Cricket

India's Path to T20 World Cup Glory: Aggression and Virat Kohli's Crucial RoleLegendary South African batter AB de Villiers has emphasized the importance of an aggressive approach for India to triumph in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup. He believes that the team should "throw the first punch" in their matches to gain momentum.India has concluded the group stage with an impressive record of three wins in three matches, but they face a tough challenge against Afghanistan in the Super Eights. De Villiers advises India to take risks early in the game and not be conservative.The former Proteas star also highlights the crucial role of Virat Kohli in India's batting lineup. He believes that Kohli should occupy the number three position, as he is "the best player in the world during middle overs."Despite a disappointing start to the tournament, Kohli has the potential to turn things around. De Villiers points to Kohli's exceptional performance in the recent Indian Premier League, where he adopted a more aggressive approach against spinners.However, Kohli's aggressive strategy has not been effective on the challenging pitches in New York. As India moves to more favorable conditions in the West Indies, Kohli will be eager to break his streak of low scores and showcase his newfound style.De Villiers believes that Kohli's ability to play both the attacking and absorbing roles makes him the ideal candidate for the number three position. He emphasizes that Kohli can control the pace of the innings and provide stability when needed.By adopting an aggressive approach and utilizing Kohli's versatility, India can increase their chances of breaking their drought of ICC tournament titles and emerging victorious in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan's disappointing T20 World Cup campaign has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider resting senior players for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh in August. Captain Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan, and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi are among those who may be given a break.Sources within the PCB indicate that Test captain Shan Masood and new red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie are in discussions to finalize plans for the Bangladesh series. The board is also in touch with white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to coordinate preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy next year.One proposal under consideration is to field a team of uncapped or less experienced players for the Bangladesh Tests. This would allow the senior players to rest and recover ahead of a busy schedule that includes tours of Australia, South Africa, and England.The PCB is also seeking to establish a workload management system for players, balancing their availability for the national team with their commitments to franchise-based leagues.Meanwhile, the board is awaiting a report from Kirsten on the team culture, player behavior, and skill levels. This report will inform decisions on potential changes to the ODI and T20 squads.The PCB is also considering reducing the number of national selectors and reverting to the previous selection process.

South Africa's Batting Prowess Faces USA's Spirited Challenge in Super 8 OpenerAntigua, [Date]: South Africa, the formidable batting powerhouse, will face a spirited challenge from the United States in the opening Super 8 match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Proteas have maintained an unblemished record in the tournament thus far, with their bowlers playing a pivotal role in their four victories.However, against the USA, South Africa's batters will be eager to showcase their world-class abilities. Led by the explosive Quinton de Kock and the experienced Faf du Plessis, the Proteas possess a formidable batting lineup capable of dominating any opposition.The USA, on the other hand, have exceeded expectations in the tournament, qualifying for the Super 8s with some impressive performances. Their bowling attack, led by the experienced Ali Khan and the promising Jaskaran Malhotra, has been a key factor in their success.The match promises to be a fascinating contest between two teams with contrasting strengths. South Africa will rely on their batting prowess to overcome the USA's spirited bowling, while the Americans will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Proteas' lineup.The Super 8 stage of the tournament will be a true test of character for both teams. South Africa will be determined to maintain their unbeaten run and establish themselves as one of the favorites for the title. The USA, meanwhile, will be aiming to cause an upset and prove that they belong among the elite teams in world cricket.

USA vs SA Live Score: South Africa's Bowling Strength and Batting ConcernsAs the 2024 T20 World Cup enters the Super Eight stage, the spotlight falls on the highly anticipated clash between South Africa and the United States. South Africa, a formidable force in the tournament, will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak, while the USA will be eager to prove their mettle against a world-class opponent.South Africa's bowling attack has been their cornerstone throughout the group stage. Star pacer Anrich Nortje has rediscovered his form, emerging as the joint second leading wicket-taker with nine scalps. Alongside Nortje, Ottneil Baartman has formed a potent partnership, while Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada remain threats to any batting lineup.However, South Africa's batting has been a cause for concern. Despite boasting big hitters like Quinton de Kock, Henriech Klassen, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller, the Proteas have struggled to cross the 120-run mark in their four group matches. The top order, comprising De Kock, Reeze Hendricks, and captain Aiden Markram, will be under pressure to deliver against the USA.The USA, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their spirited performances in the group stage. They have shown resilience and determination, and will be looking to upset the odds against South Africa. Their bowling attack, led by Nisarg Patel and Saurabh Netravalkar, has the potential to trouble the Proteas' batters.With both teams eager to make a statement in the Super Eight, the match promises to be a thrilling contest. South Africa will be keen to start their campaign on a winning note, while the USA will be determined to prove that they belong among the world's best.

Former Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has launched a scathing attack on Wasim Akram and other ex-Pakistan cricketers who have criticized the current Pakistan team. Kaneria believes that instead of criticizing from the outside, Akram and other cricketers should instead come and help the side.Pakistan were knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup at the group stage, after losses to India and the USA. Kaneria's reaction comes after Wasim Akram had put out a public rant on social media, demanding a new team be formed for Pakistan."Wasim Akram and other people can only preach from the outside. Why don't they come help the Pakistan side?" asked Kaneria. "Why did Wasim Akram not pose the question about Mohammad Amir's selection immediately?" Kaneria told Sports Now."Shoaib Malik is a better player than these guys (the current squad)," he added.The former leg-spinner said that Pakistan's preparations leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup had not been up to the mark. He raised special concern over the selections of Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan."They (Pakistan) should've picked 20-22 players in the camp, and then picked the best 15," said Kaneria. "Where were Mohammad Amir and Azam Khan six months ago?" blasted Kaneria.Kaneria slammed the Pakistan team's management of not being able to make firm decisions."They will wake up in the morning and say one thing, and then take a U-turn in the evening. They're the masters of the U-turn," said Kaneria."They're egoistic and think they cannot make mistakes," he added.Kaneria also criticized the decision to hand back captaincy to Babar Azam, and suggested that he should bat at no. 3 in T20Is, letting Fakhar Zaman open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan.Babar Azam scored 122 runs in four matches at the 2024 T20 World Cup, but at a strike rate of just 101.

Virat Kohli's Form: Aakash Chopra Advocates Patience and Time on the FieldAhead of India's crucial T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Afghanistan, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his views on Virat Kohli's recent performance. Chopra believes that Kohli's form will improve if he spends more time on the field.Kohli has struggled in the group stage, scoring only 1, 4, and 0 runs against Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States, respectively. Chopra emphasized that Kohli's return to form is not solely dependent on the opponent but rather on his exceptional caliber as a player."I believe Virat Kohli should return to form against Afghanistan, not because of the opponent, but because of the calibre of player he is and the form he exhibited coming into this World Cup," Chopra said. "Considering the venue, there is hope the ball will come onto the bat well, and the side boundaries aren't very large. I think he has been overly aggressive."Chopra further analyzed Kohli's dismissals during this World Cup, suggesting that an overly optimistic approach has hindered his performance. "In India's last match against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, he attempted a six on the first ball and got out. His dismissals during this World Cup suggest an overly positive approach that hasn't worked for him. I hope he gives himself some time because Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq are in excellent form, plus they have a strong spin attack. If Kohli gives himself some time, his form won't be a concern," Chopra said.Chopra's advice aligns with the need for Kohli to regain his composure and focus on building an innings. By spending more time at the crease, Kohli can assess the conditions, adjust his approach, and regain his rhythm.

India, the tournament favorites, will face Afghanistan in their opening Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup on Thursday. Virat Kohli, eager to return to form, and Kuldeep Yadav, hoping for an opportunity, will be in focus for India.The main talking point ahead of the game is the composition of the Indian team. India must decide whether to stick with the same line-up that succeeded in the group stage or include Kuldeep Yadav, their top spinner from the past year, possibly at the expense of a fast bowler.Captain Rohit Sharma has expressed interest in playing all four all-rounders—Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja. This approach has worked in the bowler-friendly conditions in New York, and Rohit is likely to stick with the team that extends their batting until number 8.To accommodate Kuldeep, India would need to drop either Mohammed Siraj or Arshdeep Singh, with Siraj being the more likely candidate to be benched. Recent practice sessions suggest the pitch may favor spinners, strengthening Kuldeep's case. Additionally, a gentle breeze at Kensington Oval could assist pacers in swinging the ball during the powerplay.All eyes will be on Kohli, who has yet to score double digits in the tournament. His aggressive approach did not pay off in New York, but he is expected to excel on the better wickets in the Caribbean. At 35, Kohli is known for his high intensity and dedication, as demonstrated during training sessions.Afghanistan arrived at the Super 8s following a heavy defeat to the West Indies in St Lucia. Their previously dominant bowling attack was dismantled by the powerful West Indies batting lineup. Captain Rashid Khan dismissed the loss as a minor setback, maintaining that Afghanistan still has a strong chance of reaching the semifinals.Rashid will rely heavily on left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has been prolific in the powerplay and is the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets. Farooqi's ability to swing the ball back in will be a significant challenge for Rohit and Kohli.Rashid himself will aim to take wickets while maintaining a low economy rate during the middle overs.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup Exit: Gary Kirsten's Alleged Remarks Fuel ControversiesFormer Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has weighed in on the reported remarks made by Pakistan head coach Gary Kirsten following the team's disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kirsten, who was recently appointed as the limited-overs head coach, has allegedly criticized the team's lack of unity and cohesion.According to Chopra, Kirsten's purported comments have further ignited the controversies surrounding the Pakistan team. "Allegedly Gary Kirsten has said the Pakistan team is not a team at all, that they are looking to pull each others' legs, there are groups created and everyone is divided, they play together but don't do anything like playing together, the five fingers don't combine to make a fist," Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign ended in the group stage with losses to co-hosts USA and India in Group A. Several former cricketers have voiced their concerns about the team's apparent fragmentation. Despite Kirsten denying making those remarks, Chopra believes that leaks are common in Pakistan cricket, especially after a poor performance."Gary Kirsten has probably said that he didn't say anything like that but Pakistan cricket is like a strainer. Whatever you put, it leaks from the other end. Since it's about Pakistan cricket and a bad campaign, you are reminded of one thing - success has many fathers and failure is an orphan. It worked like ghee on fire," Chopra elaborated.The alleged remarks by Kirsten have added fuel to the ongoing debate about the state of Pakistan cricket. The team's performance in the T20 World Cup has raised questions about their unity, leadership, and overall direction. It remains to be seen how the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will respond to these controversies and whether they will take any action to address the team's issues.

The United States cricket team has made history by reaching the Super 8s of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Their remarkable journey has captured the attention of the White House, with National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby sending a special message of encouragement.The USA's debut in the tournament began with an impressive victory over Canada. However, it was their stunning upset of Pakistan that truly shocked the cricketing world. Despite being underdogs, the USA bowlers restricted Pakistan to a modest total and then chased it down in a thrilling Super Over.Captain Monank Patel attributed their success to their disciplined bowling and aggressive batting. "We knew we were in the game with 160 to chase, just needed a partnership," he said.The USA's progress to the Super 8s was secured despite their final group match against Ireland being washed out. They finished second in Group A with 5 points from 4 matches, behind India who topped the group with 7 points.The White House's message of support has further boosted the team's morale as they prepare to face South Africa in the Super 8s. "We'll be sure to use your encouragement as motivation for our upcoming matches in the West Indies!" USA Cricket tweeted.The USA's success is a testament to the growing popularity of cricket in the United States. The team's performance has inspired a new generation of young cricketers and has helped to raise the profile of the sport in the country.