Cricket

The 2011 ODI World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan in Mohali was a momentous occasion that left an indelible mark on the players and fans alike. The then India coach, Gary Kirsten, and his staff recognized the significance of the match and gave the players space to reflect on its magnitude."After the show [a presentation by the team analyst] is over, Gary says the support staff is mostly non-Indian," writes R Ashwin in his book "I Have The Streets." "They value this team, and it's a big game for them too, but they can't even begin to imagine how big playing Pakistan in a World Cup is for us players. He says they're all leaving now, so we can be alone and conduct the rest of the meeting ourselves."The meeting, held two hours before the match, was charged with emotion. Sachin Tendulkar delivered a rousing speech, expressing his anticipation for the past two-three years of facing Pakistan in the semi-final or final and lifting the trophy. The players left the meeting with goosebumps, their hearts filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.In 2011, such matches were rare and highly anticipated. However, the advent of frequent World Cups and the strategic planning of groups to ensure India and Pakistan play in the league stage has somewhat diminished the edge of these encounters.Despite the increased frequency, the results in 'big matches' have become a burden for the current Indian team. However, Rohit Sharma, the current captain, believes that the team's approach has not changed significantly."Nothing has changed from last seven months because we played them [Pakistan] in the Asia Cup, the ODI World Cup, and now the T20 World Cup," said Rohit. "Earlier it was a different ball game because we used to play them every maybe once in four years, or two years, now it's a different ball game. We literally played seven months back in Asia Cup and the World Cup and here we are again now."Rohit emphasizes the importance of staying present and focusing on the immediate task at hand, rather than dwelling on the larger implications of the match. "I think what's more important for me is to just think about what I need to do right now, or this particular over - not to even think of how much do we need to get after 20 overs, or how much we need to bowl them out for. I think it's about that one over, how we want to finish that over, staying in the present, and literally just nailing down maybe over by over, and think about what you need to do in that particular over, and that is where the skill of captain comes into play."Gary Kirsten, who coached India in 2011 and is now Pakistan's coach in 2024, believes that the players have a deep understanding of each other's game and that the focus should be on executing their own plans effectively. "I think these players have seen enough of each other and how they play," he said. "In the end we want to make sure that we get our game right. Look at the conditions and what is required on the conditions because I think that's going to be a big day tomorrow."Kirsten also noted the different atmosphere of the match being played outside of India or Pakistan. "I think it is a little bit different because it's not in India or Pakistan," he said. "I went for a ride early this morning, which I like doing most mornings, and I certainly rode around the stadium a little bit and I kind of felt that there's going to be a good vibe there tomorrow. So that's going to be exciting for us all to have that many people that have come out to support the two teams."As the two teams prepare to face off once again, the legacy of the 2011 semi-final will undoubtedly be on their minds. While the stakes may have changed, the passion and intensity of the rivalry remains as strong as ever.

Pakistan's head coach Gary Kirsten exudes confidence ahead of their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in the T20 World Cup. Despite a disappointing start to the tournament, Kirsten believes his team will be fully motivated for the crucial encounter.The match, scheduled for Sunday at the Nassau County stadium in New York, holds immense significance for both teams. Pakistan, the finalists of the previous edition, will be eager to bounce back from their opening setback against the USA. India, on the other hand, will be looking to maintain their winning momentum after securing victories in their warm-up matches.Kirsten emphasized that the team's motivation is at an all-time high and that they are focused on putting their best foot forward against India. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the pitch at the venue but stressed that Pakistan will adapt and execute their game plan effectively.The former Indian coach also downplayed the potential advantage India may have due to their prior experience in New York. He stated that Pakistan will rely on their own skills and strategies to put pressure on the opposition.Kirsten highlighted the importance of a collective team effort, emphasizing that individual performances alone will not suffice. He expressed confidence in Pakistan's pace bowling strength but also emphasized the need for a balanced approach, covering all bases with spin options, seam options, and a deep batting line-up.Despite the setback against the USA, Kirsten remains optimistic about Pakistan's chances in the tournament. He believes that the team has learned from their mistakes and is determined to make a strong statement against India.

Scotland Eyes Oman Clash for Super Eight PushScotland, the top-ranked team in Group B, faces fellow Associates Oman in a crucial T20 World Cup match on Sunday. A victory for Scotland would strengthen their position in the group and bring them closer to their goal of reaching the Super Eight stage.Despite their impressive win over Namibia, Scotland has flown under the radar at the tournament. However, they have shown their potential, pushing England to the brink and showcasing their ability to adapt to different conditions.Oman, on the other hand, has not performed as poorly as their record suggests. They have competed fiercely in both their matches, taking Namibia to a Super Over and holding Australia in check for a significant period.One of Scotland's key players to watch is George Munsey, who has the versatility to take down spin and pace alike. His ability to play reverse-sweeps and switch-hits could prove crucial against Oman's spin-heavy attack.For Oman, Kashyap Prajapati is a player to keep an eye on. Despite modest T20 numbers, he has the potential to make a big impact with his clean striking.Scotland will be looking to avoid the early batting collapses that have plagued Oman in their first two matches. They have a strong batting lineup led by Munsey, Richie Berrington, and Michael Leask.Oman's bowling attack will need to be at their best to contain Scotland's explosive batting. Zeeshan Maqsood, who is one wicket away from becoming Oman's second player with 50 T20I wickets, will be a key figure.The match will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, which is expected to provide a good batting surface.

South Africa's Proteas overcame a shaky start to secure a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Netherlands in the Twenty20 World Cup in Long Island, New York, on Saturday.The Dutch team, batting first, faced an early onslaught from South Africa's tall pacer Marco Jansen, who restricted them to a meager 35-4 after 10 overs. However, a 54-run partnership between Sybrand Engelbrecht and Logan van Beek towards the end boosted their total to 103 for nine. Engelbrecht, a South African-born player, top-scored with 40.Ottneil Baartman emerged as the star bowler for the Netherlands, claiming three wickets in the final over to finish with impressive figures of 4-11. Jansen and Anrich Nortje also contributed with two wickets each.South Africa's chase got off to a disastrous start as Quinton de Kock was run out on the very first ball. Reeza Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram followed suit, leaving the Proteas reeling at 3-3. Heinrich Klaasen's dismissal in the fifth over further compounded their troubles, reducing them to 12-4.However, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings with a crucial 65-run partnership. Despite Stubbs' departure in the 17th over with 27 runs still needed, Miller remained composed and guided South Africa to victory with an unbeaten 59 off 51 balls.This victory marked South Africa's second consecutive win in Group D, while the Netherlands suffered their first defeat after triumphing over Nepal in Dallas. The Proteas will face Bangladesh on Monday, while the Netherlands will take on Bangladesh on Thursday.

MS Dhoni's legacy continues to inspire players and fans worldwide, despite India's lack of major ICC trophies since his retirement. Australian legend Matthew Hayden, who played under Dhoni for three years at Chennai Super Kings, has heaped praise on the former Indian captain.Hayden, a member of Australia's dominant teams in the early 2000s, believes Dhoni could have easily led an Australian dressing room. "He believes that he is not bigger than anyone else," said Hayden. "He'll collect bags, he'll throw cricket balls."Hayden's compliments are particularly significant in light of recent incidents at the 2024 T20 World Cup. Australia's ODI World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins was seen carrying drinks for his teammates in their T20 World Cup opener against Oman, despite not playing. Hayden believes Dhoni would have been equally selfless."He's a very humble individual," stated Hayden. "Dhoni finds a way to galvanise people, where it's nothing about ego, nothing about self-promotion."Chennai Super Kings face a daunting task in replacing Dhoni's leadership. Despite winning the title in 2023 under Dhoni's captaincy, CSK failed to qualify for the play-offs this season with Ruturaj Gaikwad at the helm."Dhoni will remain the iconic leader of CSK forever," said Hayden. "That's his charm, but also his X-factor."Team India continues to search for its first T20 World Cup title since 2007, when Dhoni led a young Indian team to victory. Dhoni's legacy as a selfless and inspiring leader serves as a reminder of the qualities needed to achieve success at the highest level.

Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, a team against whom he has enjoyed considerable success in the past. Pandya, who has played six T20Is against Pakistan, has taken 11 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.5."Standing in big games is very exciting for me," Pandya said. "I find it extra special and Pakistan has been one team where I have been very fortunate, I have been able to do well in a lot of games."Pandya's success against Pakistan is not limited to his bowling performances. He has also scored 84 runs in six innings, with a highest score of 40."It all comes down to the vibe," Pandya said. "Hold your breath, this is a request. This is not a fight, this is going to be history."India will be looking to continue their winning ways in the T20 World Cup after a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Ireland in their opening match. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered a shock defeat to the USA in their first match.Pandya believes that India's bowling unit is one of their strengths and that they need to remain disciplined against Pakistan."India-Pakistan has always been very exciting, lot of cheer and buzz, a lot of emotion and a lot of excitement but at the same time, I hope we will be disciplined in that game, one goal as a group is we go and kind of hunt.""So, if we can do that, I think it will be a one more nice day for us," Pandya said.

India's Rohit Sharma Emphasizes Importance of Good Cricket Ahead of Pakistan ClashAs India gears up for its highly anticipated T20 World Cup match against Pakistan, captain Rohit Sharma has stressed the paramount importance of playing good cricket. Speaking ahead of the clash, Rohit emphasized that the team's focus should be on their own performance rather than being overly concerned about the opposition or the pitch conditions."We believe that playing good cricket holds the key, not opposition, not pitch," Rohit stated confidently. He highlighted the team's recent encounters with Pakistan in the Asia Cup and World Cup, noting that the familiarity between the two sides would make for a competitive match."Nothing changes, we played against them seven months back in Asia Cup and World Cup," he said.Rohit also addressed concerns about facing tough moments during the match, emphasizing the team's resilience and commitment to the collective cause. "We thrive in difficult moments. Blows are secondary, team cause is first," he said, referring to being hit during India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland.Considering the influence of playing conditions, especially in New York where the match is scheduled, Rohit expressed his intention to adapt his game accordingly while maintaining a balanced approach. "I want to play my game in a balanced way, depending on conditions. Conditions do matter, especially in New York," he said.Rohit's emphasis on good cricket and the team's resilience bodes well for India as they prepare to face Pakistan in what is sure to be a thrilling encounter. The match promises to be a test of both teams' skills and mental fortitude, and Rohit's leadership will be crucial in guiding India to victory.

India's Stalwarts Gear Up for T20 World Cup Showdown Against PakistanAs the ICC T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes are on Team India's key players who have consistently delivered against arch-rivals Pakistan across all formats. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav have been instrumental in India's past victories over Pakistan.Virat Kohli:Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has an impressive record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, averaging 308.00 with four half-centuries. In T20Is, he averages 81.33 with five half-centuries. Across all formats, Kohli has amassed 1,166 runs against Pakistan, including three centuries and seven half-centuries.Rohit Sharma:Sharma, India's captain, has a modest record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, averaging 17.00. However, in T20Is, he averages 14.25 with a high score of 30*. Across all formats, Sharma has scored 987 runs against Pakistan, including two centuries and eight half-centuries.Hardik Pandya:Pandya, India's all-rounder, has made significant contributions against Pakistan in both T20 World Cups and T20Is. In T20 World Cups, he averages 25.50 with a top score of 40 and has taken four wickets. In T20Is, he averages 21.00 with a high score of 40 and has taken 11 wickets.Jasprit Bumrah:Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has limited experience against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, with just one wicket in two matches. However, in T20Is, he has taken two wickets in three matches with an economy rate of 6.20. Across all formats, Bumrah has taken nine wickets against Pakistan, including best figures of 2/19.Kuldeep Yadav:Yadav, India's left-arm spinner, has been particularly effective against Pakistan in ODIs, taking 12 wickets in six matches at an average of 14.16. His standout performance came in the Asia Cup finals last year, where he took 5/25 to restrict Pakistan to 128 runs.With these key players in their ranks, India will be confident of extending their dominance over Pakistan in the upcoming T20 World Cup clash.

Chris Gayle, the legendary West Indian batsman, has urged Pakistan to regroup and bounce back after their unexpected loss to the USA in the T20 World Cup. The defeat has put immense pressure on Pakistan ahead of their crucial clash with India on Sunday.Gayle emphasized the significance of the upcoming match between India and Pakistan, two cricketing giants who have a long-standing rivalry. He noted that Pakistan's loss to the USA has made the match even more important for them."Pakistan have no time to waste. They have to re-group for the biggest game of the tournament against India in New York City – that's just got even bigger. Their backs are up against the wall and coming off a loss like that straight into playing a team like India, who traditionally have the upper hand in these games, is a huge challenge," Gayle wrote in his column for the International Cricket Council (ICC).Gayle also praised the USA team, which has emerged as a surprise package in the tournament. He lauded their victory over Pakistan and highlighted the talent within their squad."Like the rest of the cricketing world, I was gripped by the USA's victory over Pakistan. It is a huge result which is not only incredible for them but massive for cricket as a whole," Gayle said."USA look very well organized and the way they stood up to that Pakistan attack, one of the best bowling units at the World Cup, you have to give huge kudos to them. They will now look to cash in on this result and they can absolutely reach the Super 8s – what a story that would be."Gayle believes that the USA has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. He singled out Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Steven Taylor, Nitish Kumar, and Corey Anderson as key players for the team."USA are making the most of home advantage so far and my hope is that the West Indies can do the same. It's never easy playing at home, especially on a big occasion like a World Cup, because the expectation is so high," Gayle said."It is actually quite rare for a home team to win a T20 World Cup but hopefully this year will be a change of fortune. We can lift the trophy on June 29 in Barbados, for sure. Having not qualified for the last ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, this tournament is so important for cricket in the Caribbean. This is a huge thing for the players to step up and be counted."