Cricket

West Indies' Hayley Matthews continued her impressive all-round form to lead her team to a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20I in Karachi. Matthews' 3 for 26 restricted Pakistan to a below-par 121 for 7, while her unbeaten 58 off 43 balls guided West Indies to a comfortable chase.Pakistan opted to bat first but struggled to gain momentum, with Gull Feroza's laborious 14 off 29 balls setting the tone for a slow start. Muneeba Ali's 55 off 47 balls provided some respite, but Pakistan's innings lacked impetus, reaching only 33 runs in the powerplay.Matthews' bowling proved decisive, as she dismissed Sidra Ameen early and then returned to claim two wickets in the final over, including the crucial scalp of Nida Dar. Pakistan's total of 121 looked inadequate on a pitch that appeared to offer more assistance to the batters.West Indies began their chase aggressively, with Matthews striking five boundaries in the first five overs. However, Pakistan's spin trio of Nashra Sandhu, Tuba Hassan, and Nida Dar slowed the scoring rate, restricting West Indies to six runs per over for the next six overs.Despite the slowdown, West Indies never lost control of the chase. Matthews' dismissal brought Shemaine Campbelle to the crease, but her dismissal by Tuba Hassan gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope. However, Chedean Nation's boundary sealed the victory, completing a clinical performance by West Indies.The third T20I of the five-match series will be played on 30 April in Karachi, with West Indies on the verge of securing a series victory.

West Indies 'A' Team Arrives in Nepal for Historic T20 Series, Receives Surprising WelcomeThe West Indies 'A' cricket team arrived in Nepal on Wednesday, April 25, ahead of their highly anticipated five-match T20 series against the hosts. However, their arrival at the Kathmandu International Airport was met with an unexpected sight: a tempo waiting to transport their luggage.A viral video captured the West Indies players loading their luggage into the tempo with the assistance of an airport helper. The video sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some criticizing Nepal for the perceived lack of hospitality, while others defended the use of the tempo as a practical solution.Despite the unconventional welcome, the West Indies team remains focused on their upcoming series. Roston Chase will lead the team as captain, while Alick Athanaze will serve as his deputy. This tour marks a historic occasion as it is the West Indies' first-ever visit to Nepal.The series holds significant importance for both teams. For the West Indies, it serves as a crucial preparation phase for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. For Nepal, it provides an opportunity to test their skills against a formidable opponent and gain valuable experience.Chase, who will captain the West Indies 'A' team for the first time, expressed his excitement and determination. "I am honored to lead this talented group of players. We have been working hard in preparation for this series, and we are eager to showcase our skills against Nepal," he said.Desmond Haynes, CWI's Lead Selector, praised Chase's leadership qualities and consistent performances. "Chase has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and leadership abilities. We are confident that he will lead the team with distinction," Haynes said.The five-match T20 series between West Indies 'A' and Nepal will commence on April 27 in Kirtipur. The series is expected to be a competitive and entertaining affair, with both teams eager to prove their mettle.

Usain Bolt, the legendary sprinter and Jamaican icon, has been appointed as the ambassador for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, set to take place in the West Indies and the United States. This prestigious tournament will showcase the pinnacle of international cricket, and Bolt's involvement is expected to generate immense excitement and enthusiasm.Growing up in Jamaica, cricket has always held a special place in Bolt's heart. He played the sport in his youth and remains an avid fan. As the ambassador, Bolt aims to leverage his global platform to promote cricket and inspire a new generation of players."Coming from the Caribbean where cricket is a part of life, the sport has always held a special place in my heart," Bolt said. "I am honored to be part of such a prestigious tournament and contribute to the growth of cricket globally."The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will feature some of the world's best cricketers, competing in a thrilling format that emphasizes power-hitting and fast-paced action. Bolt believes that the tournament will be a spectacle for fans, particularly in the Caribbean, where cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture."I expect dancing, music, and high energy in the matches in the Caribbean," Bolt said. "The World Cup will also go a long way towards making the USA a bigger cricket center than it currently is."Bolt recognizes the potential for cricket to grow in the United States, a country with a vast sports market. He believes that the T20 World Cup can serve as a catalyst for the sport's expansion in the region."America believes a lot in sport and high intensity," Bolt said. "If we bring energy like I know we will for the T20 [World Cup], it is going to be wonderful."Beyond the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, Bolt is also excited about the return of cricket to the Olympic Games in 2028. The sport will make its comeback in Los Angeles, with both men's and women's T20Is featured."Getting a gold medal is such a big thing," Bolt said. "Every sport tries to get into the Olympics because it is such a great feeling to be on a podium winning that gold medal."Usain Bolt's appointment as the ambassador for the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is a testament to his enduring popularity and his passion for cricket. His involvement is expected to generate significant interest in the tournament and contribute to the growth of the sport worldwide.

West Indies' Hayley Matthews continued her remarkable form with a stunning 141-run knock to lead her team to a comprehensive 88-run victory over Pakistan in the third and final ODI in Karachi. The victory sealed a clean sweep for the Caribbean side, who had also won the first two matches of the series.Matthews, who had scored an unbeaten 140 in the series opener, once again dominated the Pakistan bowling attack. She struck 19 boundaries in her 130-ball innings, anchoring the West Indies innings and setting the platform for a formidable total.Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain Matthews and her teammates on a slow and sluggish pitch. First-change spinner Nashra Sandhu was the pick of the attack with 3 for 54, but her efforts were not enough to prevent the West Indies from posting a challenging 278 for 6.In response, Pakistan's batting lineup failed to rise to the occasion. Muneeba Ali top-scored with a modest 38, but the rest of the team struggled to make significant contributions. West Indies bowlers Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, and Karishma Ramharack shared the wickets, while Matthews chipped in with two crucial scalps.Matthews' all-round performance was a testament to her exceptional talent. She not only led the batting charge but also contributed with the ball, proving her worth as a genuine match-winner.The victory was a fitting end to a successful series for the West Indies, who will now turn their attention to the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan. All five matches will be played in Karachi, giving the West Indies an opportunity to continue their winning ways.

Australia's David Warner, a seasoned opening batsman, anticipates a significant shift in batting dynamics at the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies. Unlike the flat pitches of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which have witnessed record-breaking scores, Warner predicts that the Caribbean wickets will offer more challenges for bowlers.Warner, who has extensive experience in the Caribbean Premier League, believes that the pitches in the West Indies tend to be slower and offer more turn. This will require batters to adjust their approach and adopt a more cautious strategy."The wickets tend to get a little bit lower and slower," Warner explained. "Even when we played there in the 2010 World Cup, the pitches weren't high-scoring."Warner emphasized the importance of an anchor role in the West Indies, where batters will need to build partnerships and rotate the strike effectively. "That's when you did need an anchor, someone like Mike Hussey came out and scored runs for us," he said.In contrast to the IPL, where teams have piled up mammoth totals, Warner expects a more balanced contest in the T20 World Cup. "It's gonna be completely different there," he said. "Add the natural elements as well. They're going to be predominantly day games, I think, because of the timings. So that plays a big factor."Warner acknowledged the exceptional batting performances in the IPL, particularly from his fellow Australian Travis Head, who has scored at a strike rate of 216. However, he believes that such high-scoring matches are unlikely to be replicated in the West Indies."The wickets have been very good. They've been very flat, very compact, and very high-scoring," Warner said of the IPL pitches. "And when you've got small boundaries, you're going to see very high scores."Warner emphasized that the conditions in the West Indies will require a different approach from batters. "Back in the day, there used to be turn, and you couldn't get those scores," he said. "Also, the lacquer on the ball is staying longer, and hence it's not getting chewed up, and hence very little turn on offer."

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic West Indian all-rounder, has unequivocally ruled out a return to international cricket, despite his exceptional form for Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Narine, 35, has been in scintillating form, leading the tournament's MVP standings with a remarkable 109 not out from 56 balls against Rajasthan Royals last week, his maiden T20 century. He is also KKR's joint-leading wicket-taker, with nine scalps at an impressive economy rate of 7.10.Narine's resurgence has sparked calls for his recall to the West Indies squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in the Caribbean and USA. West Indies' T20I captain, Rovman Powell, has openly expressed his desire to have Narine back in the fold, but the off-spinner has remained adamant in his decision to stay retired.In a statement issued by KKR, Narine expressed his gratitude for the support and well wishes he has received but reiterated his decision to remain retired from international cricket. "I'm truly flattered and humbled that my performances recently have moved many people to publicly express their wish for me to come out of retirement and play in the upcoming T20 World Cup," Narine wrote. "I have made peace with that decision and whilst I never wish to disappoint, that door is now closed and I will be supporting the guys who take the field in June for West Indies."Narine's decision is a blow to West Indies' hopes of winning their third T20 World Cup title. The Caribbean side has struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the Super 12 stage of the last two tournaments. Narine's experience and skill would have been invaluable to a team looking to make a deep run in their home tournament.However, Narine's decision is understandable. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and has expressed a desire to spend more time with his family. He has also been critical of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in the past, accusing them of mismanagement and a lack of support for players.Despite his absence from international cricket, Narine remains one of the most respected and feared players in the world. His performances in the IPL have shown that he is still capable of producing match-winning performances at the highest level.

West Indies emerged victorious in the second ODI against Pakistan, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The thrilling encounter witnessed a late twist, with West Indies snatching a two-wicket win off the final ball.Pakistan, opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 223 thanks to half-centuries from Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof. However, West Indies' bowlers, led by Chinelle Henry and Karishma Ramharack, kept the Pakistani batters in check, restricting them to a manageable target.In the chase, West Indies lost early wickets but Hayley Mathews kept the innings afloat with a solid 44. Shemaine Campbelle and Stafanie Taylor then forged a crucial 88-run partnership, putting West Indies in a commanding position. Taylor, who top-scored with 73, anchored the innings even after Campbelle's departure.However, Pakistan captain Nida Dar staged a remarkable comeback, claiming four wickets in quick succession to bring her team back into contention. With West Indies needing five runs off the final six balls, Fatima Sana conceded just two off the first five deliveries, including the wicket of Afy Fletcher.But in a dramatic twist, Ramharack managed to edge the final ball past the wicketkeeper for a boundary, sparking jubilation in the West Indies camp. The victory not only secured the series for West Indies but also extended their unbeaten streak in ODIs to 10 matches.