Cricket

India's approach to batting in the upcoming T20 World Cup semi-final against England has undergone a significant transformation since their conservative display in the 2022 semi-final. England had annihilated India by 10 wickets in that match, but India's head coach Matthew Mott believes his team has evolved since then."The way that they've approached it in the last couple of years is certainly taking the game on extremely hard in the power play," said Mott. "Rohit (Sharma) with the bat has led the way extremely well and shown leadership in that department, as has Jos Buttler for us."Mott highlighted India's remarkable consistency in reaching the knockout stages of ICC tournaments, despite their inability to win a trophy in over a decade. "What India has done incredibly well over the last few years is put themselves in semi-finals contention," he said. "But I think the consistency that they've shown over a length of time shows what a great group of players they are."England, on the other hand, have a point to prove despite being defending champions. They have not had the smoothest of runs in the competition, but Mott believes his team's best cricket is yet to come. "There's a general feeling that our best cricket is in front of us," he said. "I think we've been pretty good in patches, we've done some really good stuff over here, but we haven't put together that perfect game."The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams possessing formidable batting lineups and skilled bowlers. "It's going to come down to on the day," said Mott. "If you take those key moments at the right time, you get over the line, if you don't, you go home."

Team India's quest for an elusive ICC trophy continues as they enter the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2024. Led by Rohit Sharma, the team has maintained an unbeaten streak, including a resounding victory over Australia.India's last ICC triumph came in 2013 under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who guided the team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy. Since then, India has come close but failed to secure a major title, including a heartbreaking loss in the 2019 ODI World Cup final.Rohit Sharma, now 36, is determined to break this drought and lead India to glory. He has the experience and leadership qualities necessary to guide the team to success.Former India pacer S Sreesanth, who was part of India's 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, believes Rohit has the capabilities to achieve this goal. He praised Rohit's ability to unite the team and his understanding of each player's strengths.Sreesanth also highlighted the importance of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been in exceptional form in the tournament. Despite a disappointing season with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Pandya has emerged as a key player for India, contributing with both bat and ball.India's semifinal clash against England will be a crucial test. In their previous encounter at this stage in the 2022 edition, England dominated an outdated Indian team. However, with Rohit Sharma at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, India has a real chance of reaching the final and potentially lifting the trophy on June 29th.

Australia's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign came to an abrupt end after Afghanistan's thrilling victory over Bangladesh in their final Super 8 match. The Mitchell Marsh-led side had earlier suffered a shocking loss to Afghanistan, followed by a defeat to India, effectively eliminating them from the tournament.India's 24-run victory over Australia was a significant moment for their fans, who celebrated it as a form of "revenge" for their loss in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad. During the match, Australia's ODI captain Pat Cummins faced sledging from a fan as he walked back to the pavilion after his dismissal. The incident was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media.In the match between India and Australia, Rohit Sharma played a crucial role, scoring a brilliant 92 to guide India to a formidable total of 205 for 5. Travis Head was once again Australia's top scorer, but Arshdeep Singh's three wickets and Kuldeep Yadav's two wickets proved decisive in India's victory.After the match, Rohit Sharma expressed his satisfaction with India's performance. "We know the opposition and the threat they bring. As a team, we did well, kept doing the things we needed to do. Gives us good confidence as a team," he said.Rohit also praised Kuldeep Yadav's contribution, saying, "We know the strength he has, but we need to use him when necessary. In New York, there were seamer-friendly wickets."With Australia's elimination, India and Afghanistan have secured their places in the semi-finals. India will face England in the first semi-final, while Afghanistan will take on the winner of the match between Pakistan and New Zealand.

South Africa's T20 World Cup Journey: A Tale of Nail-Biting Finishes and Unwavering ResilienceSouth Africa's quest for their maiden T20 World Cup title has been a rollercoaster ride filled with heart-stopping moments and unwavering resilience. Despite being labeled as 'chokers' in the past, the Proteas have defied expectations by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the ongoing tournament in the Americas.Their journey began with a narrow win against the Netherlands, where they chased down a modest target of 103 with only four wickets remaining. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs played crucial roles in guiding the team home.In their next match, South Africa pulled off a four-run victory over Bangladesh. After posting a modest total of 113, their bowlers delivered an accurate performance, restricting Bangladesh to 109. However, a controversial incident involving Mahmudullah's lbw decision raised eyebrows.Against Nepal, South Africa faced their toughest challenge yet. Chasing a target of 116, they found themselves needing 18 runs from 18 balls with seven wickets in hand. However, a late collapse saw Nepal come within a whisker of victory. Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, and Ottneil Baartman held their nerve to secure a one-run win.In their first Super 8 fixture, South Africa faced co-host USA. Andries Gous' unbeaten 80 brought the Americans close to chasing down a target of 195. However, Kagiso Rabada's exceptional penultimate over sealed a 18-run victory for the Proteas.The Proteas' most important victory came in a do-or-die Super 8 clash against the West Indies. Rovman Powell's men tightened the screws on South Africa's run chase, but Rabada and Marco Jansen delivered crucial blows to secure a three-wicket win.South Africa's remarkable journey has been characterized by the performances of its players in crucial moments. Miller, Stubbs, Shamsi, Nortje, and Rabada have all stepped up when it mattered most.As they prepare for a semifinal clash against Afghanistan, the Proteas will fancy their chances of going all the way. Their ability to win close games and their unwavering belief in themselves make them a formidable opponent.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib's Fiery Send-Off to Virat Kohli Sparks Social Media BuzzBangladesh fast bowler Tanzim Hasan Sakib's aggressive celebration after dismissing Indian cricket star Virat Kohli during their T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 encounter has ignited a social media storm. Sakib's fiery send-off, which included a pointed stare and a few choice words, has drawn mixed reactions from fans and fellow cricketers alike.While some have praised Sakib's passion and competitive spirit, others have criticized his behavior as disrespectful and unsportsmanlike. The incident has also reignited memories of a similar send-off given to Kohli by West Indies fast bowler Kesrick Williams in 2017.Williams, who used to celebrate dismissals by writing the names of batters in an imaginary notebook, gave Kohli the infamous "notebook" send-off during a limited-overs series in West Indies. However, Kohli responded with a blistering knock of 32 off just 12 deliveries, including a mocking "notebook" celebration of his own.In the wake of Sakib's send-off, Williams took to social media to react to a meme that depicted him advising Sakib to brace himself for a similar onslaught from Kohli. "Kez 2-1 Kohli," Williams wrote on his Instagram story, referring to his previous encounter with the Indian star.Meanwhile, Australia opener David Warner has come to Kohli's defense, criticizing the excessive criticism he faces for his strike rate. "It's just his passion for the game," Warner said. "He's got a knack for determination and a hunger to score runs. He cops a lot of criticism, which is not right."Warner praised Kohli's consistency, team spirit, and competitive nature, emphasizing that he is a respected opponent.The incident has sparked a wider debate about the role of aggression and sportsmanship in cricket. While some argue that a certain level of aggression is necessary to maintain intensity and competitiveness, others believe that it should be tempered with respect for opponents.As the T20 World Cup progresses, it remains to be seen whether Sakib's send-off will have any impact on Kohli's performance. However, it has undoubtedly added an extra layer of intrigue to the already intense rivalry between India and Bangladesh.

Afghanistan's remarkable journey in the ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2024 culminated in a historic triumph over Bangladesh, securing their first-ever berth in the semifinals. The match, played in Kingstown on June 24, witnessed a thrilling contest between the two sides.Chasing a modest target of 116 set by Afghanistan, Bangladesh's batting lineup crumbled under the guile of captain Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq. The openers, Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto, were dismissed cheaply, followed by the experienced Shakib Al Hasan. Litton Das, the lone warrior for Bangladesh, played a valiant knock of 54 not out, but his efforts proved futile as wickets fell around him.Rashid Khan, the Afghan spin wizard, was the tormentor-in-chief, claiming four wickets for just 23 runs in his 10-ball spell. Naveen-ul-Haq, the fast bowler, also chipped in with four wickets for 26 runs, strangling the Bangladesh middle and lower order.Earlier, Afghanistan's innings got off to a sedate start as openers Rahmanuttlah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran struggled to find their rhythm. The Bangladesh bowlers bowled with discipline, restricting the Afghan batsmen to 59 runs in the first 10.4 overs. However, Rashid Khan's late cameo of 19 runs off just 10 balls propelled Afghanistan to a respectable total of 115 for 5.With this victory, Afghanistan not only secured their place in the semifinals but also eliminated Australia from the tournament. It is a testament to the team's resilience and determination, having overcome several challenges throughout the competition.

The T20 World Cup 2024 has reached its thrilling semi-final stage, with four teams vying for the coveted title. After a nail-biting Super Eight phase, South Africa, Afghanistan, India, and England have emerged as the semi-finalists.In the first semi-final, Group 2 winners South Africa will face Afghanistan, who stunned Australia in a dramatic finish. The match will take place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba on June 26 at 8.30pm local time.The second semi-final will pit Group 1 leaders India against England. This match will be held at Guyana's Providence Stadium on June 27 at 10.30am local time. India was pre-assigned the second semi-final in Guyana, regardless of their Super Eight performance.The playing conditions for the semi-finals differ. The second semi-final between India and England will not have a reserve day due to the short gap between the match and the final. However, both semi-finals have 250 minutes of additional time available. The first semi-final will have 60 minutes of extra time on the day of the match and 190 minutes on the reserve day, starting at 2pm local time. The second semi-final will have the entire 250 minutes available on the scheduled day.To constitute a complete game in the semi-finals and final, both teams must bat a minimum of 10 overs per innings, unlike the five overs per innings rule in the rest of the tournament. This is crucial considering the possibility of rain at both venues. In case of a washout, the team that finished higher in their respective Super Eight groups (India and South Africa) will advance. If the final is abandoned due to weather, the two finalists will be declared joint winners.

Australia's hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 now hinge on the outcome of the final group game between Bangladesh and Afghanistan. After their 24-run defeat to India, Australia's fate rests on Bangladesh's ability to defeat Afghanistan by a significant margin.For Australia to qualify, Bangladesh must beat Afghanistan by a margin of less than 62 runs if they bat first (assuming a total of 140). If Bangladesh chases, they must reach 141 in at least 12.4 overs to give Australia a higher run rate.Bangladesh's net run rate currently stands at -2.489, significantly lower than Australia's -0.331. To surpass Australia, Bangladesh needs a resounding victory on Monday night. A win by 62 or more runs, or a chase of 141 in 12.3 overs or earlier, would propel them to second place in the points table.If Afghanistan scores 160, Bangladesh can stay ahead of Australia by chasing it down in 12.5 overs or sooner (if they score 161), or in 13.3 overs if they level scores and win with a six.For Afghanistan, the equation is simpler: a win guarantees them second place in the group and a semi-final berth, while a defeat eliminates them. Even a Super Over defeat would only improve their NRR to -0.433, still below Australia's -0.331.The team that qualifies in second place from this group will face South Africa, the Group 2 toppers, in Tarouba in a night game on Wednesday. India will take on England in the second semi-final in a day game on Thursday in Providence.

The T20 World Cup 2024 Group 1 in Super 8 has taken an intriguing turn, with no team yet assured of a semi-final berth and none eliminated. India, Australia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh remain in contention, with the outcome of the remaining matches holding the key.India, currently leading the points table with four points from two games, will secure a semi-final spot if they defeat Australia on Monday or if the match is washed out. Australia, with two points from one game, can advance if they beat India. However, even if they lose or the match is washed out, Australia can still qualify if Bangladesh beats Afghanistan or the match is washed out.Afghanistan, with two points from two games, can advance if they beat Bangladesh and their run-rate is better than either Australia or India. Bangladesh, currently without points, can qualify if India beats Australia and they beat Bangladesh by a significant margin, improving their net run rate.The probability of each team qualifying for the semi-finals, as per Star Sports, is as follows:* India: 80%* Australia: 60%* Afghanistan: 40%* Bangladesh: 20%Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja expressed his surprise at Afghanistan's stunning victory over Australia, praising their strength as a team. He urged Australia to move past the defeat and focus on the crucial match against India, considering both teams to be among the best in the world.Khawaja emphasized the importance of the upcoming game against India, labeling it as a "do or die" scenario for Australia. He expressed confidence in the team's process-oriented approach under Mitchell Starc and Andrew McDonald.Khawaja also highlighted the growing popularity of T20 cricket, noting its ability to engage a broader community and attract more girls and mothers to the sport. He pointed to the inclusion of the USA in the Super Eight as evidence of the format's global reach.