Cricket

South African cricket legend Dale Steyn has stirred up the T20 World Cup 2024 conversation by naming his four semi-finalists, surprisingly excluding the reigning champions England. In a video shared on Instagram, Steyn revealed his picks for the last four: India, South Africa, West Indies, and Australia.Steyn's omission of England raised eyebrows, considering their recent dominance in the format. The English team won the 2022 T20 World Cup and defeated the West Indies in their Super 8 clash. However, Steyn's reasoning may lie in England's inconsistent performances in the Super 8s so far.Steyn's inclusion of India and South Africa is unsurprising, given their strong recent form. India has been in impressive form, winning all their Super 8 matches so far. South Africa, on the other hand, has shown resilience and determination, overcoming a slow start to their campaign.The West Indies' inclusion is also understandable, considering their home advantage and the support of their passionate fans. The Caribbean side has a formidable batting lineup and a potent bowling attack, making them a dangerous opponent for any team.Australia's presence in Steyn's semi-final predictions is based on their consistent performances in the format. The Aussies have a balanced team with experienced players and rising stars, making them a formidable force in any tournament.While Steyn's predictions have sparked debate, it's important to note that the T20 World Cup is still in its early stages. The Super 8s are set to provide more clarity on the teams' strengths and weaknesses, and the semi-finalists will ultimately be determined by their performances in the knockout rounds.

As India gears up to face Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8s, the threat of rain looms over the highly anticipated clash. The ongoing tournament has witnessed several rain-affected matches, including India's final group game against Canada.According to Accuweather, there is a 25% probability of rain in Barbados on Wednesday. While the morning is expected to be clear, precipitation is forecast around 1:00 PM local time. With the match scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM local time, rain interruptions are likely in the second half.India's practice session on Tuesday was also affected by rain, highlighting the potential impact on the match. The team's four spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal, spent considerable time practicing against Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav.Despite the weather concerns, India remains focused on their goal of achieving success in the tournament. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed the team's determination to make a mark. "There is real keenness in the group to go and do something special," Sharma said. "We take our skill sessions quite seriously. There is something to achieve in every skill session that you do."India's spinners will be crucial in countering Afghanistan's spin threat. The Afghan team boasts a formidable spin attack led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. India's batsmen will need to adapt quickly to the conditions and find ways to score against the spinners.The weather forecast remains uncertain, but India will be hoping for a clear day to showcase their skills against Afghanistan. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two talented teams, and the outcome could have a significant impact on the Super 8s standings.

India vs Afghanistan: A Clash of Titans in the Super EightThe highly anticipated clash between India and Afghanistan in the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams possess formidable strengths and will be eager to secure a victory that could propel them towards the semifinals.Afghanistan's Bowling ProwessAfghanistan's bowling attack is their primary weapon. Led by the enigmatic Rashid Khan, they have a lineup capable of troubling even the most experienced batters. Fazalhaq Farooqi, with his left-arm angle and new-ball swing, will be crucial in removing India's top order.India's Batting DepthIndia, on the other hand, boasts a formidable batting lineup anchored by the experienced Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. However, Afghanistan's bowling will test their mettle. If India can overcome the early challenge posed by Farooqi, they will need to find a way to counter Rashid's spin wizardry.Suryakumar Yadav: India's Trump CardSuryakumar Yadav has been a thorn in Rashid's side in T20 cricket, scoring runs at a blistering pace. His ability to dominate spin bowling could prove decisive for India. Shivam Dube, another left-handed batter, has also enjoyed success against Rashid.Afghanistan's Batting ChallengeWhile Afghanistan's bowling is their strength, their batting will need to step up against India's quality attack. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with his aggressive style, could be a key player for Afghanistan. However, India's left-arm spinners, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, could pose a significant threat to their top order.Pitch and ConditionsThe match will be played at Bridgetown, which has offered decent batting conditions. The weather is expected to be favorable, providing both teams with an opportunity to showcase their skills.Stats and Trivia* Afghanistan has never defeated India in any format.* Gurbaz and Farooqi are the highest scorer and wicket-taker, respectively, in the T20 World Cup 2024.* India has faced Rashid only twice in T20Is, scoring 69 runs without losing a wicket.

The United States and South Africa will clash in a highly anticipated Super 8 match at the 2024 T20 World Cup on Wednesday, June 19 (IST). The match will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, and will start at 8:00 PM IST.USA's remarkable journey in the tournament continues as they enter the Super 8 stage, where they will face a formidable South African team that dominated Group D. However, the USA will no longer enjoy the home support and conditions that fueled their success in the group stage.South Africa, led by David Miller, has yet to see any player apart from Miller score more than 80 runs in the tournament. Their batting lineup will face a stern test against the in-form USA duo of Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan, who have been oozing confidence and fire.The USA's success in the tournament has been built on their strong bowling attack, led by Netravalkar and Khan. They will need to continue their impressive form against a South African batting lineup that includes Miller, Quinton de Kock, and Rilee Rossouw.South Africa, on the other hand, will rely on their experienced bowling attack, which includes Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Wayne Parnell. They will need to find a way to contain the dangerous USA batting lineup, which has shown the ability to score quickly and consistently.The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. The USA will be looking to continue their dream run, while South Africa will be determined to prove their dominance and advance to the next stage of the tournament.

Virat Kohli's experience and adaptability will be crucial for India's success in the Caribbean leg of the T20 World Cup 2024, according to former Australian opener Matthew Hayden. Despite Kohli's modest run tally so far, Hayden believes his ability to assess surfaces and adjust to different conditions will be invaluable.Kohli has scored just 5 runs in three innings during the group stage, but Hayden emphasizes that his recent form in the IPL, where he was the leading run-getter, is a testament to his class. Hayden highlights the importance of constructing innings in the Caribbean, where par scores are typically lower than in other venues.Hayden also advocates for Kohli to continue opening alongside Rohit Sharma, arguing that it allows him to maximize his impact. He points to David Warner's performance in the World Cup as an example of how experienced batters can adapt to challenging conditions.However, Hayden cautions Kohli about maintaining a high strike rate, particularly in the powerplay overs. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive in the early stages of the innings to avoid falling behind.Meanwhile, Ian Bishop praises Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional bowling performance in the tournament. Bishop attributes Bumrah's success to his intelligence, variations, and unique action. He believes that Bumrah's reputation as a generational bowler has made batters wary of attacking him.

Afghanistan's Spin Prowess Poses Threat to India in T20 World Cup Super 8sAs the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 enters its crucial Super 8s stage, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has issued a stern warning to Rohit Sharma-led Team India about the formidable challenge posed by Afghanistan.Afghanistan has defied expectations, securing a spot in the Super 8s by defeating Uganda, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea in succession. Despite a heavy 104-run loss to West Indies, the Rashid Khan-led side remains confident as they prepare to face India, Australia, and Bangladesh in the next phase of the tournament.Harbhajan Singh, speaking to Star Sports, lauded Afghanistan's spin attack, describing it as "the best in this tournament" and highlighting the potential threat it poses to India. "They (Afghanistan) are a very good team. From the graph we've seen, they've risen significantly in a short period of time. They have Rashid Khan and Nabi. Their spinners are probably the best in this tournament. Their batting is strong; they don't just play fluke shots or get out playing reckless shots. They now have experience after playing in the ODI World Cup. They almost defeated Australia," Harbhajan remarked.Harbhajan emphasized that Afghanistan should not be underestimated, particularly in crucial moments. "This team has strength and can defeat any big team. And when they play against India, they shouldn't be underestimated because if they win the toss and a few things go in their favour, (toh lene ke dene pad sakte hain) it could be challenging," he added, underscoring Afghanistan's potential to cause upsets.India, led by Rohit Sharma, are set to face Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados, followed by matches against Bangladesh on June 22 in Antigua and Australia on June 24 in St. Lucia.Afghanistan's rise in international cricket has been remarkable. They have consistently punched above their weight, challenging established teams and proving their mettle on the global stage. Their spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, is a formidable force, capable of bamboozling even the most experienced batsmen.India, on the other hand, will be keen to prove their dominance in the Super 8s. They have a well-balanced team with a potent batting lineup and a solid bowling attack. However, they cannot afford to take Afghanistan lightly, especially considering their recent performances.The clash between India and Afghanistan on June 20 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Afghanistan will be determined to prove their worth against one of the tournament favorites, while India will be eager to maintain their winning momentum. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on the Super 8s standings and the eventual outcome of the tournament.

Bangladesh's emphatic victory over Nepal in the T20 World Cup 2024 propelled them into the Super 8s. Despite a dismal batting performance, Bangladesh's bowlers turned the tide in their favor, securing a 21-run victory.Nepal's bowlers had initially restricted Bangladesh to a meager 106, with all their bowlers contributing equally. However, in the second innings, Bangladesh's bowlers dominated, dismissing Nepal for 85. Tanzim Hasan Sakib's career-best figures of 4 for 7, including 21 dot balls, led the charge. Shakib al Hasan (2/9) and Mustafzur Rahaman (3/7) also played crucial roles.Nepal's chase started promisingly, reaching 78 for 5. But Bangladesh's bowlers tightened their grip, taking the last five wickets for just seven runs. Nepal's skipper, Rohit Paudel, acknowledged their bowling prowess, stating, "Bangladesh bowled really well with the new ball. Losing 4 wickets in the powerplay put us under a lot of pressure."Despite their batting struggles, Bangladesh's bowling unit showcased their experience and determination. Paudel expressed confidence in his team's potential, saying, "We're up to the mark with our bowling and fielding. This team has great potential, we need to back each and every player, I feel we will do very well in the next World Cup."Bangladesh's victory highlights the importance of a strong bowling attack in T20 cricket. Their ability to restrict Nepal's batsmen, despite their own batting struggles, demonstrates their resilience and adaptability. As they enter the Super 8s, Bangladesh will be eager to continue their impressive bowling form and improve their batting performance to challenge the tournament's top teams.

Sri Lanka's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup 2024 has been attributed to their inability to adapt to the diverse playing surfaces in the United States, according to captain Wanindu Hasaranga.Despite arriving in the US 10 days prior to their opening match and participating in two warm-up games, Sri Lanka struggled to adjust to the conditions, particularly in their two crucial defeats against South Africa and Bangladesh.In their match against South Africa in New York, Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 77 runs, while in Dallas against Bangladesh, they were restricted to 124 for 9. These batting collapses effectively ended their hopes of reaching the Super Eight stage.Hasaranga acknowledged that the team's early exit was primarily due to their own shortcomings rather than external factors. "When you lose a match, you can blame pitches and other things, but as professional cricketers, that's not a good thing," he said. "Even the other team has to play on the same pitch, and it's our job to change the way we play."While Sri Lanka had a brief training camp in North Carolina before their warm-up matches, Hasaranga admitted that it was insufficient preparation for the varied conditions they encountered. "We have to thank the cricket board for bringing us here 10 days early and organizing a training camp for us," he said. "That was a big thing. It was important to get used to conditions, weather, and the time zone here."However, the pitches in different regions of the US proved to be vastly different, making it difficult for Sri Lanka to adapt. "Even though in some countries pitches are more similar from place to place, that's not the case in the USA," Hasaranga explained. "We adjusted as well as we could, but we unfortunately got New York for the first match, and it didn't go well for us. In the second match, we went to Dallas and didn't adjust well to that pitch."Hasaranga emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for their performance. "As a team and as a captain, we have to take the responsibility for that," he said. "We didn't make those changes and adapt, and that was our main flaw."

West Indies and Afghanistan Clash in Battle of UnbeatensGros Islet, St. Lucia - The highly anticipated clash between West Indies and Afghanistan on Tuesday promises to be a thrilling encounter, despite having no bearing on the Super Eight standings. Both teams have enjoyed unbeaten runs thus far, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum heading into the crucial knockout stages.West Indies, known for their explosive batting lineup, will be led by Rovman Powell, who has yet to fully ignite in this tournament. However, the presence of Nicholas Pooran, Brandon King, and Andre Russell provides the hosts with a formidable batting arsenal. Their bowling attack, anchored by Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph, has also been impressive.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will rely heavily on their spin wizard Rashid Khan, who has been in excellent form with six wickets in the middle overs. Their batting lineup, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, has also shown promise.The pitch at Gros Islet has been conducive to high-scoring matches, with teams preferring to bowl first after winning the toss. However, the windy conditions could play a factor in the game.West Indies will be looking to maintain their impressive death-over run rate, while Afghanistan will aim to continue their frugal spin bowling. The match-up between Gurbaz and West Indies' left-arm spinners, Hosein and Gudakesh Motie, will be particularly intriguing.Both teams are expected to field unchanged lineups, with Johnson Charles and Shai Hope vying for a spot in the West Indies batting order. Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott has emphasized the importance of keeping his players motivated despite the lack of qualification implications.With both teams eager to prove their mettle and build confidence for the Super Eight, the West Indies vs Afghanistan clash promises to be an entertaining and competitive affair.