Cricket

West Indies and New Zealand Battle for a Spot in the Women's T20 World Cup FinalIn a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine called the shots and elected to bat first against the West Indies. Both teams are eager to secure a place in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024.West Indies, the 2016 champions, are determined to make their second appearance in the final. New Zealand, on the other hand, is aiming to break their 14-year drought and reach the final for the first time since 2010.With the tournament favorites, Australia, eliminated in the previous semi-final, the remaining teams have a renewed sense of optimism. West Indies and New Zealand have a history of competitive matches, with the West Indies emerging victorious in their 2016 semi-final encounter.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. West Indies boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor, while New Zealand relies on the explosive batting of Devine and Suzie Bates.On the bowling front, West Indies will look to Shakera Selman and Aaliyah Alleyne to restrict New Zealand's scoring. New Zealand, in turn, will count on the experience of Lea Tahuhu and the spin of Amelia Kerr.The winner of this semi-final will face either India or England in the final, scheduled for February 26th at the same venue.

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed mixed feelings following his team's 2-1 T20I series defeat to Sri Lanka. While acknowledging the home side's victory, Sammy questioned the wisdom of Sri Lanka's decision to prepare turning tracks for the final two games, which were must-wins for the hosts.Sammy argued that such conditions would not be the norm at the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host. He believes that the ICC will ensure that pitches are more balanced, giving both batters and bowlers a fair chance.Despite the defeat, Sammy praised his team's performance, particularly in the first game, which was played on a more balanced wicket. He believes that West Indies showed their depth and challenged Sri Lanka, who had to adjust their tactics to gain an advantage.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka defended the decision to prepare turning tracks, citing the team's strength in spin bowling. He believes that playing to their strengths gives them the best chance of winning. However, Asalanka acknowledged that Sri Lanka needs to improve their fast-bowling contingent to be competitive in all conditions.Sammy echoed Asalanka's concerns, emphasizing the importance of developing fast bowlers who can perform on different surfaces. He believes that Sri Lanka's reliance on spin could hinder their progress in the long run.Despite the contrasting views on pitches, both Sammy and Asalanka agreed that Sri Lanka's batters performed better than West Indies' throughout the series. Asalanka expressed confidence in his team's ability to score runs on any type of wicket, while Sammy acknowledged the need for his batters to improve their adaptability.Overall, the series highlighted the importance of balanced pitches and the need for teams to develop all-round capabilities. While Sri Lanka's spin-friendly tracks gave them an advantage in this particular series, it remains to be seen how they will fare on more challenging surfaces in the future.

In the second T20I of the three-match series, West Indies captain Rovman Powell opted to bat first after winning the toss at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Both teams anticipated significant turn on the pitch, with Powell estimating a par score of 145-150. Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka concurred with Powell's decision to bat first.West Indies bolstered their spin attack by introducing left-arm spinner Fabian Allen in place of seam-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer. They also reinstated Shai Hope in the top order, replacing Andre Fletcher as wicketkeeper. Hope had featured in the first T20I of the series.Sri Lanka, buoyed by their 73-run victory in the previous match, retained the same XI, featuring three frontline spinners and the part-time spin options of Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis.The series is currently tied 1-1, with West Indies securing a comfortable victory in the first game.

After a disappointing loss in the opening match, Sri Lanka displayed resilience and determination to level the three-match T20I series against West Indies with a convincing 73-run victory in the second game.West Indies, who won the toss and elected to bat first, struggled to gain momentum throughout their innings. Brandon King and Evin Lewis provided a solid start with a 40-run partnership, but the Sri Lankan bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting the visitors to a modest total of 131/8.Sri Lanka's bowlers were led by Maheesh Theekshana, who claimed three wickets for just 12 runs in his four overs. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara also chipped in with two wickets each.In response, Sri Lanka's openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, laid the foundation for a successful chase with a 50-run partnership. Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis then accelerated the scoring rate, taking the team to a comfortable position.Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, played a crucial role in the middle order, scoring a quickfire 38 off 23 balls. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga also made valuable contributions, ensuring that Sri Lanka reached their target with ease.The victory not only leveled the series but also boosted Sri Lanka's confidence ahead of the crucial third and final T20I. The hosts will be eager to secure a series win, while West Indies will be determined to bounce back and claim the series.

Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph's remarkable partnership propelled West Indies to a historic victory over England in the T20 World Cup group stage, securing a semi-final berth for the first time since 2018.Despite being underdogs, West Indies defied expectations with a dominant performance. Joseph, in particular, played a pivotal role, smashing a career-best 52 off just 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Her aggressive batting set the tone for the innings, as she and Matthews put on a 102-run stand off just 74 balls.Matthews, who played her best innings of the tournament with 50 off 38, provided solid support to Joseph. The duo's partnership was the second time both openers had scored 50 or more in a women's T20I for West Indies, the first being in the 2016 T20 World Cup final.Joseph's rise to the occasion was particularly impressive, as she stepped up in the absence of Stafanie Taylor, West Indies' leading run-scorer. Her versatility and improved ball-striking have made her a valuable asset to the team.Despite England's vast resources and unbeaten record in the group stages, West Indies' determination and fighting spirit proved too much to overcome. Deandra Dottin also played a crucial role, setting the tone with brilliant fielding and contributing with the ball.West Indies' victory is a testament to their resilience and the depth of their squad. By topping their group, they avoid favorites Australia in the semi-finals and will face New Zealand on Friday in Sharjah.Matthews expressed her pride in her team's performance, highlighting the challenges they have faced and the passion that drives them. "We probably just don't have it like the rest a lot of the time," she said. "But the one thing that does bring the entire West Indies together is cricket."

Sri Lanka, seeking to level the three-match T20I series against West Indies, won the toss and opted to bat first in the second game at Dambulla. The hosts trail 1-0 after losing the series opener by five wickets.Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka expressed hope for more spin-friendly conditions than in the first match, estimating a par score of around 170. West Indies skipper Rovman Powell, on the other hand, indicated his team's preference for chasing, despite the different surface from the previous game.Sri Lanka made two changes to their lineup, bringing in spin-bowling allrounder Dunith Wellalage for Chamindu Wickramasinghe and slinger Nuwan Thushara for Asitha Fernando. West Indies made a single change, with Andre Fletcher replacing the injured Shai Hope as wicketkeeper.The weather conditions remained favorable, with no rain interruptions expected throughout the evening.

The highly anticipated Women's T20 World Cup 2024 clash between England and West Indies is set to unfold, with both teams vying for a coveted semifinal spot.As the match commenced, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the toss and elected to bowl first. England openers Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier took to the crease, determined to set the tone for their team. West Indies' Chinelle Henry opened the bowling, aiming to unsettle the English batters with her pace.The pitch analysis by Anjum Chopra and Lisa Sthalekar revealed a dry surface that could assist the pacers. The square boundaries were 53 and 63 meters, while the straight boundary stretched to 73 meters, requiring precise timing for successful clearances.England captain Heather Knight expressed her preference for bowling first, while Matthews emphasized West Indies' strength in chasing. Both teams made strategic changes to their playing XIs, with England bringing back Alice Capsey and West Indies adding Chedean Nation and Zaida James.The match promises to be an exciting battle between two formidable teams. Matthews and Dottin, who often face off in domestic cricket, are eager to outplay each other. England, with its recent momentum, aims to continue its winning streak, while West Indies seeks to prove its resilience after an early setback in the tournament.

The highly anticipated first T20I between Sri Lanka and West Indies commenced in Dambulla, with a massive turnout of enthusiastic spectators. The atmosphere was electric as the teams took to the field, their national anthems reverberating through the stadium.West Indies captain Rovman Powell elected to bowl first, citing the overcast conditions and damp outfield. He expressed confidence in his bowlers' ability to exploit the conditions. Powell also acknowledged the team's impressive form over the past year.Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka echoed Powell's sentiments, stating that they too would have preferred to bowl first. He emphasized the importance of starting preparations for the 2026 World Cup.The West Indies lineup featured several key players, including Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shai Hope, and Roston Chase. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, fielded a strong team led by Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga.The toss proved crucial, as West Indies' bowlers immediately made an impact. The Sri Lankan openers struggled to find their rhythm, with Pathum Nissanka dismissed early by Alzarri Joseph. Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera also fell cheaply, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 33/3.West Indies continued to dominate, with Romario Shepherd and Gudakesh Motie sharing the wickets. Sri Lanka's middle order failed to provide any resistance, and they were eventually bowled out for a paltry 101 in 18.4 overs.In response, West Indies openers Evin Lewis and Brandon King got off to a solid start. However, they were both dismissed in quick succession, leaving the visitors at 32/2. Shai Hope and Roston Chase steadied the innings, but Sri Lanka's bowlers kept them in check.Despite a late surge from Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, West Indies fell short of the target, finishing on 93/7. Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.Sri Lanka secured a narrow victory by eight runs, taking an early lead in the three-match T20I series. The remaining two matches will be played in Dambulla, while the subsequent three ODIs will be held in Pallekele.