Cricket

Ayush Badoni's Brilliance Powers India A to ACC Emerging Asia Cup Semi-FinalsMUSCAT, Oman - India A cruised to a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Oman in the ACC Emerging Asia Cup on Wednesday, setting up a semi-final clash with Afghanistan A. The triumph was orchestrated by the scintillating batting display of Ayush Badoni, who showcased his exceptional stroke-making ability.Badoni, a rising star from Lucknow Super Giants, hammered 51 runs off just 27 deliveries, including six boundaries and two towering sixes. His innings was a masterclass in timing and power, with the Delhi right-hander effortlessly dispatching the Omani bowlers to all corners of the ground.India A chased down the target of 141 with ease, reaching the milestone in just 15.2 overs. Abhishek Sharma provided a blistering start with a quickfire 34 off 15 balls, while skipper Tilak Varma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 36 off 30 deliveries.Oman's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batting onslaught, with only Mohammed Nadeem offering any resistance with a knock of 41. India A's bowlers, led by left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore and leg-spinner Rahul Chahar, kept the Omani batsmen in check, conceding just 41 runs in their combined eight overs.The victory marked India A's third consecutive win in the group stage, securing their place at the top of the standings. They will now face Afghanistan A in the semi-finals, while Oman will take on Bangladesh A in the other semi-final.Badoni's performance was a testament to his growing reputation as a promising young talent. His ability to play a wide range of shots and his fearless approach make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka led his team to a convincing five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second ODI at Pallekele, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Chasing a revised target of 190 in 44 overs due to rain, Sri Lanka lost early wickets but recovered through a 62-run partnership between Nishan Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Asalanka then took charge, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 61 deliveries, including seven fours and a six. He shared a crucial 55-run stand with Janith Liyanage to guide Sri Lanka home with 34 balls to spare.Earlier, the West Indies were in dire straits at 58-8 after being put in to bat. However, a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie rescued them. Rutherford, dropped twice, smashed 80 off 82 balls, while Motie contributed an unbeaten 50. Their 119-run stand eclipsed the previous highest ninth-wicket partnership for the West Indies in ODIs.Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, claiming 4-40 on a challenging pitch.Asalanka's match-winning knock marked his second consecutive half-century in the series, following his 77 in the first ODI. The victory extended Sri Lanka's impressive home record, with this being their tenth consecutive home series win.The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday, with Sri Lanka aiming to complete a clean sweep.

The inaugural Global Super League, a groundbreaking T20 competition, is set to kick off on November 26, featuring a diverse lineup of teams from around the world. The opening match will pit the Guyana Amazon Warriors (Caribbean Premier League) against the Lahore Qalandars (Pakistan Super League).The five-team tournament also includes Hampshire Hawks (T20 Blast), Rangpur Riders (BPL), and Victoria (Australia state team). Eleven matches, culminating in the final on December 7, will be played across as many days. Each team will face each other once, with the top two advancing to the championship match.The Global Super League aims to showcase the best of international club cricket and establish Guyana as a global sporting destination. The tournament has received the sanction of Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the full support of the Guyanese government.However, the scheduling of the Global Super League coincides with other major cricket events, potentially affecting player availability. The West Indies will be hosting Bangladesh for two Tests during the same period, which could impact the Guyana Amazon Warriors, who have several players in the West Indies Test squad.Similarly, the Pakistan tour of South Africa, starting with T20Is on December 10, may affect the availability of players from the Lahore Qalandars, including captain Shaheen Afridi and star batsman Babar Azam.Despite these potential scheduling conflicts, the Global Super League is expected to attract top talent and provide a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. The tournament offers a unique opportunity for teams from different leagues and countries to compete against each other, showcasing the diversity and depth of T20 cricket.

New Zealand's cricketers have enjoyed a remarkable week, with both the men's and women's teams achieving historic victories. The men's team secured their first Test match win in India in 36 years, while the women's team triumphed in the T20 World Cup for the first time ever.The women's victory was particularly impressive, as they overcame the host nation India in the final. The Indian team had begun their campaign with a loss to New Zealand, which ultimately proved costly as the Kiwis edged past them in the group stage and advanced to the semifinals.Harmanpreet Kaur's Indian team now has a chance for immediate revenge, as they face New Zealand in the first of a three-match ODI series on Thursday. The Indian women will be eager to settle the score from the T20 World Cup, where they were thrashed 4-1 by the White Ferns.Amelia Kerr was the star of that series win for New Zealand, plundering 353 runs at an average of 117.66. She will be a key player for the Kiwis once again, along with captain Sophie Devine and veteran Suzie Bates.The Indian bowlers will have their work cut out for them, as they face a formidable New Zealand batting lineup. Renuka Singh, Radha Yadav, and Deepti Sharma will need to be at their best to contain the likes of Kerr, Devine, and Bates.In the men's Test match, New Zealand's victory was built on a solid batting performance. Tom Latham and Devon Conway both scored centuries, while Daryl Mitchell and Henry Nicholls made valuable contributions. The bowlers also played their part, with Tim Southee and Trent Boult taking seven wickets each.The victory was a significant achievement for New Zealand, as it ended India's long unbeaten streak at home. It also gave the Kiwis a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the second Test scheduled to begin on November 25.

Gujarat Titans, the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, have hinted at retaining their skipper Shubman Gill and star spinner Rashid Khan for the upcoming 2025 season. The franchise posted images of both players on social media, suggesting their retention ahead of the official announcement.However, the absence of pacer Mohammed Shami's photo in the post has raised questions about his future with the team. Shami has been a crucial member of the Titans since their inception in 2022, playing a pivotal role in their title victory that year. In IPL 2023, he continued to lead the Titans' pace attack, finishing with an impressive tally of 28 wickets.Shami's recent struggles with injuries have cast a shadow over his retention prospects. He has been sidelined since the ODI World Cup final last November due to an ankle injury and a knee swelling issue. However, the 34-year-old has recently shown encouraging signs of recovery, bowling at full intensity in the nets.Shami's fitness and performance in upcoming domestic matches will be crucial in determining his fate with the Titans. He aims to play "one or two" matches to strengthen his case for selection ahead of the marquee tour of Australia starting next month.The Titans' decision on Shami's retention will be closely watched by fans and experts alike. His experience and skill would be a valuable asset to the team, but his recent injury concerns may give the franchise pause.

Mohammad Haris Channels Virat Kohli with Spectacular Swat Flick in Emerging Asia CupIn a thrilling encounter during the Emerging Asia Cup 2024 match between Pakistan A and the UAE, Mohammad Haris showcased his exceptional batting prowess with a remarkable stroke that drew comparisons to the legendary Virat Kohli.The Pakistan A captain, who had struggled in the tournament's opening matches, made a stunning comeback with a blistering 71 off 49 deliveries. His innings was highlighted by a spectacular swat flick for six, a shot that has become synonymous with Kohli's batting style.Facing Sanchit Sharma in the 17th over, Haris remained deep in his crease and unleashed a powerful whip over deep square leg. The ball soared over the boundary, leaving both the opposition and spectators in awe. The audacious stroke was a testament to Haris's talent and the depth of Pakistan's emerging squad.Haris's innings included six fours and three sixes, helping his side post an impressive total of 179 against the UAE. His half-century was brought up with the trademark swat flick, a shot that has become a staple in Kohli's arsenal.In addition to Haris's batting heroics, Pakistan A's bowlers delivered an outstanding performance. Led by Shahnawaz Dahani's remarkable figures of 5 wickets for just 12 runs, the bowlers restricted the UAE to a mere 65 runs, securing a commanding 114-run victory.Haris's swat flick and Pakistan A's overall performance in the match showcased the immense talent and potential within the team. As the Emerging Asia Cup continues, all eyes will be on Haris and his teammates as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.

Sanju Samson's century in the third T20I against Bangladesh has reignited hopes of a permanent spot in the Indian team. After a disappointing start to the series, Samson's blistering knock sent a strong message to the selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir.Samson's struggles in the first two matches had left him feeling hesitant to even make eye contact with Gambhir. However, the wicket-keeper batter was determined to prove his worth in Hyderabad."I was a bit hesitant to make eye contact with him [Gambhir] but I told myself that apna time aayega (my time will come)," Samson said in an interview.Samson's century was a testament to his talent and resilience. He opened the batting and played with aggression, hitting 12 fours and 5 sixes. His innings helped India chase down Bangladesh's total of 145 with ease.Samson's performance has also earned him praise from India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav."Me and Surya go a long way since we have played a lot of junior cricket together," Samson said. "We have spent a lot of time together discussing cricket."Samson's century has put him in contention for a place in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from T20 internationals, there is a big opportunity for Samson to establish himself as a key player in the team.

Zimbabwe's T20I World Record: A Masterclass in Batting DominanceIn a historic display of batting prowess, Zimbabwe shattered the T20I world record with a staggering total of 344 against Gambia in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub-Regional Africa Qualifier. This remarkable feat surpassed Nepal's previous benchmark of 314, set against Mongolia in 2023.Leading the charge was Zimbabwe's talismanic skipper, Sikandar Raza, who etched his name in history as the first Zimbabwean to score a century in T20 internationals. His blistering knock of 133* off just 43 balls was a testament to his exceptional skill and form. Raza's innings was a whirlwind of aggression, as he dispatched the Gambian bowlers to all corners of the ground, hitting 15 sixes and 7 fours.Openers Brian Bennett and T Marumani set the tone for Zimbabwe's record-breaking innings with an explosive partnership of 98 runs in just 5.4 overs. Bennett's brisk 50 off 26 balls and Marumani's blistering 62 off 19 deliveries showcased their batting prowess and intent from the very start.Clive Madande maintained the momentum with a rapid unbeaten 53 off just 17 deliveries, further adding to Zimbabwe's record-breaking total.This landmark victory not only established Zimbabwe as a force to be reckoned with in T20I cricket but also highlighted the exceptional talent of Sikandar Raza. His century and the team's record-breaking total will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Zimbabwean cricketers.

India vs Oman Live Score: India A Squad Dominates Group BIndia's A squad has emerged as a formidable force in the Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup, securing two consecutive victories in Group B. With their sights set on the semifinals, India will face minnows Oman in their final group stage encounter.The Indian squad boasts a talented roster, including Prabhsimran Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Ayush Badoni, Ramandeep Singh, Nishant Sindhu, Anshul Kamboj, Rahul Chahar, Rasikh Dar Salam, Vaibhav Arora, Aaqib Khan, Hrithik Shokeen, Anuj Rawat, and Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore.India's dominance in the tournament has been evident in their impressive performances. In their opening match, they outplayed Bangladesh by 37 runs, showcasing their batting prowess and disciplined bowling. Their second victory came against Afghanistan, where they chased down a challenging target of 166 with ease, thanks to a brilliant century from Prabhsimran Singh.Oman, on the other hand, has faced a more challenging path in the tournament. They suffered a narrow defeat to Bangladesh in their first match and were outplayed by Afghanistan in their second. However, they remain determined to make an impact in their final group game against India.The match between India and Oman promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to secure a victory. India will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak and solidify their position as one of the favorites for the title. Oman, meanwhile, will be aiming to upset the odds and prove their worth on the international stage.