Cricket

New Zealand's emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday has thrown the race for the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals wide open. The White Ferns' dominant performance has set up a thrilling two-horse race with India for the second semi-final spot from Group A.Sri Lanka's hopes of advancing were extinguished with their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them with zero points in the group. New Zealand, on the other hand, now has four points, level with India, but trails on net run rate.The White Ferns' victory was built on a solid bowling performance that restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 115-5. Spinners Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek were the stars, claiming two wickets each.In response, New Zealand's openers got off to a strong start, with Georgia Plimmer anchoring the chase with a composed 53 off 44 balls. Plimmer's dismissal in the 15th over brought skipper Sophie Devine and Kerr to the crease, who guided the team home with an unbeaten 34 and 13, respectively.For Sri Lanka, skipper Chamari Athapaththu top-scored with a gritty 35 off 41 balls. However, the team's batting lineup struggled to find consistency against New Zealand's disciplined bowling attack.The race for the second semi-final spot from Group A is now poised for a thrilling finish. India, who face table-toppers Australia in their final group game, cannot afford another loss. They must beat Australia and hope that Pakistan either defeats New Zealand or makes things difficult for them.Pakistan, despite their three defeats, are not entirely out of contention. If they can beat New Zealand by a significant margin, their net run rate could improve dramatically. However, they would need a significant favor from Australia, who are undefeated so far and are virtually assured of a semi-final berth.

Bangladesh Women Face Crucial Clash Against South Africa in T20 World CupDubai, United Arab Emirates - Bangladesh Women will face a pivotal match against South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup Group B encounter in Dubai. The match holds immense significance for both teams, with Bangladesh aiming to keep their tournament hopes alive and South Africa seeking to strengthen their position at the top of the standings.Bangladesh, who have lost their opening two matches, will be desperate for a victory to stay in contention for a semi-final berth. They have made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Murshida Khatun for Taj Nehar.South Africa, on the other hand, have won both their matches so far and are expected to field an unchanged lineup. They will be keen to maintain their winning momentum and boost their Net Run Rate (NRR), which could prove crucial in the event of a three-way tie for points.The match will be Bangladesh's first in Dubai, and they will be aware of the fact that South Africa have won both their games at this venue. However, Bangladesh will be determined to overcome the challenge and secure a much-needed victory.South Africa, led by Sune Luus, will be confident of extending their winning streak. They have a well-balanced team with experienced players like Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Shabnim Ismail.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Bangladesh will be fighting for their survival in the tournament, while South Africa will be aiming to consolidate their position at the top.

Sri Lanka Opts to Bat First Against New Zealand in SharjahIn a crucial match for New Zealand's semi-final hopes, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first in Sharjah. Despite being eliminated from contention, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed confidence in her team's ability to end the tournament on a high note.New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine echoed Athapaththu's sentiments, stating that they would have also opted to bat first. Their focus remains on securing a victory rather than boosting their net run rate. Both teams made minor changes to their lineups, with Sri Lanka bringing in left-arm spinner Sachini Nisansala and New Zealand introducing offspinner Leigh Kasperek.The match is being played in challenging weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius. The pitch dimensions are 57 and 63 meters square of the wicket, with a 73-meter hit down the ground. As expected in Sharjah, the bounce is expected to be low, favoring the spinners.New Zealand XI:* Suzie Bates* Georgia Plimmer* Amelia Kerr* Sophie Devine (capt)* Brooke Halliday* Maddy Green* Isabella Gaze (wk)* Lea Tahuhu* Leigh Kasperek* Rosemary Mair* Eden CarsonSri Lanka XI:* Chamari Athapaththu (capt)* Vishmi Gunaratne* Harshitha Samarawickrama* Kavisha Dilhari* Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)* Nilakshika Silva* Ama Kanchana* Sachini Nisansala* Sugandika Kumari* Inoshi Priyadharshani* Udeshika Prabodhani

India's Women's T20 World Cup destiny hangs in the balance as they face an injury-ravaged Australia in a must-win clash on Sunday, October 13, 2024. India's emphatic victory over Sri Lanka has boosted their chances of reaching the semifinals, but they need another positive result to secure their spot.Australia, with six points from three matches and an impressive net run rate, is virtually assured of a semifinal berth. However, the defending champions suffered two significant setbacks during their victory over Pakistan. Skipper Alyssa Healy exited the field with an "acute injury to her right foot," while fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulder.With the pair expected to miss the crucial clash, Australia's depth will be tested. India's 82-run victory over Sri Lanka marked their largest margin of victory in tournament history, boosting not only their confidence but also their net run rate from negative to positive.The win elevated them to second place in Group A, just behind Australia. However, India, who are on 4 points, will need a win to keep their knockout aspirations alive as New Zealand have one more game in hand and can also reach a total of 6 points.If that's the scenario, qualification will hinge on the net run rate. While India currently holds a +0.567 NRR, New Zealand (-0.050) could surpass Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. with substantial victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka.Pakistan have 2 points from three games. If they defeat New Zealand in their final match and India loses to Australia, there is a possibility that all three teams could be stuck on 4 points and again the NRR will come into play.Thus, the 'Women in Blue' will be desperate not only for a win but also for another net run rate boost to steer off any threat from the Kiwis. India has always challenged the Aussies, and with a last-four spot on the line, Harmanpreet Kaur would want her side to produce its A game once again.The fact that the top order comprising Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and skipper Harmanpreet is back among runs augers well for the side. Considering that it will be India's first match here and the venue has been tough on the batters, a lot will hinge on the trio and Jemimah Rodrigues, who is due for a big knock.The bowlers, who enjoyed a stellar outing against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, will hope to keep their opponents quiet. If Healy misses out, Australia will face the challenge of finding a new captain, wicketkeeper, and opening batter, significantly reshaping their lineup. Beth Mooney will take over the wicket-keeping duties.But vice-captain Tahlia McGrath, who is expected to lead the side against India, insists Australia are ready to call on their squad strength. "The thing about this Australia team is the depth we have. It’s time to use it,” she said on Friday.

The music of the 2023 Women's T20 World Cup has become an integral part of the tournament, inspiring players and fostering team spirit. For South Africa, a diverse playlist has helped create a cohesive unit that is aiming to break their semi-final curse.Chloe Tryon, a veteran of 100 T20Is, has witnessed the transformative power of music within the team. "We have a team playlist that we put together and we ask girls to add their music in," she said. "It's so nice to have a diverse team and I feel like we get along really well."The South African squad has been praised for their team spirit, which has been evident in their performances on the field. They have overcome an opening defeat to West Indies with two big wins, thanks in part to the uplifting beats of Lady Gaga's "Just Dance."Music has also played a role in the Pakistan camp, where Punjabi tunes have even gotten the injured Diana Baig dancing. Meanwhile, the South African team has found a unique blend of Afrikaans music and Amapiano to keep their spirits high.Tryon, who has yet to fire with the bat, is confident that her time will come. She has been working on her technique with spin-bowling coach Paul Adams, who has helped her improve her hip drive and ball angle."As a spinner, you kind of have to get your hips over the front foot," Tryon explained. "Paul spoke about that hip drive, going over the front leg and getting a really good motion into the ball."South Africa's bowling attack has been a strength, with Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba forming a formidable spin duo. They have also benefited from the versatility of Sune Luus, who has switched to offspin to fill a gap in the team.Despite their impressive performances, South Africa is still seeking their first T20 World Cup title. Tryon believes that this group has the potential to go all the way. "Whenever we walk out there, we want to do our best, for South Africa and for our family and our friends," she said. "We just want to go out there and make them proud and bring the nation together."

Defending champions Australia continued their dominance at the Women's T20 World Cup, crushing Pakistan by nine wickets in Dubai on Friday. The victory marked Australia's third consecutive win and secured their spot in the semi-finals.Pakistan's batting faltered against Australia's formidable bowling attack, with the team dismissed for a mere 82 runs. Australia's bowlers, led by Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen, shared the wickets, restricting Pakistan to a low total.In response, Australia's batters made light work of the chase, reaching the target in just 11 overs. Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney led the charge with unbeaten half-centuries, guiding their team to a comfortable victory.The win has significant implications for the tournament standings. Australia's impressive net run rate (NRR) of +2.786 has virtually guaranteed their semi-final berth. Pakistan's heavy defeat has pushed them to fourth place in Group A, while New Zealand has moved up to third.India, who are currently second in the group with four points, will now face Australia in their final league match. A win for India would secure their place in the semi-finals, while a loss would leave them vulnerable to New Zealand's challenge.New Zealand, with two matches remaining, needs to win both games and improve their NRR to overtake India. However, India's superior NRR of +0.576 gives them an advantage in the race for the second semi-final spot.In a complex scenario, if India loses to Australia and New Zealand wins both their remaining matches, the team with the better NRR will advance. If both teams finish with the same number of points, the NRR will determine the semi-finalist.Sri Lanka, who have already been eliminated from the tournament, could still play a role in India's qualification. If they defeat New Zealand in their final game, it would boost India's chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Australia Opt to Chase Against Pakistan in Women's T20 World CupIn the 14th match of the Women's T20 World Cup, Australia won the toss and elected to field first against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.Pakistan made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Iram Javed for Fatima Sana and Sadaf Shamas for Gull Feroza. Australia, on the other hand, replaced Grace Harris with Tayla Vlaeminck.Stand-in Pakistan captain Muneeba Ali Siddiqi expressed her disappointment over Sana's absence but emphasized the need to play their best game. Australia's Alyssa Healy explained her decision to bowl first, citing the fresh wicket and the potential for dew later in the evening.The pitch report indicated a good surface with even bounce and swing for the fast bowlers. Former Aussie World Cup champion Lisa Sthalekar expressed surprise at Healy's decision to bowl, considering Australia's dominance in the tournament.Before the toss, Sophie Molineux spoke about her eagerness to make up for lost time after spending time on the sidelines. She also highlighted the importance of adapting quickly to the conditions in Dubai.The match began with Megan Schutt bowling to Muneeba Ali Siddiqi. Pakistan's opening pair of Siddiqi and Sidra Amin faced a watchful start, with Schutt bowling a tight line and length.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Kiwis Aim to Bounce Back, Sri Lanka Seek Consolation WinSharjah, United Arab Emirates - New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face off in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup match on Tuesday, February 28, at 2 pm local time.New Zealand, who began the tournament with a comprehensive victory over India, suffered a heavy defeat to defending champions Australia in their second match. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have lost all three of their matches so far, including a disappointing loss to India that eliminated them from semi-final contention.Sri Lanka will be looking to end their losing streak against New Zealand, having broken a 12-match drought last year with a historic 10-wicket victory in Colombo. Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama were the stars of that match, and they will be key players for Sri Lanka once again.New Zealand, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back from their loss to Australia and strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals. They will be relying on legspinning all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who has been one of their most consistent performers in recent times.Bangladesh vs South Africa: Proteas Aim for NRR Boost, Bangladesh Seek ResurgenceDubai, United Arab Emirates - Bangladesh and South Africa will clash in a Women's T20 World Cup match on Tuesday, February 28, at 6 pm local time.Bangladesh have lost their first two matches of the tournament, while South Africa bounced back from a defeat to England with a big win against Scotland. The Proteas will be looking to continue their momentum and improve their net run rate, while Bangladesh will be desperate to get their campaign back on track.South Africa will be led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who is the tournament's leading run-scorer so far. She will be supported by a strong bowling attack led by Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp.Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be hoping for a better performance from their batters, who have struggled to score runs in the tournament so far. Captain Nigar Sultana will be key for them, both with the bat and behind the stumps.

The West Indies' hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup have been dealt a blow with the injury to all-rounder Stafanie Taylor. The 33-year-old suffered a knee injury during Thursday's eight-wicket win over Bangladesh and was forced to retire hurt on 27.Taylor's injury is a major concern for the West Indies, as she is a key player in their lineup. She is a versatile all-rounder who can bat, bowl, and field, and her experience is invaluable to the team.West Indies captain Hayley Matthews said that Taylor's injury is a "knee problem" and that the team is "trying to look after her really well." Matthews also praised Taylor's fighting spirit and said that she "knows how to manage her body pretty well."The West Indies will face undefeated England in their last Group B game on Tuesday. Pool rivals South Africa are also in the running for a semi-final spot.Matthews said that the West Indies are "up for the challenge" of facing England. "If you want to be competing and winning World Cups, you're going to have to beat the best teams in the world," she said.The West Indies will need to win their last group game against England to secure a place in the semi-finals. If they can do that, they will be one of the favorites to win the tournament.