Cricket

India's No. 3 batting position in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup has become a topic of discussion, with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana stating that the choice will be based on match conditions and situations.Initially, head coach Amol Muzumdar had indicated that captain Harmanpreet Kaur would occupy the crucial spot. However, after Kaur's injury scare, Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia have also been considered for the role.Mandhana emphasized that the conditions in the UAE have been challenging, but the difference between day and night games has not been significant. She noted that teams have struggled to score over 140 runs in the tournament, regardless of the time of day.Regarding India's cautious approach against Pakistan, Mandhana stressed the importance of securing points on the board. She acknowledged the need to balance the desire to improve net run rate with the priority of winning matches.Mandhana also addressed the perception that Asian teams would be more comfortable with the conditions in Dubai and Sharjah. She believes that all teams have faced challenges in adjusting to the pitches and that India's performance in the first match against New Zealand was an isolated incident.She emphasized that India's batting unit needs to be smarter and understand their limitations in these conditions. She expressed confidence that the team can improve their performance and play to their full potential in the remaining matches.

Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan captain, has been grappling with questions about her team's batting struggles after disappointing performances against Pakistan and Australia in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup. Despite a historic series win against England and an Asia Cup triumph, Sri Lanka now faces elimination.Athapaththu has been under scrutiny for her low scores of three and six in the recent matches. She acknowledges the challenging conditions in Sharjah but emphasizes the need for adaptation and fearless cricket. "We can't blame anyone. I ask myself why I can't play," she said.The Sri Lankan batters have struggled to make an impact, with only Nilakshika Silva managing scores of 23 and 29. Athapaththu has sought advice from her teammates, particularly those with experience in adapting to different conditions."I talked to a few batters, and because they have good experience, I said to them: 'if Tazmin Brits can play, if Laura can play, why can't we play?'" she said. "We have to rethink, and adaptation is most important."Athapaththu admires the way England's Nat Sciver-Brunt and South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt have played in the tournament. She believes that Sri Lanka can emulate their success by playing with confidence and focusing on one ball at a time."We have to play fearless cricket. And the most important thing is one ball at a time. If we take too much pressure on our shoulders, if we take too much information, it's too hard to play cricket," she said.Athapaththu has fond memories of her previous encounter with India, where she scored a 43-ball 61 in Sri Lanka's historic Asia Cup chase. However, she admits that indecision has hampered her game and hopes to play more aggressively."I just want to play my natural game freely," she said.Despite India's own batting struggles, Athapaththu believes that Sri Lanka has nothing to lose. "We are going with the underdog tag all the time. So we [want to] keep it simple and I want to play my best cricket and fearless cricket all the time," she said.

Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has taken a well-deserved break after leading his team to a 2-0 Test series victory over Bangladesh. While Team India continues its T20I series against Bangladesh, Bumrah has been spotted at the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024, supporting the Indian women's team.Bumrah, recently crowned as the No. 1 Test bowler in the ICC rankings, was present during the high-octane India-Pakistan match, where India emerged victorious with seven balls to spare. As India's women's team chased down a target of 106, Bumrah was seen in the crowd, giving an interview to broadcasters.Bumrah's presence at the Women's T20 World Cup highlights his commitment to the sport and his support for the Indian women's team. The 30-year-old pacer is expected to return to action in India's upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting October 16. He is also likely to be a key member of the Indian team that will tour Australia for five Test matches later in 2024.India's women's team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, secured their first win of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 against Pakistan. After restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 105, India's batting lineup struggled initially, losing Smriti Mandhana early. However, contributions from Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Kaur helped India cross the finish line.Despite the victory, India's qualification for the semi-finals remains an uphill battle. After a disappointing loss to New Zealand, India still has to face reigning champions Australia and a formidable Sri Lanka side. The team will need to perform consistently and improve their batting performance to secure a spot in the knockout stages.

Team India's Women's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has hit a roadblock after their opening loss to New Zealand. Despite a subsequent victory against Pakistan, their semi-final qualification remains uncertain due to their poor Net Run Rate (NRR) of -1.217.Australia and New Zealand, with NRRs of +1.908 and +2.900 respectively, are the frontrunners in the group. India's loss to New Zealand has made their qualification contingent on the outcome of the match between New Zealand and Australia.If New Zealand defeats Australia, they will top the group with four wins and secure a knockout berth. India can then qualify by beating Australia, as both teams would have three wins in four matches.However, if Australia defeats New Zealand, India's chances of qualification will be severely compromised. Australia and New Zealand's superior NRRs would require India to pull off significant upsets and achieve a favorable NRR in their remaining matches.Historically, New Zealand and Australia have faced off in 51 Women's T20Is since 2006, with Australia holding a slight edge with 28 wins to New Zealand's 21.India's qualification hopes now rest on New Zealand's ability to defeat Australia. A New Zealand victory would open the door for India to advance to the next round, while an Australian win would make their path to the semi-finals extremely challenging.

Suzie Bates, the former New Zealand captain, believes that the team's recent 3-0 defeat to Australia in the lead-up to the Women's T20 World Cup will have no impact on their upcoming clash on Tuesday. Both teams have recorded emphatic victories in their opening matches, with New Zealand crushing India by 58 runs and Australia dominating Sri Lanka by six wickets.Bates acknowledges that New Zealand's loss to Australia was due to the team still finding its best combination and adjusting to different conditions. However, she emphasizes that both sides likely held back some strategies and that the upcoming match will be a true test of their abilities.New Zealand's victory over India was particularly impressive, given their recent struggles in T20I cricket. Bates attributes this success to the team's meticulous planning and the effectiveness of their spinners, led by Eden Carson. With conditions in Sharjah expected to favor spinners, New Zealand may consider fielding Leigh Kasperek and Fran Jonas.Bates expresses confidence in New Zealand's chances against Australia, despite their historical struggles against the team. She highlights the team's familiarity with the Australian players and their boosted confidence after the India win. New Zealand has also benefited from three warm-up matches against Australia, which have provided valuable insights into their opponents' strengths and weaknesses.While the team has been focused on preparation, Bates emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between work and relaxation. Several players recently attended an NBA game in Abu Dhabi, while others enjoyed time at the beach. Bates believes that these activities help the team stay refreshed and focused when it matters most.

England Dominate South Africa in Women's T20 World CupSHARJAH, United Arab Emirates - England showcased their all-around prowess to secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup on Monday.England's spin quartet, led by the exceptional Sophie Ecclestone (2/15), stifled South Africa's batting in the death overs, limiting them to a modest 124/6 after the Proteas elected to bat on a challenging wicket.In response, England lost two early wickets, but opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge (43 off 43) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (48 not out from 36b; 6x4) seized control of the chase. The duo forged a match-winning 64-run partnership that propelled England to victory with four balls to spare.South Africa's innings began promisingly, with Laura Wolvaardt anchoring the top order. However, Ecclestone's dismissal of the skipper for 42 triggered a collapse, as the Proteas lost four wickets in the final four overs and managed only 39 runs.Legspinner Sarah Glenn complemented Ecclestone superbly, conceding just 1/18 from her four overs.England's victory marks their second consecutive win in the tournament, while South Africa's hopes of reaching the semi-finals have suffered a setback.

India's Arundhati Reddy Reprimanded for Fiery Send-Off in Women's T20 World CupIndian pace bowler Arundhati Reddy has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Women's T20 World Cup Group A match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.Reddy was found to have violated Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits "using language, actions, or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match."The incident occurred in the 20th over of Pakistan's innings when Reddy dismissed all-rounder Nida Dar and gestured towards the pavilion. Reddy admitted the offense and accepted the sanction proposed by Shandre Fritz of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees, avoiding the need for a formal hearing.In addition to the reprimand, Reddy has received one demerit point, marking her first offense in a 24-month period. The charge was leveled by on-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Lauren Agenbag, along with third umpire Jacquline Williams and fourth umpire Claire Polosak.Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points. Reddy's reprimand serves as a warning and a reminder to players to maintain appropriate conduct on the field.The incident highlights the importance of sportsmanship and respect in cricket. While competitive spirit is essential, players must adhere to the rules and regulations to ensure a fair and enjoyable game for all involved.

India's hard-fought victory over Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday brought relief, but former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar expressed disappointment over the team's slow run-chase.Chasing Pakistan's modest total of 105 for 8, India took 18.5 overs to complete the six-wicket win, resulting in a net run rate (NRR) of -1.217. Pakistan, with an NRR of +0.555, remains ahead of India in Group A.Manjrekar believes India could have been more aggressive in their pursuit of runs. "Winning is very important, but I am a little disappointed because New Zealand's run-rate is +2.900, and that's the team India need to catch up with," he said.Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was the only Indian batter to strike at a rate above 100.00, scoring 29 off 24 balls before retiring hurt with a neck injury. Opener Shafali Verma top-scored with 32 off 35 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 23 off 28 balls."India did win, but inside Harmanpreet will be feeling that they should have scored a little more briskly and won in a quicker time. It would have benefitted in the long run," Manjrekar analyzed.Opener Smriti Mandhana acknowledged that India's start with the bat could have been better. "We could have done with a better start with the bat," said Mandhana, who scored only 7. "But we will take this. We were thinking about it (NRR) but Shafali and I weren't able to time it (the shots) well."Regarding Harmanpreet's injury, Mandhana said, "Too soon to say anything, the medics are looking at it. Hopefully she is alright."India's victory provides momentum, but the team must improve its run-rate to challenge New Zealand and Australia, who currently top Group A.

India's Women's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a shaky start with a narrow six-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai. Despite a modest target of 106 runs, India struggled to chase it down, eventually reaching the mark in 18.5 overs. This result leaves India in fourth place in Group A, with their hopes of reaching the semifinals hanging in the balance.India's chances of advancing to the knockout stage suffered a significant blow with their crushing 58-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match. Only two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals, making it imperative for India to secure victories in their remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Australia.To qualify for the semifinals, India must not only win their remaining games but also focus on winning by substantial margins to improve their run rate, which took a hit after the loss to New Zealand. Defeating Australia will be a formidable task, but the playing conditions in Dubai may give India a slight advantage.If India emerges victorious in all their remaining games and New Zealand manages to beat Australia, both India and New Zealand should progress to the semifinals. However, if Australia triumphs in all their matches, including the one against India, then the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side would have to rely on Sri Lanka and Pakistan defeating New Zealand in their remaining encounters. In this scenario, India would have two wins, assuming they beat Sri Lanka, along with Pakistan, while New Zealand would be limited to a single victory. The team with a superior run-rate between India and Pakistan would then secure a spot in the semifinals.As the tournament progresses and all teams have played a minimum of three games, additional qualification scenarios might arise, providing more clarity on the situation.