Cricket

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has criticized Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan's batting approach during their T20 World Cup Super Eight match against India. Bangladesh suffered a 50-run loss in the encounter, with Shakib scoring only 11 runs off seven balls.Sehwag expressed his disapproval of Shakib's decision to attempt a boundary shot against Kuldeep Yadav, resulting in his dismissal. He believes that Shakib should have played a more supportive role to his batting partner and stayed at the crease for a longer duration."When you have a set batter with you at the crease, at least support him. At least stay out in the middle and spend some time, try to get something out of the match," Sehwag said. "Instead, only 11 runs were scored off seven deliveries and then he walked back. So, I did not understand that."Sehwag also suggested that Shakib consider retiring from the sport to make way for younger players. "He has so much experience. So, is he not making the most of it or does he simply not care? or was he thinking that the target is too big and I just scored a six, and now I will score a six off every ball," Sehwag added.Bangladesh's chances of reaching the semifinals have become slim after suffering two defeats in the Super Eight stage. Their last match will be against Afghanistan on June 25.

USA vs ENG Live Score: England's Fate Hangs in the BalanceThe T20 World Cup Group 2 Super 8 clash between defending champions England and newcomers USA has taken on added significance following West Indies' emphatic nine-wicket victory over the USA.England, who have a win and a loss in the group, must now secure a comprehensive victory over the USA to boost their net run rate. A win by 10 runs or with at least an over to spare would keep them in contention for a semifinal berth.South Africa currently lead Group 2 with two wins, while West Indies have a better net run rate than England. If South Africa lose to West Indies in their final match, even in a Super Over, England could qualify if they defeat the USA as per the required margin.However, a loss for England against the USA would result in a three-way tie between West Indies, England, and the USA for the second spot. In such a scenario, the team with the best run rate would advance to the knockout stage.England's batting lineup, which failed to produce the big hits in their narrow seven-run loss to South Africa, will need to step up against a USA team that has shown resilience despite their recent defeat.The match between England and the USA is crucial for both teams. England's hopes of reaching the semifinals rest on a convincing victory, while the USA will be determined to end their tournament on a high note.

Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has sparked controversy on social media after his contrasting analysis of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's dismissals during India's 2024 T20 World Cup match against Bangladesh.Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, played a quickfire 11-ball 23 to give India a flying start in the powerplay. On the other hand, Kohli played a more measured innings, scoring 37 off 28 balls.Gavaskar praised Rohit's intent and aggressive approach, saying, "Someone who has hit 10 runs in two balls would not go for a big shot, but for Rohit Sharma, it is all about the team."However, Gavaskar was harsher in his criticism of Kohli's dismissal. "What was he thinking? Should have played inside out," Gavaskar said.The difference in reaction from Gavaskar to Rohit and Kohli's dismissals left several fans unhappy on social media. The former India batter was tagged "biased" and a "hypocrite" by fans."It's not fans but the commentators like Sunil Gavaskar who create the difference between the fans and players," said one user.Another user tweeted, "Sunil Gavaskar has become so annoying and is the biggest hypocrite rn 'What was he trying to do' - After Kohli got out 'Rohit is always for the team' - After Rohit got out."Despite the controversy, Rohit and Kohli's knocks, along with good contributions from Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Shivam Dube, took India to a daunting total of 196-5 in 20 overs. Chasing it, Bangladesh fell short by 50 runs.India has now almost certainly sealed a semi-final spot at the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup.

Afghanistan's T20I captain, Rashid Khan, has expressed his disappointment over Cricket Australia's decision to not play Afghanistan bilaterally due to human rights concerns. While acknowledging that sports should bring people together, Rashid emphasized that cricket is not the solution to political issues."We are sportsmen, and we love sports," Rashid said. "Cricket is the only source of happiness back home. If we keep that source away from us, I don't know where Afghanistan will remain."Rashid stressed that Afghanistan's cricketers are eager to play against any side, but they have no control over political decisions. "Some things are not under the control of anyone in cricket," he said. "Wish we could do something, and wish that was a kind of solution for it, we would have been happy."Rashid's comments come after Cricket Australia postponed a scheduled three-match T20I series with Afghanistan earlier this year. The decision was made due to "a marked deterioration in human rights for women and girls" in Afghanistan.Rashid had initially threatened to withdraw from the Big Bash League in 2023 in protest, but he later softened his stance and put his name up in the drafts. However, he was forced to miss the tournament through injury.Despite the disappointment, Rashid reiterated that Afghanistan's cricketers are grateful for the support they have received from fans around the world. "I have received so much love from everyone," he said. "Whenever I go to Australia for Big Bash, I think I have got so much love and support from the fans there."Rashid emphasized that cricket should not be used as a political tool. "Cricket is not the solution for politics," he said. "If there is another solution, you can take that. But don't think cricket is the solution of politics and things like that."

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is nearing its climax, with only four matches remaining in the Super Eight stage. All eight teams are still in contention for a spot in the semi-finals, but the scenarios for each team vary depending on their current standings and upcoming fixtures.Super 8 Group 1:India, with four points and a net run rate of +2.425, is in a strong position. A win against Australia in their final Super Eight match will secure their top spot and a semi-final berth. However, a loss could lead to them being overtaken by Australia or even Afghanistan if they win their match against Bangladesh.Australia, with two points and a net run rate of +0.223, is in a precarious position after a surprising loss to Afghanistan. Victory against India will likely see them qualify for the semi-finals, but a loss may allow Afghanistan or Bangladesh to take their place.Afghanistan, also on two points but with a net run rate of -0.650, remains in the race for the semi-finals. A win against Bangladesh could see them through, particularly if India defeats Australia earlier in the day, making their task easier.Bangladesh, with zero points and a net run rate of -2.489, still has a chance to reach the semi-finals thanks to Afghanistan's victory over Australia. They need to win against Afghanistan and hope India defeats Australia to improve their net run rate enough to surpass their Asian rivals and Australia.Super 8 Group 2:South Africa, with four points and a net run rate of +0.625, is in a favorable position. Despite remaining undefeated, they face a crucial match against the West Indies. A win will ensure they top their group and secure a semi-final spot. However, a loss could endanger their chances.West Indies, with two points and a net run rate of +1.814, control their fate. Defeating South Africa will send them to the semi-finals. A loss would require them to rely on the USA defeating England and also to maintain a superior net run rate.England, holding two points and a net run rate of +0.412, need a victory against the USA to secure a semi-final spot. A narrow win coupled with a close West Indies victory could see them miss the semi-finals based on net run rate.USA, with zero points and a net run rate of -2.908, require a near-miraculous series of outcomes to qualify for the semi-finals. They must defeat England decisively and hope South Africa win heavily against the West Indies to surpass both teams' net run rates.The ongoing ICC T20 World Cup continues to provide thrilling moments as the teams vie for a place in the semi-finals. The next few matches will be crucial in determining which teams will advance to the knockout stages.

Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top-ranked T20I batter, has once again proven his mettle, guiding India to a comfortable 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their first Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yadav's second consecutive half-century, a 28-ball 53, played a pivotal role in India's triumph.Post-match, Yadav and Axar Patel engaged in a playful banter, revealing an amusing exchange between Yadav and Virat Kohli during India's batting innings. Axar inquired about Kohli's advice to Yadav during a drinks break in the 10th over, as Yadav had immediately begun slog-sweeping after the break.Yadav explained his strategy, saying, "160 was a par score on this wicket. I thought if I started with a few boundaries and got the momentum going after the break, it would help the next batters."Axar jokingly accused Yadav of "bluffing" Kohli, but Yadav countered, "No, I didn't bluff! I was just being myself."Yadav's adaptability and ability to play in different modes were evident in his match-winning performance. After scoring a 49-ball 50 against USA, Yadav maintained a strike rate of over 180 on a challenging Barbados pitch.Yadav's flamboyant knock, along with contributions from Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, propelled India to 180 in 20 overs. Afghanistan's chase proved futile, as Jasprit Bumrah continued his stellar performance, claiming three wickets for seven runs in his four overs.India will face Bangladesh in their next Super 8 match on Saturday, June 22, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pace spearhead, has emerged as a pivotal force in Team India's recent successes, particularly in the ongoing T20 World Cup. His exceptional performances have earned him high praise from former all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who has likened him to the "Reserve Bank of India" for his reliability and consistency.Bumrah's three-wicket haul against arch-rivals Pakistan in a low-scoring encounter was a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure. His deadly spell helped India secure a crucial victory in the tournament opener. Against Afghanistan, he registered impressive figures of 4/7, further showcasing his dominance.Pathan lauded Bumrah's ability to set the tone for the bowling attack, particularly in the early overs. "He is like the Reserve Bank of India. He is absolutely safe. You expect him to perform when he bowls four overs in any situation. He sets up the game," Pathan said.Bumrah's effectiveness stems from his unwavering line and length, coupled with his judicious use of slower balls. "He bowls good lengths. If you see his pitch map, you will get to see a cluster, the slower ones, and you will see him using the bouncer only when it's required," Pathan observed.In the ongoing World Cup, Bumrah's ability to generate reverse swing in the latter stages of the innings has been a significant advantage for India. "When Jasprit Bumrah will come to bowl in the end, you will get to see a little reverse as well. It's a very big factor if India have to win this World Cup," Pathan emphasized.Bumrah's exceptional skills and unwavering determination have made him an indispensable asset for Team India. His ability to control the flow of runs and take crucial wickets has been instrumental in India's victories. As the tournament progresses, Bumrah's contributions will be crucial if India is to lift the coveted trophy.

Pakistan's assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has expressed outrage over false allegations circulating about his family following the team's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup. Mahmood has vowed to take legal action against those responsible for spreading these baseless claims.In a statement released on social media, Mahmood condemned the "false allegations and narratives" that have been circulating. He emphasized that these claims are "entirely baseless and false" and urged people to refrain from engaging with them.Mahmood criticized the culture of spreading false accusations to gain media attention. He warned that speaking without evidence and misconstruing facts is a criminal offense and that those engaging in such behavior will face legal consequences."Pursuing an increase in followers and media attention by spreading falsehoods is downright unacceptable," Mahmood wrote. "I will be pursuing legal advice against those responsible for making these false allegations towards me and my family, and strict action will be taken accordingly."Mahmood's announcement comes after reports emerged that Pakistan captain Babar Azam is also considering legal action against YouTubers and former cricketers who accused him of misconduct during the T20 World Cup campaign. The Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly collecting evidence related to these statements.The allegations against Mahmood and Azam have sparked outrage among Pakistani fans and cricket enthusiasts. Many have condemned the spread of false information and called for accountability.Mahmood's decision to take legal action sends a strong message that false accusations will not be tolerated. It is hoped that this will deter others from engaging in such behavior and help to create a more responsible and ethical media culture.

Rishabh Pant's struggles in the ongoing T20 World Cup continued on Saturday as he failed to capitalize on a promising start against Bangladesh. The left-handed batter has been dismissed cheaply in all five innings he has played so far, leaving India's batting lineup in a precarious position.In the Super Eight match against Bangladesh, Pant got off to a solid start, scoring 36 runs off 28 balls. However, he once again failed to convert his start into a substantial score, falling to a reverse sweep that was caught by Tanzim Hasan Sakib at short third man.Pant's dismissal drew a frustrated reaction from his teammate Virat Kohli, who was seen shaking his head and mouthing words of disappointment. The incident highlighted the growing concern over Pant's form, which has been a major talking point throughout the tournament.Despite Pant's struggles, India managed to secure a comfortable 50-run victory over Bangladesh, thanks to a clinical performance from their bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah were the standout performers, taking three and two wickets respectively.India's victory keeps them unbeaten in the tournament and moves them closer to a semi-final berth. However, Pant's continued failure to deliver is a major concern for the team, who will need him to find his form if they are to challenge for the title.