Cricket

The United States cricket team has made history by qualifying for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup in its maiden appearance. The team's success is a testament to the growing popularity of cricket in the United States and the dedication of its players.The USA team, composed primarily of men who work in other fields, stunned the cricketing world by defeating former champions Pakistan in their opening match. They followed that up with a convincing win over Canada, securing their place in the next round.The team's success is particularly remarkable considering that many of its players are not full-time cricketers. Most of them work in various professions, including software engineering, finance, and medicine. However, their passion for cricket has driven them to achieve remarkable results.The USA team's journey to the Super Eight stage has been a rollercoaster ride. They faced a setback in their final group match against Ireland, which was washed out due to rain. However, their earlier wins against Pakistan and Canada were enough to secure their qualification.The team's success has been fueled by a combination of factors. Firstly, the players have shown great determination and resilience. They have overcome challenges and setbacks to achieve their goals. Secondly, the team has benefited from the support of the Indian-American community, which has provided financial and logistical assistance.The USA team's success is a major boost for cricket in the United States. It has captured the attention of the American public and inspired a new generation of cricket enthusiasts. The team's performance has also helped to raise the profile of cricket in the country and attract new sponsors and investors.As the USA team prepares for the Super Eight stage, they will face even tougher competition. However, they have already proven that they are capable of surprising their opponents. With their determination and passion, they have the potential to continue their historic run and make a deep impact on the tournament.

Canada vs India: Rain Threat Looms Over T20 World Cup ClashCanada and India are set to face off in a crucial T20 World Cup match on Saturday, June 15, in Lauderhill, Florida. However, the fixture is under threat due to a high probability of rain.India, who have won all three of their group games, are aiming to maintain their perfect record and secure a spot in the Super 8 stage. Canada, on the other hand, have been eliminated after losing their first three matches.Despite their elimination, Canada have shown resilience and competitiveness throughout the tournament. They scored an impressive 194 runs against USA in their opening game and secured a comfortable victory against Ireland.India, meanwhile, have been in dominant form. They have played the same XI in all three group games, but with qualification secure, they may consider resting some key players and giving opportunities to others.One player who could be in line for a start is Kuldeep Yadav. The wrist-spinner has not yet featured in the tournament, but his skills could be valuable in the Super 8 stage.Another player to watch is Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has been a key contributor with the ball, taking seven wickets in three games. He has also been economical, with an economy rate of 5.41.The match will be played at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. The venue has hosted eight T20Is, with India playing the most matches (eight). Rohit Sharma is the top-scorer at the venue, with 196 runs in five innings.The weather forecast for Saturday is not promising, with scattered thunderstorms predicted throughout the day. If the match is washed out, it will be a disappointing end to Canada's T20 World Cup campaign.

Bizarre Delay in US vs Ireland T20 World Cup Match as Groundstaff Washes Hands Near PitchThe United States vs Ireland T20 World Cup match in Florida was delayed on Friday due to a bizarre incident involving a groundstaff member washing hands near the pitch. The crucial Group A match was initially delayed by 30 minutes due to a wet outfield, but after an inspection at 8 pm IST, the umpires and match officials decided to further delay the game by an hour.During the initial inspection, a groundstaff member was spotted washing hands near the pitch, raising eyebrows on social media. The incident occurred as the groundstaff battled to remove standing water from the outfield.If the Group A game is abandoned, the USA will qualify for the Super Eights stage, along with group leader India. Pakistan and Ireland will be eliminated along with Canada.In a third inspection at 9 pm IST, the umpires decided to wait for another hour as the groundstaff continued to work on the outfield. A special machine was also used to dry up the ground quickly.A washout today would also give the USA direct entry to the 2026 T20 World Cup, while Pakistan would have to play qualifiers.

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to deliver in the crucial stages of the Men's T20 World Cup. Despite a slow start to the tournament, Jaffer believes Kohli will showcase his greatness as the competition progresses.Kohli, who entered the World Cup as the leading run-getter in IPL 2024, has struggled on the challenging pitches in New York, scoring just 5 runs in three innings. However, Jaffer believes this is a temporary setback and that Kohli will bounce back."Rohit and Virat have been playing on the tough New York pitch, so they aren't among the top run-scorers," Jaffer said. "But do not write off Virat Kohli. As the tournament gets to its business end, he will show his true colors and he will show his greatness."Jaffer also dismissed suggestions that Kohli should revert to batting at number three, citing Rishabh Pant's success in that position. "I don't think Virat Kohli should bat at No. 3. He should continue to open because now you have got Rishabh Pant at No. 3 and now it has been working out really well."Jaffer emphasized the importance of proactive batting in the powerplay, especially on challenging pitches. "You will need to be proactive in the powerplay. You will reach nowhere if you play cautiously on such pitches because the bowler knows he has to bowl on a spot and let the pitch do the rest."With India's final Group A game against Canada approaching, Jaffer believes there could be a case for Sanju Samson to bat at number four. "There might be a case for Sanju Samson at No. 4. But then Shivam Dube has got just a couple of games and the team management will want to give him a longer run."

The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, has secured its place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. While India played its Group Stage matches in the USA, its Super 8 matches will be held in the West Indies. The pitches in the West Indies are expected to differ significantly from those in New York, where India played its first three matches.The variable bounce and unsettled pitch in New York made it challenging for teams to score big. However, in the West Indies, India is likely to encounter pitches similar to those they play on at home. This may mean that fielding four pacers (three specialists and one allrounder) may not always be the optimal strategy.In the New York leg of the tournament, India fielded three pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. Former Indian captain Anil Kumble believes that Arshdeep Singh has emerged as a strong contender for the second seamer position."The way he (Arshdeep) bowled that last over against Pakistan, and also the way he can bowl in different areas in the T20 game, I think certainly puts him ahead of Mohammed Siraj," Kumble told ESPNCricinfo. "If at all India takes that option of going with just the two seamers and Hardik Pandya, then yes, in that sense, plus he also gives you an extra variety with his left-arm pace."If India opts for only two seamers, it may consider playing either Kuldeep Yadav or Yuzvendra Chahal in place of a dropped pacer. Shivam Dube, despite his performance against the USA, has not been in great form. The team management may consider bringing in Sanju Samson in his place. However, the Rohit Sharma-led team may be hesitant to disrupt a winning combination.Predicted XI:* Rohit Sharma* Virat Kohli* Rishabh Pant* Suryakumar Yadav* Shivam Dube* Hardik Pandya* Ravindra Jadeja* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Jasprit Bumrah* Arshdeep Singh

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth has heaped praise on Team India's T20 World Cup vice-captain Hardik Pandya, who has been in scintillating form with the ball in the ongoing tournament. Pandya has impressed with his blistering pace and wicket-taking ability, drawing comparisons to Australia's Marcus Stoinis.Sreesanth believes that Pandya's bowling has been exceptional, despite being considered a part-time bowler. "He doesn't look like a part-time bowler. He can pick the new ball, and he can bowl those cutters. I think he is doing what Stoinis is doing for the Australia team, getting those crucial wickets and bowling those crucial overs," Sreesanth told ANI.Pandya's performances have been a welcome sight for India, especially after facing criticism for his captaincy of the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. However, on the international stage, he has regained his form and showcased his prowess as a genuine all-rounder.Sreesanth also praised Pandya's ability to perform under pressure. "His performance gets better when the match is good. He keeps the players together. So that is a great quality," he said.Despite India's strong playing XI, there are still some top stars waiting for their chance, including Sanju Samson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Yadav. Sreesanth is optimistic about India's chances of lifting the T20 World Cup for the first time since 2007, citing the team's depth and experience."Absolutely, if we talk about Virat and Rohit, what a great brotherhood, and one can learn a lot of things from them. They have a lot of experience, they can win matches from any position. We have Rishabh Pant. What a story, not just for cricket but even for life. He is such an inspirational guy," Sreesanth said."We have so much talent if you look at Arshdeep Singh, Bumrah with the way he is bowling, Hardik Pandya, and even Chahal, one of the best bowlers, sitting out. Sanju and even Kuldeep are missing out on games. We have such great bench strength," he concluded.

Former Indian pacer Sreesanth believes that Rishabh Pant would be delighted to see Virat Kohli return to his preferred number three batting position, especially given Kohli's struggles as an opener in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Despite his exceptional IPL season, Kohli has managed a mere five runs in three games while opening alongside captain Rohit Sharma.With Kohli opening, Pant has assumed the responsibility of batting at number three at the World Cup. The wicket-keeper batter has flourished in this role, amassing 96 runs in three games with his diverse shot selection. Sreesanth believes that if Kohli returns to his number three spot, Pant will continue to excel."Pant is a player who can adapt to any situation. We have seen him bat at different positions. He is a brilliant player, and I think Pant will be happy if Virat goes at number three. Pant doesn't look at the situation, wicket, or the bowler. He just looks at the ball. I think that is a quality that youngsters should focus on. I think he loves Virat, and he would love to see Virat score more runs. If Virat comes just before him, imagine the freedom that Pant gets, he might just hit the reverse sweep on the first ball. So that is Pant," Sreesanth said while speaking exclusively to ANI.Pant made his return to cricket in the IPL 2024 season as the skipper of the Delhi Capitals after sustaining injuries in a car accident in December 2022. He scored 446 runs in 13 matches, with an average of 40.55 and a strike rate of 155.40.India remains unbeaten in the T20 World Cup, having defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and co-hosts USA. Sreesanth sees no reason why the Indian team shouldn't aim for the title, citing their strength and talent."We have such great bench strength. I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be winning it. Whenever we talk about the World Cup, they show wins of 2009, 2011, and 1983. It is high time this team genuinely deserves to win the World Cup. Next time, pictures of the current edition will be shown."In last year's ODI World Cup, India reached the final undefeated but fell short against Australia. Sreesanth is hopeful that this time, India can seek revenge if both teams reach the final, drawing comparisons to past tournament triumphs."It feels good, and the way the team is performing it makes you remember the 2007 T20 World Cup. This time, Pakistan is going out, and India is moving forward. The way Bumrah and others are performing, especially in terms of character, India is way ahead. If anybody is going to challenge India, I think it is going towards, India vs Australia final. The result that didn't take place in the 50-over World Cup, I hope India takes revenge this time and we bring the cup back to India," he stated.After securing a spot in the Super 8, India will play their final group stage game against Canada in Florida on Saturday.

Former New Zealand and Mumbai Indians fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has strongly refuted accusations from a Pakistani journalist that the New Zealand team prioritized money over national duty by choosing to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) instead of touring Pakistan.The accusations arose after New Zealand's disappointing performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where they suffered back-to-back losses against Afghanistan and hosts West Indies, putting them on the brink of elimination. Pakistani journalist Imran Siddiqui took to social media to criticize New Zealand's decision to send a weakened team to Pakistan, claiming that it had hindered their preparations for the World Cup.McClenaghan, known for his outspoken nature, responded with a scathing reply, highlighting Pakistan's own poor form in the tournament. He pointed out that Pakistan had lost to New Zealand's "C side," as well as Ireland and the USA, in recent matches."Very poor take. You (Pakistan) lost games to our C side, Ireland, and the USA," McClenaghan tweeted.Pakistan has indeed struggled in the T20 World Cup, losing to both the USA and India. In the lead-up to the tournament, they had drawn a T20I series against a New Zealand side without their key players. McClenaghan emphasized this fact, suggesting that Pakistan's own lack of preparation was a more significant factor in their poor performance.The former Kiwi pacer also agreed with a comment that Sherfane Rutherford, who has not played a single game for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024, has performed well for the West Indies in the World Cup. This further supports the argument that IPL participation is not necessarily detrimental to international performance.Several New Zealand stars, including Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, and captain Kane Williamson, had played in IPL 2024. However, McClenaghan's response suggests that their absence from the Pakistan tour was not a major factor in New Zealand's struggles in the World Cup.The Black Caps have been disappointing in the tournament, failing to chase down 150 against West Indies and getting bowled out for 75 by Afghanistan. They are now virtually out of contention with two games still to play.

Saurabh Netravalkar, the Mumbai-born USA pacer, has emerged as a star performer in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. His impressive performances have not only caught the attention of cricket fans but also earned him praise from legendary Indian cricketers.Netravalkar's journey to the international stage has been a remarkable one. He represented India in the 2010 U19 World Cup before moving to the United States to pursue his engineering studies. Despite his academic commitments, Netravalkar continued to play cricket and eventually made his debut for the USA national team in 2022.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Netravalkar has been a key figure for USA. He delivered a nerveless Super Over to secure a thrilling victory against Pakistan in their opening match. In the subsequent game against India, he dismissed both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two of the most feared batsmen in world cricket.After the match against India, Netravalkar expressed his emotions, saying, "It was an emotional moment for me. I played the 2010 U19 World Cup for India too, and it was a special feeling to play against them."Netravalkar's performances have not gone unnoticed by former Indian cricketers. Navjot Singh Sidhu praised him for his all-round abilities, saying, "You're all-in-one my friend! You're an engineer, you're Suryakumar Yadav's friend, and now you're taking wickets against India! Love you."Harbhajan Singh also joined in the chorus of praise, saying, "I wanted to thank him for that Super Over against Pakistan. And the courage he showed while bowling today (against India) won my heart."Netravalkar's efforts have been instrumental in USA's impressive run in the tournament. With four wickets in three matches at an economy rate of just 5.20, he has played a crucial role in helping his team qualify for the Super 8.USA will face Ireland on June 14 in a match that will determine their fate in the tournament. A victory over Ireland will send USA through to the Super 8 from Group A, confirming Pakistan's elimination in the process.