Cricket

Yuvraj Singh Excited for India-Pakistan Clash in New York, Advocates for Cricket's Growth in the USAFormer Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh expressed his anticipation for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan cricket match scheduled to take place in New York on June 9. Having witnessed numerous thrilling encounters between the two nations, Yuvraj believes that the match will be an emotional rollercoaster for both sides."It's a game of emotion. If we win, we'll go crazy. If we lose, we'll go crazy. But the thing is, if we win, they will go crazy with us. If we lose, they will go crazy with us. That's the difference," Yuvraj said.Despite India's recent dominance over Pakistan in cricket, Yuvraj emphasized the importance of emotional control and focus on the match situation. He believes that the team that manages their emotions better will emerge victorious.Yuvraj also expressed his excitement about watching the match from the stands for the first time. He acknowledged the growing popularity of cricket in the USA and praised the American approach to packaging sports."I think I would not be that nervous going into India-Pakistan game watching it. I've watched on TV, but never been to the ground watching an India-Pakistan match. This will be first time," Yuvraj said.Yuvraj believes that for cricket to gain traction in the USA, locals need to embrace the game and explore its nuances. He urged Indian American fans to encourage their American friends to attend cricket matches and support the sport's growth in the country."To all the (Indian American) fans who come here for cricket, who I know want India to win, but I think you should encourage your American friends and all the people around the world to come and watch every game and encourage the sport of cricket in America," Yuvraj said.Yuvraj's presence at the Fan Park launch at the Oculus Trade Center in New York, where he serves as an ICC Ambassador for the T20 World Cup, underscores his commitment to promoting cricket globally. He believes that the USA has the potential to become a major cricket hub, given its passion for sports and its ability to package them effectively."I'm sure this is a place where all the best sports in the world are played. America is a place where all sports are popular," Yuvraj said.Yuvraj's enthusiasm for cricket's growth in the USA is evident in his support for the American team. He wished them well in their campaign but acknowledged India's current dominance in the sport."All the best to you and the American team, but India is far ahead in cricket right now. Part of you, which is also Indian, so I know inside you want India to win as well," Yuvraj said.

Pakistan's skipper, Babar Azam, has acknowledged the immense pressure and hype surrounding the highly anticipated T20 World Cup clash against India on Sunday. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and adhering to the basics amidst the heightened expectations.India holds a dominant record in T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, having won six out of seven matches. However, Pakistan emerged victorious in the 2021 edition, defeating India by 10 wickets in the 'Super 12' stage.Babar acknowledged the unique atmosphere surrounding the India-Pakistan fixture, stating, "There is a different vibe altogether for this fixture, and there's a lot of excitement too not just among players but also among the fans." He advised his team to manage the pressure by focusing on the fundamentals.Reflecting on the 2022 edition, Babar expressed regret over missed opportunities, particularly the defeat against Zimbabwe. He stressed the need for consistent performance against all opponents, regardless of the outcome."Effort is in our hands, but results, we do not know," Babar said. "How we present ourselves on the ground, our body language and how we communicate with each other will matter. We must be positive, so results will come."Pakistan has been a formidable force in the T20 World Cup, reaching six semi-finals in eight editions. They were runners-up in 2007 and 2022, losing to England in the final of the most recent tournament.Babar highlighted the team's collective aspiration to win an ICC tournament. "Lifting the ICC trophy is a different motivation," he said. "You go to a different level and get a lot of praise. So, the motivation, aspiration and dream remains to lift an ICC trophy and present it to Pakistan."

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has endorsed Rishabh Pant as India's starting wicketkeeper for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Gavaskar's endorsement stems from Pant's superior glove work and recent impressive form.Pant's performance in India's lone warm-up game against Bangladesh, where he scored a blistering 53 off 32 balls, further solidified his case. In contrast, his competitor, Sanju Samson, failed to make an impact in the same match, managing only one run off six balls.While both players had impressive IPL 2024 seasons, Pant's edge in wicketkeeping abilities gives him an advantage over Samson. Gavaskar emphasized this point, stating, "If you compare the wicketkeeping abilities, then Rishabh Pant is a better wicket-keeper than Samson."Despite Samson's impressive run-scoring in the IPL 2024, amassing 531 runs at an average of over 48, Pant's recent form has been equally impressive. After a 15-month layoff, Pant showed no signs of rust, scoring 446 runs at an average of 40.54 in 13 matches.Gavaskar also pointed out that Samson's inability to score big runs in the latter part of the IPL 2024 and the warm-up game against Bangladesh could tip the scales in Pant's favor.Both players have had underwhelming T20I careers, with Samson averaging under 19 and Pant averaging 22.43. However, Pant's recent form and superior wicketkeeping skills make him the more likely choice for the T20 World Cup.India, who haven't won an ICC trophy since 2013, will be hoping that Pant's inclusion in the playing XI will strengthen their chances. Having secured a convincing 60-run win against Bangladesh in their warm-up game, India are set to face Ireland in their opening match on Wednesday.

Namibia and Oman, both making their third consecutive T20 World Cup appearances, will face off in a crucial opening match in Bridgetown. Namibia, known for their impressive performances in previous tournaments, will be looking to build on their success. Oman, on the other hand, comes into the tournament with momentum after reaching the ACC Premier Cup final.Namibia's strength lies in their all-rounders, including captain Gerhard Erasmus, who has been in excellent bowling form. David Wiese, a T20 globetrotter, will be key to their plans with both bat and ball. Oman, led by Aqib Ilyas, boasts a top-order batter and handy spinner. They also have plenty of bowling options among their middle-order batters.The pitch in Bridgetown has historically favored spinners, making it a challenge for batters to score freely. The average first-innings score at the venue since 2022 is 178, with teams batting first winning eight of 12 matches.Namibia's probable XI includes Nikolas Davin, Jean-Pierre Kotze, Michael van Lingen, Gerhard Erasmus, JJ Smit, David Wiese, Jan Frylinck, Zane Green, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, and Ben Shikongo. Oman's likely lineup consists of Kashyap Prajapati, Naseem Khushi, Aqib Ilyas, Zeeshan Maqsood, Pratik Athavale, Ayaan Khan, Khalid Kail, Shakeel Ahmad, Rafiullah, Fayyaz Butt, and Bilal Khan.With both teams eager to make a statement in their opening match, the encounter promises to be a close and competitive affair. Namibia will be looking to beat Oman and Scotland to secure a spot in the Super 8s, while Oman will be aiming to upset the odds and advance to the next round.

Australia's legendary cricketer Ricky Ponting has predicted India's fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to emerge as the leading wicket-taker in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Bumrah missed the 2022 edition of the tournament due to a back injury that required surgery. However, he returns to the showpiece event in impressive form, having taken 20 wickets in 13 games for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with an astonishing economy rate of 6.48.Ponting believes Bumrah's exceptional skills with the new ball, his ability to swing and seam the ball, and his impressive economy rate make him a prime candidate for the top wicket-taker award. "He's just come off an outstanding IPL. What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up," Ponting said. "His economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over. He takes wickets. He does bowl a lot of the hard overs too. When you bowl the hard overs in T20 cricket, it gives you a chance to pick up a lot of wickets along the way."In addition to Bumrah, Ponting also predicts Australia's left-handed opener Travis Head to be a contender for the top run-scorer in the tournament. Head, who was named Player of the Match in last year's ODI World Cup final, scored 567 runs in 15 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 191.55."My prediction for the leading run-scorer will be Travis Head," Ponting said. "I just think everything he's done, whether it be red-ball or white-ball in the last couple of years, has been of the highest quality. I think he's playing fearless cricket at the moment."Ponting acknowledges that Head's IPL form had its ups and downs, but he believes that when Head is in form, he can win games for his team. "His IPL had its ups and downs, but when it's been good, it's been very good. And it has won games of cricket for his team. And it'll be exactly the same for Australia - so, look, he might not be the most consistent on the way through this tournament," Ponting said. "But he'll be right up there, I'm sure, with the leading run scorers. And as I've said, if he spends any amount of time at the wicket for Australia, he'll win more games than ever."The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will commence on June 1, with the opening match between co-hosts USA and Canada at Dallas. Australia will begin their campaign against Group B opponents Oman at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 5. India will also play their first game of the competition on the same day, against Ireland at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.

As the T20 World Cup commences on Sunday, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Team India, who have been yearning for an ICC trophy since 2013. Despite coming tantalizingly close in the ODI World Cup last year, losing to Australia in the final, the pressure is mounting for Rohit Sharma's men to end their ICC trophy drought.Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, in a conversation with AB de Villiers on YouTube, shared his insights on India's prospects. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, given India's recent struggles in T20 cricket. However, he expressed optimism that the team's familiar lineup and the potential for spin-friendly pitches in the West Indies could provide an advantage.Chopra made a bold prediction regarding India's batting order, suggesting that Virat Kohli would open alongside Rohit Sharma, leaving no room for Yashasvi Jaiswal in the playing XI. He also emphasized the importance of Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube's power-hitting abilities in the latter stages of T20 innings, especially in the West Indies' day games.Team India enters the tournament with confidence, having secured a convincing 60-run win against Bangladesh in their warm-up game. Rishabh Pant's impressive performance, scoring 53 off 32 balls, showcased his potential in the T20 format.India's opening match against Ireland on Wednesday will set the tone for their campaign. A strong start will be crucial in building momentum and setting the stage for a successful run in the tournament.

Virat Kohli, the batting maestro, is the cynosure of all eyes at the T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean. Fans are eagerly capturing every moment of their beloved star, and a recent video circulating on social media has become a testament to Kohli's unwavering focus.In the video, Kohli is seen sitting in the team's dugout, preparing to eat. However, despite the cheers of fans and a plate of food laid out before him, Kohli remains laser-focused, oblivious to the distractions. His unwavering determination is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game.India's victory over Bangladesh in their warm-up match has signaled their readiness to challenge for their second T20 World Cup title. Kohli, who recently won the Orange Cap as the top run-getter in the IPL, did not bat in the practice match, allowing the team to test other batting options.India's campaign in Group A begins on June 5 with a match against Ireland in New York. The highly anticipated clash against Pakistan follows on June 9 at the same venue. Co-hosts USA and Canada complete the group.Kohli's presence in the Indian team is a major boost to their title aspirations. His experience, skill, and leadership will be invaluable as India aims to reclaim the T20 World Cup trophy they last won in 2007.

India vs Pakistan: Suresh Raina Backs India to Triumph in T20 World Cup ClashThe highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan at the T20 World Cup on June 9 has ignited immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has expressed his confidence in India's chances of victory, citing the team's strong performance and the leadership of Rohit Sharma.Raina praised Sharma's ability to command respect in the dressing room and his strategic planning. He highlighted India's versatility, with two all-rounders in the squad, giving them a tactical advantage.Recalling his own playing days, Raina emphasized the significance of India-Pakistan matches. He stated that Indian players are determined to give their all and emerge victorious against their arch-rivals."When you are representing your country, you try to give your best," Raina said. "We have retired from the sport, but not from the heart. When you see the tricolour, you feel Jee Jaan lagaadenge lekin inse nahi haarenge [we will give it our all but not lose to them]."India enters the T20 World Cup after a successful IPL season, while Pakistan recently suffered a setback in a T20I series against England. However, Raina believes that India's momentum and Sharma's leadership will prove decisive.The India-Pakistan clash is not merely a sporting event but a symbol of national pride and rivalry. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams eager to prove their supremacy on the global stage.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has lauded Rishabh Pant for his exceptional performance in challenging conditions during India's T20 World Cup warm-up game against Bangladesh on Saturday. The wicketkeeper-batter scored a rapid 53 off 32 balls, helping India set a competitive target of 183. India subsequently restricted Bangladesh to 122/9, securing a comprehensive 60-run victory in New York.Manjrekar praised Pant for his ability to quickly assess the conditions and adapt his game accordingly. "The pitch was slightly difficult when he came to bat. We saw Sanju Samson getting out after scoring only one run off six balls. After that, he (Pant) came and his specialty is that he is extremely street-smart and assesses very quickly what needs to be done," Manjrekar said on Star Sports.Pant's explosive innings included four fours and four sixes. Manjrekar highlighted Pant's impressive strike rate of nearly 200 on a difficult pitch, which underscored his ability to perform under pressure. "He is a batter who scored runs at a strike rate of almost 200 on a difficult pitch. This is Rishabh Pant's specialty. His record in T20Is is very ordinary, an average close to 20 and a strike rate of 120 or lower, but we saw today what this guy can do," Manjrekar added.Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar also commended Pant for his approach, noting his initial caution before launching into big shots. "Everyone will talk about the four fours and four sixes he hit, but he scored only one run off his first six or seven deliveries. So the best thing was that he gave himself time, especially against the spinners. We have the notion that he plays a lot of shots against spinners," Bangar said.Bangar further observed Pant's comfort against both pace and spin. "Actually, his best shots are against the pacers and he gets out many times against spinners. Today he batted well against both pacers and spinners. So I feel a stability has come into his mind considering the way he batted," Bangar noted.Pant's performance against Bangladesh demonstrated his potential to be a game-changer. Despite his modest T20I record, his ability to adapt to challenging conditions and perform under pressure makes him a valuable asset to the Indian team.