Cricket

Jofra Archer's decisive over proved pivotal in England's comprehensive eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in St Lucia. After West Indies captain Rovman Powell had plundered 20 runs off Archer's previous over, the hosts looked poised to accelerate their innings with five overs remaining.However, Archer responded with an exceptional over of wide yorkers, outswinging at increasing pace. Nicholas Pooran, who had just reached 200 runs in the tournament, was dismissed for a thin edge to Jos Buttler. The over culminated in a crucial collapse of 3 for 6 in 12 deliveries, effectively ending West Indies' hopes.Archer's impact was significant for England. It demonstrated his tactical acumen and the success of his recovery from long-standing injuries. He acknowledged that the lively pitch encouraged him to crank up his pace, a strategy that had not been as effective earlier in the tournament.Beyond his bowling contribution, Archer emphasized his commitment to contributing in all aspects of the game. He expressed his joy in giving back to the team and his willingness to embrace pressure situations.The victory over West Indies, who had won eight consecutive matches, was a significant boost for England. However, Archer cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that it was only the first game of the Super Eight stage.England's next challenge is against South Africa, the team that inflicted a crushing defeat on them in the 50-over World Cup. Archer downplayed the significance of that match, stating that England had moved on and would approach the game with a fresh plan.

India Skipper Rohit Sharma Praises Kensington Oval Pitch After Tough Group StageIndian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed satisfaction with the pitch at Kensington Oval in Barbados, a stark contrast to the challenging conditions faced by the team at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York during the Group stage of the T20 World Cup.In their opening Super 8 stage game against Afghanistan, Rohit opted to bat first after winning the toss, marking the first time India chose to bat first in the tournament. Assessing the pitch, Rohit anticipated that it might slow down as the match progressed."We are going to bat first. Looks alright at this moment, looks a good track. No grass on the pitch, I guess it will get slower. It's better than New York. We have to adapt to the conditions quickly," Rohit said after the toss.India made a strategic change to their Playing XI, bringing in left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav in place of pacer Mohammed Siraj. Rohit emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions and expressed confidence in the team's ability to perform well at Kensington Oval."We have been here for a couple of days, we have played a lot of cricket. It's about understanding what we need to do in conditions like these. It's an early start. Usually start in the evening elsewhere. We enjoy playing here. We have made one change, Kuldeep comes in for Siraj," Rohit added.The Kensington Oval pitch offers a more favorable surface for batting compared to the challenging conditions in New York, providing India with a better opportunity to showcase their batting prowess. Rohit's positive assessment of the pitch bodes well for the team as they aim to secure a victory in their opening Super 8 stage match.

Daren Sammy, the head coach of the West Indies cricket team, urged his players to dismiss their eight-wicket loss to England as a minor setback and maintain their belief in their ability to win an unprecedented third men's T20 World Cup title.Despite setting England a competitive target of 181 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia, the West Indies bowlers failed to make an impact, allowing the defending champions to cruise to victory with 15 balls to spare. Phil Salt and Jonny Bairstow's unbroken 97-run partnership for the third wicket proved decisive for England.Sammy acknowledged that his team fell short of a winning total on a flat pitch, but he emphasized that this loss should not dampen their spirits. "It's part of the game," Sammy said. "We still believe we've got a team that could win this World Cup."The West Indies made two changes to their lineup, bringing back Roston Chase and Romario Shepherd in place of Shai Hope and Obed McCoy. Sammy defended the decision, highlighting Shepherd's all-around abilities and his potential impact against England's strong batting lineup.Despite their current position at the bottom of Group 2 in the Super Eight, the West Indies remain confident in their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. They will need to secure victories against both the USA and South Africa in their remaining matches."We did not execute our plans well enough," Sammy admitted. "But that doesn't mean we're out of it. We've got to win all our matches, and that's what we'll focus on."The West Indies will travel to Barbados for their next match against the USA on Friday. Sammy indicated that the team will assess their performance and make any necessary adjustments to improve their chances of success.

The ICC T20 World Cup 2024, jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA, witnessed a stark contrast in scoring patterns between the matches held in the two regions. While the West Indies leg produced high-scoring encounters, the USA leg was characterized by low-scoring affairs.The ICC's decision to host the tournament in the USA was driven by their desire to develop cricket in the country. However, the low-scoring matches in the USA raised concerns about the quality of the pitches and the overall experience for fans.In the group stages, only three teams managed to score over 200 runs, and all of those matches were played in the West Indies. In the USA leg, the highest score recorded was just 137, in a match played in New York.The drop-in pitches from Adelaide, Australia, used in the USA leg, proved to be difficult for batters to score freely. The uneven bounce made it challenging for them to settle and play their shots.Some teams were bundled out for less than 100 runs, but even those scores were chased down laboriously. The India-Pakistan match was another low-scoring affair, with India defending just 119 runs.The ICC's decision to not adequately test the pitches or the conditions before such a major tournament was a gamble that backfired. The pitches should have been prepared in a way that allowed for a balanced contest between bat and ball.Furthermore, some grounds in the USA, such as the one in Florida, were not equipped to withstand rain. The match between India and Canada was abandoned without a ball bowled due to poor drainage and lack of adequate facilities.The idea of developing cricket in the USA is commendable, but the ICC needs to ensure that basic amenities are in place to support the growth of the game. While cricket fans in the USA got to see their favorite stars, the quality of the cricket was a major disappointment.

South Africa and England Clash in Crucial Group 2 MatchAs the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup heats up, two former champions, South Africa and England, face off in a pivotal match that could determine the top of Group 2.South Africa, unbeaten so far, has faced challenges from both full members and Associates. Their batting has shown signs of vulnerability, with only Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram finding form. The middle order remains untested.England, on the other hand, has endured a rollercoaster ride. After a shaky start, they have bounced back with impressive victories. Their net run rate of 1.34 puts them in a strong position, but they will be eager to assert their dominance.Key Players in the SpotlightQuinton de Kock and Phil Salt, both opening batters, have played crucial innings for their respective teams. De Kock's 74 against Bangladesh and Salt's 87* against West Indies showcased their aggression.Jofra Archer, England's joint-leading bowler, poses a significant threat to South Africa's top order. His pace and accuracy could prove challenging for batters still finding their feet.Anrich Nortje, South Africa's second-highest wicket-taker, has been menacing throughout the tournament. His ability to counter-punch could test England's batters, who enjoy facing pace.Team News and Pitch ConditionsSouth Africa may consider changes to their bowling department, with Ottneil Baartman and Bjorn Fortuin vying for a spot. England, meanwhile, could rest Mark Wood and include Chris Jordan.The pitch at St Lucia has been conducive to high-scoring matches, with good bounce and carry. However, spinners have also found success, as evidenced by England's performance against West Indies.Head-to-Head and StatsEngland and South Africa have a balanced head-to-head record, with each team winning 12 matches. However, South Africa has the upper hand at T20 World Cups, having won four of their six encounters.Anrich Nortje is two wickets away from 50 in T20Is, while Tabraiz Shamsi is one away from 300 in all T20s. Jos Buttler needs 19 more runs to become the ninth batter to 1,000 in all T20s this year.Quotes"Hopefully," said Kagiso Rabada when asked if South Africa are peaking at the right time."A lot of people say you learn when you lose, but I truly believe you learn when you win as well," said England's Jos Buttler, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on victories.

India vs Afghanistan: Kohli's Form and Kuldeep's Inclusion in Focus as Super 8 BeginsAs the T20 World Cup enters its Super 8 stage, all eyes will be on India's opening clash against Afghanistan in Barbados. The match will be a crucial test for the Indian team, particularly for star batsman Virat Kohli, who is yet to score a double-digit total in the tournament.Kohli's struggles in New York have raised concerns, but he is expected to bounce back on the more favorable wickets in the Caribbean. The 35-year-old is known for his unwavering intensity, and his performance in training sessions suggests that he is determined to make a statement.Another key factor to watch will be the inclusion of left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav. With the pitch at Kensington Oval expected to offer assistance to spinners, Kuldeep's case for a place in the starting lineup has strengthened. The gentle breeze blowing across the ground could also provide swing for the pacers in the powerplay.The Indian team combination is a major talking point ahead of the game. Skipper Rohit Sharma has previously expressed his desire to field all four all-rounders - Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja - in the playing eleven. However, the inclusion of Kuldeep may force a rethink of that strategy.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be looking to cause an upset against the tournament favorites. The team has shown impressive form in recent matches, and they will be confident of their chances against India.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two talented teams. Kohli's return to form and the potential inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav will be key factors to watch as India aims to start their Super 8 campaign with a victory.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to overhaul its seven-member selection committee following Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign. The board will conduct a thorough review to identify areas of improvement, with streamlining the selection process a top priority.Sources within ESPNcricinfo indicate that the number of selectors will be reduced, and the PCB is considering reinstating the position of a chief selector. The current committee, unveiled less than three months ago, has operated without an official head, with each member holding an equal vote.Wahab Riaz, who previously served as chair, is unlikely to regain that role if it is recreated. There is growing frustration within the PCB, including from Riaz himself, over the perception that he wields undue influence as the de facto head of the committee. His departure from the committee altogether remains a possibility.The review will also consider the future of Babar Azam as captain. Despite the emotional fallout from Pakistan's World Cup exit, the PCB is not expected to make an immediate decision. Pakistan's next white-ball match is not scheduled until November.Head coach Gary Kirsten's feedback will be crucial in the review process. Kirsten, appointed in April after an extensive search, has expressed concerns about the lack of unity within the team. His tour report to the PCB could shape the direction of future changes.If no public announcements are made by the time players' central contracts expire on June 30, revisions to the contracts could indicate further changes to the national setup. Players can be moved up or down in categories or even dropped altogether based on their performances. Currently, Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are in the highest category.

AFG vs IND: Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion Hinges on Team CombinationAs India prepares to face Afghanistan in their opening Super 8 fixture of the T20 World Cup, the spotlight falls on the team's combination. Skipper Rohit Sharma has previously expressed his desire to field all four all-rounders, leaving little room for spinner Kuldeep Yadav.However, the pitch at Kensington Oval is expected to favor spinners, potentially strengthening Kuldeep's case for inclusion. The Indian team's practice sessions have hinted at the pitch's spin-friendly nature, making Kuldeep's inclusion a tempting prospect.To accommodate Kuldeep, India would need to drop either Mohammed Siraj or Arshdeep Singh. Siraj is the more likely candidate to be benched, given the potential for spin to play a significant role in the match.Virat Kohli's Form and Kuldeep Yadav's OpportunityVirat Kohli, who has endured a lean run of form, will be eager to rediscover his touch against Afghanistan. The match also presents an opportunity for Kuldeep Yadav to showcase his skills and stake a claim for a regular spot in the team.India's Unbeaten Run and Afghanistan's ChallengeIndia enters the Super 8 stage unbeaten, having topped their group. Afghanistan, on the other hand, finished second in their group behind co-hosts West Indies. The match will be a test of Afghanistan's ability to challenge the tournament favorites.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with captain Babar Azam and his teammates facing intense criticism. The situation escalated when a video emerged of pacer Haris Rauf engaging in an altercation with a fan.In response, several of Rauf's teammates took to social media to express their support. However, this move drew the ire of former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad, who accused the players of trying to deflect blame.Shehzad, who has been vocal in his criticism of the team's performance, argued that the players should apologize to fans rather than sharing posts in support of Rauf. He also urged them to cancel their overseas holidays and return home."While we fully condemn what happened to Haris Rauf, it is also important that the posts put up by the players in support of Haris should be taken away from the fans due to his poor performance in the World Cup. It should have been as an apology," Shehzad wrote on social media.Shehzad believes that the players are attempting to change the narrative by sharing such posts. He emphasized the need for accountability, as the team has failed to win any major trophies in the past five years."It would be good if these players would apologize to the nation, if these players would be ashamed and if these players would return to Pakistan instead of spending holidays in America, England or Dubai. These posts by the players should not change the narrative and the fans should get answers for the poor performances of the players," Shehzad added."Accountability is very important now. The same group of players have not won anything for our country in the last five years and they have kept prioritizing personal milestones rather than the collective success of Pakistan," he concluded.