Cricket

India's T20I dominance over South Africa continued as they clinched an unassailable 2-1 series lead with an 11-run victory in the third match at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.Tilak Varma's scintillating unbeaten 107 and Abhishek Sharma's brisk 50 propelled India to a formidable 219/6 after being invited to bat first. Varma's knock was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring seven sixes and eight fours off just 57 deliveries. Sharma, who had endured a lean patch, played a vital role with a 25-ball 50, including five sixes and three fours.South Africa's chase got off to a solid start, with Aiden Markram (29), Reeza Hendricks (21), and Ryan Rickelton (20) contributing at the top of the order. However, it was Marco Jansen's late blitz that kept the Proteas in contention. The left-hander smashed 54 off just 17 balls, but his dismissal in the final over extinguished South Africa's hopes of a remarkable comeback.Heinrich Klaasen (41 off 22) also played a significant role for South Africa, but their efforts ultimately fell short. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 3/37, while Varun Chakravarthy chipped in with two wickets.Varma's century was a testament to his exceptional talent and composure. The 22-year-old controlled the game with his wide-ranging strokes, ensuring India capitalized on their strong start. His partnership with Sharma for the second wicket laid the foundation for India's imposing total.Despite the early loss of Sanju Samson (0), India's batting lineup showed resilience and depth. Suryakumar Yadav (1), Hardik Pandya (18), and Rinku Singh (8) failed to make significant contributions, but Varma's brilliance overshadowed their struggles.South Africa's bowlers, led by Keshav Maharaj (2/36), managed to slow down the scoring rate during the middle overs. However, Varma's late assault, where he scored 52 runs off just 22 balls, proved decisive.With the series victory secured, India will look to complete a clean sweep in the fourth and final T20I at the Wanderers on Friday. South Africa, on the other hand, will be determined to salvage some pride and avoid a series whitewash.

The third T20I between India and South Africa in Centurion witnessed an extraordinary interruption due to a swarm of insects. After India posted a formidable target of 220, the match was halted when Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks scored seven runs in an over. The delay lasted over 30 minutes as groundsmen frantically attempted to clear the field of the insects, which commentators identified as "flying ants."The bizarre incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with users expressing amusement and disbelief. The match resumed after the insects were cleared, but the delay had a significant impact on the game's momentum.Earlier, Tilak Varma had propelled India to a massive total with a scintillating unbeaten century. Promoted to number three, Varma unleashed a barrage of boundaries, smashing eight fours and seven sixes in his 107-run knock. His maiden T20I century made him the second-youngest Indian batter to achieve the feat.Abhishek Sharma provided valuable support to Varma, contributing a 25-ball fifty. The duo shared a 107-run partnership for the second wicket, targeting the short square boundaries during the Powerplay.South Africa's bowlers struggled to contain the Indian onslaught, with Andile Simelane and Keshav Maharaj claiming two wickets each. However, the insect invasion proved to be the most unexpected and memorable moment of the match.

After a thick blanket of smog shrouded the morning session, Haryana and Kerala engaged in a spirited day of cricket in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium.Haryana captain Ankit Kumar's decision to bowl first proved fruitful as pacer Anshul Kamboj dismissed B. Aparajith in the opening over. Kamboj and new-ball partner Aman Kumar maintained a tight line and length, forcing Kerala openers Rohan Kunnummal and Akshay Chandran to prioritize survival.The Kerala pair relied on sharp running between the wickets to counter the new-ball challenge, scoring only eight fours in their 91-run partnership. Kunnummal, the more assertive of the two, committed fully to the forward press, allowing him to drive when Haryana bowlers pitched it up. Chandran, on the other hand, stifled the opposition with assured defending.As the sun pierced through the dissipating smog, Haryana's desperation for a breakthrough grew. Jayant Yadav's introduction midway through the second session disrupted Kerala's rhythm. The off-spinner's clever variations in pace and release angle nearly got the better of both batters.However, Kunnummal and Chandran persisted with their methods, with the former reaching his fifty. Kunnummal's dismissal soon after tea, caught by Ankit at second slip off Kamboj, provided Haryana with a much-needed breakthrough.Kerala skipper Sachin Baby and Chandran saw off the rest of the day, with deteriorating light forcing an early stumps call. At the end of the opening day, Kerala had reached 138 for two, thanks to resolute fifties from Kunnummal and Chandran.

Michael Burgess, the 30-year-old wicketkeeper for Warwickshire, has unexpectedly announced his retirement from professional cricket. Burgess, who joined Warwickshire in 2019 from Sussex, had a contract that was set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. However, he has decided to step away from the game and pursue other career opportunities in London.Burgess began his cricket journey with Surrey's age-group setup before pursuing a degree in Sports and Exercise Science at Loughborough. He made his first-class debut for the UCCE side in 2014 and later joined Leicestershire in 2015. After being released by Leicestershire, Burgess considered various options, including a city job in London and a position at Royal Hospital School in Ipswich. However, he eventually secured a trial at Sussex, which led to a permanent deal.In 2019, Burgess moved to Warwickshire, where he became a key member of the team. He scored over 3,000 runs in 65 first-class matches for Warwickshire, including a career-high 178 against Surrey in 2022. Burgess also played a crucial role in Warwickshire's County Championship title and Bob Willis Trophy double in 2021.Speaking about his retirement, Burgess said, "It's been a very difficult decision. I know it will come as a surprise to many people around the club. But I've decided the time is right to step away from the game and pursue other opportunities."Warwickshire's performance director, Gavin Larsen, expressed disappointment at Burgess' departure but acknowledged that all players eventually reach the end of their careers. He praised Burgess' combativeness and toughness with the bat, as well as his exceptional wicketkeeping skills.Burgess' retirement leaves a void in Warwickshire's squad, which has already lost Will Rhodes and Chris Benjamin to Durham and Kent, respectively. The club has only signed one incoming player so far, seamer Ethan Bamber from Middlesex.

In a remarkable display of power-hitting, Tilak Varma etched his name in the history books by becoming the youngest batter to score a T20I century against a top-10 team. The 22-year-old left-hander smashed an unbeaten 107 off just 56 balls in the third T20I against South Africa in Centurion, guiding India to a challenging total of 219/6.Varma's innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, with boundaries flowing effortlessly from his bat. He struck eight fours and seven sixes, showcasing his versatility across all areas of the ground. His century came off just 51 balls, highlighting his exceptional temperament and shot-making ability.Promoted to number three in the batting order, Varma displayed maturity beyond his years. He handled the high-pressure situation with aplomb, setting the tone for India's innings with his aggressive and composed knock. His century was a significant milestone in his career, cementing his place as one of India's most promising T20I batters.Varma's knock played a pivotal role in setting a challenging total for South Africa, pushing the team to fight for the win. His innings was a testament to his talent and potential, and it will undoubtedly boost his confidence going forward.With 496 runs in 19 T20Is at an average of 41.33, Varma has already established himself as a reliable performer for India. His ability to clear the boundaries with ease, coupled with his maturity in handling pressure situations, makes him a valuable asset to the team.

India's Mohammad Amaan to Lead U19 Team in ACC Asia CupUttar Pradesh's Mohammad Amaan has been appointed as the captain of India's U19 team for the upcoming 50-over ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 8.India will kick off their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on November 30. The team boasts a talented roster of young players who have showcased their abilities in domestic competitions.Among the notable names in the squad are Mumbai's Ayush Mhatre, Bihar's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tamil Nadu's C Andre Siddarth, Kerala leg-spinner Mohammed Enaan, Karnataka batter Hardik Raj, and his state-mate Samarth Nagaraj.Group A of the tournament also includes Japan and the hosts UAE, while Group B features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Nepal. India will face Bangladesh in a practice match on November 26 in Sharjah before the tournament begins.The semifinals of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup are scheduled for December 6, with the final set to take place on December 8. India will be aiming to defend their title, having won the previous edition in 2019.India U19 Squad:* Ayush Mhatre* Vaibhav Sooryavanshi* C Andre Siddarth* Mohammad Amaan (C)* Kiran Chormale (VC)* Pranav Pant* Harvansh Singh Pangalia (WK)* Anurag Kawde (WK)* Hardik Raj* Mohammad Enaan* KP Karthikeya* Samarth Nagaraj* Yudhajit Guha* Chetan Sharma* Nikhil KumarNon-travelling Reserves:* Sahil Parakh* Naman Pushpak* Anmoljeet Singh* Pranav Raghavendra* D Dipesh

India and Pakistan Set for Clash in Inaugural Women's U19 Asia CupThe Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced the draw for the inaugural Women's U19 Asia Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia from December 15 to 22. The tournament will feature six teams divided into two groups of three.Group A consists of arch-rivals India, Pakistan, and Nepal, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia. All matches will be played at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.The tournament will kick off on December 15 with Malaysia facing Sri Lanka in the opening game. Later that day, India and Pakistan will lock horns in a highly anticipated clash.The following day, Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh, followed by Pakistan facing Nepal. The final group-stage fixtures will be held on December 17, with Bangladesh taking on Malaysia and India facing Nepal.The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four round, scheduled for December 19 and 20. The third-placed teams from both groups will compete in a fifth/sixth-place play-off on December 18.The top two teams from the Super Four will qualify for the final, which will be played on December 22.The Women's U19 Asia Cup is a significant event for women's cricket in the region. It provides a platform for young players to showcase their skills and gain valuable international experience. The tournament is also expected to generate excitement and enthusiasm among fans, particularly in India and Pakistan.

Sanju Samson's recent batting performances have been a tale of two extremes. After a remarkable run of form with consecutive hundreds, the Indian batter has unexpectedly found himself on the opposite end of the spectrum, recording back-to-back ducks.The shift in performance has taken fans by surprise, as Samson was previously celebrated for his consistent and impactful scoring. During the second match of the series at Gqeberha, Samson's stumps were rattled by fast bowler Marco Jansen. The wicketkeeper-batsman struggled against the left-arm quick Jansen, who dismissed him in a similar fashion during the third encounter on Wednesday.In contrast, Samson's performance in the first game of the series in Durban was nothing short of explosive. He delivered an impressive 107 off just 50 balls, striking at an impressive rate of 214.00. His innings featured seven fours and ten towering sixes.Prior to this, Samson had scored his maiden T20I century against Bangladesh in the third and final match in Hyderabad last month. In the process, Samson, who got to his hundred in 40 balls, also surpassed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who did it in 45 balls, to become the second fastest Indian to get to the landmark.Samson's recent struggles have raised questions about his consistency and ability to handle pressure. However, the wicketkeeper-batter remains confident in his abilities. "I feel honestly, I have faced a lot of failures in my career. Actually, I have had more failures than success in my career. When you go through that fear, you tend to doubt yourself a lot. People will say a lot and social media will play its role. But you also think a lot about yourself...," Samson said.The wicketkeeper-batter added that he has shot-making ability against spin and pace. "But with my experience, I know my abilities. If I spend some time on the wicket, I have the shot-making ability against spin and pace. I know I can help the team with my contributions. So I always used to tell myself that, even if you have lows, the upside is also good," he added.It remains to be seen whether Samson can regain his form and help India secure a series victory against South Africa. However, his recent struggles serve as a reminder that even the most talented players can experience setbacks.

Richard Whittam KC has been appointed as the inaugural chair of the Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP), a newly established independent tribunal that will adjudicate on regulatory breaches in English professional cricket. Whittam's appointment, made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) board for a four-year term, follows an open recruitment process.Whittam, a 64-year-old specialist regulatory and criminal barrister, brings a wealth of experience in sports discipline to the role. He served as a deputy high court judge from 2016 to 2022 and was appointed as the Rugby Football Union's Head of Independent Judiciary last year. Whittam has also chaired discipline, safeguarding, and appeal panels in rugby union since 2014 and is a member of the World Rugby and European Professional Club Rugby Judicial Panels.As chair of the CDP, Whittam will preside over specific disciplinary cases and appoint other panel members with appropriate skills and diversity. The panel will consider cases brought before it by the Cricket Regulator, the body responsible for monitoring compliance with and enforcing adherence to the game's regulations on behalf of the ECB.The CDP's primary function will be to adjudicate on breaches of the ECB's Professional Conduct Regulations, but it will also handle cases related to other regulations, including the Anti-Corruption code, Player and Match Officials' Minimum Standards, Cricket Playing Conditions, Bowling Review Regulations, Pitch Regulations, and Head Protector Regulations.Whittam expressed his delight at being appointed to the role, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of cricket through the enforcement of rules and regulations. ECB chair Richard Thompson praised Whittam's background in law and sports discipline, describing him as the ideal person to lead the CDP.The establishment of the CDP is a key recommendation from the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC), which published a damning report in June 2023 detailing structural inequalities across race, gender, and class in cricket in England and Wales. The Cricket Regulator was formed in 2023 to monitor compliance with and enforce adherence to the game's regulations.