Cricket

The third T20I between India and South Africa in Centurion witnessed an extraordinary interruption due to a swarm of insects. After India posted a formidable target of 220, the match was halted when Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks scored seven runs in an over. The delay lasted over 30 minutes as groundsmen frantically attempted to clear the field of the insects, which commentators identified as "flying ants."The bizarre incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with users expressing amusement and disbelief. The match resumed after the insects were cleared, but the delay had a significant impact on the game's momentum.Earlier, Tilak Varma had propelled India to a massive total with a scintillating unbeaten century. Promoted to number three, Varma unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing eight fours and seven sixes in his 107-run knock. His maiden T20I century made him the second-youngest Indian batter to achieve the feat.Abhishek Sharma provided valuable support to Varma, contributing a 25-ball fifty. The duo shared a 107-run partnership for the second wicket, targeting the short square boundaries during the Powerplay.South Africa's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, with Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj claiming two wickets each. However, the insect invasion proved to be the most unexpected and memorable moment of the match.

In a remarkable display of power-hitting, Tilak Varma etched his name in the history books by becoming the youngest batter to score a T20I century against a top-10 team. The 22-year-old left-hander smashed an unbeaten 107 off just 56 balls in the third T20I against South Africa in Centurion, guiding India to a challenging total of 219/6.Varma's innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, with boundaries flowing effortlessly from his bat. He struck eight fours and seven sixes, showcasing his versatility across all areas of the ground. His century came off just 51 balls, highlighting his exceptional temperament and shot-making ability.Promoted to number three in the batting order, Varma displayed maturity beyond his years. He handled the high-pressure situation with aplomb, setting the tone for India's innings with his aggressive and composed knock. His century was a significant milestone in his career, cementing his place as one of India's most promising T20I batters.Varma's knock played a pivotal role in setting a challenging total for South Africa, pushing the team to fight for the win. His innings was a testament to his talent and potential, and it will undoubtedly boost his confidence going forward.With 496 runs in 19 T20Is at an average of 41.33, Varma has already established himself as a reliable performer for India. His ability to clear the boundaries with ease, coupled with his maturity in handling pressure situations, makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Pakistan A captain Mohammad Haris has revealed a surprising directive within his team for the Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup: a ban on discussing India in the dressing room. This unprecedented measure aims to alleviate the intense pressure that often accompanies matches against their arch-rivals.Haris, who has represented Pakistan in both ODIs and T20Is, explained the rationale behind the ban. "We don't have to think (only) about India, we have to think about other teams as well," he said. "It creates so much pressure that mentally you are thinking about India, India. We have to face other teams as well."The 23-year-old captain believes that focusing solely on India can be detrimental to the team's performance. "So this team is currently banned (from talking about India). We have not talked about India so far in the dressing room. Not just India, we have to respect other teams as well."Pakistan A will face India A in their tournament opener on October 19. The other teams in their group are UAE and Oman. India will be led by middle-order batsman Tilak Varma, who has already played for the senior team in both ODIs and T20Is. Opener Abhishek Sharma will serve as Varma's deputy.Haris's revelation has sparked a range of reactions on social media. Some have praised the decision as a wise move that will help the team focus on their other opponents. Others have questioned the necessity of such a ban, arguing that it could create an unnecessary sense of mystery and tension.Regardless of the differing opinions, the ban on discussing India in the Pakistan A dressing room is a clear indication of the intense rivalry between the two nations. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will prove successful in helping Pakistan A achieve their goals in the tournament.

Tilak Varma, a rising star in Indian cricket, has been appointed as the captain of India A for the upcoming Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, scheduled to commence in Oman on October 18. Varma, who has already made his mark in international cricket with four ODI and 16 T20I appearances, will lead a squad that boasts a blend of experience and youthful exuberance.Joining Varma in the leadership group are Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Chahar, both of whom have represented India at the international level. The batting contingent is bolstered by players who have showcased their talent in the Indian Premier League (IPL), including Ayush Badoni, Ramandeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Anuj Rawat.The bowling attack is equally impressive, featuring R Sai Kishore, Hrithik Shokeen, Rasikh Salam, Vaibhav Arora, and Aaqib Khan. All-rounders Nishant Sindhu, a member of India's victorious Under-19 World Cup squad in 2022, and Anshul Kamboj, who impressed in the recent Duleep Trophy, add depth to the team.India A will kick off their campaign against Pakistan A on October 19. Oman and UAE are the other two teams in their group. This tournament marks a departure from previous editions, which were played in the 50-over format. India emerged victorious in the inaugural edition in 2013, while Pakistan has claimed the title in the last two tournaments.The Emerging Teams Asia Cup provides a valuable platform for young and emerging players to showcase their skills and gain experience at the international level. India A will be eager to make a strong impression under the leadership of Tilak Varma and challenge for the title.

India A vs India D: India D Faces Uphill Battle on Day 4 of Duleep TrophyIndia D will resume its innings on Day 4 of the ongoing Duleep Trophy match against India A, trailing by a massive 426 runs. The match, being played in Anantpur, has seen India A dominate proceedings so far.On Day 3, India A posted a formidable total of 488, thanks to a century from Tilak Varma. The left-handed batter scored 111 off 154 deliveries, anchoring the innings and providing a solid foundation for his team.India A skipper Mayank Agarwal also contributed with a half-century, scoring 56 runs at the top of the order. The openers provided a solid start, setting the platform for the middle order to capitalize.In response, India D struggled to keep up with the pace set by their opponents. They lost an early wicket, but Ricky Bhui and Yash Dubey have managed to steady the ship. The duo will resume their partnership on Day 4, with the onus on them to provide a solid foundation for their team.India D will need to bat with patience and determination if they are to chase down the target. The pitch has shown signs of wear and tear, which could make batting difficult. However, the team will be buoyed by the fact that they have already shown some resilience in this match.The match is evenly poised heading into Day 4, with both teams having a chance to emerge victorious. India A will be confident of wrapping up the match quickly, while India D will be determined to pull off an unlikely victory.

Tilak Varma, a rising star in Indian cricket, has made a resounding statement with a magnificent century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match between India A and India D. His unbeaten 111 off 193 balls has not only strengthened his case for a place in the Indian team but has also sparked a viral celebration from his teammate, Avesh Khan.Varma's innings was a testament to his composure and skill. He paced his innings perfectly, reaching his hundred with a calm and collected late cut to the third man region. His knock was laced with nine boundaries, showcasing his ability to find the gaps and rotate the strike.The celebration of his century was equally memorable. As Varma acknowledged the cheers from the crowd, Khan, who was watching from the stands, erupted in a series of hilarious dance moves. The moment was captured on camera and has since gone viral on social media.Varma's century was part of a dominant performance by India A. Pratham Singh also scored an impressive 122, helping India A declare their second innings at 380 for three. This gave them an overall lead of 487, putting India D in a precarious position.India D's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost Atharva Taide early on. However, Ricky Bhui and Yash Dubey steadied the ship, ensuring that their side would enter the final day without further damage.Varma's performance has reignited hopes that he can become India's next all-format player. His ability to score runs consistently and his calm demeanor under pressure make him a valuable asset to any team.As the Duleep Trophy enters its final stages, all eyes will be on Varma and India A as they look to secure victory and cement their place as one of the top teams in the competition.

Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma Continues to Lead with Pride Despite Season's ChallengesFive-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) may have crashed out of the 2024 playoffs race, but their legendary captain Rohit Sharma remains a beacon of leadership and camaraderie within the team. Despite the controversial decision to replace him with Hardik Pandya as captain, Rohit has continued to support his successor and mentor the younger players.Rohit's unwavering commitment to the team is evident in his interactions with the youngsters. In a recent lighthearted moment, he was seen teasing MI and India all-rounder Tilak Varma for wearing sliders on the eve of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens."Aye hero, kya kar raha hai bhai? Chappal mein ghum raha hai, garden me aaya hai kya?" (Aye hero, what are you doing? Wearing sliders, are you wandering in a garden?)," Rohit said in a video uploaded by MI.Tilak's quick-witted response caught Rohit off guard. "Hai na bhaiya, Eden Gardens (Yes, it's Eden Gardens!)," he replied.Rohit's ability to connect with the younger players is a testament to his leadership style. He understands the importance of creating a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive.Despite his recent struggles with form, Rohit remains a key figure in Indian cricket. He will lead the team at the upcoming T20 World Cup, where his experience and leadership will be crucial.

Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Eden Gardens Banter with Tilak VarmaIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has once again displayed his witty side, this time during a light-hearted exchange with Mumbai Indians teammate Tilak Varma. Ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens, Rohit was caught on camera teasing Varma about his footwear."Aye hero, kya kar raha hai bhai? Chappal mein ghoom raha hai, kya garden mein aya hai kya?" Rohit asked Varma, who was wearing slippers.Varma responded with a chuckle, "Hai na Bhaiya, Eden Gardens!"Rohit's expression changed as he realized the significance of the venue. "Kya? Eden Gardens?" he exclaimed, before turning away with a smile.Rohit's banter with Varma has become a viral sensation on social media, with fans appreciating his sense of humor. However, the exchange also highlights Rohit's deep connection with Eden Gardens.In 2013, Rohit made his much-anticipated Test debut at the iconic venue against West Indies and scored a memorable 177. He also notched up his highest ODI score of 264 at the same ground in 2014 against Sri Lanka.Rohit's success at Eden Gardens has made him a fan favorite in Kolkata. His latest banter with Varma is a testament to his love for the city and its cricket-loving crowd.

Suryakumar Yadav's scintillating century and Mumbai Indians' disciplined bowling propelled them to a resounding seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Monday.Yadav's explosive innings of 102 not out from 51 balls, his second IPL century, powered Mumbai to an emphatic win in just 17.2 overs. Sunrisers had earlier recovered from a shaky start to post a competitive 173 for eight.The victory lifted Mumbai Indians from the bottom of the points table to ninth place, while Sunrisers, despite the loss, remained in fourth place with 12 points from 11 games.Joining forces inside the powerplay with Mumbai reeling at 31 for three, Yadav and Tilak Varma (37 not out off 32) stitched together a superb 143-run unbeaten stand to script a comprehensive victory. Yadav's sensational knock included 12 fours and half a dozen sixes.With their backs against the wall, Yadav picked Marco Jansen to attack, collecting 22 runs off the seventh over with two sixes and two fours. Shortly after completing his fifty off 30 balls, Yadav appeared to be struggling with a strain, but he hung on to guide Mumbai over the line, finishing the game with a flurry of boundaries.Apart from Yadav's heroics, Hardik Pandya's return to form ahead of the T20 World Cup and veteran Piyush Chawla's three-wicket haul were crucial for Mumbai's success. Pandya returned figures of 4-0-31-3, while Chawla (4-0-33-3) troubled the Sunrisers batters.However, Sunrisers skipper Pat Cummins chipped in with a quick 17-ball 35 (2x4s, 2x6s) late in the innings to take them past the 150-run mark. In contrast to their previous encounter in this IPL, where Sunrisers hammered 277/3, their batters struggled for momentum and initiative against Mumbai's bowlers.Travis Head top-scored with 48, while Cummins' late cameo provided some respectability to the Sunrisers' total.