Cricket

India's historic T20 World Cup triumph in June 2023 continues to provide captivating behind-the-scenes anecdotes. All-rounder Axar Patel recently shared a hilarious incident involving himself and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj during a celebratory episode of "The Great Indian Kapil Show."As the Indian team erupted in joy after their thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa, Axar and Siraj faced an unexpected dilemma. While their teammates reveled in the moment, the duo found themselves in a predicament."Siraj told everyone, 'Arre DK bhai ne mera English mein interview le liya. Itne saare log hain, sabko English aati hai. Hum dono ko hi kyu pakda English ke liye, pata nahi (Dinesh Karthik took our interview in English; all others know English, then why did he catch hold of us I don't know)," Axar narrated, sending the audience into fits of laughter.Accompanying Axar on the show were India captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Shivam Dube. The anchor, Kapil Sharma, couldn't resist asking Axar if he had indeed given the interview in English."Haan diya na, mujhe hi nahi pata mai kya bola. Siraj to aadha interview chhod ke bhaag gaya, bola 'meri jitni English thi khatam ho gayi hai' (yes, we did; but even I don't know what I said; Siraj left the interview in between saying that his English vocabulary finished)," Axar replied, eliciting more laughter from the crowd.The incident highlights the camaraderie and lighthearted moments shared by the Indian team during their historic triumph. Despite the pressure and intensity of the tournament, the players found time for humor and shared experiences that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.

Jasprit Bumrah's Surprise Appearance Steals Spotlight in India's T20 World Cup Victory Over PakistanThe Indian women's cricket team's T20 World Cup match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday witnessed an unexpected guest appearance from pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. As India chased the target at 54/1 in 10.5 overs, Bumrah made a brief but memorable appearance on camera during an interview with Star Sports.The unexpected cameo drew the attention of fans and spectators alike, momentarily shifting the focus away from the gripping on-field action. Bumrah's presence on the sidelines served as a reminder of the immense support and camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity.On the field, India secured a cautious six-wicket victory over Pakistan, earning their first points in the Women's T20 World Cup. Pakistan struggled to 105-8 on a slow wicket at the Dubai International Stadium, with seasoned batter Nida Dar top-scoring with 28 off 34 balls. India's bowlers, led by fast bowler Arundhati Reddy (3-19) and off-spinner Shreyanka Patil (2-12), kept Pakistan in check.Chasing a modest target, India reached 108-4 in 18.5 overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a steady 29 off 24 balls before retiring hurt late in the innings. Despite the win, India remained fourth in Group A with a net run-rate of -1.217, trailing third-placed Pakistan, who defeated Sri Lanka in their opener and have a net run-rate of 0.555. New Zealand and Australia hold the top two spots after winning their opening group games.

Scotland, led by captain Kathryn Bryce, opted to bat first after winning the toss against West Indies in their crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai. Bryce expressed her team's intention to establish a competitive total and maintain a disciplined bowling performance. Scotland fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous encounter with Bangladesh.West Indies, on the other hand, made two alterations to their squad, with Chedean Nation and Ashmini Munisar replacing Zaida James and Shamilia Connell. Captain Hayley Matthews expressed optimism despite their significant defeat to South Africa in their opening match. Stafanie Taylor, who experienced knee discomfort in that game, was declared fit to participate.The match was played on the same surface used earlier in the day for the India-Pakistan encounter. The pitch was anticipated to be slightly sticky, favoring spinners and pace-off deliveries. With the game taking place under floodlights, fielding would once again be a crucial factor.Scotland's batting lineup consisted of Saskia Horley, Sarah Bryce, Kathryn Bryce, Ailsa Lister, Priyanaz Chatterji, Darcy Carter, Lorner Jack-Brown, Katherine Fraser, Rachel Slater, Abtaha Maqsood, and Olivia Bell.West Indies fielded Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Chenead Nation, Qiana Joseph, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, and Karishma Ramharack.

England and South Africa will face off in a highly anticipated clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday, October 10, at 6 pm local time. Both teams are coming off impressive victories in their tournament openers and will be eager to continue their winning ways.England, led by Heather Knight, will rely on their experienced bowling attack, which features four spinners: Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, and Linsey Smith. The slow nature of the Sharjah pitch is expected to favor their spin-heavy approach. However, the team will need to improve their batting performance after struggling to reach a modest total against Bangladesh in their first match.South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, will be looking to build on their dominant win over West Indies. Their bowling attack, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba and Marizanne Kapp, was exceptional in that match, taking all six wickets. Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus are also expected to play key roles with the ball. The batting lineup, which features Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, remains untested, but they will be confident after their unbeaten partnership in the previous game.The match will be a rematch of the semi-final from the 2023 edition of the T20 World Cup, which South Africa won. However, England will be determined to avenge that defeat and maintain their dominance over their opponents.All-rounders Nat Sciver-Brunt for England and Marizanne Kapp for South Africa will be crucial players to watch. Sciver-Brunt provides balance with her ability to bowl and bat, while Kapp is a versatile performer who can swing the new ball and contribute with the bat.With both teams in good form and eager to prove their worth, the match promises to be a thrilling contest. England's experience in Sharjah could give them an edge, but South Africa's recent victory over West Indies will boost their confidence.

India's triumph at the T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma's leadership marked a historic moment, bringing home the ICC silverware in the shortest format after a 17-year hiatus. The victory was hard-fought, with South Africa dominating the run-chase in the final until Hardik Pandya's game-changing intervention.The turning point came in the 17th over when Pandya dismissed Heinrich Klaasen, who had been threatening to snatch the game away from India. With the Proteas needing just 40 runs from 24 balls and Klaasen in blistering form, India's hopes seemed to be fading.However, Pandya's strike ignited a shift in momentum. Speaking on the comedy show 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' Rohit revealed the behind-the-scenes tactics employed by the Indian team to unsettle the South Africans."We all came together and said a few things to their batsmen, which I can't share here, but it was necessary because we had to win at any cost," Rohit said. "Even if we got fined after winning, it didn't matter. I told the boys to say whatever they wanted and we'd handle the umpires and referees later."Pandya's dream spell continued, as he also dismissed David Miller, South Africa's last hope. Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular catch at the boundary sealed the victory for India.Rohit and Virat Kohli subsequently announced their retirement from T20Is, leaving a legacy of success and inspiration for the next generation of Indian cricketers.

India's T20 World Cup triumph in June 2023 was a thrilling affair, with the team overcoming a daunting challenge against South Africa in the final. However, a lesser-known story from that match, revealed by Rohit Sharma on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' sheds light on a clever tactic employed by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant that played a crucial role in turning the game in India's favor.As South Africa chased India's challenging total of 176, Heinrich Klaasen's blistering knock of 52 from 27 balls brought them to the brink of victory. With South Africa needing 26 runs from 24 balls, the momentum seemed to be slipping away from India.However, Pant's quick thinking and strategic delay in proceedings proved to be a game-changer. Pretending to have a knee niggle, Pant called for the physio and had his knee taped, effectively halting the game's progress.Rohit Sharma believes this tactic worked in India's favor, as it disrupted Klaasen's rhythm and gave India a chance to regroup. "At that moment, the batter wants the ball to be bowled quickly because he is in flow. We needed to break the rhythm," Rohit explained.After the resumption of play, Hardik Pandya dismissed Klaasen with the very next ball, bringing India back into the contest. David Miller's dismissal soon after further boosted India's chances, and they eventually clinched the victory in the final over.While Rohit Sharma acknowledges that Pant's ploy may not have been the sole reason for India's triumph, he believes it played a significant role in breaking South Africa's momentum and giving India a fighting chance.

Pakistan's captain, Fatima Sana, is determined to guide her team to victory in their upcoming match against India, despite the immense pressure that comes with such a high-stakes encounter. Pakistan's recent success, including a resounding win over Sri Lanka in their tournament opener, has instilled a sense of confidence within the team.Under the guidance of coach Mohammad Wasim, Pakistan has adopted innovative practices from the Pakistan Super League, such as data analysis and an emphasis on range-hitting. This approach has paid dividends, with the team posting their highest T20I total of 181 against South Africa.Sana, who is known for her all-around abilities, has played a pivotal role in Pakistan's batting resurgence. She believes that the team's newfound confidence in their power-hitting abilities has been a key factor in their success."In the last South Africa series, our team hit six sixes in one match," Sana said. "I think the girls believe that even if the fielders are standing behind, if they hit, they can go for six."Wasim has worked closely with Sana and other players to improve their range-hitting techniques. He has also encouraged them to adopt an attacking mindset, which has helped them to put pressure on opposing bowlers from the outset.Sana's own performance against Sri Lanka, where she scored a crucial 20-ball 30, is a testament to her commitment to leading by example. She is determined to continue improving her all-around game and become the "number one all-rounder.""I always wanted to be the number one all-rounder," Sana said. "Sir [Wasim] has played a big role in this. He has helped me a lot. Our power-hitting coach, he has helped a lot of girls. I think all the credit goes to him because he has given us the belief that you can become an all-rounder."As Pakistan prepares for their match against India, Sana is confident that her team can rise to the occasion. She believes that their recent success and the support of their coaching staff will give them the edge they need to secure a victory.

England Elects to Bat First Against Bangladesh in T20 World Cup OpenerIn their opening match of the T20 World Cup, England has opted to bat first after winning the toss at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Captain Heather Knight explained that the absence of dew and the ease of defending a total influenced their decision.England's lineup features a formidable four-woman spin attack, with Linsey Smith, Danielle Gibson, and Nat Sciver-Brunt joining Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone. Smith, who has been tipped as a potential opening bowler, was preferred over Lauren Bell.Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana acknowledged that her team would have made the same choice, having successfully batted first against Scotland in their tournament opener. They have made one change to their side, bringing in Dilara Akter at the top of the order in place of Murshida Khatun."We have a very good bowling attack and will look to restrict them to a total that we can chase," Sultana said.Bangladesh secured a 16-run victory over Scotland in the tournament's opening match, marking their first T20 World Cup win in a decade. However, they have a losing record against England in T20Is, having been defeated on all three previous occasions, including at the 2018 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Six-time T20 World Cup champions Australia faced Sri Lanka in their tournament opener in Sharjah, with Sri Lanka opting to bat first. The match marked Sri Lanka's second in less than 48 hours, having lost their opener to Pakistan.Despite the slow and dry surface, Australia surprised by selecting an extra seamer, Darcie Brown, instead of Grace Harris or Alana King. They still retained four spin options in Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Phoebe Litchfield, and Ashleigh Gardner.Sri Lanka made one change to their XI, bringing back experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera in place of Sachini Nisansala. Their batting lineup, which struggled to 85 runs against Pakistan, remained unchanged.Australia's Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Ellyse Perry formed the top order, while Sri Lanka's Vishmi Gunaratne and Chamari Athapaththu opened the batting.The match was played on a surface with more green grass than the previous day's strip, which could potentially favor the seamers. Sri Lanka had never defeated Australia in a T20I, making this a significant challenge for them.