Cricket

India's Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal Blaze to Record-Breaking Start in Kanpur TestIn a bid to secure crucial World Test Championship points, India's openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal unleashed a blistering assault on Bangladesh's bowling attack on Day 4 of the second Test in Kanpur.With two days lost to rain, India's hopes of reaching the WTC final hinge on a positive result. Jasprit Bumrah's three-wicket haul had earlier dismissed Bangladesh for 233 in their first innings.Sharma and Jaiswal wasted no time in setting the tone for India's response. Jaiswal opened his account with three consecutive boundaries off Hasan Mahmud, while Sharma smashed Khaled Ahmed for two sixes in the following over.Jaiswal continued his onslaught, hitting the last ball of Ahmed's over for four. Sharma then targeted Mahmud, sending the pacer for a six and forcing him to overstep for a no-ball.Jaiswal capped off the over with a six and two fours, propelling India to the fastest 50 in Test cricket history. The Indian duo's relentless attack marked the first time a team had scored 50 runs within the first three overs of a Test match.Sharma and Jaiswal's blistering start has put India in a commanding position as they seek to secure a victory that would boost their chances of reaching the WTC final.

India on the Cusp of Historic Test Series Victory Against BangladeshIndia is on the verge of extending its remarkable home Test series winning streak to 18 as it faces Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur. The hosts secured a comprehensive 280-run victory in the opening Test in Chennai, and a draw in Kanpur would seal the record-breaking achievement.India's dominance in Test cricket has been unwavering, and they currently lead the World Test Championship standings. The team is aiming to qualify for the WTC final for the third consecutive time.However, the second Test has been marred by rain, with the third day being washed out without a ball being bowled. Bangladesh resumed their innings on Sunday at 107-3 off 35 overs, with Mominul Haque (40) and Mushfiqur Rahim (6) at the crease.With no rain forecast for Monday, the fourth day is expected to witness a timely start of play. India will be eager to wrap up the series victory, while Bangladesh will be determined to salvage a draw.The Indian bowling attack, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel, has been in scintillating form, while the batting lineup has also performed admirably. Bangladesh, on the other hand, will need to show resilience and determination to avoid a series defeat.The match is poised for an exciting finish, with both teams having a chance to create history. India is on the cusp of a record-extending Test series victory, while Bangladesh is aiming to break their losing streak in India.

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, which commences on Friday. Having secured a comfortable victory in the first Test, India aims to replicate their success and strengthen their position in the race for the World Test Championship final.However, Virat Kohli's poor form in the first Test has raised concerns. Dismissed for 6 and 17 in the two innings, Kohli was dismissed twice in four overs by unheralded pacer Jamshed Alam during a net session on Wednesday. Alam, a 22-year-old from Lucknow, attributed his success to the out-swingers he bowled on a practice pitch that favored pacers.Despite Kohli's struggles, former Pakistan player Basit Ali believes the Indian star will regain his form in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting on November 22. Ali suggests that Kohli will thrive on the pacy wickets in Australia, where he has a proven track record of success."Virat will return to form against Australia," Ali said. "He will like the pacy wickets in Australia. Big players often lose concentration against weak teams but they do well against tougher oppositions."Ali also expressed confidence in India's ability to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. "People say India win at home but they have won two series in Australia as well," he said. "India won't allow Australia to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year as well."Kohli's return to form will be crucial for India's chances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Indian team will be eager to prove their dominance against a formidable Australian side and secure their place in the World Test Championship final.

New Zealand's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final hang in the balance as they prepare for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The Black Caps have lost all five Tests in Galle, but their margins of defeat have narrowed with each outing.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence after consecutive Test victories under interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya. They have made two changes to their XI, bringing in Milan Rathnayake and Nishan Peiris for Lahiru Kumara and Ramesh Mendis.New Zealand may consider replacing Mitchell Santner with Michael Bracewell, who bowled more threateningly in the first Test. The pitch is expected to be another rank turner, with Will O'Rourke, Tim Southee, and Asitha Fernando likely to create significant footmarks.Dinesh Chandimal has been asked to move up to No. 3 for Sri Lanka, while Kane Williamson's record in Galle is modest. However, Williamson's runs have been a key predictor of New Zealand's success over the past 15 years.Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya has an outside chance of becoming the equal-fastest bowler to reach 100 Test wickets, while Ajaz Patel has a strong record in Galle with two five-wicket hauls.New Zealand need a win to keep their WTC final hopes alive, while Sri Lanka can move closer to Australia in the standings with another victory. The match is expected to be a close contest on a challenging pitch.

India's quest for a hat-trick of World Test Championship (WTC) finals continues as they prepare for the second and final Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. After a resounding victory in Chennai, India needs four more wins from their remaining nine matches to secure their place in the WTC final next year.The Kanpur Test will present a stark contrast to the red-soil pitch in Chennai. The black soil pitch is expected to be flatter and lower in bounce, favoring spinners. This change may prompt both teams to alter their team compositions.India may consider resting premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah to manage his workload. However, his impressive performance in Chennai, where he took four wickets in just 21 overs, may sway the team management to keep him in the lineup.The choice of the third spinner is another key decision. Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in excellent form, could get the nod over Axar Patel, whose all-round abilities may not be as crucial on a flat pitch.India's probable playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh:* Rohit Sharma (c)* Yashasvi Jaiswal* Shubman Gill* Virat Kohli* KL Rahul* Rishabh Pant (wk)* Ravindra Jadeja* Ravichandran Ashwin* Kuldeep Yadav* Jasprit Bumrah (if fit)* Mohammed Siraj

The Indian cricket team's recent victory over Bangladesh in the World Test Championship (WTC) has sparked a heated debate among fans over Jasprit Bumrah's comments regarding the "fittest cricketer in the team."In a recent interview, Bumrah controversially chose himself over Virat Kohli as the answer to this question, stating that he wanted to promote fast bowlers. This sparked a fierce online war between the fans of both star cricketers.Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in on the debate, urging fans to not make a big deal out of it. He praised Bumrah as the "crown jewel of Indian cricket" and emphasized the importance of handling fast bowlers with care."Jasprit Bumrah is a fast bowler who bowls at 145 kmph in this heat. He is the crown jewel of Indian cricket like the Kohinoor diamond. Let him say whatever he wants. Just accept it," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.Ashwin drew an analogy between fast bowlers and tipper lorries, highlighting the need for careful handling due to their high-stress nature. He acknowledged that Bumrah's injuries were a concern but praised his resilience in returning to bowl at such high speeds.Meanwhile, India's victory over Bangladesh has solidified their position at the top of the WTC table, while Sri Lanka's win over New Zealand has boosted their chances of reaching the final at Lord's next year.India's 280-run victory in Chennai has increased their percentage to 71.67%, extending their lead over Australia in second place. Bangladesh has dropped to sixth place, while Sri Lanka has moved into third spot.

India's dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle continues unabated as they extended their lead at the summit with a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai. The triumph solidifies their position as the team to beat, with a percentage of 71.67%.Ravichandran Ashwin was the architect of India's success, earning Player of the Match honors for his all-round brilliance. His century in the first innings and six-wicket haul in the second proved decisive. Bangladesh, chasing a mammoth target of 515, were bowled out for 234, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja sharing the spoils.The victory propelled India to 12 crucial WTC points, further cementing their grip on the top spot. Bangladesh, on the other hand, slipped to sixth in the standings with a percentage of 39.29%.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka boosted their chances of reaching the WTC final with a thrilling 63-run victory over New Zealand in Galle. Dhananjaya de Silva's side now occupies third place with a 50% win rate, putting them in contention for a top-two finish.Prabath Jayasuriya emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka, claiming match figures of 9-204 and earning the Player of the Match award. His tactical brilliance in holding off bowling New Zealand out on the fourth day allowed the bowlers to return refreshed on the final day.Sri Lanka's victory has made them a strong contender for a spot in the WTC final. With a potential maximum percentage of 69.23%, they need a clean sweep against South Africa and a 2-0 series win over Australia at home to secure their place.The race for the final two spots in the WTC finale at Lord's is heating up, with India, Sri Lanka, and England all in contention. The upcoming series will be crucial in determining who will join Australia, the current table-toppers, in the battle for the coveted trophy.

Sri Lanka's relentless bowling attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya's exceptional performance, secured a resounding 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle. The triumph marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, propelling them to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.Jayasuriya, the left-arm spinner, was the architect of Sri Lanka's triumph, claiming a match-winning haul of 9 for 204. His eight-wicket haul in the second innings, including a five-wicket burst on the final morning, proved decisive in dismantling New Zealand's resistance.After Sri Lanka posted a formidable 305 in their first innings, New Zealand responded with a competitive 340, thanks to a gritty 70 from Tom Latham. However, Sri Lanka's bowlers, including Ramesh Mendis and Jayasuriya, kept the pressure on, restricting New Zealand's lead to just 35 runs.In their second innings, Sri Lanka amassed 309, with Dimuth Karunaratne contributing a crucial 83. New Zealand's bowlers, led by Ajaz Patel and Will O'Rourke, fought back, but Sri Lanka's batting depth proved too strong.With a target of 275, New Zealand began the final day with hope, but Jayasuriya's early strike against Rachin Ravindra (92) shattered their momentum. O'Rourke's dismissal shortly after sealed New Zealand's fate, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive victory.O'Rourke, despite his disappointment, emerged as a standout performer for New Zealand, claiming eight wickets in the match. However, it was Jayasuriya's brilliance that ultimately proved the difference, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.The result has significant implications for both teams in the WTC. Sri Lanka's victory keeps their hopes of reaching the final alive, while New Zealand's defeat complicates their path to qualification.With just a two-day break, the two teams will reconvene in Galle for the second Test, starting on Thursday. Sri Lanka will be aiming to seal the series, while New Zealand will be desperate to bounce back and level the contest.

Bangladesh's promising start in the first Test against India in Chennai has been overshadowed by a potential penalty for failing to bowl the required number of overs on the opening day.The visitors had India reeling at 34 for 3 and later 144 for 6, but a remarkable partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin (102*) and Ravindra Jadeja (86*) rescued the hosts. India ended the day at 339 for 6, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious position.However, Bangladesh's troubles extend beyond the scoreboard. Despite being granted a half-hour extension in bowling, they fell 10 overs short of the target. This violation could result in a penalty from the International Cricket Council (ICC).This potential sanction adds to Bangladesh's woes, as they were recently docked three World Test Championship points and fined 15% of their match fee for being three overs short in their first Test against Pakistan.On Day 1 against India, Bangladesh managed to bowl only 80 overs, falling short in all three sessions. Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle expressed his disapproval on social media, stating that it was "unacceptable" for Bangladesh to bowl less than 80 overs despite the extra time granted.According to ICC regulations, a team loses one World Test Championship point for each Penalty Over incurred during the Round Stage. Bangladesh's failure to meet the over quota could therefore cost them valuable points in their quest for a place in the final.The situation highlights the importance of teams adhering to the ICC's playing conditions. Bangladesh will need to address this issue promptly to avoid further penalties and maintain their chances of success in the World Test Championship.