Cricket

Pakistan's dismal performance in their T20 World Cup clash against India has drawn sharp criticism from former fast-bowler Waqar Younis. Pakistan, despite bowling out India for a mere 119, failed to chase down the target, losing by six runs.Younis expressed his frustration, stating that Pakistan had been handed a golden opportunity to win but squandered it. He attributed the defeat to the team's poor batting, particularly the dismissal of wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Rizwan against Jasprit Bumrah."The game was in their hands, it was run-a-ball," Younis said. "That shot from Mohammad Rizwan was very ordinary... I knew something special was going to happen because we know Bumrah and Siraj's capabilities."Legendary left-arm fast-bowler Wasim Akram echoed Younis's sentiments, criticizing Rizwan's lack of game awareness and the overall performance of batters Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed."They have been playing cricket for 10 years, and I can't teach them," Akram said. "Rizwan has no game awareness... Iftikhar Ahmed knows one shot on the leg side... Pakistani players think that if they don't perform well, the coaches will be sacked, and nothing will happen to them."Akram also revealed a rift between captain Babar Azam and left-arm fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, claiming that they are not on speaking terms since the change of captaincy earlier this year."There are players who don't want to talk to each other," Akram said. "This is international cricket, and you play for your country. Make these players sit at home."Pakistan's defeat has put them on the brink of an early exit from the tournament. The team's batting woes and lack of game awareness have been highlighted as major concerns, and it remains to be seen if they can turn things around in their remaining matches.

Sybrand Engelbrecht's Superman Catch Stuns Bangladesh in T20 World CupIn a breathtaking display of athleticism, Netherlands' Sybrand Engelbrecht pulled off an extraordinary catch to dismiss Bangladesh's star batter Litton Das during their ICC T20 World Cup match at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown.As Aryan Dutt bowled a full-length delivery outside off, Das shuffled across and attempted a slog sweep. Engelbrecht, positioned at deep square-leg, dove across, outstretched his hands, and pulled off a spectacular catch, sending Das back to the pavilion for just 1 run.The catch, which was reminiscent of Superman's aerial feats, left commentators and fans in awe. The Netherlands cricket's social media handle aptly posted a GIF of Superman with the caption, "Only you can do that, Sybrand!"Engelbrecht's catch was a crucial moment in the match, as it came at a time when Bangladesh were looking to build a partnership. The Netherlands went on to restrict Bangladesh to a modest total of 144/8, with Fred Klaassen and Logan van Beek taking three wickets each.In response, the Netherlands chased down the target with ease, thanks to a solid half-century from Max O'Dowd and a quickfire 30 from Colin Ackermann. The victory was a significant one for the Netherlands, as it kept their hopes of reaching the Super 12 stage alive.Engelbrecht's catch has not only earned him praise from fans and experts but has also become a symbol of the Netherlands' determination and fighting spirit. As the tournament progresses, the team will look to build on this momentum and continue to surprise their opponents.

Michael Jones, the captain of the Scotland cricket team, has expressed amusement at Josh Hazlewood's suggestion that Australia might ease up on his team in their upcoming Group B match on Sunday. Hazlewood had hinted that Australia could "drag it out" to preserve Scotland's net run-rate, potentially aiding England's chances of elimination.Jones, however, took the remarks in good humor, joking that he would welcome David Warner opening the bowling for Australia. He acknowledged the intense rivalry between England and Australia and stated that Scotland would not complain if Australia chose to play a weakened team.Despite the lighthearted banter, Jones emphasized that Scotland is fully prepared for a competitive match against Australia. He praised the Australian team's professionalism and diligence and expressed his team's eagerness to challenge themselves against the best in the tournament."To have the opportunity to bat against Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, that's the best in the world," Jones said. "Those are the opportunities we crave as Scotland teams. You want to challenge yourself and see how far you go against those guys."Jones acknowledged that Australia is likely to field a strong team on Sunday, but he expressed confidence in Scotland's ability to rise to the challenge. He emphasized that his team's goal is to achieve the best possible result and prove their worth on the international stage.

In a heart-stopping moment during the T20 World Cup clash between Bangladesh and Netherlands, opener Tanzid Hasan narrowly escaped a potentially severe facial injury when the ball became lodged in his helmet visor.As Hasan attempted to pull a bouncer from Vivian Kingma, the ball struck his helmet with immense force. The impact sent shockwaves through the stadium, leaving spectators and players alike stunned. Hasan, visibly shaken, immediately removed his helmet, revealing the ball firmly stuck to the grill.With the ball still embedded in his helmet, Hasan calmly tapped it on the ground to dislodge it. A subsequent concussion test by the team physio cleared him to continue batting.The incident occurred in the third over of Bangladesh's innings, with the team looking to build a strong foundation. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards had won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the overcast conditions.Both teams entered the match with a 1-1 record in Group D, eager to join South Africa in the Super 8. Bangladesh had previously defeated Papua New Guinea, while Netherlands had upset Ireland.Despite the setback, Hasan remained composed and continued to play with determination. His resilience and composure under pressure were a testament to his mental fortitude.The match ultimately ended in a thrilling victory for Bangladesh, who chased down Netherlands' total of 162 with just two balls to spare. Hasan's contribution of 25 runs off 21 deliveries proved crucial in the team's success.The incident served as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in cricket, particularly when facing fast bowlers. However, Hasan's quick thinking and the prompt medical attention he received prevented a potentially serious injury.

South Africa vs Nepal: Spinners to Play a Role in Kingstown Clash?The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 continues with a fascinating encounter between South Africa and Nepal in Kingstown, St. Vincent. This match marks the first-ever meeting between the two nations on the international circuit.South Africa, who have advanced to the Super Eight, are in impressive form, having won all three of their matches so far. Their fast bowlers, particularly Anrich Nortje and Ottneil Baartman, have been exceptional. However, the role of spinners in this match remains uncertain.Nepal, on the other hand, have yet to win a match but have shown glimpses of promise. Their supporters have been a vocal presence, cheering them on in their opening game against Netherlands. However, their batting has struggled under pressure, which could be a concern against South Africa's formidable bowling attack.The addition of Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal's best-known player, for the West Indian leg of the tournament could bolster their spin bowling options. Lamichhane, who was acquitted of rape charges earlier this year, is a match-winner and could make a significant impact.South Africa's top-order batters have been underperforming, with Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Aiden Markram collectively scoring just 61 runs. They will be eager to improve their performance in Kingstown.The pitch in Kingstown is expected to be conducive for run-scoring, with 58-metre boundaries on one side. The weather forecast predicts humidity, sunshine, and slight wind.

The United States cricket team, making its debut in the T20 World Cup, has made a strong impression with its impressive performances. After securing victories against Ireland and Pakistan, the USA currently holds the second position in Group A. They have a higher chance of qualifying for the Super 8 stage than Pakistan. However, recent events have cast a shadow over the team's success.USA batter Jaskaran Malhotra, who was excluded from the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, engaged in a public dispute with USA pacer Ali Khan on social media. During the team's loss to India, USA batter Shayan Jahangir was dismissed for a golden duck. Malhotra seized the opportunity to mock Jahangir, who had previously expressed his desire to demonstrate his superiority to Virat Kohli. Ali Khan responded by criticizing his former teammate's actions.Malhotra shared a meme on social media featuring an old quote from Jahangir, in which he expressed his ambition to face Virat Kohli and prove his dominance. Malhotra added a caption stating, "And this happened when he played against Virat and his team," along with an image of Jahangir being dismissed for a first-ball zero. Ironically, Kohli was also dismissed for a golden duck during India's run-chase, with former India U19 bowler Saurabh Netravalkar dismissing both him and skipper Rohit Sharma.After being omitted from the USA's T20 World Cup squad, Malhotra, known as "Mr Six Sixes #worldrecordholder," has been engaging in social media conflicts with his former USA teammates.Ali Khan expressed his disappointment, stating, "Never expected this from my ex teammate. Hate towards another player! Very unprofessional of you." Malhotra later deleted his original post and responded to Ali Khan, emphasizing his unwavering support for the USA cricket team.Malhotra's exclusion from the USA squad in favor of Jahangir appears to have caused some resentment, which has manifested in his social media actions.Despite their strong start, the USA team was brought back to reality by Team India, who struggled to secure a victory despite a top-order collapse. Suryakumar Yadav scored his first fifty of the tournament, guiding India to victory in 18.2 overs while chasing 111.The USA's fate remains in their own hands, as they can secure a Super 8 berth with a victory over Ireland on June 14.

Virat Kohli, India's batting mainstay, has endured a disappointing start to the T20 World Cup 2024, failing to deliver in both matches. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has urged Kohli to revert to his previous batting style, arguing that it would be more effective on the current pitches.Manjrekar believes that Kohli's attempt to increase his strike rate during the IPL 2024 has backfired in the T20 World Cup. "He probably must have come to the T20 World Cup with that same mindset, but given the pitches, the old Virat Kohli would have been much better," Manjrekar said.Kohli's strike rate has been a subject of debate in recent years, with some critics arguing that he needs to be more aggressive. However, Manjrekar believes that Kohli's strength lies in his ability to anchor the innings and play calculated shots."The problem with Virat Kohli is that there has been a lot of talk about his strike rate over the last two years, and he completely changed that during this IPL season," Manjrekar said. "But that is a different topic. He probably must have come to the T20 World Cup with that same mindset, but given the pitches, the old Virat Kohli would have been much better."Manjrekar's advice echoes the sentiments of many fans and experts who believe that Kohli's best batting comes when he is playing within himself and not trying to force the issue. Kohli has been known for his ability to rotate the strike, find gaps, and build partnerships.If Kohli can rediscover his old form, it would be a major boost for India's chances in the T20 World Cup. The team is heavily reliant on Kohli's experience and leadership, and his return to form would provide a much-needed spark to the batting lineup.

BAN vs NED Live Score: Bangladesh and Netherlands Battle for Super Eight SpotBangladesh and the Netherlands will face off in a pivotal Group D clash at Kingstown on Thursday, with both teams vying for a place in the Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup.Bangladesh currently sits in second place in the group with two points, having won one match and lost one. The Netherlands, meanwhile, occupies third place with an identical record.The match promises to be a close contest, as both teams have shown glimpses of their potential in the tournament so far. Bangladesh opened their campaign with a convincing victory over Oman, but they were then outplayed by South Africa in their second match.The Netherlands, on the other hand, stunned Ireland in their opening match but suffered a heavy defeat to Sri Lanka in their next outing.Bangladesh will be looking to their star batsman Shakib Al Hasan to lead the way. The all-rounder has been in impressive form in recent months, and he will be crucial to his team's chances of victory.The Netherlands will be hoping for a big performance from their captain, Pieter Seelaar. The experienced all-rounder is a key figure in the team, and he will need to be at his best if the Netherlands are to pull off an upset.The match is expected to be a high-scoring affair, as both teams possess dangerous batting lineups. Bangladesh will be hoping to post a big total, while the Netherlands will be looking to chase down whatever target is set for them.The winner of the match will take a major step towards qualifying for the Super Eight stage, while the loser will face an uphill battle to reach the next round.

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket icon, has once again captured the hearts of fans with his heartwarming interactions during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Known for his passionate performances on the field, Kohli has also demonstrated his love for the game and his fans off it.In a recent match against the United States, Kohli's presence at the boundary line sparked a frenzy among the crowd. Fans erupted in enthusiastic cheers, chanting "10 rupay ki Pepsi, Kohli bhai s..y." The chants, a playful reference to a popular Indian snack, echoed through the stadium, creating a lively atmosphere.Not content with just one line of praise, the fans added another, declaring "Diwali ho ya Holi, Anushka loves Kohli." This affectionate tribute to Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, brought a smile to the star batsman's face. He waved to the crowd, acknowledging their love and support.Kohli's interactions with fans extend beyond the boundary ropes. He has often been seen dancing to tunes near the field, intervening to stop fans from booing other players, and encouraging them to cheer for Team India. These gestures have endeared him to fans worldwide, who appreciate his passion and dedication to the sport.On the field, Kohli's performance has been equally impressive. In the match against the United States, he played a crucial role in India's victory. Riding on Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten half-century and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh's career-best 4 for 9, Team India defeated the United States by seven wickets.With this win, Rohit Sharma's men secured their place in the Super Eights. Chasing a target of 111 in the Group A clash, India stumbled to 15-2 and then 44-3. However, Suryakumar (50) and Shivam Dube (31) formed an undefeated fourth-wicket partnership of 67 runs, securing a third consecutive victory for their team with 10 balls to spare.Kohli's contributions to Indian cricket, both on and off the field, have made him a true icon of the sport. His passion, dedication, and love for the game inspire fans and fellow players alike. As Team India continues its journey in the T20 World Cup, Kohli's presence will undoubtedly be a source of strength and motivation for the team.