Cricket

India's Women Cricketers Triumph Over New Zealand in ODI OpenerIn a thrilling encounter, the Indian women's cricket team emerged victorious over recently crowned Women's T20 World Cup champions New Zealand by a commanding 59-run margin in the first ODI of the three-match series.One of the defining moments of the match came during India's bowling effort, when spinner Deepti Sharma displayed exceptional presence of mind to execute a clever run-out. As New Zealand captain Sophie Devine stepped out to block a delivery, Sharma noticed an opportunity. With Devine still out of her crease and unaware of the situation, Sharma swiftly threw the ball back to wicket-keeper Yastika Bhatia, who swiftly dislodged the bails before Devine could return.Devine's attempt to evade Sharma's throw proved futile, as Yastika's quick reflexes sealed her fate. The third umpire confirmed Devine's dismissal, bringing an abrupt end to her innings for just two runs off five balls.Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 227 in 44.3 overs. While no batter managed to reach a half-century, several contributions throughout the order laid the foundation for their success. Tejal Hasabnis, making her international debut, top-scored with a solid 42, while Deepti Sharma chipped in with a valuable 41.In the run chase, New Zealand struggled to gain momentum, failing to establish any significant partnerships. They were eventually bowled out for 168 in just 40.4 overs, falling short of India's target by a significant margin.Radha Yadav emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India, claiming three wickets. Saima Thakor, another debutant, contributed with two wickets, while Deepti Sharma added one wicket to her impressive run-out.This victory marks a significant achievement for India, who had previously lost to New Zealand in the group stage of the Women's T20 World Cup. The team will now aim to secure a series win in the remaining two ODIs.

Australia's legendary fast bowler Brett Lee has emphasized the crucial role of India's pace trio—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami—in their quest to conquer the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.Bumrah and Siraj have been instrumental in India's recent success, while Shami has been sidelined since the 2023 ODI World Cup due to an Achilles tendon injury. However, Lee believes Shami's return to fitness is paramount for India's chances."Mohammed Shami has to be fit if India want to win over here," Lee asserted. "We all know how good a bowler Bumrah is. He can shape the ball both ways and will bowl extremely well. He's great with the old ball and a master of reverse swing."Lee also praised Siraj's ability to extract movement from the new ball. "Mohammed Siraj gets that new ball to talk and when he presents that seam upright, he gets it shape away, which can trouble Australia on wickets like Perth and Adelaide."Lee emphasized the importance of all three fast bowlers firing alongside Ravichandran Ashwin's spin. "For me, it is that combination. It is those three fast bowlers plus Ashwin, the spinner. Then they have guys who are part-time spinners to play a role. But you have to have those three quicks firing if India want to win."In case Shami is not ready for the Tests, Lee suggests India consider young speedster Mayank Yadav, who impressed in the IPL and made his T20I debut against Bangladesh. "The great thing about India is that they are not worried about how much cricket someone has played," Lee said. "If Mayank Yadav is ready to go, get him in there."Lee believes Yadav's raw pace and potential could be an asset on Australian wickets. "One thing I can promise you is that batsmen are OK around that 135km to 140km an hour mark. It is when they are bowling high 150s that no-one wants to face fast bowling over 150km/h. He looks as though he has the complete package. He is fresh and raw. But I would be inclined to go with him if Mohammed Shami is not ready."

India's Sarfaraz Khan has cemented his place in the Test team after his impressive century in the first Test against New Zealand. Despite Shubman Gill's return from injury, the team management has opted to retain Sarfaraz, dropping out-of-form KL Rahul.Sarfaraz's 150 in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, which India lost by eight wickets, has earned him praise from former India batter Aakash Chopra. Chopra believes Sarfaraz should be included in the squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series against Australia."In the squad, yes, in the playing XI, we don't know yet. You will need to carry enough, and it might be a larger squad anyways, it is a five-Test match series. First time in Australia, we are going to play five matches," Chopra said."Sarfaraz, whenever he has played, it is just not about the last Test match, what he did against England was also commendable, so there is no reason for us to even speculate that he won't be part of the touring squad, I think it is a given he will be there," he added.New Zealand, who won the first Test for their first Test victory in India since 1988, lead the three-match series 1-0. Spinners are expected to play a key role in the second Test in Pune.New Zealand have made one change, with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner replacing fast bowler Matt Henry, who has a "glute niggle." India have made three changes, with Gill, fast bowler Akash Deep, and spinner Washington Sundar coming into the team.Rahul, pace bowler Mohammed Siraj, and left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been dropped.

Team India Suffers Setback as Mayank Yadav Ruled Out of South Africa SeriesNew Delhi: Indian cricket has suffered a significant blow with the news that tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav will miss the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa due to injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 15-member squad for the series, which begins on November 8, confirming Mayank's absence.Mayank, who made his international debut in the recent home T20Is against Bangladesh, has been plagued by recurring injuries. An abdominal muscle issue forced him to miss the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.Despite his injury woes, Mayank made a striking tournament debut for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023. He consistently bowled at speeds over 150 kph and earned the Player of the Match award in his first two games.In his four overs against Gujarat Titans, Mayank claimed 3 wickets for 27 runs, reaching a top speed of 155.8 kph. In his second IPL game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he improved upon that, clocking 156.7 kph - the fastest ball recorded in IPL 2023.Mayank consistently exceeded the 150 kph mark, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 14 in his four overs. Notably, he became the first player in IPL history to win the Player of the Match award in his first two matches.In the squad announcement, India included all-rounder Ramandeep Singh and pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak. Notably, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Reddy, who featured in the Bangladesh T20Is, are absent as they will be traveling to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Meanwhile, spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, along with pacers Yash Dayal and Avesh Khan, have been added to the squad.Mayank's absence is a major setback for Team India, who will be looking to build on their recent success against Bangladesh. The pacer's ability to bowl at high speeds and generate swing would have been a valuable asset against South Africa's strong batting lineup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an 18-member Indian cricket team squad for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The series, which begins on November 22 in Perth, will feature matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.While the squad boasts a strong bowling lineup, there are notable absences, including Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, was unavailable for selection due to a chronic left groin issue. He had featured in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru but was replaced by Washington Sundar in the second contest.BCCI clarified that Yadav has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for long-term resolution of his injury.Mohammed Shami, who last played in the ODI World Cup in November 2023, has not recovered from a knee injury in time. Despite assurances of being fit, he has not been included in the squad.Axar Patel, on the other hand, has been named in the T20 squad that will travel to South Africa for a four-match series starting next month.Despite these absences, India's bowling lineup remains formidable. The squad includes Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious series between India and Australia, and both teams will be eager to claim victory. India will be looking to retain the trophy, which they won in 2018-19.

In a thrilling encounter at the Emerging Teams Asia Cup T20 tournament, Afghanistan A emerged victorious over India A by 20 runs, securing their place in the summit clash against Sri Lanka A.Afghanistan A's openers, Sediqullah Atal and Zubaid Akbari, set the tone for their team's dominant performance. Atal smashed 83 runs off 52 balls, including four sixes and seven boundaries, while Akbari contributed 64 runs off 41 balls, hitting four sixes and five fours. Their 137-run opening partnership laid the foundation for Afghanistan A's impressive total of 206/4.In response, India A struggled to gain momentum, losing three wickets within the powerplay. Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Tilak Varma were dismissed cheaply, leaving India A reeling at 48/3. Ayush Badoni and Nehal Wadhera attempted to steady the innings, but Afghanistan A's bowlers kept the pressure on.Ramandeep Singh emerged as a beacon of hope for India A, scoring a valiant half-century. He forged a 68-run partnership with Nishant Sindhu in just 31 balls, giving India A a glimmer of hope. However, Nishant's unfortunate run-out in the 16th over proved to be a turning point.With India A needing 53 runs from the last three overs, the momentum shifted decisively in Afghanistan A's favor. Abdul Rahman held his nerve in the final over, dismissing Ramandeep on the last delivery and restricting India A to 186/7.In the other semifinal, Sri Lanka A displayed their bowling prowess, restricting Pakistan Shaheens to a modest 135/9. Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha was the star performer, claiming 4/21, while Nipun Ranskika and Eshan Malinga chipped in with two wickets each. Sri Lanka A chased down the target in 16.3 overs, setting up a tantalizing final against Afghanistan A.

India Announce T20I Squad for South Africa Series, Ramandeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak Earn Maiden Call-upsThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa, which commences on November 8 in Durban. The squad features two notable inclusions: middle-order batter Ramandeep Singh and fast bowler Vijaykumar Vyshak, who have earned their maiden India call-ups.Ramandeep Singh, a 24-year-old right-handed batter, has been in impressive form for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has consistently scored runs at a high strike rate, showcasing his ability to accelerate the innings in the middle overs.Vijaykumar Vyshak, a 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler, has also caught the attention of selectors with his performances for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. He has impressed with his pace and accuracy, consistently troubling batters with his ability to swing the ball both ways.However, the squad also includes three notable absentees due to injuries. Batting allrounder Riyan Parag is undergoing rehabilitation for a chronic right shoulder injury, while fast bowler Mayank Yadav and seam-bowling allrounder Shivam Dube are also unavailable due to unspecified injuries.Mayank Yadav, who made his international debut during the recent home T20Is against Bangladesh, has been plagued by injuries throughout his career. He missed the entire IPL 2024 season due to an abdominal muscle issue, which has raised concerns about his long-term fitness.The Indian squad for the T20I series against South Africa is as follows:* Suryakumar Yadav (capt)* Abhishek Sharma* Sanju Samson (wk)* Rinku Singh* Tilak Varma* Jitesh Sharma (wk)* Hardik Pandya* Axar Patel* Ramandeep Singh* Varun Chakaravarthy* Ravi Bishnoi* Arshdeep Singh* Vijaykumar Vyshak* Avesh Khan* Yash DayalThe series against South Africa will be a crucial test for India as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Australia. The team will be looking to build momentum and fine-tune their combinations ahead of the global tournament.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia, commencing on November 22 in Perth. The squad features several notable inclusions and exclusions.Inclusions:* Abhimanyu Easwaran: The Bengal opener has been rewarded for his consistent performances in domestic cricket, becoming the third-choice opener behind Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal.* Harshit Rana: The seamer has enjoyed an impressive year, starring in an IPL title and earning a Test call-up after being selected in the white-ball squads.* Nitish Rana: The Andhra Pradesh all-rounder has impressed in the T20 league and made his T20I debut against Bangladesh this month.Exclusions:* Mohammed Shami: The match-changing seamer has been ruled out due to a knee swelling, despite working tirelessly to recover from ankle surgery.* Kuldeep Yadav: The left-arm spinner has been referred to the BCCI Centre of Excellence to address his chronic left groin issue.Other Notable Selections:* Washington Sundar: The spin-bowling all-rounder has been included after taking seven wickets in the first innings against New Zealand in the ongoing second Test in Pune.* Prasidh Krishna: The Karnataka seamer returns to the Test squad after debuting in South Africa and impressing in India A's Duleep Trophy title win.Reserves:* Mukesh Kumar* Navdeep Saini* Khaleel AhmedThe Indian squad will travel with a well-stocked pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Akash Deep has maintained his spot after impressive performances against England and Bangladesh.

India has announced its squad for the upcoming five-Test tour of Australia, which commences on November 22. The squad features three uncapped players: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.India's tour begins with a warm-up match against India A in Perth from November 15 to 17. The first Test against Australia will be held at Perth Stadium from November 22 to 26. The team will then travel to Canberra for a tour match against the Prime Minister's XI on November 30 and December 1.The second Test, a day-night fixture, will be played in Adelaide from December 6 to 10. The third Test will take place in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne starting December 26. The tour concludes with the New Year's Test in Sydney from January 3.India is the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having won their previous two tours of Australia by a 2-1 margin. The team will be led by Rohit Sharma, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as vice-captain.