Cricket

Scotland's Men's T20 World Cup squad has undergone a significant reshuffle, with the return of experienced duo Michael Jones and Brad Wheal. However, the absence of Somerset seamer Josh Davey has raised eyebrows.Jones and Wheal, representing Durham and Hampshire respectively, were initially omitted from Scotland's squad for the T20 Tri-Series against Netherlands and Ireland. However, they have now been cleared by their counties to participate in the World Cup campaign. Sussex 2nd XI wicketkeeper Charlie Tear has also been added to the squad, replacing seam bowler Gavin Main.Davey's exclusion is a notable setback for Scotland. The Somerset seamer has been a key figure in the team's recent T20 World Cup campaigns, including the 2021 tournament where he claimed nine wickets at an impressive average of 13.66.Sources indicate that neither Davey nor his Somerset teammate Andy Umeed, who is uncapped at T20I level, were made available for World Cup selection. Davey's absence is particularly disappointing given his wealth of experience and consistent performances for Somerset.Scotland head coach Doug Watson acknowledged the difficulty in selecting the final squad. "It was a really difficult selection meeting and it's never easy getting it down to a squad of 15," Watson said. "It was ultimately about getting the balance of the squad just right and we feel we've done that here."Watson expressed excitement about the squad's potential. "It's good that we've got some of our county players available, and we are really excited with the 15 we've chosen, so now we can look forward to what lies ahead."Scotland will face a challenging group stage in the World Cup, with matches against England, Namibia, Oman, and Australia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight phase, followed by the knockout semi-finals and final."To have Michael Jones and Brad Wheal available, their experience from previous T20 World Cups is crucial for the group," Watson said. "The bulk of the squad have been together for a while now and did a fantastic job last summer at both the 50-over Qualifier and the T20 Qualifier. It's nice to have a bit of continuity along the way, although they haven't played a lot of cricket since."Watson is optimistic about Scotland's chances in the tournament. "Hopefully, we can see the same level from these players, if not higher, when we get to the Caribbean," he said. "I'm very excited about what lies ahead and I think the players are too, the closer we get to it. For us as a nation, it's a real opportunity to shine on the global stage. That first game against England, it'll be quite a day - but we won't look too far ahead."

Uganda has made history by qualifying for its first-ever senior men's ICC World Cup in any format, with the team set to participate in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Brian Masaba will lead the 15-man squad as captain, while Riazat Ali Shah has been named vice-captain.The Ugandan team includes a mix of experienced and emerging players, with 43-year-old Frank Nsubuga set to become the oldest player in the tournament. Nsubuga, an offspinning allrounder, brings a wealth of experience to the side.Uganda's qualification for the T20 World Cup is a testament to the growth of cricket in the country. The team emerged victorious from the Africa leg of the qualifiers, defeating strong teams like Zimbabwe.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Uganda will face a tough challenge in Group C, which includes Afghanistan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the West Indies. The team will play its first match against Afghanistan in Providence, Guyana on June 4.The Ugandan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup is as follows:* Brian Masaba (capt)* Riazat Ali Shah (vc)* Kenneth Waiswa* Dinesh Nakrani* Frank Nsubuga* Ronak Patel* Roger Mukasa* Cosmas Kyewuta* Bilal Hassun* Fred Achelam* Robinson Obuya* Simon Ssesazi* Henry Ssenyondo* Alpesh Ramjani* Juma MiyajiReserve players:* Ronald Lutaaya* Innocent MwebazeUganda's participation in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup is a significant milestone for the country's cricket development. The team will be looking to make a strong impression on the world stage and inspire future generations of Ugandan cricketers.

Virat Kohli's heartwarming gesture towards his wife, Anushka Sharma, during Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) victory over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 has become a viral sensation on social media. It marked Anushka's first public appearance since the birth of their second child, Akaay.Kohli's animated gestures towards Anushka throughout the match and after the victory sent the crowd into a frenzy. The videos of his affectionate displays have sparked immense interest among cricket fans on social media.The win was crucial for RCB, keeping their playoff dreams alive. Kohli played a pivotal role in the result, showcasing his exceptional batting skills."We've been really good in the last few games, with both bat and ball. We've been unbelievable in the field as well. The wicket was a bit different, there was a bit more bounce. Wanted to make sure we take that information from the pitch and give it to the bowlers," Kohli said after the match.Kohli's priceless reaction towards Anushka after the victory was captured on camera, melting the hearts of fans."Yes there was a dropped catch but it's the effort that we look for and that was there throughout. The games we've played here have all been high-scoring, anything around 180-190 would've been par. Was important we didn't look at the scoreboard when we went out to bat and try and play the way we play," RCB captain Faf Du Plessis said at the post-match presentation.Kohli currently leads the IPL 2024 run-scoring charts with an impressive strike rate of 148.09. His consistent performances have been instrumental in RCB's resurgence this season.

MS Dhoni's Farewell Season: Fans Clamor for One More YearAs the Indian Premier League (IPL) season nears its end, the legendary MS Dhoni continues to captivate fans across the country. In what is widely believed to be his final IPL campaign, Dhoni's presence has ignited a wave of nostalgia and admiration.Wherever Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has played this season, Dhoni has been greeted by throngs of supporters eager to witness his cricketing brilliance. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has responded with a series of impressive cameos, hitting the ball at a strike rate of over 224 in 11 matches.The outpouring of affection for Dhoni has extended beyond CSK matches. During the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders game, a LSG fan displayed a placard pleading with skipper KL Rahul to convince Dhoni to play another season. The placard read, "Rahul bhai, Dhoni sir se kahdo, 100-200 zyada lelo par next IPL season khel lo."Dhoni's impact on the IPL has been immeasurable. As captain of CSK, he has led the team to four titles, including the most recent one in 2021. His calm demeanor, strategic acumen, and ability to finish matches have made him one of the most respected and successful players in the league's history.While Dhoni has not officially announced his retirement, his age and recent performances suggest that this could be his final season. However, the clamor from fans for him to continue playing is a testament to his enduring legacy.With six wins and five losses in 11 matches, CSK currently sits third in the points table. The defending champions will be hoping to finish the season strongly and give Dhoni a fitting farewell.

Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi, Namibia's Gerhard Erasmus, and UAE's Muhammad Waseem have been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for April 2024.Afridi's nomination stems from his exceptional bowling performances in Pakistan's drawn T20I series against New Zealand. He was instrumental in both of Pakistan's victories, taking 3-13 in the second T20I and 4-30 in the fifth and final match. His eight wickets in the series at an average of 10.00 earned him the Player of the Series award.Erasmus played a pivotal role in Namibia's series victory in Oman. He amassed 145 runs and picked up eight wickets, including two Player of the Match performances. In the second match, he scored a controlled half-century, while in the decider, he blasted an eye-catching 64 not out in 29 balls and took two wickets to seal the series win.Waseem, UAE's opening batter, impressed in his side's run to ACC Premier Cup triumph. He scored 269 runs at an average of 44.83, including a century in the final against Oman. His consistent performances throughout the tournament have earned him a nomination for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award.The winner of the award will be announced on May 10, 2024.

SRH vs MI Live Score: Mumbai Indians' Challenge Fades, Sunrisers Hyderabad Aim for DominanceMumbai Indians, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, find themselves languishing at the bottom of the standings after a disappointing start to the season. With only three wins in 11 matches, their hopes of reaching the playoffs are all but over.In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have been in impressive form, winning six of their 10 matches and sitting fourth in the points table. They will be looking to capitalize on Mumbai's struggles and move up the standings when the two teams clash on Monday.The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, which has traditionally been a batting-friendly pitch. However, the recent match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders was played on a sluggish surface, making it difficult for batters to score freely.SRH will be confident after their thrilling one-run victory over table-toppers Rajasthan Royals in their previous outing. Their bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T. Natarajan, have been in excellent form, and they will be looking to restrict Mumbai's batting lineup.Mumbai, on the other hand, will need to find a way to ignite their batting, which has struggled throughout the season. Captain Rohit Sharma and star all-rounder Kieron Pollard have been out of form, and the team has lacked consistency in the middle order.The match promises to be an intriguing contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. SRH will be looking to continue their momentum and move closer to a playoff spot, while Mumbai will be desperate to salvage some pride and end their season on a positive note.

India's first-ever 'hybrid pitch' was unveiled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in a grand ceremony on May 6. The event was attended by IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and cricket dignitaries including Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS's international cricket director.The hybrid pitch, which combines natural turf with synthetic fibres, promises enhanced durability and consistent playability, reducing the strain on ground staff and maintaining quality playing conditions. With only 5% synthetic fibres, the pitch ensures that the natural characteristics essential for cricket are preserved.The introduction of hybrid pitches is set to revolutionize cricket in India, following their success in iconic venues like Lord's and The Oval in England. "The introduction of hybrid pitches is set to revolutionize cricket in India, following their success in iconic venues like Lord's and The Oval in England," said Dhumal, who hails from Himachal Pradesh.The 'Universal Machine', a critical component in installing the hybrid surface, was developed by SISGrass in 2017 and has been instrumental in the rollout of similar pitches across England's county cricket grounds. This innovation aligns with the ICC's recent sanctioning of hybrid pitches for T20 and one-day international matches, with plans to expand their use in four-day county championships starting this year.The integration of technologies like SISAir, a root aeration system, further underscores the commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure in India. This system improves the pitch's health and resilience, benefiting players with better and safer playing conditions.The unveiling of the hybrid pitch at the HPCA stadium marks a significant milestone in the development of cricket in India. It is expected to enhance the quality of matches, reduce injuries, and provide a more consistent playing surface for both domestic and international cricket.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is nearing its climax, with all teams having played a significant number of matches. While Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have secured their spots in the playoffs, the race for the remaining two berths remains intense.Chennai Super Kings, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants are currently in contention for the third, fourth, and fifth positions, each with 12 points. Delhi Capitals are sixth with 10 points, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Gujarat Titans are tied with eight points each. Mumbai Indians languish at the bottom of the table with six points.Punjab Kings, one of the four teams yet to win the IPL, have endured a challenging season. Injuries to captain Shikhar Dhawan and close losses have marred their campaign. Co-owner Preity Zinta expressed her disappointment on social media, acknowledging the team's struggles and the need to improve their home record.Zinta also addressed concerns about the Mullanpur Stadium, Punjab Kings' home ground. She highlighted the need for better shade cover for fans and a more consistent pitch to gain a home advantage.Regarding Virat Kohli, Zinta praised his on-field aggression and determination, as well as his love for family and dance. She recalled witnessing his dance moves when he first joined the IPL.As the IPL 2024 enters its final stages, the competition for playoff spots intensifies. With several teams vying for the remaining berths, the upcoming matches promise to be thrilling and unpredictable.

India vs Bangladesh: Toss Bangladesh Chose to Bowl vs IndiaIn the fourth T20I match between India and Bangladesh, Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and elected to bowl first on a cloudy day in Sylhet. India had already secured the five-match series 3-0.Both teams made debuts in this match. Bangladesh introduced 14-year-old medium pacer Habiba Islam, left-hand batter Rubya Haider, and legspinner Shorna Akter. India, on the other hand, handed a debut to 33-year-old legspinner S Asha and rested offspinner Shreyanka Patil. Seamer Titas Sadhu also made her first appearance in the series, replacing Renuka Singh.Asha, who became the first Indian to claim a five-wicket haul in the Women's Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore, is now the second-highest wicket-taker in the competition with 12 scalps. This match also marked Harmanpreet Kaur's 300th international appearance.Bangladesh Playing XI:1. Dilara Akter2. Murshida Khatun3. Rubya Haider4. Nigar Sultana (capt & wk)5. Ritu Moni6. Habiba Islam7. Rabeya Khan8. Nahida Akter9. Shorifa Khatun10. Marufa Akter11. Shorna AkterIndia Playing XI:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. D Hemalatha4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)5. Richa Ghosh (wk)6. Deepti Sharma7. S Sajana8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Titas Sadhu10. S Asha11. Radha Yadav