Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Shahid Afridi slams Pakistan Cricket Board, questions logic of naming Mickey Arthur as an online coach

Najam Sethi and Shahid Afridi

Things aren’t going well for Pakistan cricket, as first they were whitewashed in tests by England on home soil, and then their chief Ramiz Raja got sacked from the top position. The new Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, Najam Sethi, then took charge and opted for some hard calls, but nothing seemed to work as the team’s poor run continued.

Now, if reports are to be believed, then PCB is all set to reappoint Mickey Arthur as the online head coach of their team. It would be for the first time in cricketing history that a team would hire an online coach. However, Arthur will personally join the Pakistan squad before the ODI world cup in India.

Arthur is currently serving as the head coach of Derbyshire County Cricket Club, and if he wants to simultaneously serve as the Pakistan men’s team’s mentor, then online coaching is the only option left.

Notably, Arthur was the coach of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy winning squad, so the management is keen to bring him back to the team staff.

Reacting to the reports of an online coach being appointed, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi lashed out at PCB and questioned the management about what kind of coaching will happen over the internet. The veteran all-rounder also urged the board not to look for coaches from other countries and instead give a chance to someone from within Pakistan.

“Well, even I don’t know what type of coaching will happen or what the plan is. The concept of online coaching by a foreign coach for the national team is beyond comprehension,” said Afridi talking to a local media.

“Why only foreign coaches? Pakistan do have good coaches here. I know PCB also takes into consideration where the person is presently involved in politics. But all those should be kept aside in cricket so that we get a person who can take the tough calls which eventually makes a good team,” he added.

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Australia great hits out at India ahead of Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023

Pat Cummins and Rohit Sharma

The Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023 is around the corner, and all cricket enthusiasts are excited to witness the battle. The first test match of the BGT 2023 will start on February 9 when India faces Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

It is a crucial series for India because they need to win at least three of the four scheduled matches to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final. However, the contest wouldn’t be easy for the hosts as Australia, the current WTC table toppers, will also be looking to seal their spot for the ultimate championship battle.

Now, ahead of the much-awaited face-off, Australian great Ian Healy has criticized India revealing the reason behind Pat Cummins-led side not playing a practice match before the commencement of the series.

Speaking about the same, Usman Khawaja had also recently said there was no point in playing practice matches in India as the pitch prepared for the tour game is very different from the wicket in actual fixtures.

“Have you ever been pre-tour with us? They can be spinning wickets when we play but we go to the practice matches and they are green Gabba-like wickets out there so what’s the point,” Khawaja said in a press conference.

Healy agreed to Khawaja and backed him by saying that preparing different wickets for practice and actual games is disappointing and a ‘breach of trust’.

“We’ve gathered our spinners in Sydney for strategic talks (on replica India surfaces)… we no longer trust that the requested facilities will be provided for a nation,” Healy said on SEN Radio on Monday.

“We’ve been part of this shenanigan too by the way… when we’re over (in England) we spend our time whinging about weakened County teams that England put up as our opposition before the series.”

“Our focus in cricket has shifted from creating opportunities and experiences for our best up and coming cricketers… now we deny touring teams quality preparation before very highly anticipated series and I don’t like it.

“It’s disappointing to watch such dismantling of trust between cricket’s nations and it needs to stop,” added the veteran wicket-keeper.

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"Hopefully You Know What To Do...": West Indies Star Pokes Fun At Sanju Samson As Star India Cricketer Poses With Bike


Sanju Samson was part of the India squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka

India's Predicted XI vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I: Will Shubman Gill Make Way For Prithvi Shaw?


In the second match, Team India's top-order miserably failed to get a big score. This might open a door for batter Prithvi Shaw in the Playing XI.

Monday, January 30, 2023

‘Even Sachin Tendulkar won the World Cup in his sixth attempt’: Ravichandran Ashwin questions critics

Ravichandran Ashwin and Sachin Tendulkar

India’s inability to win International Cricket Council (ICC) events has been a major talking point over the past few years. The last time Men in Blue won an ICC Trophy was ten years back when they lifted the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy under the captainship of world’s most decorated skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Discussing about the team’s impotence in winning ICC events on his official YouTube channel, India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The 36-year-old termed the criticism over not winning a world cup or any other major ICC event unjustified, and he even questioned the critics giving an example of legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The Tamil Nadu cricketer also talked about Dhoni’s triumph and hailed him as a stalwart.

“Even Sachin Tendulkar won the World Cup in his sixth attempt. That was the situation for a stalwart of Indian cricket. Just because another stalwart in MS Dhoni came in and won a World Cup as soon as he took charge, doesn’t mean that it will happen for everyone, right?” said Ashwin.

Notably, India currently in their cabinet have three world cups along with an ICC Champions Trophy, and three of those four titles came under the leadership of Dhoni.

Ashwin also pointed out that both Virat and Rohit have won a few major ICC events and should be given some more time.

“Virat Kohli won ICC tournament in 2011 (World Cup), and 2013 when we won the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma has also won the Champions Trophy. So, we can give them some space. They are playing in bilateral series, IPL and so many other matches. But when it comes to ICC tournaments, you need those crux moments to go your way,” he added.

The Men in Blue last won a world cup tournament in 2011 on home soil, and there is a chance to once again repeat the triumph as India will be hosting an ODI World Cup event in October-November this year.

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Go Back To Shikhar Dhawan Or Groom Ishan Kishan? R Ashwin Opines On Opening Dilemma In ODIs


Dhawan has played a total of 167 ODI matches for India and scored a whopping total of 6793 runs, laced with 17 centuries and 39 half-centuries.

Watch: Kieron Pollard Smashes Ball Outside Sharjah Stadium With Huge Six In ILT20. Passerby Then Does This


Two different scenarios unfolded as two gigantic sixes landed outside the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in ILT20.

"Can't Answer That": Gautam Gambhir 'Massively Surprised' By Hardik Pandya's Call In 2nd T20I


Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir didn't agree with Hardik Pandya's call to make Yuzvendra Chahal bowl only 2 overs. Hardik, instead, opted to get part-timer Deepak Hooda bowl 4 overs in the 2nd T20I against New Zealand.

"What's Your Problem?": Heated Exchange Between Jos Buttler, Rassie Van Der Dussen Caught On Stump Mic


South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead over England in the three-match ODI series, after claiming a five-wicket win in the second ODI on Sunday.

India vs New Zealand 2023, 3rd T20I – Pitch Report, Probable XI and Match Prediction

Indis vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I, Match Prediction and Probable XIs

India will cross swords with New Zealand in the third and final T20I at the iconic Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 01.

After losing the three-match series opener, the hosts bounced back and registered a thrilling victory in a low-scoring second T20I in Lucknow. Both teams will now be focusing on sealing the series decider in Ahmedabad.

The spinners of both sides have done an excellent job, while batters have found it quite challenging to deal with tweakers. Teams would be aiming to rectify their mistakes and execute the set plans correctly.

Pitch report:

The track at the Narendra Modi Stadium is likely to offer decent support to both batters and bowlers. The bounce will help the pacers in the initial stage, while spinners can also leave their impact as the game progresses. In the nine T20Is played at this venue, teams batting first have won five, while four fixtures have been won by teams batting second.

Recent form:

  • India: WLWLW
  • New Zealand: LWTLNR (Last five matches; most recent first)

Probable XIs:

India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal/Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Blair Tickner

Match Prediction:

Case 1

  • India wins the toss and bowls first
  • Powerplay score: 35-45
  • New Zealand total: 160-170

Case 2

  • New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
  • Powerplay score: 40-50
  • India total: 170-180

Team batting second to win the contest.

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Sunday, January 29, 2023

SA vs ENG, WATCH: Jos Buttler engages in a verbal altercation with Rassie van der Dussen in 2nd ODI

Jos Buttler engages in a heated exchange with Rassie van der Dussen

The second One-Day International (ODI) between South Africa and England was a high-scoring encounter where the hosts managed to register a thrilling victory. This was the second consecutive win for the Proteas, and they claimed the series as well.

South Africa chased down the massive target of 343 and completed the highest successful chase at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein. Overall, it was their third-highest chase in the 50-over format, and with that, the home team also gained 10 World Cup Super League points to move into ninth place on the table.

During the match, one incident captured maximum eyeballs when England skipper Jos Buttler was seen getting involved in a heated exchange with South African batter Rassie van der Dussen. It all happened after the third delivery of the 19th over of South Africa’s innings bowled by leg spinner Adil Rashid.

Van der Dussen couldn’t pick up the googly from Rashid as he inside-edged the ball onto his pad which went up into the air. Buttler, who was behind the stumps, attempted to take the catch, but it appeared that the batter got in his way as he looked to see where the ball had gone.

Then Van der Dussen made a comment which was not picked up on the stump mic, and Buttler responded by saying: “I’m trying to get to the ball. What’s your problem, Rassie? It’s not all about you all the time.” Van der Dussen then replied: “No, it’s about you.”

“I’m allowed to try and catch the ball. What do you want me to do? “ added Buttler. After which, the umpires intervened, with one of them heard shouting: “Okay, calm down!”

Here is the video:

Speaking about the game, England, after being asked to bat, posted 342/7 on the board, thanks to brilliant knocks from Buttler and Harry Brooks. The English skipper fell 6 runs short of his hundred as he remained unbeaten on 94, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. Likewise, Brook smashed 80 off 75 with the help of 7 fours and 4 sixes.

In response, the Proteas chased down the target with five balls to spare, courtesy of Temba Bavuma‘s scintillating century and David Miller‘s late flourish. Bavuma made 109 off 102, including 15 boundaries, while Miller stayed unbeaten on 58 from 37 deliveries.

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"Jasprit Bumrah Not Even Close To Shaheen Afridi": Ex-Pakistan Star's Startling Claim


While statistics might indicate that Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi are almost equally effective, former Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq thinks differently.

Twitter reactions: Temba Bavuma-inspiring South Africa seal ODI against England

South Africa seal the ODI series against England

Temba Bavuma struck a superb century while David Miller hit an unbeaten 58 as South Africa beat England by five wickets in the second ODI to seal the three-match series.

Put into bat, England rode on skipper Jos Buttler’s 94 not out and Harry Brook’s 80 to post a formidable total of 342/7 on the scoreboard. Moeen Ali also contributed with 51 while Sam Curran (28 off 17) hit some meaty blows in the slog overs.

But South Africa, in the run-chase, kept required run rate in control, thanks to skipper Bavuma, who played a brilliant knock of 109 (102) comprising 14 fours and a six. Miller showed great composure right through the innings and ensured Bavuma’s effort doesn’t go in vain. The home team reached the set total in 49.1 overs and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 50-overs series.

When asked about his ton in the post-match presentation, the winning captain Bavuma said: “It was very special.”

He added: “It was very enjoyable. I managed to hit a few out of the middle.”

On the other hand, Buttler lauded both teams’ efforts in the second ODI.

“We didn’t expect the ball to swing as much as it did at the start but to come back and post 340 was a fantastic effort,” said Butler. “It was a brilliant game of cricket and a great chase by South Africa.”

Here’s how Twitter reacted on South Africa’s win:

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"Different Version Of SKY": Suryakumar Yadav's Epic Take On His 31-Ball 26 In 2nd T20I Against New Zealand


Suryakumar Yadav and captain Hardik Pandya held their nerves to guide India to a hard-fought 6-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second T20I encounter.

Watch: India's Kuldeep Yadav Outwits Daryl Mitchell With Unplayable Delivery In 2nd T20I Against New Zealand


Kuldeep Yadav produced an unplayable delivery to dismiss Daryl Mitchell during the second T20I in Lucknow.

Watch: David Warner's Hilarious Tribute To Shahrukh Khan's Pathaan Leaves Fans Impressed


David Warner's hilarious tribute to Shahrukh Khan's Pathaan has left the social media in splits.

Saturday, January 28, 2023

“Begins with S ends with E”: Ben Stokes points out England’s biggest issue in ODI cricket

Ben Stokes on England

England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes has pointed out the biggest issue behind the English team’s declining performance in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Stokes, who has already retired from the 50-over format, shared his opinion following England’s loss against South Africa in the first ODI of the ongoing three-match series at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein on Friday (January 27).

Notably, it was England’s fourth straight loss in ODIs after a 0-3 series defeat to Australia post their T20 World Cup triumph. Now with the 2023 ODI World Cup approaching, the defending champions need to explore all options in order to sort out their ‘issues’.

After the 27-run loss to South Africa in the first ODI, Wisden asked about the biggest issue England are facing in ODIs. Stokes responded to the tweet with a cryptic comment as he wrote, “Begins with S ends with E and has chedul in there as well.”

Stokes’ tweet clearly meant that he was referring to schedule, which has become the major talking point in world cricket at the moment involving all the big teams. The Christchurch-born had bid farewell to his 50-over career in July last year, citing that he was not being able to give his 100 per cent and that playing all three formats amid a busy schedule is ‘unsustainable’ for him.

Not to mention that Stokes had also warned the authorities over the amount of multi-format players are expected to take part in modern-day cricket.

“There is too much cricket rammed in for people to play all three formats now. We are not cars, you can’t just fill us up, and we’ll go out there and be ready to be fuelled up again,” Stokes had said.

England will play two more ODIs in the ongoing tour against South Africa. The three lions will then travel to New Zealand for the Test leg before visiting Bangladesh for the multi-format series that features three ODIs.

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"Yet Another Failure For Rohit Sharma Was The Talk": R Ashwin Joins Skipper In Criticism Of Broadcaster


Ravichandran Ashwin echoed Rohit Sharma's sentiments after the India skipper hit out at the broadcaster for "first ODI century in 3 years" remark.

Rain Plays Spoilsport In IND-SA Tri-Series Final Dress Rehearsal


Having already sealed their berth in Thursday's final, this match was a dress rehearsal for both the teams.

Not Hardik Pandya! Ex India Opener Names His Pick For Team's Future ODI Skipper


The former Indian cricket team opener believes that although Hardik Pandya will captain the T20I side, India may have a new captain in the ODIs.

"There Must Be Limit To Favouritism": Pakistan Pacer Slams Ex-Team Management


The veteran pacer also pointed out the issue of "favouritism" in the Pakistan team, suggesting that age should not be the sole criteria for selection.

"Didn't Seem To Have Any Plans": Ex-Pakistan Star Critical Of Hardik Pandya


After sweeping the ODIs 3-0, India failed to carry the momentum forward as the Kiwis won the match by 21 runs and took a 1-0 in the series

Friday, January 27, 2023

IND vs AUS: Jason Gillespie explains why he wants to see Virat Kohli-Pat Cummins battle in upcoming Tests

Pat Cummins, Virat Kohli, Jason Gillespie

India and Australia will square off against each other in a four-match Test series, starting on February 9 in Nagpur.
This upcoming Border-Gavaskar series will determine the finalists of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

Former Australia seamer Jason Gillespie, who has toured India multiple times during his playing days, is excited to see Virat Kohli battling it against Pat Cummins on the Indian pitches.

In his recent interview with the Hindustan Times, Gillespie said that watching these two modern-day greats will be very pleasing as they are unbeatable when at the top of their game.

“I am really looking forward to seeing Kohli vs Cummins. That’s a fantastic match-up. It will be interesting to see how they go. When Virat comes out to bat, I would love to see Cummins take the ball and go at him straight away. That will be great theatre, two wonderful cricketers at the top of their game,” said Gillespie.

He also said that though Mitchell Starc could ‘reverse-swing’ the ball later in the day, India should also take care of the threat possessed by Cummins and Josh Hazlewood as the right-arm pair is equally good with the old ball.

“Starc is obviously a left-armer and does get it to reverse very late. But Hazlewood and Cummins are equally good. They can all have a real impact with the old ball,” added the cricketer-turned-coach.

Gillespie further showered praise for young all-rounder Cameron Green opining that he could be awkward for the Indian batters to face as he might reverse swing the ball as well.

“Watch out for Green too. He can be a really awkward customer for the Indian batsmen. I think we will see the ball reverse swinging in this series,” concluded Gillespie.

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SA vs ENG [Twitter reactions]: Jason Roy’s ton in vain after Rassie van der Dussen’s fine century in 1st ODI

South Africa beat England in 1st ODI

South Africa defeated England in the first One-Day International (ODI) played at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Friday.

After choosing to bat first, the hosts put up a strong performance, with Rassie van der Dussen smashing a brilliant century. Van der Dussen scored 111 off 117 balls, with the help of 6 fours and one six.

Experienced campaigner David Miller also chipped in with valuable contribution, slamming 53 off 56 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six, as the South African team posted 298/7 on the board in their allotted 50 overs. For the touring party, all-rounder Sam Curran picked up three wickets while conceding only 35 runs in 9 overs.

In response, England’s innings got off to a strong start thanks to explosive opener Jason Roy and his partner David Malan. The duo added a dominating stand of 146 for the opening wicket as the tourists looked in complete control.

Roy went on to smash a remarkable hundred, scoring 113 off 91 balls, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes. Similarly, Malan slammed 59 from 55 deliveries, including 9 boundaries. However, as soon as the duo got out, the rest of England’s batting unit fell like a pack of cards as the Jos Buttler-led side could only manage to reach 271, losing the contest by 27 runs.

South Africa’s bowlers produced an outstanding comeback performance, with Anrich Nortje destroying the English batting order, taking 4 wickets for 62 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Likewise, Sisanda Magala also shined with the ball and bagged a three-wicket haul while giving away 46 runs from 9 overs.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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Pakistan Batter Who Said 'Virat Kohli Is Behind Me' Now Says This About India Superstar


Pakistan batter Khurram Manzoor had earlier said that "I am the world no.1. Kohli is behind me"

India vs New Zealand - "We Were Poor With...": Hardik Pandya's Blunt Assessment After Defeat In 1st T20I


Chasing a target of 177, India were restricted to 155 for nine in 20 overs, despite Washington Sundar's maiden fifty in the T20I format

Twitter reactions: Spinners choke India as New Zealand wins the opening T20I by 21 runs

New Zealand beat India by 21 runs

New Zealand produced a dominant show in Ranchi to register an emphatic win in the first T20I of the three-match series against India. After losing the ODI series (0-3), the tourists bounced back in style to outclass India at JSCA International Stadium on Friday.

The Men in Blue failed to live up to the expectations as they failed to score against the spinners and lost wickets at regular intervals in the 177-run chase. Mitchell Santner led the Blackcaps from the front by picking up two crucial wickets of Shubman Gill and Deepak Hooda for just 11 runs in his full quota of four overs. He also bowled a maiden against the No. 1 T20I batter Suyakumar Yadav in the powerplay over.

Washington Sundar was the lone fighter for India but he too got out in the final over and the hosts lost the contest by 21 runs. Sundar smashed a quick-fire 50 off just 28 balls with the help of five fours and three sixes.

In the first innings, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh leaked 27 runs in the last over, giving the visitors a much-needed momentum. New Zealand posted a challenging 176/6 on the board in their stipulated 20 overs.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

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Thursday, January 26, 2023

Axar Patel ties knot with Meha Patel in Vadodara; wedding videos go viral

Axar Patel, Meha

Team India all-rounder Axar Patel tied the nuptial knot with his fiancée Meha Patel in Vadodara on Thursday (January 26. He opted for a break after India’s limited-overs series against Sri Lanka due to his wedding.

Axar and Meha had their Mehendi ceremony and the pre-marriage celebrations on Wednesday (January 25). The couple got engaged in January last year after dating each other for three years.

Meha is a dietician and nutritionist by profession. She also has a tattoo of Axar’s name on her hand and keeps on sharing pictures of her lovely life on Instagram.

Axar, Meha Patel
Axar Patel, Meha Patel | Instagram

Axar’s wedding function was attended by his close friend Jaydev Unadkat and former cricketer Mohammad Kaif.

On the work front, Axar performed brilliantly in the recently concluded T20I and ODI games versus Sri Lanka. The Gujarat-born cricketer grabbed a lot of attention after he played a quick-fire knock of 65 (31) in the second T20I at Pune, where the Men in Blue lost to the Islanders by 16 runs.

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Cricket West Indies rope in legendary batter Brian Lara as performance mentor

Brian Lara

Cricket West Indies (CWI) have appointed legendary batter Brian Lara as performance mentor of their international teams. Not only this, Lara would also work with the the academy, where he has to assist various coaches in “providing players with tactical advice and improving their game sense”.

“Having spent time with the players and coaches in Australia and in discussions with CWI, I really believe that I can help the players with their mental approach to the game and with their tactics to be more successful,” Lara told the reporters on Friday.

His first assignment in the new role will be with the Windies Test side on the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe. After the conclusion of the Test series in mid-February, Lara will have to take a short break in order to discharge his duties as the head coach of IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Lara was recently included in the CWI review panel following their shocking exit at the 2022 ICC men’s T20 World Cup. The Men in Maroon were subsequently swept 2-0 by hosts Australia in the two-match Test series and now need some major changes in the team as well as management before building a core group for this year’s ODI World Cup in India.

“I am really looking forward to Brian making a significant contribution to our cricket system by providing invaluable guidance and advice to our players and coaches,” James Adams, the CWI Director of Cricket, said in his official statement.

“We are confident that Brian will help to improve our high-performance mindset and strategic culture that will bring us more success on the field across all formats. Everyone is excited to have Brian involved in supporting our players.”

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'Suryakumar Has Beaten Them All': Ex-India Star Praises T20I Cricketer Of 2022


The former India cricketer lavished praise on Suryakumar Yadav after he was named the ICC T20I Player of the Year 2022, saying that he has beaten all the "big-hitting players".

MS Dhoni Pays Surprise Visit To Indian Dressing Room, Meets Hardik Pandya And Co. Watch


India vs New Zealand: In the video shared by the BCCI on social media, MS Dhoni could be seen having a chat with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.

India's Predicted XI vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Will Kuldeep Yadav Get A Chance?


After claiming a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODIs against New Zealand, Team India is all set to take on the same rivals in a three-match T20I series, starting from Friday

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

BBL|12: Syndey Thunder beat Melbourne Stars in a thriller to set up Eliminator clash with Brisbane Heat

Sydney Thunder beat Melbourne Stars

The last day of the league stage saw two thrilling matches in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2022-23. Firstly, Hobart Hurricanes defeated Brisbane Heat in a low-scoring contest to keep their final hopes alive. But all the effort went in vain after Syndey Thunder got the better of Melbourne Stars to set up the Eliminator clash with Heat and got Hurricanes out of the race for playoffs.

In the 55th match of BBL|12, Hurricane struggled to put runs on the board after being asked to bat first as they were only able to reach 120/9 in their 20 overs. Macalister Wright was the top scorer for his side with 56 runs off 56 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six.

For the Heat, pacer Michael Neser came up with a strong performance, picking up a 4-wicket haul for 35 runs. Spencer Johnson also contributed with 2 wickets for 20 runs. In reply, Heat were unable to chase down the target, finishing at 118/8 in their 20 overs. Jimmy Peirson was their top scorer, with 39 runs off 37 balls, including 4 fours.

For the Hurricanes, Nathan Ellis produced a standout performance with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 26 runs. Faheem Ashraf also contributed with 2 wickets for 19 runs. The Hurricanes ultimately won the match by 2 runs and kept themselves alive in the playoffs race. But the scenario changed after Stars faced a 3-wicket defeat from Thunder in the second match of the day.

After opting to bowl, Thunder restricted Stars for 119/7 in 20 overs, with Usman Qadir picking up three wickets for 24 in his quota of 4 overs. Captain Chris Green also shined with the ball, taking a couple of scalps while conceding 19 runs in 4 overs.

In the chase, Thunder kept losing wickets at regular intervals, but they still survived and managed to grasp the victory. Daniel Sams smashed 28 off 18, including three fours and a six, to get his side over the finish line and set up the Eliminator clash with Heat, scheduled to take place in Sydney on Friday, January 27.

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Watch: Kieron Pollard's Acrobatic Catch Near Boundary Line In International League T20


On the second ball of the 8th over of Desert Vipers' innings, Colin Munro hit a full toss ball from Samit Patel towards long-on where Kieron Pollard was stationed. The MI Emirates captain timed his jump beautifully to grab a one-handed stunner.

Suryakumar Yadav voted ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022, Tahlia McGrath topped the Women’s category

Suryakumar Yadav, Tahila McGrath

Team India’s top-order batter Suryakumar Yadav has won the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022 award, the apex cricket board announced on Wednesday, January 25.

Suryakumar had a stellar 2022, breaking a string of records and setting a benchmark in the shortest format. He left behind the likes of Sam Curran, Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza to sweep the top honour.

Popularly known as SKY, the 32-year-old became only the second player in T20I history to make more than 1,000 runs in a calendar year, scoring 1164 runs at a strike rate of 187.43. He also hit two tons and nine half-centuries during the year.

He even smashed 68 sixes, easily the most recorded by anyone in a year in the format’s history.

After being voted the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022, Suryakumar took to Twitter and thanked his fans for showering their love and blessings towards him.

“Thankful. Gratedful. Blessed,” he captioned the video.

On the other hand, Australia all-rounder Tahlia McGrath won the Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022 award.

With several notable performances in the format during the year 2022, she amassed 435 runs in 16 games and picked 13 wickets as well. Her highest score of 91 not out came off just 46 deliveries against England; she returned to bag three wickets for 26 runs.

McGrath beat the likes of Smriti Mandhana, Pakistan’s bowling all-rounder Nida Dar and New Zealand captain Sophie Devine to top the Women’s category.

Expressed her delight, the Aussie told ICC.tv: “It’s an incredible honour to be named the ICC Women’s T20I Cricketer of the Year, especially with so many incredible players across the world taking to the game to the next level.

Mc Grath added: “It’s been a great year for the team in the T20 format, winning the first ever women’s cricket gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and beating India at home; this is a really nice way to cap it off.”

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'Show Some Rain, Thunderstorms': Rahul Dravid Reveals Shubman Gill's Father's Reaction On Not Getting Tons


After the conclusion of the third ODI in Indore, India head coach Rahul Dravid had a candid conversation with Shubman Gill

"How Could You Not?": Australia Great Slams Selectors For Not Considering Steve Smith As White-Ball Opener


Australia great has questioned the national selectors for not considering Steve Smith in the role of an opener in white-ball cricket

Rohit Sharma provides an update on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023

Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been out of action for a while now. He suffered a back injury last year and is currently rehabilitating at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

Ever since getting prone to back injury, Bumrah has not featured in any competitive game and has also missed both Asia Cup and T20 World Cup that took place last year. The 29-year-old was set to make his return in 2023 against Sri Lanka in the three ODIs, but he pulled back off the series due to not being fully fit and in order to not worsen his injury any further.

After registering a dominating win in the recently-concluded third and final ODI against New Zealand, Indian captain Rohit Sharma was asked about Bumrah’s return to the team. Rohit replied by saying that he hopes the right-arm pacer makes a comeback in the last two matches of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023.

“Not too sure about Bumrah, I am hoping he plays the next (last) two Tests (against Australia). We don’t want to take any risks with him, as back injuries are always critical. We have a lot of cricket coming back after that also,” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.

“We are in constant touch with physios and doctors in NCA. The medical team will give him as much time as he wants,” he added.

As per the reports, Bumrah still requires six weeks to recover fully and that’s the reason he was not included in the first two matches of the BGT 2023. The absence of the Ahmedabad-born cricketer will surely be a concern for India because if they want to reach the finals of the World Test Championship 2023, then they at least need to win three out of the four scheduled matches against the Aussies.

Bumrah will likely join the Indian squad for the last two Tests against Australia, but uncertainty still exists over his fitness.

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Tuesday, January 24, 2023

R Ashwin Will Be One Of The Toughest Challenges During India Series: Matt Renshaw


With the Border-Gavaskar series set to begin in Nagpur, a lot of focus is on how the Pat Cummins-led Australia will face the Indian off-spinner, who made history in 2021 by becoming the first bowler to take 200 wickets of left-handers.

Video: Frustrated Rohit Sharma Scolds Shardul Thakur In Animated Outburst


During the 27th over of India's bowling, Rohit Sharma didn't look happy with Shardul Thakur's bowling and expressed his frustration in an animated manner.

Dewald Brevis reveals he idolized players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav

Dewald Brevis, Rohit Sharma

Dewald Brevis recently shed light on his inspirations and said he idolized many players like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. He also shared his experience of the last year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) and added that he enjoyed his time in the competition.

In the ongoing SA20, Brevis is representing MI Cape Town (MICT) and has amassed 181 runs in his seven outings so far. The former U-19 player played the 2022 edition of the IPL for Mumbai Indians and registered 161 runs in the season.

Speaking about his experience with the MI franchise, as quoted by News18, Brevis relished his time with the team and said that ‘Blue is in his blood’. He further called Rohit and Suryakumar among the lot of players he idolized.

“My blood is blue, and my favourite colour is blue. So, to just be able to be part of this one family, it’s been amazing like the setup everything is absolutely fantastic here in Cape Town, just like it is in Mumbai itself. So, to be part of this family is absolutely amazing,” said Brevis.

“I idolized a lot of players like for example, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar (Yadav) and all other big players, I absolutely enjoyed playing with these legends,” he added.

When asked about his current coaches in SA20, the 19-year-old stated that the duo of batting coach Hashim Amla and head coach Simon Katich is helping him a lot to improve.

“It’s new things that you pick up from them. They give you vital information. Hash (Hashim Amla), he’s such an amazing coach and person so he just brings calmness in me and helps me move a lot of things,” told the youngster.

“Same with coach Simon (Katich), he’s amazing as the coach. So, there’s always time to share things and learn from him. We always speak a lot about that and about things going on with my batting. So all the coaches share so much good information that you can take into your game,” he added.

“Am really enjoying every single moment (in SA20). The home ground of MI Cape Town at Newlands is a special place (for us). We already had special memories (here),” Brevis concluded.

MI Capetown lost their last game against Pretoria Capitals by 52 runs. Brevis (46 runs) was their highest run scorer in that match but unfortunately couldn’t take his team through. As of now, MICT are currently placed at the fourth spot in the points table of SA20 and would be looking to cement their spot for qualifiers in the few left matches.

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ILT20 – WATCH: Rovman Powell hits a helicopter shot in Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates clash

Rovman Powell's helicopter shot

Dubai Capitals (DC) locked horns with MI Emirates (MIE) in match no. 13 of the International League T20 (ILT20) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (January 22).

Asked to bat first, Dubai Capitals put up a massive total of 222/3 with the help of their skipper Rovman Powell’s 97 off just 41 deliveries. Joe Root (82) also contributed to the team’s total. Meanwhile, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Kieron Pollard were the only bowlers for MIE to pick a wicket.

During his storming knock, Powell smashed an MS Dhoni-like shot off Kieron Pollard‘s delivery, leaving everyone stunned. On the second ball of the 20th over, Pollard bowled a slower delivery towards the pad of the 29-year-old, which the latter sent over the boundary rope with a full-fledged helicopter shot.

Muhammad Waseem at the deep-mid wicket, attempted a jump and tried to push the ball in with one hand but failed to prevent the six. Fans on social media were thrilled to see the magical shot by Powell.

Here’s the video:

In reply to DC’s gigantic total, MIE didn’t start well and lost three wickets with just 26 runs on board. Pollard shifted the gears and scored a quickfire 86 off just 38 deliveries, but the efforts went in vain as his team lost the contest by 16 runs. Najibullah Zadran also scored a fiery 30 off 9 balls but unfortunately ended up on the losing side.

On the other hand, Hazrat Luqman scalped two wickets for DC and gave away just 24 runs in his quota of four overs. Powell picked up a wicket as well and was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for his exceptional all-round performance.

MIE are currently placed at the third position in the points table, while DC are at the fifth spot.

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Watch: Yuzvendra Chahal Grabs Kuldeep Yadav's Ears, Indulges in Banter After India's Series Sweep vs New Zealand


India vs New Zealand: While Kuldeep Yadav was talking to Mohammed Siraj post India's series sweep over New Zealand, Yuzvendra Chahal held the left-arm spinner's ears from behind and shook his head.

Rohit Sharma Shares Heartwarming Moment With Virat Kohli After First ODI Ton In Three Years. See Pics


Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shared a light moment on the pitch with the pictures of the moment going viral all over the social media.

"Teammates Call Him Magician...": Rohit Sharma Lauds India Star After Series Sweep vs New Zealand


After blanking New Zealand in the ODI series by 3-0, Team India captain Rohit Sharma praised Shardul Thakur, who took crucial wickets of visitors to ease some pressure from the team.

‘Worried for bhabhi…’: Imam-ul-Haq reacts cheekily after Shadab Khan marries Saqlain Mushtaq’s daughter

Shadab Khan, Saqlain Mushtaq with his daughter

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan announced his Nikah with the daughter of cricketer-turned-coach Saqlain Mushtaq on Monday, January 23.

Shadab broke out the news on Twitter but did not share any photographs from the wedding as his wife wanted privacy, but jokingly mentioned that he would accept Salamis from his fans if they were interested.

“Alhamdulilah today was my Nikkah. It is a big day in my life and start of a new chapter. Please respect my choices and those my my wife’s and our families. Prayers and love for all,” wrote Shadab.

“However, if you want to send salami, I will send an account number,” he added.

Shadab recently pulled himself out of the remaining Big Bash League (BBL) 12 due to injury. He even missed the home ODIs against New Zealand, but is recovering well and may return to the field ahead of the upcoming edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL). He has been named captain of Islamabad United franchise for PSL 2023. Islamabad will begin their campaign against Karachi Kings on February 16, 2023.

Imam-ul-Haq takes a subtle dig at Shadab

As soon as Pakistan cricketers got to know about Shadab’s wedding, they took to social media to congratulating the newly-married couple.

Left-handed batter Imam-ul-Haq congratulated Shadab on his big day but with a quirky reply. “Many congratulations Shaddy. Worried for Bhabhi though, Allah Pak unko himmat dein. (May Allah give her strength),” Imam commented on Shadab’s Twitter post with a laughing emoji.

Well, Saqlain’s daughter has always stayed away from the limelight; therefore, she and Shadab married in an intimate Nikah ceremony held in Lahore.

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Monday, January 23, 2023

From Virat Kohli to Suresh Raina: Cricket fraternity pour wishes to newly-married KL Rahul & Athiya Shetty

Virat Kohli, KL Rahul & Athiya Shetty, Suresh Raina

Indian cricketer KL Rahul and Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty tied the knot on Monday, January 23, in a private function in Khandala. Rahul and Athiya were dating each other for a long time and made their relationship public on last year’s Valentines day before finally getting married to each other.

The Indian opener took a break from his national duties and is not part of the ongoing series against New Zealand.

After getting hitched to Athiya, Rahul shared the pictures from the ceremony on his Twitter handle with a beautiful caption which read, “In your light, I learn how to love…Today, with our most loved ones, we got married in the home that’s given us immense joy and serenity. With a heart full of gratitude and love, we seek your blessings on this journey of togetherness.”

The cricket fraternity took no time to extend heartfelt and utmost warm wishes to the newly married couple. Former India captain Virat Kohli and Rahul’s school friend-cum-cricketer Mayank Agarwal wished the couple on Instagram.

Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli
Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli (Instagram)

Rahul’s teammate Suryakumar Yadav took to Twitter and extended his wishes. Surya wrote: “Congratulations to the loveliest, @klrahul and @theathiyashetty. Wish you the very best for the most important partnership of your life!”

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina wished the couple a happy married life. He wrote: “Congratulations @klrahul & @theathiyashetty. Wishing you both a very happy married life & a lifetime of togetherness.”

Here is how others reacted:

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