player of the Match with three wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah also claimed three and two wickets, respectively.Earlier, Rohit Sharma's 57 off 39 balls and Suryakumar Yadav's 47 off 36 balls propelled India to a respectable total on a slow, spin-friendly pitch at Guyana's Providence Stadium. Despite rain interruptions, India managed to accumulate a substantial score.Yuvraj has a history of tormenting England in T20 World Cups. In the 2007 edition, he famously struck Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over, en route to a blistering 12-ball half-century.During the ongoing T20 World Cup, Yuvraj has been present in the USA and has participated in the commentary panel for some of India's matches.India will now face South Africa in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Similar to the 2023 ODI World Cup, India will enter the final with an unblemished record in the tournament. Notably, South Africa also boasts a 100% win rate, setting the stage for an intriguing final.The championship match will be held at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29.

The Indian cricket team's triumphant march in the T20 World Cup 2024 reached its zenith on Thursday as they secured a berth in the title clash against South Africa. The semi-final victory against England was a testament to India's all-round brilliance, with Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya shining with the bat and the spinners dominating with the ball.Amidst the jubilation, wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant emerged as a standout performer, earning the coveted Best Fielder of the Match award. The honor was bestowed upon him by none other than veteran wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik, who recently bid farewell to the game.Karthik's presence in the dressing room to present the award was a poignant moment, especially given Pant's remarkable journey. Just six months ago, his career was in jeopardy following a horrific car accident. However, his resilience and determination have seen him return to the field with renewed vigor."There are many stories in sport, but there are not many better than the person I am giving the medal to," Karthik said in a heartfelt speech. "What he's gone through a year ago, I think six months ago, no one expected him to be in this team, not many would have expected him to play this sport this early, but for him to come out here and play the way he has done, all are very happy for him and he has made millions happy by just being on the field - Rishabh Pant."While neither Pant nor Virat Kohli have reached the heights expected of them in this tournament, they have one more opportunity to prove their worth and help India break its ICC trophy drought. The summit clash against South Africa on Saturday promises to be a thrilling encounter, with India hoping to cap off their impressive campaign with a resounding victory.

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has praised his team's composure under pressure after their emphatic 68-run victory over England in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final. This victory marks India's third consecutive ICC final across formats, and they will now face South Africa on Saturday in an attempt to end their 11-year trophy drought at a world event."We've been very calm as a team," Rohit said after the match. "We understand the occasion, but for us, it's important to keep calm and composed. That helps us make good decisions. We need to make good decisions through the 40 overs. In this game too, we were steady and calm, and didn't panic too much. That has been the key for us. Yes, we do understand the occasion is important, but we need to play good cricket as well."Rohit described the semi-final win over England as "very satisfying," especially given that it was a repeat of the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final. In that match, India suffered a humiliating ten-wicket defeat as Jos Buttler and Alex Hales chased down England's target of 169 with ease.This time, however, it was India's spinners who turned the tables on England on a slow, low turner. Rohit set the tone with a well-paced 57 off 39 balls, helping India post a competitive total of 171 for 7."Yeah, it's very satisfying to win this game," Rohit said. "We've worked really hard to come to this stage, and to win the game like that was a great effort from everyone. I thought we played to the conditions really well; that's been the success story for us so far. If bowlers and batters understand and play according to the conditions, things fall in place. It's very pleasing how we came through."Rohit was particularly impressed with the performance of India's spinners, who applied relentless pressure on England's batsmen. Axar Patel started England's slide by dismissing Buttler off his very first delivery, and then had Jonny Bairstow with an arm-ball in his second. He finished with 3 for 23 off his four overs to walk away with the Player-of-the-Match award.Axar was complemented by Kuldeep Yadav, who also was magnificent. His dismissal of Harry Brook after being reverse swept was particularly noteworthy because of the subtle change in his line of attack. Kuldeep, like Axar, also picked up three wickets."They are gun spinners," Rohit said. "When conditions are like that in front of them, it's very difficult to play some shots. Yes, the pressure is on them to execute those balls, but they were very calm and knew what to bowl. We had a chat after the first innings: the plan was to hit the stumps as much as possible and keep the stumps in play, [and] that's what they did."Amid the cheer, Rohit also backed Virat Kohli to come out of his string of low scores in this T20 World Cup. Kohli was dismissed for 9 on Thursday as he was clean bowled by Reece Topley looking to slog one over the leg-side boundary. Kohli has so far aggregated 75 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 100 this World Cup."Look, he's a quality player, and you can go through that," Rohit said. "We understand his class and importance in big games. Form is never a player when you've played for 15 years. He's looking good, the intent is there, [and] probably he's saving himself for the final."

India vs England: T20 World Cup 2024 Live Cricket Score, Live Score Of Today's Match on NDTV SportsThe highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2024 match between India and England is underway, with India currently at 113/3 after 14 overs. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have been the standout performers for India, with half-centuries to their names.England's bowlers have struggled to contain the Indian batsmen, with Adil Rashid being the only one to make a breakthrough. Rashid dismissed Virat Kohli for 24, while Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran have been economical but wicketless.India got off to a solid start, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul putting on a 50-run partnership for the first wicket. However, Rahul was dismissed for 28 by Curran, and Kohli soon followed.Suryakumar Yadav has been in excellent form, hitting a quickfire 50 off just 29 balls. He has been supported by Rohit Sharma, who has played a more measured innings.England will need to find a way to break the partnership between Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav if they want to get back into the game. India, on the other hand, will be looking to continue their momentum and post a challenging total.

The Afghanistan cricket team's remarkable run in the T20 World Cup 2024 came to a crashing halt in the semi-final against South Africa. After reaching the last four on the back of impressive performances, Afghanistan produced a dismal batting display, scoring a mere 56 runs, the lowest total in the history of T20 World Cup semi-finals.Former England captain Michael Vaughan has attributed Afghanistan's poor performance to the scheduling of the tournament, which he believes gave the team insufficient time to prepare for the crucial match. Vaughan highlighted that Afghanistan had to endure a four-hour flight delay to Trinidad after qualifying for the semi-final in St. Vincent, leaving them with no time to practice or acclimatize to the new venue.Vaughan expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that the lack of preparation time for Afghanistan was "an utter lack of respect to players." He further suggested that the semi-final should have been played in Guyana, but the scheduling was altered to favor India."Surely this Semi should have been the Guyana one... but because the whole event is geared towards India, it's so unfair on others," Vaughan tweeted.Afghanistan's dismal performance against South Africa has raised questions about the fairness of the tournament's scheduling. Critics argue that the tournament should be structured to provide all teams with equal opportunities to prepare for crucial matches.Meanwhile, India is set to face England in the second semi-final on June 27. India has been in impressive form throughout the tournament and will be looking to secure a place in the final.