Cricket

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticized Babar Azam for accepting the captaincy role after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed Shaheen Afridi from the position following a disappointing series loss in New Zealand. Afridi believes that Babar should have supported Shaheen and declined the offer to lead the team at the T20 World Cup, arguing that it would have earned him respect.Afridi's comments stem from the PCB's decision to appoint Shaheen as captain for the New Zealand series, only to remove him after a 4-1 defeat. Babar, who had resigned as captain after the ODI World Cup last year, was then reappointed for the T20 World Cup. However, Pakistan's failure to progress beyond the group stage has led to scrutiny of Babar's leadership.Afridi contends that Babar should have prioritized Shaheen's development as captain and supported him through the difficult period. He believes that Babar could have set an example by demonstrating loyalty and unity within the team."If the decision on Shaheen's captaincy had been made and you [PCB] had stated that he will remain the captain till the [T20] World Cup, then I think Babar [Azam] should have supported Shaheen there and should have said that 'no, if you have made him [Shaheen] the captain, then we are ready to play under his captaincy because Shaheen has been playing with me for a long time. If he is made captain and the selection committee has made him the captain, then yes I will support him and play under his captaincy'," Afridi said on his YouTube channel.Afridi also criticized the PCB's handling of the captaincy situation, suggesting that some selectors had questioned Babar's abilities as a leader. He labeled Babar as a "pathetic" skipper, highlighting the lack of support he received from within the selection committee."But this was not entirely the fault of Babar because some of the blame lies with the selection committee too since some of the selectors on record said that Babar is a pathetic captain and he doesn't know how to do captaincy," Afridi added.Afridi's comments have reignited the debate over Pakistan's captaincy, with many questioning whether Babar is the right man to lead the team. The PCB will need to carefully consider its options and make a decision that is in the best interests of Pakistan cricket.

Sybrand Engelbrecht's extraordinary six-save on the midwicket boundary during the Netherlands' T20 World Cup match against Sri Lanka has become an instant viral sensation. Despite the Netherlands' eventual defeat, Engelbrecht's athleticism and skill have earned him widespread praise.Engelbrecht, who made his Netherlands debut at the age of 35, has established himself as one of the world's leading fielders. His reputation stems from his exceptional diving catches and his ability to cover significant ground with ease.In the match against Sri Lanka, Engelbrecht's save prevented a certain boundary and potentially saved his team several runs. He initially moved in off the boundary before realizing the ball would soar in the cross-wind. He then flung himself at full stretch to catch the ball over his right shoulder and flicked it back into play as he landed over the boundary cushions.Engelbrecht's save was not enough to keep the Netherlands in the tournament, but it showcased his exceptional fielding abilities. He has developed a reputation for setting high standards for himself and his team, believing that fielding is a competitive advantage.Despite the Netherlands' disappointing exit from the tournament, Engelbrecht expressed pride in his team's effort. He acknowledged that they had missed opportunities in crucial moments, but he remained optimistic about the team's future."We really thought that if we play our brand and style of cricket that we can and wanted to put up a bigger fight," Engelbrecht said. "I think there'll be a little bit of disappointment in the changing room in general."Engelbrecht's performance in the T20 World Cup has further cemented his status as one of the most exciting fielders in the world. His athleticism and skill have made him a fan favorite, and his dedication to his craft is an inspiration to aspiring cricketers everywhere.

Former Indian fast bowler Sreesanth has strongly advocated for the inclusion of wicket-keeper batsman Sanju Samson in India's playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, Sreesanth's suggestion is not to replace first-choice wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant but to play Samson as a pure batsman in place of Shivam Dube.Sreesanth's reasoning is based on the premise that if Shivam Dube is not bowling, Team India would be better off selecting a more capable batsman like Samson. He believes that Samson should be included as a finisher, given his exceptional batting skills."If they (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) are opening, I don't see any reason to change the XI. Axar Patel is bowling well. If you look at Shivam Dube, yes, he hasn't played well in the first two games, but we know what he can do with the bat. But I would like to see one change, and that is Sanju Samson come in the team," Sreesanth told ANI."If Shivam Dube is not bowling, then Sanju (Samson) should be given an opportunity; we know he is good enough," Sreesanth emphasized.Sreesanth's suggestion stems from his belief that Samson is a hungry and talented player who deserves an opportunity to showcase his abilities. He also highlighted Samson's exceptional fielding skills, which would be a valuable asset to the team."I spoke to him the other day; he is hungry for an opportunity," Sreesanth said. "He is also a Superman fielder."Sreesanth and Samson share a common bond as they both hail from the state of Kerala in India. Despite Samson typically batting at number 3 in the IPL, Sreesanth believes he should be deployed as a finisher in the T20 World Cup."I feel Sanju comes in last along with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. I think we can finish on a big score if we are chasing, with Virat being the chase master king. I don't see any score being that difficult for us to chase," said Sreesanth, a winner of the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 Cricket World Cup.Dube played a crucial role in India's victory against the USA. Coming in to bat with India lying at 39-3, Dube and Suryakumar Yadav ensured India reached home safely and qualified for the Super 8 stage.Samson enjoyed his most successful IPL to date before the T20 World Cup. He finished as the fifth-highest run-getter in IPL 2024, with 531 runs from 15 innings for the Rajasthan Royals.India are confirmed to face Australia and Afghanistan in the Super 8.

Bangladesh's Tanzim Hasan Sakib emerged as the hero with a remarkable four-wicket haul, guiding his team to a crucial 21-run victory over Nepal in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This triumph secured Bangladesh's place in the Super 8s, while eliminating the Netherlands from the tournament.Nepal's pursuit of 107 runs proved challenging, as they lost four wickets within the Powerplay, including the key dismissal of Sundeep Jora. Despite a valiant partnership between Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee, Nepal's hopes were dashed by Mustafizur Rahman's exceptional bowling in the 17th and 19th overs. Shakib Al Hasan's two wickets in two balls in the final overs sealed the victory for Bangladesh.Earlier, Nepal's bowlers, led by Sompal Kami and Rohit Paudel, exploited the favorable conditions to restrict Bangladesh to a modest 106. Kami's early dismissal of Tanzid Hasan set the tone for Bangladesh's batting struggles. Dipendra Singh and other bowlers continued to chip away at the wickets, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 31/4 after the Powerplay.Despite Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah's efforts to stabilize the innings, a misunderstanding led to Mahmudullah's runout. Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's last hope, fell to Paudel after scoring 17 runs. Sandeep Lamichhane claimed his 99th T20I wicket by dismissing Tanzim Hasan Sakib for 3. Bangladesh managed to reach 106 thanks to an 18-run last-wicket partnership between Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed.

Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup campaign ended on a high note as they cruised to an 83-run victory over the Netherlands in their final Group D encounter. Despite being eliminated from Super Eight contention, the 2014 champions showcased their batting prowess, posting a formidable total of 201 for six.Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka led the charge for Sri Lanka, both scoring 46 runs. Mendis' innings was a steady accumulation of boundaries, while Asalanka's knock was a whirlwind of sixes and fours. The duo took advantage of the strong crosswinds at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia to propel their team to the first 200-plus total in a T20 International at the venue.The Netherlands' chase started brightly, with openers Max O'Dowd and Michael Levitt putting on a 45-run partnership. However, the innings fell apart after O'Dowd's dismissal, with Nuwan Thushara claiming three wickets to reduce the Dutch to 69 for four.News of Bangladesh's victory over Nepal, which secured their spot in the Super Eight, further dampened the Netherlands' spirits. Sri Lanka capitalized on the deflated Dutch team, bowling them out for 118 in 16.4 overs.Edwards and Levitt top-scored for the Netherlands with 31 runs each, but the Sri Lankan bowling attack proved too strong. Thushara was the standout performer, claiming three wickets for 24 runs.Despite their early exit from the tournament, Sri Lanka's victory over the Netherlands provided a glimmer of hope for the future. The team showed glimpses of their potential, and with a young and talented squad, they will be looking to make a stronger impact in future ICC events.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the ICC T20 World Cup has prompted former Indian opener Virender Sehwag to call for a strategic overhaul in their approach to the format. Sehwag believes that Pakistan's over-reliance on anchor batters like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan has hindered their competitiveness in T20 cricket."They have to play differently from the way that Babar Azam plays if they want to play in the next T20 World Cup," Sehwag emphasized. "There are a few players who play with the same strike rate which is not good enough for T20. They have to find those players with high strike rates."Sehwag pointed out that Pakistan's batters often struggle to accelerate the scoring rate, which puts pressure on the team in the latter stages of the innings. He suggested that the team needs to identify and develop players who can play an aggressive game and maintain a high strike rate."They have to give someone enough time," Sehwag said. "It's not like Babar became the player he is today on his first day itself, he also took time to give consistent performances."Sehwag also expressed concern about Pakistan's narrow victory over Ireland in their final group game. He questioned the team's tactics and execution, suggesting that internal issues may be affecting their performance."This is why we call them unpredictable, you can never tell if they will play well or poorly," Sehwag said. "I don't know what their dressing room is like. If things are fine between the players. That also plays a role."Sehwag's comments highlight the need for Pakistan to reassess their strategy in T20 cricket. They must identify and nurture talent that can play an aggressive game and maintain a high strike rate. Additionally, addressing any internal issues within the team could also improve their performance.

Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh, two contrasting players, have emerged as unsung heroes for India in the ongoing T20 World Cup.Pant, a prodigious talent who miraculously survived a life-threatening accident, has played crucial knocks in India's three victories. Batting at No. 3, he has provided stability and momentum to the team. His 31-ball 42 against Pakistan was a masterclass on a challenging pitch.Captain Rohit Sharma's decision to promote Pant to No. 3 was a strategic move. It allows India to have a left-right combination in the middle order and utilize Pant's counter-attacking abilities. Rohit believes Pant's all-round game will be invaluable in the West Indies leg, where spin is expected to play a significant role.Arshdeep Singh, on the other hand, has impressed with his ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate yorkers at the death. His left-arm angle provides variety to India's pace attack. After a strong performance against Ireland, Arshdeep was entrusted with the last over against Pakistan, where he successfully defended a low total.In the match against USA, Arshdeep claimed four wickets for just nine runs, earning him the Man of the Match award. His ability to bowl consistently at a good pace and execute variations makes him a valuable asset for India.Both Pant and Arshdeep have shown resilience and determination in their performances. Pant has overcome his physical and mental challenges to deliver for his team, while Arshdeep has worked tirelessly to improve his skills.As India enters the Super-8s, the contributions of Pant and Arshdeep will be crucial. Their ability to perform under pressure and provide match-winning moments will be key to India's success in the tournament.

Pakistan's disappointing exit from the T20 World Cup has raised concerns about the team's declining performance. Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has expressed his disappointment and hinted at potential changes within the side.Pakistan's failure to advance beyond the group stage marks the first time they have been eliminated at this stage in the T20 World Cup. Inzamam attributed the team's struggles to a broader decline in their cricket."Our cricket is declining," Inzamam said. "We lost to Ireland before the World Cup, and we lost to New Zealand's third-string side at home. Our performances in T20s have been better than others, but our cricket has been on a downward trajectory of late."Inzamam emphasized the need for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to address the reasons behind the team's decline. "I'm not saying we should sack some players and get new ones, but the PCB needs to have a dialogue on the reason behind such a decline," he said.Pakistan's elimination was confirmed when the United States joined India in advancing to the Super Eight round from Group A. The team's early exit has put the central contracts of its players under review, with the PCB considering potential salary reductions.Pakistan's campaign began with a Super Over upset against the United States, but they suffered a narrow six-run loss to India. They managed to defeat Canada by seven wickets, but it was not enough to secure a spot in the second round.Inzamam's comments highlight the growing concerns about Pakistan's cricket. The team's recent performances have been underwhelming, and the T20 World Cup exit has only amplified the need for introspection and change.

Travis Head's measured approach in the powerplay against Scotland showcased his adaptability and the depth of Australia's batting lineup. Despite a slower start, Head's strike rate remained impressive, reaching 120 after the fielding restrictions.Head's innings took a decisive turn after reaching a 45-ball fifty, unleashing a barrage of sixes against Safyaan Sharif. This surge ensured Australia's victory and highlighted Head's ability to adjust his game plan."There's going to be times when it's going to be done different ways," Head said. "I feel like I can do that and tonight I showed that."Australia's confidence in their ability to shift gears during an innings is bolstered by the power-hitting prowess of Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, and Matthew Wade. Glenn Maxwell's return to form would further enhance this versatility.Head emphasized the importance of timing their acceleration, as demonstrated against Scotland. "You're going through the gears and working out where you can do it," he said. "We got to a stage where it was time to go, and we'd kept the powder dry, and we were able to accelerate through the back-end."Australia's upcoming Super Eight matches will test their adaptability in different conditions. The selection of Ashton Agar against Scotland suggests his potential role in spin-friendly environments.Head's measured approach and Australia's overall batting depth provide a formidable challenge for their opponents in the T20 World Cup.