Cricket

South Africa's captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the team's batting struggles after their three-wicket victory over India in the second ODI. He emphasized the importance of sticking to their game plan despite setbacks.In the post-match presentation, Markram praised the team's bowling performance, highlighting the execution of their plans. However, he acknowledged the batting's shortcomings, stating, "Sometimes it does not work out and we need to take it on the chin."Markram expressed pride in the contributions of Andile Simlalane and Nqabayomzi Peter, who played crucial roles in the victory. He emphasized the need to focus on each game individually, saying, "We won this game to level the series."The four-match series is now tied at 1-1. South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first, restricting India to 124/6 in 20 overs. Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee were instrumental in containing the Indian batters, each taking one wicket in their four-over spells.In the run-chase, India initially dominated, reducing South Africa to 87/6. However, Tristan Stubbs and Coetzee launched a counter-attack, guiding the team to victory with an over and three wickets remaining. Stubbs was named 'Player of the Match' for his unbeaten 47.Markram emphasized the team's commitment to their brand of cricket, despite the batting challenges. He said, "We are going to stick to our brand of cricket."

In a thrilling encounter at St George's Park, South Africa fought back valiantly to level the four-match T20I series against India 1-1. Despite a brilliant five-wicket haul from Varun Chakravarthy, the Proteas chased down a modest target of 125 with three wickets to spare.India's innings started promisingly, but they soon found themselves in trouble. Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav were dismissed cheaply, leaving India reeling at 15/3. Axar Patel and Tilak Varma provided some stability, but regular wickets prevented India from building momentum. Hardik Pandya's late surge (39 not out) offered some hope, but India could only muster 124/6 in their allotted 20 overs.South Africa's reply got off to a shaky start as they lost early wickets. Arshdeep Singh dismissed Ryan Rickelton, while Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks fell to Chakravarthy. However, Tristan Stubbs remained unyielding at the crease, striking crucial boundaries and keeping his side in the hunt.Despite a mid-innings wobble, South Africa stayed composed. Gerald Coetzee provided valuable support as the Proteas reached the target with just three wickets down. Chakravarthy's heroic performance couldn't save India, as South Africa leveled the series with a thrilling chase.The match showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. South Africa's ability to chase down a modest target under pressure was impressive, while India's bowling attack, led by Chakravarthy, showed their class. With two matches remaining in the series, both teams will be eager to gain an advantage and secure the series victory.

Mushfiqur Rahim's absence from the Bangladesh Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies marks a significant shift in the team's composition. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who has been a mainstay of the side for over a decade, has been ruled out due to a finger injury.Mushfiqur's injury means that Bangladesh will field a Test team without any of its "big three" for the first time in 16 years. Shakib Al Hasan retired from the format in September, while Tamim Iqbal has not played a Test since last year.The absence of these experienced players places a heavy burden on the shoulders of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. However, Shanto will have a strong pace attack at his disposal, including Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, and Nahid Rana.Uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad has been added to the spin department, which also includes vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam.In the batting department, Bangladesh have kept faith in their regular top-order batters Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Zakir Hasan. Shanto and Mominul Haque will bat at No. 3 and 4 respectively.Mushfiqur's role could fall on Jaker Ali or Mahidul Islam Ankon, with Litton Das back with the gloves and likely to bat at No. 7.Bangladesh will start the tour with a four-day warm-up game at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by the first Test in Antigua from November 22. The second Test is in Jamaica, starting November 30. The visitors will then play three ODIs and as many T20Is, but their white-ball squad hasn't been announced yet.

Sanju Samson, India's enigmatic batter, has opened up about his struggles in international cricket, revealing the self-doubt that plagued him during a string of failures. However, with unwavering self-belief and the support of captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir, Samson has staged a remarkable comeback, hitting back-to-back centuries in T20 Internationals.Samson's resurgence began with a breathtaking 111 against Bangladesh in the third T20I, followed by another ton in India's comfortable 61-run win over South Africa in the opening game of the series. The Kerala batter acknowledged the crucial role played by Yadav and Gambhir during his low phase."When you have a supporting captain like Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam bhai, they all support you during failures," Samson said. "The way they communicate with you in your failures is very important. Everyone knows that if we are going through a negative phase, then the player can get lost there."Samson's innings against South Africa included 10 monstrous sixes, propelling India to a formidable 202 for 8 in 20 overs. The wicket was challenging, but Samson's aggressive approach paid dividends."We are definitely the world champions at the moment," Samson said. "So I think we have to play like that and just keep on looking to dominate in this format."Samson's resurgence is a testament to his resilience and the importance of self-belief. Despite facing criticism for not fulfilling his potential, he has remained determined to prove his worth. With the support of his captain and coach, Samson has rediscovered his form and is now a key player in India's T20I setup.

India Embarks on Historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy Quest in AustraliaThe Indian cricket team has set sail for Australia, embarking on a pivotal five-Test series that will shape their World Test Championship aspirations. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, commencing on November 22, 2024, holds immense significance for India, who seek redemption after a recent series loss.With a points percentage of 58.33%, India trails Australia in the World Test Championship standings. To remain in contention for the championship, they must emerge victorious in at least four of the five Tests. This series marks a historic milestone, as it will be the first time India and Australia will engage in a five-Test series on Australian soil since the inception of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.Rohit Sharma will lead the Indian charge, with Jasprit Bumrah serving as his deputy. The squad boasts a formidable lineup, including Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Abhimanyu Easwaran. Rishabh Pant returns as wicketkeeper, joined by newcomer Dhruv Jurel. The spin attack features the experienced trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. The pace attack comprises Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Harshit Rana.The first Test will commence on November 22 in Perth, followed by Adelaide on December 6, Brisbane on December 14, Melbourne on December 26, and Sydney on January 3, 2025. India faces a daunting task, but they possess the talent and determination to overcome the challenges and emerge victorious.

Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has once again demonstrated her exceptional character both on and off the field. During the ongoing Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), Perry took time out of her busy schedule to make a young fan's day.The heartwarming moment occurred when Perry, who plays for the Sydney Sixers, noticed a young fan wearing a shirt with her name and number. Instead of simply acknowledging the fan, Perry approached the child and engaged in a playful interaction.Perry began by bowling a couple of under-arm balls to the young fan, who eagerly held the bat. The fan's excitement was evident as they swung at the balls with enthusiasm. Perry then gave the fan a high-five, further cementing the special moment.The interaction culminated in Perry taking the fan into her arms, creating a lasting memory for the young cricket enthusiast. The wholesome moment was witnessed by several people, including many young children who were inspired by Perry's kindness and humility.Perry's gesture highlights her dedication to connecting with her fans and promoting the sport of cricket. As one of the most popular female cricketers in the world, Perry understands the importance of inspiring young athletes and fostering a love for the game.Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Perry is also a multi-talented sportsperson. She has represented Australia in both cricket and football, showcasing her exceptional athleticism and versatility. Perry's achievements in both sports have made her a role model for young girls and women around the world.Currently, Perry is the top run-scorer of WBBL 2024, having slammed 315 runs in six games at a strike-rate of more than 150. Her impressive performance has helped the Sydney Sixers remain competitive in the league, despite their current position outside the top four.Perry's contributions to cricket and her unwavering commitment to inspiring young athletes make her a true ambassador for the sport. Her actions both on and off the field serve as a reminder of the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting memories.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of its unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for February-March 2025.The PCB received an email from the ICC stating that the BCCI had communicated its decision not to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The PCB has forwarded the email to the Government of Pakistan for advice and guidance.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had previously stated that Pakistan would unveil its policy once it received something in writing from the ICC. The BCCI had earlier intimated the ICC about India's inability to travel to Pakistan, leaving the PCB with no option but to organize the Champions Trophy in a 'Hybrid Model.' However, Naqvi had also said that the 'Hybrid Model' was unacceptable to Pakistan.India has not sent its cricket team to Pakistan since 2008 when they last participated in the Asia Cup under Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy. Pakistan has toured India for a bilateral white-ball series in 2012-13, the T20 World Cup in 2016, and the 50-over World Cup last year.As reported earlier, India will play all its matches in Dubai, and the high-profile India vs. Pakistan tie will also be held in the UAE. A BCCI source had earlier stated that the ICC would inform the host nation about the development and then finalize the tournament schedule.Dubai is the preferred location for India's matches due to its high stadium capacity and well-established infrastructure, as demonstrated during the recent Women's T20 World Cup. Last year, the Asia Cup, hosted by Pakistan, had to be held in a 'Hybrid Model' after India refused to tour the country.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma's participation in the upcoming Test series against Australia remains uncertain, as he is not expected to travel with the team to Australia for the first match. According to reports, Rohit's absence is due to personal reasons.The Indian squad is scheduled to depart for Australia in two batches on Sunday and Monday, but Rohit's travel plans are still up in the air. Head coach Gautam Gambhir will address the media in a pre-departure press conference in Mumbai on Monday, where he is expected to provide an update on Rohit's status.If Rohit misses the first Test, which begins on November 22 in Perth, vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is likely to lead the team. Bumrah has been backed by Australian batting great Ricky Ponting to handle the dual responsibility of leading the team and spearheading the Indian pace attack.Ponting believes that Bumrah's experience and understanding of the game will enable him to manage the captaincy duties effectively. He also emphasized the importance of utilizing the experience of senior players in the team to support the captain.The Indian team will be hoping for Rohit to recover in time for the first Test, as his presence would provide a significant boost to their chances of success. However, if he is unable to play, Bumrah will be tasked with leading the team in one of the most challenging Test series in world cricket.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) legend AB de Villiers has expressed his doubts about the franchise's chances of acquiring star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) mega auction. Pant, who was released by the Delhi Capitals, is expected to be a hot commodity in the auction, and de Villiers believes that RCB may not be able to match the final bid for the player.De Villiers suggests that Pant may reunite with former DC head coach Ricky Ponting, who has now joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the same role. PBKS will enter the auction with the largest purse among all 10 franchises, giving them a significant advantage in the bidding war for Pant."I think it is incredibly unlikely that RCB will get hold of Rishabh Pant," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel. "I think he will be too expensive, and all the franchises are going to go for him in the auction. Punjab Kings spend whatever they can to get him, that's my personal feeling."Apart from Pant, KL Rahul will also be available in the mega auction, and de Villiers suggests that RCB should consider signing their former player instead. However, he emphasizes the importance of signing quality bowlers and talented local players."I have told you guys that I want RCB's focus to be on the bowling department, a world-class spinner, and also some local players," de Villiers added. "Want some Bengaluru players in there, I have heard Anil Kumble say it before that they don't keep their local players, quality talented local players."The IPL 2025 mega auction will be held in Riyadh on November 24 and 25. RCB will be looking to strengthen their squad with a combination of experienced stars and promising young talent.