Cricket

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team has made a significant change to its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, recalling experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera while omitting young seamer Kawya Kavindi.Ranaweera, 38, has been a mainstay of the Sri Lankan team for over a decade, with 91 T20I wickets to her name. Her inclusion is seen as a strategic move, given the spin-friendly conditions expected in the UAE, where the tournament will be held.Despite her experience, Ranaweera's bowling has not been particularly penetrative in the shortest format this year. However, her economy rate of 5.86 and ability to control the run rate make her a valuable asset.Kavindi's omission leaves Sri Lanka with just three main seam-bowling options in their World Cup squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana. This could be a concern, especially considering the strength of the opposition in Group A, which includes Australia, India, and New Zealand.On the batting front, Sri Lanka boasts a formidable lineup led by captain Chamari Athapaththu. Harshitha Samarawickrama and 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne have also been in impressive form, giving the team confidence that they can compete with the best in the world.Sri Lanka's triumph in the recent Asia Cup has further boosted their morale and given them a belief that they can reach the final four of the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3, and Sri Lanka will be eager to make a strong statement in their opening match against Pakistan.

Pakistan cricket has been in a state of disarray in recent times, with the team suffering a string of disappointing performances. The Babar Azam-led side crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2024 following losses against USA and India. Things took a turn for the worse when they slumped to a humiliating Test series loss against Bangladesh, losing both matches.Former Pakistan cricket team skipper Rashid Latif has delivered a brutal verdict on the condition of Pakistan cricket, stating that it is "currently in the ICU." In a video circulating on social media, Latif said, "Pakistan cricket is currently in the ICU. They will need a professional doctor. They need technically sound professionals to run things, both physically and financially. Trainers and many other things are required. You can see there are many problems, whether it's on the field or off the field."Latif also advised Babar Azam to move away from captaincy for the betterment of his game. Babar has not performed well in the past few international matches and has faced criticism from both fans and experts. Latif cited the example of India legend Sachin Tendulkar and advised Babar to concentrate more on his game."We need to remember that he was removed forcefully as captain. When the mind is not functioning correctly, it affects the nerves as well. You try to play hard on every ball. He should let go of the idea of being a captain and focus on freeing himself from mental pressure. The issue seems to be more about mental stress than technical performance, and it's apparent that he is struggling to cope with a significant amount of mental pressure," said Latif.Pakistan cricket has been facing a number of challenges in recent years, including a lack of investment in grassroots cricket, poor coaching, and a lack of discipline among players. The team has also been plagued by injuries to key players, which has further hampered their performance.If Pakistan cricket is to improve, it will need to address these challenges and make some fundamental changes. The team needs to invest more in grassroots cricket, improve coaching standards, and instill a greater sense of discipline among players. It will also need to find a way to manage the workload of key players and prevent injuries.

On September 19, 2007, Yuvraj Singh etched his name into cricket history with a blistering six-hitting spree against England in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Facing Stuart Broad, the Indian all-rounder unleashed a barrage of sixes that became an iconic moment in the sport.The story behind Yuvraj's six-fest is a tale of revenge, adrenaline, and a heated altercation with England's Andrew Flintoff. After being hit for five sixes by Dimitri Mascarenhas in an ODI earlier that year, Yuvraj was determined to make amends.As Broad began his over, Flintoff's words ignited a fire within Yuvraj. The first ball sailed over the boundary, followed by four more in quick succession. With the fifth six, Yuvraj had equaled Mascarenhas' feat.But the Indian southpaw wasn't done yet. The sixth and final delivery was a full yorker, but Yuvraj anticipated it perfectly and sent it soaring over the long-on boundary. The crowd erupted in a frenzy, and Yuvraj's smile was a testament to his triumph.Yuvraj's innings of 58 runs from just 16 balls, including the fastest fifty at the time, proved decisive in India's 20-run victory. The team went on to win the T20 World Cup, with Yuvraj playing a pivotal role throughout the tournament.The six-hitting spree against Broad remains one of the most memorable moments in cricket history. It showcased Yuvraj's exceptional talent, his ability to rise to the occasion, and the enduring legacy of the T20 World Cup.

Australia's women's cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming T20 World Cup by fielding their strongest XI in a three-match series against New Zealand. Captain Alyssa Healy emphasized the importance of consistency in their lineup, stating that they have been settled in the T20 format for a long time.While Australia experimented with their lineup during their Bangladesh tour, Healy believes it's crucial to establish a stable XI leading into the World Cup. She acknowledged the temptation to unleash the pace duo of Darcie Brown and Tayla Vlaeminck, but noted that it would require careful consideration of the team's balance.New Zealand, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing tour of England, where they lost eight consecutive matches. Captain Sophie Devine expressed confidence in her team's ability to learn from their mistakes and move forward. She highlighted the return of pace bowler Rosemary Mair, who missed the England tour due to injury.Both Healy and Devine welcomed the ICC's announcement of increased prize money for the T20 World Cup, recognizing it as a significant step forward for women's cricket. Healy stated that it's an amazing opportunity for the game to be recognized and appreciated.As the teams prepare for the World Cup, the series against New Zealand will provide valuable experience and allow them to fine-tune their strategies. Australia will aim to maintain their dominance, while New Zealand will seek to regain their form and prove their mettle against one of the world's top teams.

Suryakumar Yadav's gravity-defying catch in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa remains an iconic moment in cricket history. His athleticism and skill turned the tide of the match, propelling India to victory. Inspired by Yadav's brilliance, Pakistani cricketer Saim Ayub attempted a similar catch in the Champions One Day Cup. However, his efforts ended in a comical blunder that has become a viral sensation.During the 18th over of the Dolphins Pakistan innings, Muhammad Akhlaq launched a towering shot towards long off. Ayub, positioned at the boundary, initially secured the catch but then, in an attempt to emulate Yadav's style, fumbled the ball over the ropes, gifting six runs to the opposition.The video of Ayub's misfielding quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of amusement and mockery. Netizens couldn't resist comparing his failed attempt to Yadav's effortless grace. Ayub's blunder became a trending topic, with users sharing memes and humorous comments.Prior to this incident, Ayub had already gained notoriety for his unsuccessful attempt at a no-look shot, which resulted in his dismissal. His recent catching blunder has further cemented his status as a source of online entertainment.While Ayub's failed catch may have provided a moment of levity, it also highlights the immense skill and athleticism required to execute such spectacular plays. Suryakumar Yadav's catch remains a testament to his exceptional abilities and will continue to inspire aspiring cricketers worldwide.

Saurabh Netravalkar, a former India U-19 cricketer, has carved a unique path for himself by balancing a successful career in computer science with his passion for cricket. After moving to the United States for higher education, Netravalkar pursued a degree in computer science while continuing to excel in cricket.His exceptional cricketing skills eventually led him to become the captain of the United States national cricket team. Under his leadership, the team has made significant strides on the international stage. Netravalkar's crowning achievement came in the recent T20 World Cup, where he orchestrated a stunning victory over former champions Pakistan.Despite his demanding profession as a Senior Software Engineer at Oracle, Netravalkar remains deeply committed to cricket. In a recent interview, he shared his insights on how he manages to balance his dual passions."It's all about love and passion," Netravalkar explained. "I'm passionate about both tech and cricket, so it doesn't feel like work. I just have to find the time and compartmentalize."Netravalkar believes that his experiences in both fields complement each other. "From tech to cricket, data analytics is becoming increasingly important in strategy," he said. "Knowing how analysis works helps me identify patterns that can make a difference in close games."Conversely, cricket has taught him valuable lessons in resilience and perseverance. "I've learned how to handle failure and bounce back," he said. "That same mindset applies to my work in tech."As a left-arm medium-fast bowler, Netravalkar's ability to swing the ball and maintain a disciplined line and length has made him a formidable asset for the US cricket team. His career trajectory is a testament to his academic excellence and international cricketing achievements.

Pakistan's all-rounder Imad Wasim has expressed his surprise over the decision to reinstate Babar Azam as captain of the national team in white-ball cricket. The decision came after Pakistan's disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage.Babar Azam had initially resigned from captaincy in all formats following Pakistan's failure to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, he was reappointed as captain just before the 2024 T20 World Cup, a move that raised eyebrows among many.Imad Wasim, speaking on the PakPassion YouTube channel, admitted that he was taken aback by the decision. "Yes, I was surprised. But what can I say? It's ultimately the selector's call," he said. "Whatever they thought was the best option, (based on that) they picked the team, they picked the captain."Wasim emphasized that the change in captaincy was not the sole reason for Pakistan's poor showing at the T20 World Cup. "I don't believe in that. I think you can make anyone captain, it's just how you play inside the ground, it's just the performance that matters," he said. "Obviously, captaincy and management plays a part, but ultimately it's all individual (performance of the players)."Pakistan lost their opening two games in the 2024 T20 World Cup, first to co-hosts and debutants USA in a dramatic Super Over and then to arch-rivals India. The defeats effectively ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.Wasim acknowledged that Pakistan's performance at the tournament was disappointing, but he refused to blame it solely on the captaincy change. "I can't put this or that on the captaincy or management. At the end of the day, it's my personal performance as well," he said.The decision to reinstate Babar Azam as captain has been met with mixed reactions. Some believe that he is the best player to lead the team, while others question whether he has the necessary leadership qualities. Only time will tell whether the decision will prove to be the right one for Pakistan cricket.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in the world, with every match between the two nations carrying immense significance. One such memorable encounter occurred during the ICC T20 World Cup 2012, where former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina silenced Pakistani supporters in a unique and unforgettable way.In a Super 8s match at the packed R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan struggled against India's bowling attack, with Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Ashwin taking three and two wickets respectively. Pakistan's innings lacked substantial partnerships, with only Shoaib Malik managing a top score of 28.The turning point came when Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Hafeez, was caught behind off Virat Kohli's bowling for 15. Umar Akmal provided some resistance, scoring a quick-fire 21 off 18 balls, but his dismissal by Suresh Raina off Ashwin's bowling proved to be the decisive moment.As Akmal attempted a big shot over midwicket, Raina took a fantastic catch, silencing the Pakistani fans who had been chanting "Pakistan! Pakistan!" after Akmal's six off Irfan Pathan. In a moment of triumph, Raina cupped his ear towards the crowd, implying that he couldn't hear their cheers anymore.Pakistan were eventually bowled out for a modest 128 in 19.4 overs, with India comfortably chasing down the target in just 17 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten knock of 78 off 61 balls from Virat Kohli.Raina's catch and subsequent celebration became an iconic moment in the India-Pakistan rivalry, showcasing his skill as a fielder and his ability to silence the opposition's supporters. Despite India's victory, they finished third in the Super 8s and did not progress to the semifinals of the tournament.

Travis Head's remarkable performances against India have become a defining feature of his career. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Head played a pivotal role in Australia's title-winning campaign, scoring a commanding 137 off 120 balls in the final against India. His innings was crucial in chasing down India's 240 at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, leading Australia to victory.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Head continued his impressive run. Against India in a critical group-stage match, he smashed a blistering 76 off 43 balls while chasing a target of 206. Although Australia fell short by 24 runs, Head's performance once again highlighted his exceptional ability against India.Head's consistent success against India has sparked speculation about whether they are his favorite opponent. However, Head himself downplays this notion, stating that he simply enjoys the competitive nature of the contests."I don't feel like they're my favorite," Head told Star Sports. "I just feel like we play them enough, play them lots. And, I guess the last couple of years I've been in nice form. So yeah, being able to, to play well, it's always nice."Head's performances against India have not only been impressive but also crucial in Australia's recent successes. His ability to score runs under pressure and in high-stakes matches has made him a valuable asset to the team.As the Indian team prepares to tour Australia for a five-match Test series in November, Head will undoubtedly be a key player for the hosts. His experience and success against India will be invaluable as Australia looks to regain the Border Gavaskar Trophy, which they have not won since the 2014-15 season.