Cricket

India's thrilling six-run victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup was a testament to the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah, who single-handedly turned the tide in India's favor despite the team's lowest-ever total against Pakistan in the tournament's history.Bumrah's match-winning spell of 3/14 dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup, ensuring India's narrow victory. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar lauded Bumrah's efforts, highlighting how the pacer has been instrumental for India while the media often focuses on Virat Kohli.Kohli, who has been India's standout batter in previous clashes against Pakistan, had a rare poor performance, scoring only 4 runs. Manjrekar's comments highlighted Bumrah's consistent contributions, especially in high-pressure situations.India's batting unit struggled on a challenging two-paced track, but Bumrah's brilliance with the ball was complemented by Hardik Pandya, who delivered crucial bowling figures of 2/24.Bumrah's penultimate over was particularly decisive, as he conceded just three runs and took the vital wicket of Iftikhar Ahmed, leaving Pakistan needing 18 runs off the final over. Arshdeep Singh then successfully defended the target, sealing the win for India.Bumrah's performance was a reminder of his exceptional talent and the importance of his contributions to the Indian team. Despite the media's focus on Kohli, Bumrah has quietly been winning games for India single-handedly, proving himself to be the team's most valuable player.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his disappointment after his team narrowly lost to South Africa by 4 runs in a thrilling T20 World Cup encounter at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium. The match, which took place on Monday, saw South Africa prevail in a final-ball thriller, moving a step closer to qualifying for the Super 8 stage.Shanto was confident in his team's chances with Jaker Ali at the crease in the final over, needing 11 runs to win. However, the South African bowlers, particularly spinner Keshav Maharaj, held their nerve to secure a dramatic victory."Everyone was nervous but was confident when Jaker was there. It didn't happen but that's okay. Tanzid really worked hard in the last couple of games, we needed new-ball wickets and he showed his character. This is the match we should have won, we nearly did but in the last couple of overs they bowled well," Shanto said during the post-match presentation.Reflecting on the performance of Rishad Hossain, Shanto praised the bowler's dedication and skill. "He is very good, the way he bowled the last couple of series, he practiced very hard. We've struggled with leg-spinners over the last 10-15 years so we're lucky we got one. Hopefully, he can continue. Thanks to all the supporters, hopefully, they'll come to the West Indies as well," Shanto added.The match's decisive moment came in the final over when South Africa captain Aiden Markram took a gamble by entrusting Maharaj with the ball on a pitch that had favored pacers. Maharaj's experience shone through as he dismissed both Jaker Ali and Mahmudullah, with Markram making crucial catches near the boundary to seal the win.Markram's tactical decision paid off, demonstrating the high stakes and fine margins that often characterize T20 cricket.Bangladesh will now face India in their next match on Wednesday, while South Africa will take on Pakistan on Tuesday.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has launched a scathing critique of the team's management following their narrow six-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup match on Sunday. Despite a strong bowling performance that restricted India to just 119 runs, Pakistan's batting lineup failed to capitalize, jeopardizing their chances of progressing in the tournament.Misbah pointed out critical errors in Pakistan's approach during the run chase, particularly the underutilization of middle-order batter Iftikhar Ahmed. Ahmed, the lone specialist batter in the middle order, came in to bat at No. 7, despite his proven ability to anchor the innings."There is no confidence in the middle order," Misbah said on Hum Sport. "We don't use them properly. Iftikhar is there, and whoever else plays in the middle order, we don't send them in when their number comes up, even if they're scoring at a run-a-ball. They only get a chance once or twice a year, and even then, we put them in difficult situations."Misbah questioned the rationale behind sending all-rounders ahead of Iftikhar on a challenging pitch in New York. He stressed that on such surfaces, where power hitting is less effective, situational assessment is crucial."Iftikhar is a batsman," Misbah said. "Imad [Wasim] went in before him, then Shadab [Khan] went in before him, and he was the last. You're sending him in at No. 7, and this has been going on throughout. On a pitch where you know power hitting is not needed, you need to assess the situation."Misbah also criticized Pakistan's inability to learn from India's innings, where their power hitters struggled to score."You saw India's innings," Misbah said. "Once you have to score over a run-a-ball in the last 10 overs, it's very difficult. We should have kept Iftikhar back. He wouldn't have been able to hit at the end. If you're not going to send him in when you're scoring at 6 or 7 an over, what's the point of sending him in when you're scoring at 9 or 10? If you had to send him in, okay, fine, Shadab was scoring at a run-a-ball, he performed well in the last match, so send him up. Then Iftikhar comes in."Misbah further questioned the decision to send Imad Wasim ahead of Iftikhar and criticized the team for playing fewer batters on a bowling-friendly pitch."You're sending in Imad, okay, that's fine, but this is not a pitch where you can hit at the end," Misbah said. "You sent in a left-hander, and he played a whole over of dot balls. Basically, you're building pressure and not giving your batsman any confidence. Then it's simple, you're playing with only three specialist batsmen on a bowling pitch. India played with six batsmen and two all-rounders. On a difficult pitch, who's going to be under pressure? The batting. We have fewer batting resources."Misbah's critique underscores the need for better tactical decisions and confidence in the batting order to optimize performance in crucial matches.

New Zealand's T20 World Cup campaign has hit a major roadblock after a disastrous 84-run defeat to Afghanistan in their opening match. The Black Caps, who had not played a T20I together since February, looked rusty and out of sorts in all three facets of the game.Captain Kane Williamson's dismissal, a dab straight to first slip, epitomized New Zealand's struggles. The team's fielding was uncharacteristically sloppy, with dropped catches and missed run-out chances. Their batting was equally shaky, with the ball swinging more under lights than expected.Afghanistan's bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, exploited the low bounce and skid of the Providence pitch to their advantage. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had played for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the CPL, punished New Zealand's fielding lapses and scored a match-winning 80.Former New Zealand players and experts have criticized the team's decision to opt out of warm-up games. Mitchell McClenaghan and Mike Hesson questioned the logic behind not playing any practice matches, especially given the lack of recent game time for many players.New Zealand's poor net run-rate (-4.2) now puts them in a precarious position in the group of death. They face a must-win match against West Indies on June 12, who have a healthy run-rate (3.574).The Black Caps' hopes of reaching the Super Eights now hang in the balance. They will need to improve their fielding, batting, and overall intensity if they want to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

South Africa's T20 World Cup campaign has been marked by a shaky start from their top three batters, but they have managed to maintain a perfect record with a thrilling four-run victory over Bangladesh.Batting first on a challenging wicket in New York, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 23 for 4. However, a record-breaking 79-run partnership between Heinrich Klaasen (46) and David Miller (29) rescued the innings, guiding them to a modest total of 113 for 6.Bangladesh's chase began poorly, with the team struggling to 50 for 4 after 10 overs. Towhid Hridoy (37) and Mahmudullah (29) provided a glimmer of hope with a 44-run stand, but a controversial decision in the 17th over proved costly.Mahmudullah was initially given out leg before wicket, but replays showed he was not out. However, the four runs that were initially awarded as leg byes were not counted due to the dead ball ruling.In the final over, Bangladesh needed 11 runs to win, but Keshav Maharaj's three full tosses proved too costly. Mahmudullah was caught on the penultimate ball, and Jakar Ali was run out on the final delivery, handing South Africa a narrow victory.Despite their top-order struggles, South Africa's middle order has stepped up, with Klaasen and Miller providing crucial contributions. The team's bowling attack has also been impressive, with Maharaj, Nortje, and Rabada all taking wickets.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will rue their missed opportunities. They failed to capitalize on South Africa's poor start and were unable to chase down a modest target.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign has hit a major roadblock after two consecutive losses, prompting head coach Gary Kirsten to issue a stern warning to his players. Kirsten emphasized the need for improvement, stating that players risk being left behind if they fail to adapt to the evolving demands of the game.The team's struggles were evident in their recent defeat to India, where they failed to chase a modest target of 120. Kirsten acknowledged the pressure on the players but stressed that they must take responsibility for their performances. He pointed out that many of the players have extensive T20 experience and need to find ways to enhance their game.Kirsten's concerns extend to the team's batting approach, particularly the lack of intent and strike rate from openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. He expressed concerns about the team's ability to construct and structure their innings effectively.The bowling unit, while generally performing well, has been affected by the decline in Shadab Khan's legspin. Kirsten acknowledged the need for time to assess the situation but emphasized that players must continue to develop and adapt to the changing demands of the format.Former captain Wasim Akram called for a clear-out of the current team, suggesting that six to seven players be replaced. He criticized the team's performance and questioned their ability to progress to the Super 8s. Shahid Afridi also expressed disappointment, calling for changes to the batting lineup and the inclusion of Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed.Despite the setbacks, Kirsten and Afridi both emphasized that Pakistan is not out of the tournament yet. They urged the team to make tough decisions and find ways to improve their performances.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has urged the team to make significant changes following their disappointing loss to India in the T20 World Cup. Afridi believes that Pakistan's batting lineup needs a shakeup, suggesting that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with skipper Babar Azam dropping down to No. 3.Afridi also called for the inclusion of Salman Ali Agha and Abrar Ahmed in the playing eleven, replacing Usman Khan and Shadab Khan respectively. He emphasized the need for consistency, self-belief, and discipline, qualities that he believes Pakistan lacked in their defeat to India.Pakistan's batting has been a major concern, with the team failing to click as a unit. Afridi criticized their weak display of power hitting, arguing that they lacked the strategy and smart cricket required to chase down India's modest total of 119.Afridi pointed to India's dominant record against Pakistan in world events, highlighting the pressure that the team faces in such high-stakes matches. He believes that Pakistan's inability to handle the pressure contributed to their defeat."On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through," Afridi said. "India stayed positive and calm until the last ball, while Pakistan failed to handle the pressure of the run chase."Afridi's suggestions aim to address Pakistan's weaknesses and turn their fortunes around in the tournament. With a crucial must-win game against Canada on Tuesday, the team will need to make some tough decisions and find a way to regain their composure and confidence.

Pakistan Faces Canada in Crucial T20 World Cup ClashPakistan, reeling from their heartbreaking loss to India, will face Canada in a must-win match on Tuesday in New York. The 2022 finalists must regroup quickly to keep their tournament hopes alive.Canada, on the other hand, has impressed with their performances so far, boasting a balanced team with strong batting and bowling lineups. They will be looking to capitalize on Pakistan's vulnerability and secure a famous victory.Pakistan's Form and Team NewsPakistan's recent form has been disappointing, with three consecutive losses in the T20 World Cup. Their batting has struggled, particularly Babar Azam, who has averaged just 20.11 in the tournament.There are no fresh injury concerns for Pakistan, but they may consider changes to their lineup. Saim Ayub could return to the side, potentially replacing Usman Khan or Shadab Khan.Canada's Form and Team NewsCanada has shown resilience and quality in their first two matches. They have a strong batting lineup led by Nicholas Kirton, who has scored two half-centuries in the tournament. Their bowling attack has also impressed, effectively restricting Ireland in their previous match.Canada is likely to field an unchanged team following their win over Ireland.Pitch and ConditionsA fresh pitch is expected to be used for the Canada-Pakistan clash. The weather forecast is favorable, with no rain interruptions anticipated.Key Players to Watch* RizBar (Pakistan): Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be under pressure to deliver a strong performance after their slow start in the tournament.* Nicholas Kirton (Canada): The Barbados-born left-hander has been in excellent form and will be a key threat to Pakistan's bowling attack.Quotes"I was very excited by the bowling performance. Got better and better and we've tracked their stats over the last 15-odd games, and they've been an incredible bowling unit from overs 10 to 20." - Pakistan coach Gary Kirsten

Former Pakistan captain and coach Mohammad Hafeez has made explosive allegations against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of prioritizing their own interests and engaging in negotiations with players such as Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim to ensure their inclusion in the 15-member team for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Hafeez, who was not included in the squad, claimed that the PCB had "brought them here out of greed" and made "deals" with players who had "ruined Pakistan's cricket." He questioned the selection of Amir and Wasim, who had both retired from international cricket but reversed their decisions in recent months."They (PCB) brought them here out of greed, made deals with such players (Amir and Wasim) who have ruined Pakistan's cricket. I was in the domestic circuit, but no one wanted to play domestic cricket. It is because they were telling me that 'any of us gets selected, we will take it.' How can it be that players who don't even play Pakistan's domestic cricket got selected," Hafeez said.Hafeez also criticized Amir and Wasim for their lack of commitment to Pakistan cricket, claiming that they had only returned to the team because there were no other leagues happening at the moment."When asked to play for Pakistan six months ago, they said they wanted to play in leagues. Since no leagues are happening these days, they are playing in the World Cup. They are playing in the World Cup as if it is just another league," he added.Hafeez's allegations have sparked a storm of controversy in Pakistan, with many fans and experts questioning the PCB's decision-making. The PCB has not yet responded to Hafeez's claims, but it is likely that they will face pressure to address the issue in the coming days.