New Delhi, May 12 (Cricket News) IPL form can't be the sole criteria for a national call-up but Dinesh Karthik and Rahul Tewatia with their stellar shows as finishers for their respective franchises have certainly made a strong case for themselves in the coming months leading up to the T20 World Cup.

The ICC event in Australia is still more than four months away but the selectors and team management will soon have to decide on their core group of players, starting with the five match home series against South Africa next month.

The finisher's job is only gaining significance in the power-packed modern game and the Indian team is definitely in need of players who can go ballistic from ball one.

In the absence of Hardik Pandya due to fitness issues, the Indian team management tried out Deepak Hooda and Venkatesh Iyer in the middle-order post World Cup debacle last year but they haven't yet found closure as far as their search is concerned.

Hardik, who has done well in the IPL in what has been his comeback competition, too has thrown himself back into national contention. However, Hooda and Hardik have been batting higher up in the order for their respective IPL teams but are expected to play lower down for the national team.

Venkatesh has had a tough second year in the IPL and has gone down in the pecking order of finishers.

With Ravindra Jadeja being the only established finisher in the Indian team, IPL performers like Karthik and Tewatia sensed an opportunity and have made full use of it.

Tewatia has built a reputation of winning games from improbable situations while Karthik, who had made his India debut way back in 2004, has shown insatiable hunger to make another comeback.

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad feels both Karthik and Tewatia must be tried in the series against South Africa beginning on June 9 besides calling for Hardik's return.

"Hardik, Jaddu, Karthik and Tewatia are my top four for the finisher's role. DK and Tewatia has been brilliant in this IPL and Hardik has made a good comeback. The World Cup is still some time away but the likes of DK and Tewatia should get their opportunity.

"If you look at DK, he has consistently done well for India in the T20 format, Nidahas Trophy being the highlight," Prasad told PTI.

On Hardik, he said: "He will be one of your main players in Australia where the T20 World Cup is. But I also want to see him bowling regularly. We will need his all-round skills Down Under." Hardik has not been bowling for Gujarat Titans in every game but has bowled closed to 20 overs during the course of the season besides getting crucial runs at number four. Prasad's former colleague in the erstwhile selection committee, Sarandeep Singh, said the Baroda all-rounder has to bowl regularly to be in the scheme of things.

"He can't just play as a batter in the side. You lose out on a crucial bowling option that way. DK can be given a go but can he play only as a batter with Rishabh donning the gloves, I am not so sure about it. But he has certainly made a case and he has got all the experience.

"He also has the ability to change his role if wickets fall in a heap. Tewatia too has done well in the IPL but I doubt if he could replicate his form in Indian conditions in Australia. The bowlers are likely to bounce him out I feel," said the former India spinner.

Tewatia had received an India call up last year but failed a fitness test.

He added that Venkatesh should be persisted even if he is having an ordinary IPL.

Among other players who should be tried in other roles against South Africa including young pacer Umran Malik, reckons Prasad.

"Shami and Bumrah are your frontline pacers but you also need a bowler who can regularly clock 150 kmph. Umran has been doing that. It is also heartening to see Kuldeep and Chahal doing well for their IPL and should be back bowling together for India," said Prasad. 

Also Read : DWPL 2022 inaugurated by Sports Minister of Telangana Shrinivas Goud

News Source : PTI

London, May 11 (Cricket News) Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan wishes to have focus and concentration levels of his County teammate Cheteshwar Pujara as he looks to improve as a red-ball cricketer.

Pujara has made a strong case for a Test comeback with two hundreds and as many double hundreds in his campaign for Sussex in County Championship Division 2.

The Indo-Pak pairing had shared a 154-run stand against Durham earlier this month and they playing for the same team has also attracted a lot of positive attention on social media.

Rizwan, who was named the ICC Player of the Year for 2021, rates Pakistan's Younis Khan and Fawad Alam very highly when it comes to batting with unwavering concentration but he has now added Pujara to the list.

"...As far as myself and Pujara are concerned, I didn't feel anything strange (on the lines of India-Pakistan rivalry).

"And hopefully, if you ask him, his answer will be the same as mine. Although I do share a laugh with him and tease him (laughs) and everyone in the team knows this," Rizwan told Cricwick when asked about the time spend with the India veteran.

Heaping praise on Pujara, Rizwan said: "He is a very nice and loving guy. And his concentration and focus too... If you get a chance to learn something, you should do it.

"In terms of concentration levels and I told this to the coaches here too. In my whole career, the players with most focus, concentration are Younis bhai, Fawad Alam and his (Pujara's).

"Pujara is second on my list and Fawad Alam on three in terms of pure concentration and focus. I rate these three players very highly." Regular white-ball cricket can affect your discipline in the longer-format and Rizwan said advice from Pujara helped him on that front.

"...in terms of the focus and concentration levels, there is a time when that starts dropping low ... I will try to figure how these three players have so intense focus and concentration. I keep on talking with Younis bhai, I couldn't talk much with Fawad recently on this.

"And with Pujara, I had a chat with him after I got out early. He told me a few things and one of them was to play close to the body. And as everyone knows, we have been playing white-ball cricket consistently over the past few years and play a bit away from our body." Rizwan said "in white-ball, you don't play very close to your body since the ball doesn't swing or seam as much." "So early on here, I played away from my body and got out twice in a similar way," he said.

"Then I went over to meet him in the nets and I remember him saying that when we play in Asia, we force the ball to play the drive. Here, we don't need to do that. And we need to play close to the body. So these are the things which he told me and whatever he learned from me, he can tell (laughs)." 

Also Read : We just wanted to be ruthless during games and relax after that, says GT skipper Hardik

News Source : PTI

Melbourne, May 10 (Cricket News) India will gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup with a home series against Australia featuring three T20 internationals in September later this year.

According to a report in foxsports.com.au, "Australia will play a number of white ball series with home games against Zimbabwe, New Zealand, West Indies and England coming either side of three T20s in India in September." The series will serve as a preparation for the showpiece event to be held in Australia in October and November this year.

Next year, Australia is also set to tour India for a four-Test tour in February and March.

India's next assignment is a five-match T20 series against South Africa at home from June 9 to 19, followed by a tour of Ireland for two T20Is.

The Rohit Sharma-led side then takes on England in the rescheduled fifth and final Test, which was postponed last year due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Indian camp, on July 1.

The 'Men in Blue' are then scheduled to play a white-ball series including three T20s and as many ODIs against England. 

Also Read : Kolkata Knight Riders remain in competition with big win over Mumbai Indians

News Source : PTI

Pune, May 9 (Cricket News) On a slippery slope after back-to-back losses, Gujarat Titans will need their batters to fire when they take on high-flying Lucknow Super Giants as both teams look to seal IPL play-offs berth here on Tuesday.

The two new entrants are having a dream run in their maiden season.

While Gujarat led the points table for most part of the league, Lucknow moved ahead of them to take the top spot. The Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat side's winning streak came to an end with back-to-back losses against Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians last week.

Both teams have 16 points each from 11 outings and a win for either of them will confirm the passage to the next stage.

LSG, who have won their last four games, would be brimming with confidence as they head to the fixture with a morale-boosting 75-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders.

KL Rahul has led from the front and the opener is the second highest run scorer in the tournament, collecting 451 runs from 11 games with two hundreds and as many fifties.

The team has relied heavily on him to get the job done with the bat. But the likes of Quinton de Kock and Deepak Hooda have taken more responsibility in the recent games which will definitely take the pressure off Rahul.

Their bowling unit has been right on mark. While LSG were able to defend 153 against Punjab Kings, they polished off KKR for just 101, with pacers Avesh Khan and Jason Holder proving to be too hot to handle for the former champions.

Pacers Mohsin Khan (5.35) and Sri Lanka's Dushmantha Chameera (7.90) have bowled economically as has Krunal Pandya (6.64), while Ravi Bishnoi (8.23) and Avesh (8.14) have been a tad expensive. But the bowling unit has often found a way to get over the line.

Gujarat's stellar run in the IPL can be attributed to their ability to come back from tough situations. They had different players winning games for them but that was not the case against MI when they failed to get nine runs off the last over in what should have been an easy run chase.

The batting department needs to be more consistent. The top order batters have failed to take their innings deep.

Shubman Gill has endured a hot and cold season, while Wriddhiman Saha has shown good intent.

Skipper Pandya, David Miller and Rahul Tewatia have also looked off colour recently and need to get into the groove again in the business end of the tournament.

Gujarat have a lethal bowling attack, studded with world-class bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson and Rashid Khan.

But Shami hasn't been able to live up to expectations recently. The senior India pacer has given away 124 runs while taking only two wickets in the last three games.

However, he can can wreak havoc with the new ball while Ferguson's ability to generate extra pace is a cause of concern for any batting line-up.

Rashid continues to remain economical but the star Afghan spinner will be eager for more wickets.

The Teams (from): Gujarat Titans: Hardik Pandya (c), Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Gurkeerat Singh, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Matthew Wade, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wriddhiman Saha, Alzarri Joseph, Darshan Nalkande, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Pradeep Sangwan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Varun Aaron, Yash Dayal.

Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (c), Manan Vohra, Evin Lewis, Manish Pandey, Quinton De Kock, Ravi Bishnoi, Dushmantha Chameera, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Andrew Tye, Marcus Stoinis, Kyle Mayers, Karan Sharma, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, Krunal Pandya. Jason Holder.

Match starts at 7.30 PM. 

Also Read : Alyssa Healy, Keshav Maharaj win ICC 'Player of Month' award

News Source : PTI

Naihati (WB), May 9 (Football News) History beckons Gokulam Kerala when they face Sreenidi Deccan in the penultimate round of the I-League here on Tuesday, as even a draw will hand them the crown and make them the first club to defend the title in the 15-year-old league.

Gokulam are currently on 40 points, six ahead of second-placed Mohammedan Sporting (34 points), and they can win a second successive title on Tuesday even with a defeat if the Kolkata team does not win against Rajasthan United in the second match of the day at Kalyani.

No club in the I-League era has defended its title. Kolkata side East Bengal had achieved the feat in the era of National Football League, the predecessor of I-League, by winning title in 2002–03 and 2003–04 seasons.

Gokulam Kerala emerged 2-1 winners the last time these two teams met. Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese is aware of the magnitude of the game but maintained that preparations would not be that different.

“We know the importance of the game but the preparation is the same. We need to play and we need to score. I want my players to come up with extra power for this game and that is what will help us to try and get the three points,” he said.

“Having played them earlier in the season, we feel we know them better. They have two top forwards in Louis Ogana and David Castaneda. We know they are strong in the central areas and we will have to be at our best to get the three points,” said Annese.

Sreenidi Deccan -- currently fifth with 26 points -- notched an impressive 2-0 win over Punjab FC and head coach Fernando Santiago Varela is hoping his side can carry that momentum into the game against Gokulam Kerala.

“From the last time we played them, I believe we are a better team now, in both the offensive and defensive phase. This is our first season together so I am happy with what we have achieved together,” he said.

Varela is focused on the battle for third place in the table where only one point separates his team from Churchill Brothers and Punjab FC.

“We will try to fight to define our position and not how it impacts the other teams in the table, try to get third place which I believe is the least we deserve,” said Varela.

In the second match of the day to be played at Kalyani, Mohammedan Sporting face Rajasthan United, who are currently placed at sixth with 22 points.

“We have been playing good football. We managed to win the Calcutta Football League after so many years and reached the final of the Durand Cup. For me, this is one of the best seasons for this football club," Mohammedan head coach Andrey Chernyshov said.

Rajasthan United head coach Francesc Bonet said his players are prepared to play against one of the top teams in the I-League.

“We will be playing our last game against Mohammedan SC in Kolkata in front of the fans. So, the motivation is always there. We know this match can also determine the champions but we are focusing on ourselves,” he said. 

Also Read : How ACL injuries destroyed the careers of two Real Madrid wonderkids

News Source : PTI

Dubai, May 9 (Cricket News) Australian women's team star keeper-batter Alyssa Healy and South African men's side spinner Keshav Maharaj were on Monday voted the ICC's 'Player of the Month' for April in their respective categories.

Healy was selected the stand-out female player in April following her match-winning innings of 170 in the Women's Cricket World Cup final in Christchurch, setting a record for the highest-ever score in the summit clash of any ICC global event.

"I am very humbled to win this month's award ahead of two outstanding players. It was great to see Janet Mbabazi's name in the mix after a stellar tri-series for Uganda," Healy was quoted as saying in a release issued by the ICC.

"I'm looking forward to seeing her name in contention for more ICC Awards over the years to come. Thanks to all the fans for voting and supporting the women's game. It’s been a great start to 2022 for our sport and I am looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year holds," she added.

Proteas spinner Maharaj got the award for his prolific performance with the ball during their recent ICC World Test Championship series victory over Bangladesh on home soil.

The spinner proved a constant threat to the tourists, taking 16 wickets at an average of 12.12, celebrating two seven-wicket hauls in the second innings of both Tests.

His wickets were significant catalysts for his side's 2-0 series triumph, winning comfortably on both occasions -- by 220 runs in Durban and 332 runs in Gqeberha.

Acknowledging his award, Maharaj said: "I'm honoured and privileged to receive the ICC Player of the Month award for April and I want to thank my teammates for helping me win this award.

"I am really happy with how the team has performed this past season and I hope we can build on this to reach greater heights as a unit." 

Also Read : Conway credits Dhoni for big score against DC, says skipper told him to come down and hit straight against spinners

News Source : PTI

(Football news) Two goals from in form striker Lautaro Martinez helped Inter Milan secure a 4-2 home win over Empoli on Friday as Simone Inzaghi's side kept their Serie A title hopes alive and went provisionally on top of the table. The victory now has put defending champions Inter one point ahead of AC Milan, who can regain top spot with a win over Verona today in their bid to secure a first Scudetto since 2011. 

Inter in the first half struggled considerably against an Empoli side who have just won once in their last 20 games in all competitions as Inter found themselves 2-0 down in the first 30 minutes. The visitors took a shock lead against the Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the fifth minute when striker Andrea Pinamonti latched on to a brilliant low cross as he scored his 13th goal of the season. The 22-year-old, who has now scored against AC Milan, Roma and twice against Napoli, he did not celebrate scoring as he is on loan from Inter.

Empoli shocked Inter Milan again when they scored again five minutes later through Zurkowski but this time the goal was disallowed by VAR due to an offside but they eventually doubled up their lead in the 28th minute. Defender Riccardo Fiamozzi sent a long ball into the box and Kristjan Asllani hammered the ball past Handanovic but Inzaghi's side levelled the score just before break when Martinez found the right corner for his 18th league goal of the season, with the goal that inspired Inter as they started to create more opportunities before half-time.

The Argentinian then went on to bag his second of the evening in the 64th minute when he fired a rebound past the keeper to put Inter ahead for the first time in the match. Alexis Sanchez then sealed all three points in injury time. Inter now have a chance to win a trophy on Wednesday when they face Juventus in the Coppa Italia final.

Also read: Atletico Madrid host Champions Real Madrid; Barcelona travel to Betis

Mumbai, May 6 (Cricket News) Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh wants to see young speedster Umran Malik in the Indian team and partner pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia later this year.

The 22-year-old Malik, who's playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League has been bowing consistently over the 150 kmph mark.

Malik, who has picked 15 wickets so far, has bowled the fastest delivery -- 157 kmph -- in the current IPL.

“He (Umran Malik) is my favourite, I want to see him in the Indian team because what a bowler he is,” Harbhajan told reporters here on Friday.

Harbhajan was speaking after ‘DreamSetGo’ became the Official Travel Agent of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.

“Tell me any one bowler who bowls more than 150 (kmph) and is not playing for the country. So, I think it is a great thing and he will inspire many youngsters to take up this game, where he has come from and what he is doing in IPL, he has been unbelievable,” he added.

Harbhajan said if he was in the national selection committee, he would have drafted the Jammu pacer into the Indian team.

“And I don’t know whether he will be selected or not but if I was part of selection committee, I would have given a go ahead. Umran Malik should partner Jasprit Bumrah when India plays in Australia (for T20 World Cup),” said the former off-spinner.

“I am sure he (Umran) will also learn, he's a promising cricketer and I hope he gets selected and plays for India.” Harbhajan said the 22-year-old Malik's age should not be a factor while considering him for the national team.

“When Sachin (Tendulkar) played for India, he was very young. Of course, he was Sachin Tendulkar, but that’s okay, ‘aise hi player bante hai’ (players are made like this).

“When I played my first Test, I was 17 and half, but if you keep on thinking that he is a kid, then time will run out. When he is bowling at his best, he should be playing. Forget what his age is, when someone is performing well and is fit enough, they should walk in,” said Harbhajan.

Backs Kohli, Rohit to come good before T20 World Cup ================================== Saying that going through a lean patch is part and parcel of a player’s career, Harbhajan backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to roar back to form much before the T20 World Cup to be held in October-November.

“Of course, they are champion players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, they are champion, world-class players, I am hopeful that they will get back to form much before the (T20) World Cup.

“This (lean patch) is a part and parcel of the game, everyone goes through this and I am sure they will come out of it and they will become ever stronger and better players out of this (phase),” added Harbhajan.

Backs ‘Kulcha’ to be part of Indian team for T20 WC ================================ Harbhajan also backed the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal to board the flight to Australia for T20 World Cup.

“I certainly believe that you have to bring ‘Kulcha’ back. Kuldeep and Yuzvendra, I think they have been brilliant for Team India. When they played together, they took wickets in middle overs, whether it was T20s, ODIs or any format,” he said.

“I don’t know why they (selectors) break that partnership which was going well for India. It will be great to see them bowling in Australia, where grounds are big and they both are quality bowlers,” he signed off. 

Also Read : Ben Stokes smashes County Championship record with 17 sixes in an innings

News Source : PTI

Surat, May 4 (Cricket News) Maharashtra skipper Smriti Mandhana's 84 went in vain as Railways defeated Maharashtra by seven wickets to win the senior women's T20 tournament here on Wednesday.

Electing to bat, Maharashtra rode on Mandhana's 84 off just 56 balls to post a challenging 160 for four.

In reply, opener S Meghana (52) and D Hemalatha (65) slammed half centuries as Railways chased down the target with 11 balls to spare.

Left-handed batter Mandhana toyed with the Railways attack as she hammered 11 boundaries and three maximums and forged a 74-run stand with opener Shivali Shinde, who chipped in a 30-run knock.

Mandhana anchored the innings even as the other batters faltered.

For Railways off-spinner Swagatika Rath was the pick of bowlers as she returned with figures of 3 for 33, while skipper Sneh Rana snapped one wicket.

Chasing 161, Railways opener S Meghana pummelled the Maharashtra attack into submission with a 32-ball 52, striking nine boundaries.

One-down D Hemalatha, whose knock was studded with nine boundaries and two maximums, took the game deep.

She was dismissed in the 17th over, but by then the damage had been done.

K Anjali Sarvani (26 not out) and Sneh Rana (6 not out) then ensured that there were no further hiccups as Railways chased the target with ease. 

Also Read : CSK win toss, ask RCB to bat

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, May 4 (Cricket News) Delhi Capitals have fluffed their lines during a few chases and the current mid-table "congestion" only means that they will have to win their remaining five games while checking out RCB's results, senior opener David Warner said on Thursday.

DC are currently seventh in the standings with eight points from nine games but with another five rounds left for a few teams and four for some of the others, save Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, no team is sure of securing a top four berth.

Between slots fourth and ninth, teams are locked between 10 to 6 points and it can change in a matter of two games.

"Moving forward from where we are, we've obviously got to win every game to make it to the finals. There's a strong competition, two teams we have got to come against - Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are pretty much similar points to us," Warner said ahead of their match against Kane Wiliamson's men.

"We could get that upper hand if we beat Sunrisers. We then go into the top four, but obviously, we need RCB to start losing as well. It's quite a congested table, but exciting for the rest of the tournament," he added.

Some of the matches went awry for DC as they didn't chase well and Warner admitted that.

"I think if you look at the results, we've just missed out when we are chasing those big totals. We have managed to get so close, but they are the ones that hurt you." Speaking ahead of the game against his former team, Warner expressed, "My thoughts are like every other game, just keep going through your processes till you have to do it, training and just get ready for the game." When asked about his form and the experience of batting with Prithvi Shaw, the swashbuckling opener said, "We've got off to a good start. In the last match, we've fallen cheaply, both of us, and that can happen in this game because we have to play that high-level brand of cricket in the power play." He emphasised on the role of the top three batters in the team and how at least two of the three getting big runs is making a difference.

"I think the most important thing is myself or him (Prithvi Shaw) or Mitch (Mitchell Marsh) scoring an 80 or 90 or even a hundred if we can, to post good totals or chase down big totals, and that's the key.

"I think that's the focus for every other team. The teams who are doing well are scoring big runs at the top of the order. And, two players are actually scoring big in the games, they are the ones that you really need to shine to win these games," said the Aussie opener. 

Also Read : Annual ICC Rankings: Australia are No. 1 in Tests, India remain on top in T20, NZ are No. 1 ranked ODI team

News Source : PTI

Dubai, May 4 (Cricket News) India under new captain Rohit Sharma finished the 2021-22 season as the world's number one ranked T20 team after a string of impressive performances at home but were a good nine points behind Australia in the annual Test rankings released by ICC on Wednesday.

The 'Black Caps' from New Zealand finished the last season as the world No.1 ODI team with the cut-off date being May 4, 2022. The England versus India series that began in 2021, will be included in the rankings once the final postponed Test is completed.

"Australia have increased their lead over second-placed India from one to nine rating points while Pakistan have overtaken England to fifth position in the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings following the annual update carried out today," the ICC release stated.

"India have also gained a point to move to 119 while England have had the biggest decrease of nine points as their 4-1 series win over India in 2018 is now dropped from the rankings. England's 88 rating points is their lowest since 1995," the release added.

Australia, who beat England 4-0 in the Ashes in January, have moved from 119 to 128 rating points in the annual update that drops the 2018-19 season and reflects all series completed since May 2019.

Series completed prior to May 2021 are now weighted at 50 per cent and subsequent series at 100 per cent.

India remain on top in T20Is, extending their lead over second-placed England from one to five points. South Africa and Australia have overtaken New Zealand, who are now in sixth place. Similarly, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are now ahead of Afghanistan (10th).

In the updated ODI rankings, New Zealand remain on top but their lead over England is reduced from three to one point. The gap between England and third-placed Australia has increased from seven to 17 points. 

Also Read : Time for Lalit Yadav to deliver as DC fight SRH to stay alive in IPL

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, May 3 (Cricket News) Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori and South African spinner Imran Tahir reckon that wides and height no-balls should also come under the DRS scanner as umpires' call sparked fresh debate during Rajasthan Royals' IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders here.

Defending 18 runs from the last two overs, Royals skipper Sanju Samson was visibly upset by umpire Nitin Pandit's three wide calls despite considerable movement from the batters -- Rinku Singh and Nitish Rana -- on a couple of occasions in the penultimate over on Monday.

Samson then went on to ask for a review when the ball was miles away from the bat in his sarcastic way of protest.

It sparked a fresh debate for call of wides and waist height no-balls for review with the Kiwi former all-rounder speaking up on the issue once again.

"I don't think there was any thought of it actually being out... Absolutely (players should be allowed to review wides). The players should be able to decide in such crucial matters," Vettori, a former Royal Challengers Bangalore coach, told ESPNCricinfo.com.

"Today it is a little bit different where it always looked like KKR are going to win. But we have sat here so many times and seen decisions go against bowlers that are so close and the umpire has got it wrong.

"So therefore the players should have some avenues towards rectifying those mistakes. That's why DRS was brought in: to rectify mistakes. I would like to see that happen. And players are very good judges of that. They get it right more often than not." According to the ICC rule 22.4.1 on wides, "The umpire shall not adjudge a delivery as being a Wide, if the striker, by moving, either causes the ball to pass wide of him/her, or brings the ball sufficiently within reach to be able to hit it by means of a normal cricket stroke." Rajasthan Royals were involved in yet another controversy -- this time involving a no-ball in their match against Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals.

Chasing a mammoth 223, Delhi needed 36 from the final over and Rovman Powell upped the ante, smashing three sixes in a row.

The third six came off a waist-high full toss but the on-field umpires did not call it a no-ball, nor did they choose to refer it.

It led to unprecedented scenes in the Delhi dugout as Pant started calling back the players and their assistant coach Pravin Amre stepped on the pitch in a blatant violation of the Code of Conduct.

Echoing similar sentiments, former Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Tahir said: "Yeah why not (review)... There is not much for bowlers in the game. When batters are hitting you all over, you don't have much choice than bowling wide yorkers or bowling wide leg breaks. If that becomes a wide, you are in trouble." "But look, it was a close call. Samson was a little bit frustrated. It was a 50-50 thing. I don't think it should be a big issue. Kolkata played well, and they were going to win it. But yeah there should be a review that a player can go for," he added.

The KKR duo of Rana and Singh scored 17 runs in the penultimate over to seal a seven-wicket win with five balls to spare. 
 

Also Read : Those sixes off Cottrell at Sharjah instilled self-belief in Rahul Tewatia: Gavaskar

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Cricket Ireland has today announced a new five-year broadcast deal with Pitch International for Ireland men’s and women’s international cricket played at home in that period. Pitch International has worked with Cricket Ireland since 2014, facilitating broadcast sales for Ireland Men’s home internationals matches with the global market. The new deal, covering home internationals from 2022-2026, extends Pitch’s scope in a number of ways – with Pitch now assuming ownership of Cricket Ireland’s rights, Pitch will be expanding its portfolio of matches to include women’s internationals, and taking all international matches to the end of the next future tours programme (FTP).  

The broadcast reach of Ireland Men’s internationals have begun to attract substantial numbers in recent years, with the Ireland Men v India Men two-match T20I series in 2018 recorded broadcast reach globally of 429M, while the home international programme in 2019 and 2021 had a combined broadcast reach of almost 600M.

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said: “As Irish cricket grows in stature on the world stage, broadcast and digital rights are becoming a key income stream to support Cricket Ireland and its work in growing and improving the sustainability of our sport. Having worked closely with Pitch International as our agent in the broadcast market for so many years, we are delighted to formally welcome them as our official global broadcast partner. From experience, we are confident that Pitch provides the necessary expertise and reach into the global broadcast and digital marketplace.

“Not only will this agreement help grow the profile of our sport internationally, but it will also help to sustain the revenue for Cricket Ireland to invest back into the sport – our facilities, our high performance programmes, our Provincial Unions and programmes at club and grassroots levels. As a new aspect of our latest broadcast deal, we will offer women’s cricket content to the market for the first time. Almost 750,000 views of our women’s international livestreams in 2021 has demonstrated the interest in Irish women’s cricket, and this will be set to grow significantly further with the senior squad’s entry into the ICC Women’s Championship.

“As we don’t want to just be a major nation in world cricket, but a major sport in Ireland, we have ensured the new broadcast deal carves out our ability to offer attractive opportunities for with domestic broadcast partners in Ireland – and we will explore these

Guy Le Grew, Chief Revenue Office at Pitch international, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Cricket Ireland and continue to help grow the game of cricket in Ireland. As the landscape of world cricket continues to evolve, our focus is on driving reach and revenue for Irish cricket and to enhance the profile of Ireland’s international sides both at home and abroad. Cricket Ireland have consistently secured high quality opposition for both their men’s and women’s teams, which in turn provides us all with exciting opportunities in broadcast markets around the world.

“Through Pitch’s wider portfolio of international cricket rights, which also includes the England and Wales Cricket Board, New Zealand Cricket, Cricket West Indies, Netherlands Cricket and Cricket Scotland, our unrivalled expertise and network uniquely positions us to deliver market-leading results. We look forward to continuing to work with Cricket Ireland to take the sport forward.”

Also read: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) record 20-run win as Punjab fluff run chase

Mumbai, Apr 27 (Cricket News) Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene, a member of the ICC's Cricket Committee, feels going forward the third umpire should intervene in case the on-field officials get above-waist no balls wrong in the course of a match.

Jayawrdene believes the ICC Cricket Committee should hold a discussion on whether the third umpire should alert the on-field umpires in such a scenario.

The former Sri Lankan captain's statement came following the drama witnessed in the final over of the IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals last Friday when the third delivery, a hip-high full-toss from Obed McCoy, was whacked by Rovman Powell for a six, but the DC camp demanded it be called a no-ball for height.

But the on-field umpires stood their ground, saying the delivery was legal. DC lost the match by 15 runs.

"Probably, the umpires did get it wrong, but the rules say that you can't go to the third umpire or check on those things," Jayawardene said on The ICC Review.

"It is something, I think, going forward we need to look at: whether (there should be) the option for the third umpire to come on the field, on to the main umpires and inform them that it's a delivery you should check." Soon after the incident, a livid DC captain Rishabh Pant asked Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to walk out, while assistant coach Praveen Amre went into the playing arena to lodge his protest.

Pant and Amre both were fined 100 per cent of their match fees, with the latter also handed a one-match ban and pacer Shardul Thakur fined 50 per cent of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

"But...the spirit of the game, and to see things moving forward, it's never an option for any coach or any player to come on to the field," Jayawardene said.

"We are given an opportunity during the strategic time-out to come out in IPL, and that should be the only time the coaches or anyone else should be allowed." Under the current ICC playing conditions, all front foot no-balls are checked by the third umpire.

The action of DC players and support staff didn't go down well with Jayawardene.

"It is disappointing to see that. You are stopping the game, and people are coming on to the field," he said.

"But I honestly believe it was just the emotions carrying away. It was just the last over, a couple of sixes were hit and there was probably an opportunity (for Capitals to chase down the target).

"We saw it on TV. Most of the guys (Mumbai Indians players) were watching it together, and afterwards as well, we had a chat.

"We will probably react in the dugout, but (for us) it's never an option to go onto the field. That's not the way things should be, but I'm pretty sure Rishabh and Pravin would regret what happened," he added. 

Also Read : Punjab Kings aim to stifle in-form KL Rahul in IPL game against Lucknow Super Giants

News Source : PTI

(Motorsport) Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen reignited his title bid after a dominant victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The Dutch racing driver led from start to finish while his rival Charles Leclerc had a disappointing race, finishing sixth due to a crash while the other Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz had a DNF after crashing with Daniel Ricciardo very early in the race. 

It was a perfect weekend for Red Bull as Verstappen and his teammate Sergio Perez finished first and second in an almost faultless display. Leclerc, who finished 2nd in the sprint race dropped to fourth at the beginning of the main event and eventually hit the barrier while chasing Perez for 2nd place with 10 laps to go. The Monegasque driver was forced to the pits in order to get a new front wing which ultimately resulted in the driver being forced to settle for sixth place. Leclerc’s pain was Lando Norris’ gain as the McLaren driver finished third in what was a hugely disappointing weekend for Ferrari at their home Grand Prix. 

As for Mercedes, George Russell finished in an impressive fourth place but seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton struggled throughout and ended the race in 13th place, well outside the points. His former teammate Valtteri Bottas finished fifth in the Alfa Romeo while Yuki Tsunoda was seventh in the AlphaTauri. Kevin Magnussen in ninth place was sandwiched between the two Aston Martin cars of Sebastian Vettel who finished eighth and Lance Stroll who was 10th. The result of the race meant that Max Verstappen progressed to 2nd in the Drivers Standings after taking 34 points from the weekend, the maximum available as he won Saturday's sprint and also got the fastest lap on Sunday.

Speaking after the race, Verstappen said “Yesterday and the day before, we were on it and it was looking like a strong weekend. Today, you never know with the weather how competitive you're going to be... as a team we did everything well and I think this one-two is well deserved.” His rival Charles Leclerc remains 27 points ahead in the title race and Ferrari will look for both their drivers, especially Carlos Sainz, to step up in the upcoming weekends so that Red Bull cannot mount a comeback. 

Emilia Romagna GP race result: Top 10

1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
3) Lando Norris, McLaren
4) George Russell, Mercedes
5) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo
6) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
7) Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri
8) Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
9) Kevin Magnussen, Haas
10) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

Also read: Carlos Sainz extends contract with Scuderia Ferrari until 2024

(Motorsports news) Max Verstappen bounced back from a miserable Melbourne Grand Prix to take an unbelievable pole at Imola in the wet. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took P2 after being hampered by a flurry of late red flags, while Lando Norris managed an excellent P3 on the grid for McLaren, which was subsequently their best qualifying result this season. Leclerc easily topped Final Practice before Friday’s qualifying session. As the rain subsided and the other drivers emerged on soft tyres for Q1, in which Leclerc again set the fastest time to go half a second ahead of Verstappen. Q2 saw a greater threat of rain, but this time Verstappen topped those timesheets before Sainz crashed from P2 and then Q3 saw the clouds unleashed.

All the drivers opted for the Intermediates for the final shootout and it was there that Verstappen set the early benchmark of 1m 27.999,  just as Valtteri Bottas crashed out and brought out the fourth red flag of the afternoon with just three minutes remaining. Nearly eight-tenths of Leclerc had one last chance to take  provisional pole away from the reigning champion but he was left 0.799s off from Max’s time. Norris took third for McLaren but slid off track in the final seconds of Q3, while Kevin Magnussen finished a magnificent  fourth for Haas and Fernando Alonso rounded out the top five for Alpine.

In sixth it was Daniel Ricciardo while Sergio Perez could only manage P7 for Red Bull, ahead of Bottas who was eighth before crashing. Vettel managed to enter Q3 in his Aston Martin and took a respectable  P9 to leave Ferrari's Sainz in P10 after crashing out of Q2. But the surprise of the day was that both the Mercedes missed out on Q3, both George Russell (P11) and Lewis Hamilton (P13) in the drop zone before rain hit in Q2 as this was the first time since Japan 2012. Mick Schumacher was P12 while Zhou Guanyu was 14th as Lance Stroll was 15th for Aston Martin.

“It was tricky out there with the rain… It was very slippery to get the tyre temps to work. It was a hectic, long qualifying but of course at the end I was happy to be here. It’s an amazing track, it also really punishes you if you make a mistake, you know you can go in the wall. That’s what we like to make it really hard and difficult.

“Very pleased of course with pole position. I know tomorrow and Sunday will be different in terms of weather conditions but at least it’s a good start to the weekend” – Max Verstappen, Red Bull

Also read: Carlos Sainz extends contract with Scuderia Ferrari until 2024
 

Mumbai, Apr 22 (Cricket News) Rajasthan Royals posted an imposing 222 for two against Delhi Capitals in their Indian Premier League match here on Friday.

Opener Jos Buttler continued his menacing form as he top-scored for RR with a magnificent 116 off 65 balls while Devdutt Padikkal and captain Sanju Samson chipped in with 54 and 46 not out respectively.

For DC, Khaleel Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman took one wicket apiece.

Brief Scores: Rajasthan Royals: 222 for 2 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler 116, Devdutt Padikkal 54, Sanju Samson 46 not out; Khaleel Ahmed 1/47, Mustafizur Rahman 1/43). 

Also Read : ICC appoints Pakistan's Wasim Khan as its General Manager-Cricket

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Apr 22 (Cricket News) The ICC on Friday appointed Wasim Khan, the former chief executive of Pakistan Cricket Board, as its General Manager - Cricket to succeed Geoff Allardice.

Khan, who will take up his post next month, was also previously the Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Cricket Club and Chance to Shine. He last held the post of PCB CEO.

He will take over from Allardice who spent eight years in the role before being appointed as the ICC CEO.

"I am honoured to be joining the ICC, I can't wait to get started and work in partnership with our Members to strengthen and grow our sport," Khan said in an ICC statement.

"I'm particularly excited by the ICC's commitment to the growth of the women's game, and I look forward to playing my part in really accelerating that growth over the next decade." Welcoming Khan to his new position, his predecessor Allardice said: "He (Khan) brings an in-depth knowledge of our sport and its stakeholders and his firsthand experience of the international cricket landscape will be of enormous benefit as we implement the ICC global growth strategy and move forward into a new events cycle.” 

Also Read : Delhi Capitals win toss, elect to field against Rajasthan Royals

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Apr 20 (Cricket News) West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard on Wednesday announced his retirement from international cricket though he will continue to freelance in private T20 and T10 leagues across the globe.

If one tries to sum up Pollard's international career in a nutshell, he could be termed as a perennial underachiever in maroon jersey.

The 34-year-old Pollard, who made his ODI debut back in 2007, fittingly played his last series against India, a country which has become his second home due to his long association with Mumbai Indians.

"Hi all, after careful deliberation, I have decided to retire from international cricket. It was a dream of mine to play for West Indies since I was a 10-year-old boy and I am proud to represent the West Indies for over 15 years in T20 and ODI format of the game," Pollard announced on his official instagram page.

While he is a feared T20 cricketer, one of the finest that the world has seen, his numbers for the West Indies remain underwhelming with only 2706 runs at just above 26 and 55 wickets from 123 ODIs along with 1569 runs from 101 T20Is at an average of shade over 25. He also took 44 wickets.

One of the biggest six hitters, there wasn't a bowler in world cricket who didn't fear bowling fuller deliveries to Pollard in his prime and also the yorkers which would be effortlessly dug-out for straight sixes.

He did have his problems against slower bowlers and later as the teams did their homework, the wide yorker would be effectively used to stop his exploits.

While the highlight of his international career would be hitting six sixes of Akila Dananjaya in a T20I -- third to do so after Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh. He was a part of the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup winning West Indies squad. He never played Test cricket.

While he had three hundreds in ODIs, Pollard was never the same player for the Windies as he has been for Mumbai Indians or for that matter the other franchises for which he has plied his trade during all these years.

Perhaps, it was West Indies cricket's financial crunch that always made Pollard realise his priorities and that's the reason whenever he came to represent the national side, he was never at his best.

A testimony to that would be 99 sixes in 101 T20Is, less than a six per game and during the later years, his bowling prowess dipped considerably as he fancied himself as a late-order hitter.

As he is closing in on his 35th birthday, Pollard knows that he would need to maximise his earnings by playing leagues all over the world and in the post COVID world, it is very difficult for a family man to hop from one bio-bubble to another with additional burden of international cricket making the job doubly difficult. 

Also Read : Delhi Capitals bounce back to defeat lackluster Punjab Kings

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Mumbai, Apr 19 (Cricket News) Impressed with the way Dinesh Karthik is making his bat talk in this year's IPL, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons that the veteran keeper-batter can play the role of a finisher for the Indian team in the T20 World Cup later this year.

Karthik has been hitting the ball fluently for his new franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore this season.

The former Kolkata Knight Riders skipper has produced effective knocks of 32, 14, 44, 7, 34 and 66 with an astonishing strike-rate of 209.57. By remaining unbeaten in five of the six innings, he is averaging 197.00.

"He said he wants to be a part of the Indian Team for the T20 World Cup. So what I am saying is don't look at his age, just look at what he's producing," Gavaskar told Star Sports.

Karthik's best this season came (66 not out from 34 balls) against Delhi Capitals in their last outing when he took on the experienced Mustafizur Rahman and Indian left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed with his fantastic strokeplay to power them to a match-winning 189/5.

RCB won the match by 16 runs and Karthik was adjudged Player-of-the-match.

"He's just changing the complexion of the game with his performance. He's doing it for his team. He's doing the job that you can expect him to do at number 6 or 7 at the (T20) World Cup (in October-November)," Gavaskar added.

A veteran of 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 32 T20Is, the 36-year-old last played for India in the heartbreaking semifinal loss to New Zealand in the ICC World Cup in 2019. 

Also Read : LSG and RCB both face each other to go top of the table in match no 31

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New Delhi, Apr 18 (Cricket News) Pace bowling sensation Umran Malik could be fast-tracked into the Indian team as early as June when it will play seven T20 Internationals against South Africa and Ireland respectively.

India will play South Africa in a five-match T20 International series at home (June 9, 12, 14, 17, 20) and two matches in Ireland's Malahide (June 26, 28) where a second-string team comprising white-ball specialists will be plying their trade as the big guns prepare for the series-deciding fifth Test against England, starting early July.

Umran was a net bowler during India's last World T20 campaign in the UAE.

The BCCI is keen on having a bigger pool of fast bowlers going into the upcoming World T20 in Australia and Umran, with his scorching pace, has a high probability of making it to the squad if all goes well and he remains fit over the next two months.

The pool of premier bowlers whose workload management will be paramount are Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Deepak Chahar (if fit), Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav.

The three bowlers from the fringe pack, who might get a go in some of the 20 plus T20I matches in the run-up to the World Cup are Umran and left-armers T Natarajan and Arshdeep Singh, all of whom have been impressive in the IPL.

Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach and fast bowling legend Dale Steyn has termed the Jammu man a "genius".

"My job with Umran is to ensure he runs fast and make players play differently. My job is to try and make him forward-thinking as to what the batters are planning on doing.

"It's exciting for us to sit back and watch what a genius he is. I don't want to turn him into what I was, all I want is his geniuses to come out," Steyn said on 'Star Sports' 'Cricket Live' programme.

It is understood that chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma and his committee will be keeping a close eye on Umran, who is now India's fastest bowler by a distance, regularly clocking 152 plus (approx 95 miles/hr).

He has nine wickets from six games for SRH this season and the manner in which he intimidated an established international batter like KKR's Shreyas Iyer was an exhilarating sight.

Sunil Gavaskar, commentating for the IPL broadcasters, said that Malik will become more lethal once he is able to stop spraying deliveries on leg-stump and wide off it.

"A lot of guys who bowl at that speed tend to spray the ball around but Umran bowls very few wide deliveries. If he can control the wides down the leg side, he will be a tremendous bowler because that will mean he'll be attacking the stumps all the time, and with his pace, it's not easy to hit straight.

"If he bowls wicket-to-wicket, he's going to be pretty much an unplayable bowler. He's going to play for India," Gavaskar said.

Former opener WV Raman, one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket, feels that time is ripe for Umran to be drafted into the Team India set-up straightaway.

"He is a special talent. He has pace and now he is slowly picking up the ropes of fast bowling. When a young bowler has pace, don't wait for three seasons before you blood him.

"If he is young and as quick as Umran is, you should seriously look at him," Raman, who has been a former NCA batting coach, apart from working with KKR and the Indian women's team, told PTI.

"When Umran is bowling, you could hear that the ball is hitting the bat. But also when you have a bowler like that bowling at 150 consistently, then you also need good slip catchers as the ball will travel at quite a speed," Raman added.

Raman also analysed that when it comes to express pace bowlers, they have a better chance of making their international debut much earlier compared to batters, who are doing well in IPL.

"If you look at our batting unit, we have a lot of experience and if you are an uncapped player making a mark as a specialist batter within No. 4, it is a bit difficult to get a look-in. After that you have multi-dimensional cricketers coming in.

"Also you will produce more quality batters than bowlers. Therefore when a special bowler comes in the horizon, he is bound to create a certain degree of interest," Raman explained.

Former selector Devang Gandhi, however, feels that raw pace can be counter-productive as batters at international level can score quick runs.

"I believe that India will bank on experience going into the World Cup considering that Australian pitches for the ICC tourney will be great for batting.

"But having said that, in the run-up to the World T20 you can check out on various options and there is no harm if they decide to try out Umran and see what he can bring to the table," Gandhi, a member of the last selection committee, said.

Also Read : Killer Miller leads GT to incredible run chase against CSK

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(Cricket news) Joe Root on friday announced his decision to step down as England Test captain after 5 years of leading the team. The decision comes after England lost the West Indies tour 1-0. The England cricket team is going through a major overhaul as coach Chris Silverwood was sacked after the Ashes tour and managing director Ashley Giles also stepped down from his role.

Root took over as England captain in February 2017 after Alistair Cook's resignation. He scored a century against South Africa at Lord's to become the first England player to score a ton on his captaincy debut. His personal form after initially dropping with the captaincy gradually increased and towards the end were phenomenal. Root holds the record for most matches as England captain. His tenure was a complete mixed bag in terms of team performance and development. The 2-0 series win away at Sri Lanka was his last as a captain. England lost to India away after which they trailed 2-1 to India with 1 postponed Test match left to play.

The Ashes series down under was a major blow as England lost 4-0 against Australia and not one match was a close contest. The West Indies series was supposed to start a revamp and comeback. Senior bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were dropped from the squad. Things got worse after England lost the West Indies series that too without a win. Root's personal form during the last year or so was incredible as he won the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year award. The team has been underperforming which does call for a change.

The change however wasn't necessarily in captaincy as the system of England cricket is flawed. England's county system has come under a lot of scrutiny for a number of things. Recent videos of Alistair Cook and Rory Burns bowling has infuriated the English fans about the condition of the domestic tournament. County cricket needs to go through some changes like schedule and pitch quality to begin with. The good thing about Root's resignation is that he can now concentrate on his batting and perhaps try to make a comeback into the limited overs squad. 

Root hasn't played a white ball game for England since July 2021 and now that he doesn't have the burden of captaincy, he could eye a comeback. Root was a great ODI batter a few years ago and it's not like he cannot cope with the format. Ben Stokes, who was Root's deputy, is likely to take over as the captain. Stokes is definitely committed as he decided to not take part in the IPL to concentrate on red ball cricket for England. Up next, England play a 3 match Test series against New Zealand before playing the last Test against India. 

Also read: SRH defeat KKR to get 3rd consecutive win of the season

Karachi, Apr 15 (Cricket News) Pakistan will host five men's and women's teams over the next 12 months as PCB announced the international calendar on Friday.

The Pakistan men's team is scheduled to play seven Tests, 17 ODIs and a minimum of 25 T20Is in the next 12 months while the women’s team participate in the ICC Women’s Championship, ICC U19 and T20 World Cups and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

The PCB confirmed that West Indies, England and New Zealand men’s sides will tour Pakistan twice each in the next 12 months while Sri Lanka and Ireland women will visit Pakistan in May/June and October/November.

New Zealand and England had withdrawn from Pakistan tours last year.

The back-to-back international cricket will be in addition to the 2022-23 domestic cricket season, which will run concurrently to the international season.

The Pakistan men's team is scheduled to play seven ICC World Test Championship fixtures against three opponents – Sri Lanka (2), England (3) and New Zealand (2) – while the 12 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League ODI matches will be versus West Indies, Sri Lanka, Netherlands and New Zealand (three each).

In the shortest format of the game, Pakistan men’s side will feature in the ACC Asia Cup T20 in August/September and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 from October 15 to November 15.

Outside the two main events, Pakistan’s other T20Is will be against England (seven), West Indies (three) and New Zealand (five).

New Zealand, in addition to the five ODIs in April 2023, will also play five T20Is. 


Also Read : Tripathi, Markram star in SRH's third straight win

News Source : PTI

London, Apr 14 (Cricket News) England pacer Any Shrubsole, a two-time Women's World Cup winner, on Thursday announced her retirement from international cricket after a 14-year-old career.

The 30-year-old, known for her sharp inswingers, played eights Tests, 86 ODIs and 79 T20s taking 19, 106 and 102 wickets respectively.

Shrubsole had famously taken six for 46, which remains her career best figures, against India in the World Cup final against India five years ago.

She was also part of 2009 victorious squad and more recently the team that lost to Australia in the final earlier this month.

"I feel immensely privileged to have been able to represent my country for the past 14 years. To have been involved in women's cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but it has become clear to me that it is moving forward faster than I can keep up with, so it is time for me to step away," she said in a statement.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be lucky enough to play for England for so long, I'd have been happy with one game. There have been many ups and downs along the way but it was all worth it to be able to lift the ICC Women's World Cup at Lord's in 2017."

Also Read : Australia all-rounder Shane Watson picks Kohli ahead of Smith, Root, Williamson and Babar

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Apr 14 (Cricket News) Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has picked Virat Kohli as the best batter among the 'big five' in Test cricket, preferring to not read much into the Indian maestro's failure to score a hundred since November 2019.

As per Watson's list, the former India captain has pipped the likes of Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Babar Azam.

"In Test match cricket, I am always going to say Virat Kohli," Watson said when asked by Isa Guha who he thought is the best Test batter in the world, in his latest episode of the ICC Review.

"It's nearly superhuman, what he is able to do because he has such high intensity every time he goes out to play," Watson added.

While Kohli has slipped to 10th on the ICC rankings, the Indian great continues to hold a remarkable Test batting record. He has scored 27 Test centuries and 28 half-centuries and currently has a Test batting average of just under 50.

The world's current No.1 Test batter Marnus Labuschagne, who has played 26 Test matches and averages 54.31, would have increased the 'big 'five' to a 'big six', but was left out of the debate for this topic due to a 40-Test minimum criteria, the ICC said in a report on its official website.

Regarding Pakistan skipper Babar, who he has kept at number two, Watson noted, "Babar Azam is playing incredibly well.

"(It's great) to be able to see how he has adapted his game to really move his game to Test cricket as well.

"Babar Azam would probably be No.2 at the moment." Babar is currently ranked the fifth best batter in the world and appears to be on the rise if his recent performances against Australia are anything to go by. He stroked a superb 196 during the second Test in Karachi and finished the series with a total of 390 runs.

About Watson's third best batter Smith, he said the Australian star "has just started to come off a little bit." "It looks like Smith has really started to play for time a little bit more and is not putting as much pressure on the bowlers as he did when was at his absolute best. For me, Steve has dropped down that list a little bit." Smith is second on the ICC rankings, with only Australian team-mate Labuschagne ranked ahead of him.

About Williamson, who Watson considers the world's fourth best at the moment, the Australian said, "Kane knows his game inside out and knows how to put pressure on bowlers in any conditions." While Williamson has played just two Test matches in the last 12 months, he remains ranked as the third best batter. The Kiwi veteran has 24 Test centuries to his name and may still have plenty of cricket left in him if he can overcome his injury issues.

Coming to his fifth best batter Root, Watson said, "Joe Root recently scored a hundred but he has had a bit of time along the lines of Steve Smith where he hasn't been able to nail the big scores like he has done in the past." "It's incredible how these world-class batters just go through waves where instead of scoring those big hundreds, get the 70s-80s, but still have an impact on the game but are not able to really maintain that really high standard of getting those big runs as they have done in the past," Watson added.

Also Read : Will India's chances be affected at the T20 WC if Chahar is injured?

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Wellington, Apr 14 (Cricket News) New Zealand pacer Tim Southee on Thursday won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, an honour bestowed on the country's performer in a calendar year.

On the final day of the three-day awards ceremony, Southee shared the podium with Bert Sutcliffe Medal recipient Penny Kinsella; the Test Player of the Year, Devon Conway, and the women's and men's Domestic Players of the Year -- Nensi Patel, and joint male winners Tom Bruce and Robbie O'Donnell.

The 33-year-old Southee, who is representing Kolkata Knight Riders in the ongoing IPL-15, won the award after a stellar 2021 season, both at home and abroad, and in red as well as white-ball cricket.

In the year, he has captured 36 Test wickets at 23.88, including best figures of six for 43 against England at Lord's and five wickets against India in the victorious ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton.

In all, Southee has taken 338 Test wickets, which is just 23 fewer than Daniel Vettori and 93 short of the record-holder the award is named after, Hadlee.

"It's a huge honour to win such a prestigious award," Southee said, speaking from KKR's base in Mumbai, according to www.stuff.co.nz He added, "Like most cricketers growing up I knew all about the exploits of Sir Richard and it's certainly pretty humbling to win his award this year.

"While the accolades are nice, I think it really just reflects the way we have worked together as a group and played our cricket for a long period of time.

"It's been great to be a part of this period and being able to win games for our country which is something that's very special," he said on the occasion." 

Also Read : Jeff Vaughan steps down as Australia's assistant coach for Tasmania job

News Source : PTI

(Motorsport) Championship leader Charles Leclerc put on an impressive display at Albert Park, leading the race from start to finish and winning the Australian Open for the first time in his career, a track that he has traditionally struggled on. Meanwhile, reigning champion Max Verstappen suffered another DNF (first one being in Bahrain) and was told to stop his Red Bull with 20 laps remaining when smoke began rising from his car. The points gap between the two drivers is now 34 and such was Ferrari’s dominance that any other result except for a Leclerc win would have been impossible and the F1-75 also managed to get the fastest lap of the race, helping the Monegasque driver amass 26 points.

Speaking after the race, Leclerc said “The car was incredible today. We are only at the third race so it is difficult to think about the championship. But we have a very strong car, a very reliable car too, and for now we have always been there. I hope it continues like this and if it does we will probably have chances for the championship, which makes me happy after the last two seasons, which have been difficult for the team. 

“I have been in this situation in the junior categories but to be in it in F1 means a lot, especially after the last two years and especially with a team like Ferrari. It feels incredible. The mindset is a bit different compared to the last two years because now I know that underneath me I have a car that is capable of winning and I don't really have to overdo things to do something extremely special and spectacular to get one or two positions - because I know it is in the car and I just have to do the job."

One of the biggest challenges Ferrari will face now is to maintain their dominance in what is the longest Formula 1 season to date. Both Red Bull and Mercedes will be having upgrade packages implemented in their cars throughout the year and Ferrari will need to be up to the task if they want to win their first World Championship in over a decade. In the last three occasions when Ferrari has been a potential contender, they have failed to rise up to the challenge.

Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz had a disappointing weekend, finishing ninth in qualification and dropped positions early on with the hard tyre and braked too late in the final sector, resulting in his car running over the grass and into the gravel. Both Mercedes and McLaren capitalised on Sainz and Verstappen’s misfortune, with McLaren achieving their first double top 10 of the season as Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo finished fifth and sixth. Despite showing promising signs with the Alpine, Fernando Alonso failed to finish in the top 10 while Alex Albon secured his first points of the season.

Australian GP race result: Top 10

1) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
3) George Russell, Mercedes
4) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
5) Lando Norris, McLaren
6) Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren
7) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
8) Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo
9) Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri
10) Alex Albon, Williams

Also read: Formula 1: What are the problems affecting Mercedes this season?

Navi Mumbai, Apr 9 (Cricket News) Indian Premier League's sentimental favourites Chennai Super Kings slumped to their fourth successive defeat with young Abhishek Sharma's 50-ball-75 guiding Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden eight-wicket win in this edition of the tournament.

The 21-year-old Sharma took the attack to the opposition with a blistering first IPL half-century which was studded with five fours and three sixes, to help Sunrisers easily chased down the target of 155 with 14 balls to spare.

CSK now has to win at least eight out of their remaining 10 games in order to reach the magic figure of 16 points which during past few years is the cut-off for play-off qualifications.

The left-hander from Punjab, who was bought for Rs 6.5 crore by the Sunrisers in the auction, led India to victory in the U-19 Asia Cup in 2016, before being replaced as captain by Prithvi Shaw months before the 2018 U-19 World Cup.

It was Sunrisers first win of this IPL, having lost to Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants in their earlier matches.

CSK have already lost to Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings in earlier games.

On a sluggish pitch, Sharma took the pressure off his captain Kane Williamson (32 off 40 balls) who played second fiddle to the youngster who was in top form after failing to score big in the previous two matches.

Williamson was out in the 13th over off the bowling of left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary (1/30) after sharing 89-run opening stand with Sharma, who also fell in the 18th to Dwayne Bravo (1/29) with Sunrisers needing just 10 runs.

Rahul Tripathi (39 not out off 15 balls) then ensured that there was no hiccups in the run chase. He glanced Bravo for a boundary to finish the chase in style.

Sharma was dropped when on 62 by Ravindra Jadeja off the bowling of Bravo but by then CSK have already lost the plot. The Sunrisers needed 47 runs from six overs with nine wickets in hand.

Sharma struck Mukesh Choudhary for a six in the next over and Tripathi then joined the party with a maximum and a four off Chris Jordan in the 17th over to make it a no contest.

All the six CSK bowlers went for runs with Jordan leaking the most, 34 from his three overs and also went wicketless..

Earlier, Moeen Ali top-scored with a 35-ball 48 to guide CSK to 154 for seven after being asked to bat first.

Skipper Ravindra Jadeja (23 off 15 balls) played a little cameo towards the end to prop up CSK after they lost a few wickets in a heap.

Robin Uthappa (15) was dismissed by Washington Sundar (2/21) in the off-spinner's very first ball, when the batter ended up skying a catch while going for a slog-sweep.

Having conceded 25 runs in the first three overs, SRH were back in the game and it got better for them with the introduction of T Natarajan (2/30) into the attack as the left-arm pacer bowled Ruturaj Gaikwad (16).

At 36 for two in 5.1 overs, CSK were in a spot of bother and they needed a partnership, and the duo of Moeen Ali and Ambati Rayudu (27) answered the call with a third-wicket stand of 62 runs.

Nearing 100 and with some more batting to come on a pitch where the ball seemed to stop, CSK were well-placed when Rayudu departed after playing a part in rebuilding the innings.

However, Williamson's gamble to bring in Markram worked as CSK lost their fourth wicket at 108 in the 15th over.

In a soft dismissal, Natarajan accounted for Shivam Dube as the defending champions lost three wickets in quick succession.

Two overs later, even the great Mahendra Singh Dhoni (3) was walking back to the dugout, with CSK struggling at 122 for six with 15 balls left to add to their total. 

Also Read : Royal Challengers Bangalore win toss, opt to bowl against Mumbai Indians

News Source : PTi

Colombo, Apr 9 (Cricket News) Former England head coach Chris Silverwood is all set to take charge of the Sri Lankan national team, the country's cricket board announced on Saturday.

The former England pacer's first competitive assignment with the Sri Lanka national team will be the upcoming away Test series in Bangladesh. He is contracted for a two-year period.

"We are delighted to appoint Chris as the new Head Coach of the national team. He is an extremely experienced coach and from our discussions with him in the recruitment process it is clear he has the required qualities we are looking for to take the team forward," said Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley De Silva.

"I am very excited to be on board with Sri Lanka and I cannot wait to get over to Colombo and get started. They have a talented and passionate group of players and I am really looking forward to meeting up with the players and coaching staff very soon," Silverwood said on his part.

Silverwood, was appointed as head coach of England men's team in October 2019.

He had previously served as the team's bowling coach, working under then head coach Trevor Bayliss when England won the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2019.

Silverwood featured in six Tests and seven ODIs for England and played county cricket for Yorkshire and Middlesex.

After his playing career, he took to coaching. He guided the Mashonaland Eagles in Zimbabwe to victory in the inaugural Logan Cup before a very successful stint as the Head Coach of Essex County Cricket.

At Essex, Silverwood helped the club's promotion in his first year in charge and led them to win the County Championship in 2017, after a gap of 25 years. 

Also Read : Moeen Ali hits 48 in CSK's 154/7 against SRH (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

News Source : PTI

(Motorsport) Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished on pole position at the Australian Grand Prix qualifying ahead of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen. Right at the end of Q3, Leclerc posted an impressive time of 1:17.868 while Verstappen finished second, more than two tenths off the Monegasque. 

Speaking after the qualification, Charles Leclerc said “It felt good. Even more, it is a track I have always struggled with. As a driver it doesn't fit me. We really worked hard. The practice sessions were a bit messy. In Q3 I managed to put everything together. The car is nice to drive. Red Bull were very quick in the long run. We were quite surprised with our pace in qualifying. Everything is possible tomorrow."

Verstappen came second ahead of Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez while McLaren’s Lando Norris finished third. The Dutch racing driver said “Of course second is a good result, but I didn't feel that great. For me this weekend has been all over the place and as a team we want more." Sergio Perez said “With all the red flags it's hard to keep momentum. I didn't feel happy starting Q3 on tyres with no strategy but we have a nice race ahead of us. With full stands the race should be good tomorrow." 

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz will be disappointed to finish ninth, especially considering that his teammate Leclerc finished first in the same car. The Spaniard said “I couldn't prepare the tyre. I had to do the lap with freezing tyres and it was a terrible lap. Ferrari shouldn't have these problems. It was just a disaster." 

Meanwhile, Mercedes put up an impressive show as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finished fifth and sixth, one second behind the pole position but an improvement on their last Grand Prix performance. Fernando Alonso was also in contention for one of the top positions and had a quick lap in Q3 but crashed in the final sector, ending his chances. 

Earlier in Q1, Nicholas Latifi and Lance Stroll collided heavily while both of them were on slow laps. The incident could also lead to repercussions further up the grid as Sergio Perez didn’t slow down for the double yellow flags, which means he might lose out on his P3 position before tomorrow’s Grand Prix. 

Here are the top 10 results from qualification

1) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
2) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
4) Lando Norris, McLaren
5) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
6) George Russell, Mercedes
7) Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren
8) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
9) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
10) Fernando Alonso, Alpine

Also read: Australia GP: Leclerc fastest in FP2 with Verstappen trailing behind

New Delhi, Apr 8 (Cricket News) India will take on Derbyshire and Northamptonshire in two T20 warm-up fixtures ahead of their white-ball series against England in July.

The two matches will be played against on July 1 and 3 respectively.

However, both the games will clash with the postponed fifth and final Test between India and England, which was suspended due to a COVID-19 outbreak last year.

The Test, which was called off after COVID-19 cases were reported in the Indian contingent, will be held from July 1-5 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. India lead the series 2-1.

"India will travel to The Incora County Ground to face Derbyshire in a Twenty20 Tour Fixture on Friday 1 July (7pm start). The number-one ranked T20 side in the world will continue their ICC Twenty20 World Cup preparations against a Derbyshire side," Derbyshire announced on its website.

"Northamptonshire will welcome India to Wantage Road this summer for a one-off T20 tour match," Northamptonshire wrote.

The first practice match is slated to be played at the Incora County Ground in Derby, while the second game will be held at the County Ground in Northampton.

India and England are scheduled to play three T20Is, starting July 7, before taking on each other in as many ODIs from July 12.

India are also slated to play Ireland in two T20Is, on June 26 and 28, respectively.

Also Read : Gujarat Titans win toss and opt to field against Punjab Kings

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Earlier this week the long-term partnership between the ECB and Castore was launched with a high-performance training range for all of England’s national teams – including Women, Disability, Pathway and Men. Following on from the training kits, the IT20 kit has been released today. The three lions are at the heart of the bespoke kit design, which will be worn by the England men’s team at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup this Autumn and the women’s team in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023..

Key players from the men’s, women’s and disability teams collaborated extensively with Castore to create an IT20 kit that is specific to the needs of an elite-level cricketer, incorporating specially selected fabrics combined with Castore’s unique construction methods. Athletes such as Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler of the men’s team, Katie George of the women’s and Chris Edwards of the learning disability team were integral to the design process, helping designers choose features and fabrics that will elevate player’s performance on the field.

With two T20 World Cup’s coming up and a Disability tour of Australia, this kit was designed to enhance performance and ease of movement with fabrics that Castore have used across the highest level of their sportswear. For the first time ever, England supporters will be able to purchase the Pro Kit that is worn by the players on the pitch. Crafted from a high-stretch and recycled poly elastane blend that allows freedom of movement for athletes that a conventional garment would not. With mesh panelling at the underarms to keep athletes cool and focused throughout play. This kit lays out the aims of Castore and ECB’s joint initiative clearly, by providing England players and supporters with kit that is rooted in sportswear technology and innovation.

Jos Buttler said, “It is a really exciting time for us as a squad with the Men’s T20 World Cup coming up later this year. We’d love to take the trophy home and we’ll be ready to perform at our best thanks to the new Castore IT20 kit.”

Katie George said, “This summer is a once in a generation opportunity for the women’s game with the Birmingham Commonwealth Games showcasing women’s cricket for the first time. We’ll be kitted out in our new IT20 kit for our internationals thanks to Castore and I hope we can inspire a new generation to get involved in the game.”

Chris Edwards said, “It is brilliant that Castore have involved all of the England teams in the process. We have an incredibly exciting summer coming up for us with an Ashes series down under and we can’t wait to take on the Aussies in the new kit.”

Pascal Lafitte, Castore Partnerships Director said, “We at Castore are proud to be providing an innovative IT20 kit for England Cricket, especially with the T20 World Cup this year. The main aim is to elevate performance and give players their technical best on the field, with a bold design that embodies the passion of both England teams and supporters.”

Castore will also launch the Test and ODI collaborations ahead of England Men’s first LV= Insurance Test against New Zealand on 2nd June at Lord’s.

Also read: Could Dinesh Karthik and Umesh Yadav return to the Indian T20I squad?         

Mumbai, Apr 8 (Cricket News) Former India coach Ravi Shastri has called young batter Shubman Gill "one of the finest talents in world cricket", someone who is tailor-made for the game's T20 format because of his wide range of strokes.

Gill, 22, who is playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, is using the ongoing season as an opportunity to make the Indian team for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.

Speaking on Gill's performance in the early stages of the tournament, Shastri said on Star Sports' Cricket Live, "Gill is one of the finest talents in the country and in world cricket, to be honest. If he gets going, he can score big. He makes it (batting) look easy when he's set.

"He's got the punch, he's got the time, and he's got the power to clear the ground. He's just made for this format of the game. It's just his shot selection, his rotation of the strike which helps him take the pressure away." Gill has impressed with his game in the ongoing IPL and looks set to play a few influential knocks in the coming weeks.

"He's the guy who's capable of putting bad balls away. Very good on the short ball and the short-arm jab," Shastri said.

"Early stages in the tournament, good batting tracks, you get to your highest score, you're playing for a new franchisee, it can only boost your confidence."

Also Read : Focus on Ruturaj Gaikwad as CSK face SRH in battle of strugglers

News Source : PTI

Johannesburg, Apr 7 (Cricket News) South Africa batter Mignon du Preez, who played a major role in knocking India out of the recent Women's World Cup, has announced her retirement from ODIs and Tests with immediate effect.

The former South Africa captain took the decision to concentrate on T20 cricket and spend more time with family.

"I've been wonderfully fortunate to play in four ICC ODI World Cups to date. These have been some of my most treasured memories in life. I would however love to prioritise time with my family and hopefully start a family of my own soon," she said in a CSA statement.

"I feel the time is right to announce my retirement from the longer format of the game and focus my attention on T20 cricket going forward. Thus, I decided to retire from ODI cricket at the completion of our recent World Cup in New Zealand.

"I feel South African women's cricket is in a very healthy state and the time is right to step away and allow the next generation of exciting cricketers to continue to grow this beautiful game of ours." Slight in stature but brimming with passion for the game of cricket, Du Preez will always be synonymous with the Proteas Women’s journey from a budding team to a world-renowned side currently ranked second in the one-day format.

The 32-year old made her international debut in 2007 as a teenager and went on to don the green and gold in 154 ODI matches, including a ground-breaking reign as captain in 46 ODIs, where the team also transitioned into a fully contracted outfit.

The electric right-handed batter ends her 50-over career as South Africa’s leading run-scorer with 3,760 runs at an average of 32.98, with 18 half-centuries and two centuries, including a 116 not out against Ireland in 2016.

In this year’s World Cup, Du Preez notched up her 150th appearance against New Zealand and scored her last fifty in ODI cricket in what will go down as a World Cup classic, where she guided South Africa to a historic run chase against India in Christchurch.

Du Preez will also not be adding to her solitary Test cap despite the upcoming one-off red-ball clash against England in June this year. In her only four-day game, the Pretoria-born and raised player recorded a debut hundred (102) against India in 2014, in what was South Africa’s last Test match to date. 

Also Read : Pat Cummins onslaught leads KKR to victory over MI

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Ahead of a busy summer campaign against a number of the world’s top sides, Ireland Women’s head coach Ed Joyce will be taking the senior performance squad to Spain for an intensive weeks’ warm weather training camp from 21-27 April 2022. The performance squad will train at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground, in Almeria, as they build up to a summer of cricket that will feature fixtures against South Africa, Pakistan and the newly-crowned ICC Women’s World Cup winners, Australia.

Nineteen players (with the exception of Eimear Richardson who is in New Zealand) will travel to the camp for the week for sessions covering technical skills, bowling and batting, strength and conditioning, and both individual and group activities.

Speaking ahead of the trip, head coach Ed Joyce said: “We haven’t played a game or trained on grass wickets since the World Cup qualifiers in late 2021, so this is an opportunity to get outside in sunny weather (hopefully) and get some realistic skills work in before the Super Series starts in May, and South Africa visit in June. We are bringing the entire Performance Squad, minus Eimear Richardson, so we will be able to have a mix of nets and centre wicket/practice matches on the trip.

“A large part of the trip is just getting the winter out of the legs and being used to playing on grass again. We are also working on lots of specific things with the batting, bowling and fielding group which we can continue. These include practising against high-pace for our batters, variations for our seamers, and specific types of catching and throwing for the fielding group.

“The players have worked incredibly hard all winter on all aspects of their game, especially on fielding where we have utilised the indoor 4G surface at the IRFU HP Centre in the Sport Ireland Campus. I’m really happy with the attitude, commitment, and improvements that we’ve made. This camp will be an opportunity to further hone these skills on grass leading into a very exciting 2022 summer.”

And has the recent ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand provided any insights for upcoming opponents?

“We all watched a lot of the World Cup. The games were incredibly close, it was a fantastic spectacle. Some of the catching was brilliant, and we are trying to improve this area of our game. It’s been noticeable how the teams with faster bowlers have used the short ball, so we need to prepare for that to some degree. We are also aware that our batters need to be able to manipulate spinners for singles to a greater skill level than we possibly showed last year.

“It has been very useful to see the teams that we will play this season in Ireland in action too. Our conditions here mightn’t be the same as in New Zealand at the World Cup, but we can still see how teams like to operate and get some useful information that way.”

Training camp squad

Laura Delany, Shauna Kavanagh, Sophie MacMahon, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Mary Waldron, Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell. Rachel Delaney, Sarah Forbes, Hannah Little, Kate McEvoy.

Coaching and support staff: Ed Joyce, Glenn Querl, Beth Healy, Greg Hollins, Catherine Simpson, Jay Shelat

Also read: Dinesh Karthik, Shabaz Ahmed lead RCB to stellar chase against RR

Dubai, Apr 6 (Cricket News) International captains Babar Azam from Pakistan, Kraigg Brathwaite of West Indies and Australia's Pat Cummins have been shortlisted for the ICC men's Player of the Month award following their outstanding individual performances in March.

In women's category, England bowler Sophie Ecclestone, and run-machines Rachael Haynes (Australia) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) are in the running to scoop the award following stellar performances in the recently concluded ODI World Cup.

The winners will be announced next week.

Babar played an integral part in Pakistan's batting during the recent series against Australia, amassing 390 runs during the month in Tests, including a record-breaking 196 in the second Test to salvage a draw.

In addition, his efforts at the crease in the two ODI matches during the month saw Babar score 57 and 114 respectively, with the latter helping his side chase down an imposing target of 349 set by Australia.

This is the second time he's featured on the short-list for the ICC Player of the Month award, after winning in April 2021.

West Indies skipper and opening batter Brathwaite led from the front during the recently-concluded successful WTC series against England, scoring 341 runs at an average of 85.25.

He scored a monumental 160 from 489 balls in the second Test in response to England's big first innings total. This mammoth innings ensured a drawn second Test and provided the platform for his side to clinch the series by winning the final showdown in Grenada.

Cummins, on the other hand, stood out for his bowling performances in unforgiving conditions during the WTC Test series which was dominated by run scoring.

He led his side to victory in Pakistan with a match-winning spell, taking 5 for 56 in the first innings and following it up with 3 for 23 in the second innings of the final test.

Taking 12 wickets at an average of 22.50 helped Cummins secure his first nomination in the ICC Player of the Month awards.

In women's category, Ecclestone was nominated for the second time following her outstanding bowling performances which helped steer her side to the World Cup final. She took 20 wickets during the calendar month at an average of 12.85.

Haynes too was at the forefront of Australia's unbeaten run through to the World Cup Final, scoring 429 runs in the eight matches at an average of 61.28 and a healthy strike rate of 84.28 during the month.

Wolvaardt, on the other hand, played a critical role in taking South Africa to the semi-finals. She was the tournament's leading run-scorer, amassing 433 runs at an average of 54.12, passing 50 on five occasions.

Also Read : Dinesh Karthik, Shabaz Ahmed lead RCB to stellar chase against RR

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Apr 5 (Cricket News) Rishabh Pant says the tour of Australia in 2020-21 is the "turning point of my life" as he helped India save one game and win another despite taking painkiller injection after struggling to hold the bat.

The 24-year-old Pant played two of his greatest knocks in the last two Tests in Sydney and Brisbane as an injury-ravaged Indian team recorded an incredible come-from-behind Test series triumph.

However, all was not well with Pant prior to that as the swashbuckling keeper-batter was dropped from India's limited-overs set-up before the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Speaking to Indian women's team cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues on Dream11's YouTube channel, Pant recalled how he stopped talking to everyone after being dropped from the squad.

"I was not talking to anyone, not even family or friends. I needed my own space. I just wanted to give my 200 percent each and every day." Describing that as the lowest point of his life, Pant said: "I was thinking 'what's going to happen now'. I was like 22-23. That was one of the lowest points of my life -- mentally. I was thinking about 'what now'.

"Suddenly everything had stopped -- you're dropped from two formats. The noise was becoming bigger and bigger. Everyone kept telling me, 'it's not possible'. But at the same time, I was just sitting there alone, thinking what I can do as an individual." The player, who later managed to turn things around, added on his low phase, "The only thought going through my mind was, you keep putting your hard work each and every day no matter what happens. you give your 200 per cent. we'll take the result, whatever happens.

"I was just telling myself, there's no choice but to do it. I had to make India win." Pant was the leading run-scorer in India's 2-1 win over Australia, scoring 274 runs in five innings at an average of 68.50.

This was after an injury to Wriddhiman Saha in the nightmarish pink-ball Adelaide Test paved the way for Pant's return to the playing XI.

Pant, who sat out the first practice match due to a stiff neck, suffered an unbearable bruised elbow while batting on day three of the third Test in Sydney, where his 97 saved the game for India.

"I took the painkiller injection during the game, went to the nets and I was trying to hold the bat but it was painful.

"I was perplexed and also afraid after getting hit. After this there's Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood and they would be bowling a lot faster," he recalled.

But he said things settled down after he started taking on the Australian bowlers while chasing 400 on the last day.

"Rahane got out before lunch and I got tense. I went inside, I couldn't get my way, pressure was building, the Aussies were sledging and because they were up in the game and they wanted to win.

"Then it was my threshold, mid-on was up and he bowled me there and I hit him over mid-on for a boundary. Next ball he bowled there, after a few overs, and I hit him for a six.

"Next over the long on was back and I was playing my normal game and I was getting runs.

"Suddenly the momentum of the match changed and we were in a position to win the match. And slowly, my pain started lessening because I was concentrating entirely on every ball and so the focus on the pain went away," he said about his knock.

"I was feeling bad -- not for missing my hundred but for not being able to win the match for India from there. Then Ashwin and Vihari took blows all over the body and saved the match. It was one of the turning points of the series for us and for myself also. Gabba happened next," Pant signed off.

After beginning the season with a victory over Mumbai Indians, the Pant-led Delhi Capitals will take on Lucknow Super Giants in Mumbai on Thursday. 

Also Read : Mitahli slips, Mandhana rises in ICC Women's ODI batters rankings

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Apr 5 (Cricket News) India skipper Mithali Raj dropped a place to seventh but star opener Smriti Mandhana moved up to ninth position in the ICC Women ODI batters rankings issued on Tuesday.

After her below-par outing in the just-concluded Women's World Cup, Mithali dropped a rung in the chart with 686 rating points. The veteran India captain accumulated 182 runs from seven games at an average of 26.

In comparison, Mandhana (669 points) scored 327 runs from seven games with a best of 123, averaging 46.71 in the showpiece.

Besides the duo, vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur climbed one place to the 14th spot.

Harmanpreet has been India's second best batter in the World Cup with 318 runs from seven games. Her highest was 109.

Australian keeper-batter Alyssa Healy jumped to the top of the batter rankings after her phenomenal 170 in the final against England.

The Australian's outstanding knock sent her soaring into the number one spot, ending South African opener Laura Wolvaardt's short stay at the summit.

The 32-year-old Healy smashed 509 runs, including two hundreds and two half-centuries, across her nine matches at the World Cup at a strike rate of 103.66.

Healy finished just ahead of compatriot Rachael Haynes as the tournament's top scorer.

Four Australians remained in the top six in the latest ODI rankings, with Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning and Haynes joining Healy among the world's top-ranked batters.

England all-rounder Nat Sciver's unbeaten 148 not out in the world Cup final saw her jump to the second spot in the batting rankings.

The English star's brilliant effort also saw her claim the top spot in the all-rounder rankings, usurping Ellyse Perry.

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone remained at the number spot 1 in the bowler rankings, with South Africa pacer Shabnim Ismail moving up to second after a terrific tournament.

Veteran swing bowler Anya Shrubsole was the big mover in the latest bowling rankings, jumping five places to enter the top 10 after her figures of 2/27 in the semi-final and 3/46 in the final.

Veteran India pacer Jhulan Goswami remained static at the fifth position.

Goswami also held on to her 10th spot in the all-rounders' rankings, which also featured another Indian in Deepti Sharma at seventh. 

Also Read : Natarajan death over specialist, we missed him in T20 World Cup: Shastri

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Women’s World Cup winners Beth Mooney and Megan Schutt set to line up at Lord’s The Hundred announces more activities and food options inside grounds for the 2022 competition. London Spirit got The Hundred Draft off to a thrilling start with the choice of Kieron Pollard as the number 1 men’s pick. Pollard has played more than 100 T20 internationals for the West Indies and is one of the world’s most exciting all-rounders.

They followed that up by selecting England international spinner Liam Dawson, and Australia's one of the fastest bowlers in the world Riley Meredith. The women’s side can look forward to welcoming two World Cup Winners with Australia’s Beth Mooney and Megan Schutt joining up only two days after defeating England in the ICC Women’s World Cup final. They will be joined by New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr who was initially signed by Southern Brave before missing the first year of the competition due to the complications caused by the Covid pandemic.

The Lord’s-based side has also secured the signing of Western Storm captain Sophie Luff from Welsh Fire. London Spirit picked up some exciting young talent in the draft, with Jordan Thompson joining from Northern Superchargers and Daniel Bell-Drummond from Birmingham Phoenix. They also re-signed Chris Wood as a right-to-match option during the draft. They join a men’s squad already boasting Australian superstar Glenn Maxwell, England men’s World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan and fellow England internationals Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence and Mark Wood.

Liam Dawson said, “It’s an honour but I was surprised to be one of the first picks in the draft for The Hundred this year. Leaving Southern Brave was a tough decision but ultimately, I didn’t see me playing a role there. I can’t wait to get going at Lord’s this summer in front of a packed house.”

Sophie Luff said, “I’m really excited to be joining London Spirit and linking up with Heather and the team. The Hundred was a fantastic competition last year but it’ll be really special to be playing at the Home of Cricket this summer and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.”

Sanjay Patel, Managing Director of The Hundred said, “With a host of star players confirmed, The Hundred will have fans on the edge of their seats with world class sport, as well as bringing more family-friendly entertainment off the pitch. In the women’s competition we have the best players from across the world taking part including Meg Lanning, Beth Mooney and Sophie Devine and we are confident we will set a new benchmark for the women’s domestic game. 

"On the men’s side, it’s great to see a mix of new overseas stars like Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell alongside returning stars such as Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine. It is also brilliant that some of the best domestic white ball players including Tom Banton and Joe Clarke have been recognised and picked up early. Get your tickets for The Hundred now so you don’t miss out.”

The Hundred proved a big hit with families and young people in particular relishing the mix of fast-paced cricket with music and family entertainment off the pitch which will only be bigger and better this year. Lord’s will come alive with activities around the ground offering even more fun for all the family and a diverse range of great music acts through the continuing partnership with BBC Music Introducing. Year two of The Hundred will also offer a new range of merchandise to get the family kitted out in full London Spirit colours.

London Spirit men’s side travel south of the river to take on local rivals Oval Invincibles at the Kia Oval in their opening game on Thursday 4 August. The opening men’s game at Lord’s on 8 August will see London Spirit host Manchester Originals. The women’s side start their Lord’s campaign on Wednesday 24 August with Welsh Fire the visitors in an exciting double header. Oval Invincibles visit for an all-London clash on Saturday 27 August before Birmingham Phoenix travel to Lord’s for the final group game on Tuesday 30 August. London Spirit’s women’s side now has three places left to fill, while both men’s and women’s sides will choose a fourth overseas player through a Draft in June.

Also read: KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda and Avesh Khan lead LSG to victory over SRH

(Cricket news) Ahead of today’s Hundred Men’s Draft, London Spirit have appointed Trevor Bayliss as Interim Men’s Head Coach following the tragic passing of Shane Warne. Further planned tributes to Warne will be announced shortly as the game looks at ways to remember one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

Bayliss will link up with Eoin Morgan once again after the pair famously led England to the 2019 ICC Men’s World Cup in a Lord’s Final against New Zealand that no one will ever forget. The World Cup triumph was a key highlight of a successful four-year stint as coach of England men’s white and red ball sides.

One of the most successful coaches in the history of white ball cricket, Bayliss coached Sydney Sixers to the inaugural Big Bash title in 2011-12 as well as winning the IPL twice with Kolkata Knight Riders. After stepping down from England he has coached Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash. He has also previously coached the Sri Lanka men’s national side from 2007-2011. Bayliss was awarded an OBE in the 2020 New Year Honours for his services to cricket.

Trevor Bayliss said, “It is obviously very bittersweet to take the role given the circumstances. It is an honour to try and build on the work Warnie started. The side knew what he and Eoin were trying to build and I hope we can do that this year.”

Fraser Stewart, London Spirit Team Manager said, “This is a situation none of us ever wanted to be in and all of our thoughts remain with Shane’s family and what is such a heart-breaking time. We were so lucky to work with Shane last year and we hope that the team will play in a style that he would have been proud of this summer. Trevor and Eoin are completely committed to that and we hope they can give our fans a reason to smile.”

Bayliss will take the role for one year initially after emerging as the successful candidate after a number of candidates were interviewed for the role. The London Spirit have the coveted first pick in today’s Draft. They will be looking to pick up two overseas picks to complement a side already housing captain Eoin Morgan, Aussie star Glenn Maxwell and England internationals Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence and Mark Wood.

The picks will be announced from midday tomorrow alongside a number of exciting signings and player movements in The Hundred women’s competition. Tickets for The Hundred go on sale tomorrow to anyone signed up at thehundred.com with tickets going on general sale on 20 April.

Also read: Livingston displays all-round brilliance as PBKS hand CSK 3rd defeat

Christchurch, Apr 3 (Cricket News) Alyssa Healy smashed a whirlwind 170 to power Australia to a record-extending seventh ICC Women's World Cup title, beating defending champions England by 71 runs in the final here on Sunday.

It was a dominating performance from Australia after being invited to bat. Besides Healy's special performance, Rachael Haynes (68) and Beth Mooney (62) also struck fine half-centuries to power Australia to 356 for five.

Healy's knock came off 138 balls and was studded with as many as 26 boundaries.

Anya Shrubsole picked up three wickets for England, conceding 46 runs.

Chasing the mammoth target, Nat Sciver remained unbeaten on 148 off 121 balls in a lonely effort but failed to defend their title as Australia bundled out England for 285 runs in 43.4 overs.

Jess Jonassen (3/57) and Alana King (3/64) shared six wickets between them for Australia. Brief Scores: Australia Women: 356 for 5 in 50 overs (Alyssa Healy 170, Rachael Haynes 68, Beth Mooney 62; Anya Shrubsole 3/46).

England Women: 285 all out in 43.4 overs (Nat Sciver 148 not out; Alana King 3/64, Jess Jonassen 3/57). 

Also Read : Didn't realise how good Moeen Ali was until he joined CSK: Mike Hussey

News Source : PTI

Christchurch, Apr 3 (Cricket News) Conjuring up the innings of her life, Alyssa Healy put England attack to sword with a breathtaking 170 that powered Australia to a massive 356 for five in the Women's Cup final here on Sunday.

Healy, who was dropped on 41, toyed with the English attack in her mesmerising 138-ball knock, which is the highest-ever individual score in a World Cup final in both men's and women's cricket.

Adam Gilchrist (149, 2007), Ricky Ponting (140, 2003) and Viv Richards (138, 1979) are the next best.

Healey's opening partner Rachael Haynes (68 off 93) and Beth Mooney (62 off 47) also batted with confidence as Australia put on board the highest team total in a World Cup final in women's cricket and second-highest behind the Australian men's team's effort of 359 for two against India in 2003.

The star Australia wicket-keeper batter forged a 160-run stand with Haynes before sharing 156-runs with left-handed Mooney who was sent in ahead of skipper Meg Lanning to maintain the left and right combination.

A packed and a neutral crowd at Hagley Oval was in for a treat with Healy showing devastating form en route to her second consecutive hundred in the knock-out stage, having scored 129 against West Indies in the semifinal.

Healy flaunted her 360 range of strokes in a sensational effort, scoring runs at will against a bowling line-up that had no answer to her brilliance. For the major part of her innings, Healy exposed all three stumps to make room for herself and hit bowlers over the mid-off fielder.

Healy never allowed the number one ODI bowler Sophie Eccelstone (1/71) to settle, using her feet against her and other spinners to hit them straight over the in-field.

She also cut and pulled on her way to a fifth ODI hundred and when she was bored hitting the boundaries over mid-off and cover, she moved across the off-stump to play the scoop shot. Expecting heavy dew in the evening, defending champions England opted to put Australia in to bat. Australia, the only unbeaten team in the tournament, came out determined to stamp their authority for one last time in the tournament and they certainly did that with the bat.

England limited the damage the last five overs by taking four wickets. Pacer Anya Shrubsole (3/46) was the only England bowler that ended with respectable figures.

Natalie Sciver, Charlotte Dean and Kate Cross conceded more than 8 runs per over. 

Also Read : Lockie Ferguson, Shubman Gill star in Titans' 14-run win over DC

News Source : PTI

Christchurch, Apr 2 (Cricket News) Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry is most likely to feature in the summit clash of the ICC Women's World Cup against England as a specialist batter, skipper Meg Lanning said on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Perry had missed Australia's previous two games, including the semifinal against West Indies, after she suffered back spasms in Australia's win against South Africa last week.

"Ellyse got through a pretty hard and high-intensity session yesterday and she's trained again today and is feeling pretty good," Lanning said at the pre-match press conference.

"It will just depend on how she pulls up sort of this afternoon, that will be the final hurdle she needs to get over. But at this stage, it is looking pretty good.

"She can definitely play as a specialist bat and that's probably the most likely scenario. She hasn't bowled for a couple of weeks now and it would be difficult for her to come out and bowl in a final," she added.

However, Perry, who had been forced to miss Australia's T20 World Cup semifinal and final on home soil in 2020 due to a hamstring injury, has not bowled since suffering the back spasms.

"Ellyse is a world-class player and has shown that over a long period of time, particularly in this 50-over format. She averages 50 with the bat and has a great record with the ball as well.

"To have someone with that experience, someone who has performed on the big stage before hopefully to be part of our team is a huge boost." Australia are vying for a record-extending seventh title and Lanning is expecting her players to draw on their nerves as they look to steal England's crown.

"There are certainly some nerves around, it would be crazy if you weren't nervous heading into a World Cup final, so it's a good thing. But there's a lot of excitement.

"It's a great opportunity for our team to go out on a big stage and play really good cricket and we feel like we've been building throughout the tournament." Australia have been the most consistent team in the tournament, winning all eight of their games, and Lanning is hoping for another complete performance in the showpiece.

"We know that it's going to be tough, England always provide a great contest. They've got some world-class players who can take the game away from you really quickly.

"It's going to be a massive challenge for us and certainly not going to be easy but we feel confident that if we can put up as close to our best as possible, then that'll give us a good chance." Lanning will be playing in her 100th ODI on Sunday.

"Both teams start on zero runs tomorrow and it's about putting out a really good performance and that's the challenge for our team." 

Also Read : Mumbai Indians win toss, elect to field (IPL)

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Mar 31 (Cricket News) Indian women's team head coach Ramesh Powar's contract has expired at the conclusion of the side's campaign in the ICC World Cup and he might have to reapply for the post as per BCCI rules.

The disastrous World Cup campaign could also lead to a radical shift in women's cricket, with National Cricket Academy (NCA) head VVS Laxman taking an active part in mentoring the next batch of the country's cricketers. The team failed to make the semifinals of the ongoing tournament.

Powar had replaced WV Raman, who had guided the team into the T20 World Cup final in 2020.

"Powar's contract was till World Cup. There is no provision for extension. So the entire process starts with applications and interviews. Powar can certainly reapply and CAC (Cricket Advisory Committee), as per the constitution, will take a call," a senior BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

Eyebrows were raised after Raman wasn't given a second term after a good show with the team and Powar, who had a chequered history with skipper Mithali Raj, was brought back.

"The CAC takes the call and if they felt Ramesh would do better than Raman, it was their call. The board can't interfere," the source said.

As PTI reported at the end of India's campaign in New Zealand, there were serious differences of opinions between two senior players, who have been at loggerheads for years now.

It is understood that Powar did precious little to defuse the tension between the warring duo, and it now remains to be seen if he gets his contract renewed.

Also, there is nothing to write home about Powar's performance in the two stints with the team, especially the current one when India lost every series under his stewardship before their unceremonious exit from the showpiece.

Laxman to have bigger say ================ With the inaugural U-19 women's T20 World Cup scheduled next year, the BCCI is keen on preparing the next batch of players, with Laxman playing a bigger role in formulating a model for long-term success.

One of the major concerns is finding veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami's replacement.

"Even if you move past Mithali, in case of Jhulan there aren't too many replacements. So that's also a problem that the board is facing. Hopefully, the planned WIPL will unearth enough talent for future," the source said.

Laxman, and the men's team head coach Rahul Dravid, who had drawn up the NCA module, is expected to be consulted going forward. 

Also Read : The Indian Divyang cricket team reach the final after win over Sri Lanka

News Source : PTI

Christchurch, Mar 31 (Cricket News) Danielle Wyatt made the most of the luck that came her way enroute to a memorable hundred as defending champions England showed their big-match temperament with a 137-run win over South Africa to enter the Women's World Cup final here on Thursday.

Wyatt (129 off 125), who was dropped five times, struck a maiden World Cup hundred before Sophia Dunkley produced a fine 60 off 72 balls to take England to an imposing 293 for eight after South Africa chose to bowl. South Africa, who had reached the last four stage as the second best team from the league stage and also eliminated India from the competition, crumbled under the pressure of a knock-out game.

They could never recover from the body blow it received in the second over of the chase when pacer Anya Shrubsole had tournament's leading run-getter Laura Wolvaardt caught and bowled. Their innings ended at 156 in 38 overs.

Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone completed the job for England by cleaning up the lower-order, ending with six wickets for 36 runs in eight overs. She had also hit an unbeaten 24 off 11 balls to take England close to the 300-run mark.

With five wins on the trot after three losses that had them staring at an early exit, England's juggernaut is well and truly rolling as they stand on the cusp of a fifth title.

Their final and familiar opponents Australia, on the other hand, are eyeing a record-extending seventh crown.

It was a brilliant display of swing bowling from Shrubsole that broke the backbone of South Africa batting in the run chase.

Wolvaardt's opening partner Lizelle Lee was Shrubsole's second wicket as the out-of-form batter flicked it straight into the hand of the mid-wicket fielder, ending her forgettable campaign in the ICC event.

After Kate Cross removed Sune Luus with a beauty that seamed to nip back in sharply, the writing was on the wall for South Africa, who paid the price for their sloppiness in the field early on in the game.

Their decision to chase in a high-pressure game was also a questionable one. 

Also Read : Fit-again Surya joins MI ahead of IPL fixture against Rajasthan

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 30 (Cricket News) India skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran batter Virat Kohli moved down a rung each to be placed 8th and 10th, respectively, in the latest ICC Test rankings released on Wednesday.

Rohit, who continued to remain the top-ranked Indian in the batters' chart, moved down a place to 8th. He has 754 points, while Kohli, who has 742 rating points moved to the 10th position.

Ravindra Jadeja retained the top position among all-rounders, while Ravichandran Ashwin displaced West Indies' Jason Holder to be second.

Ashwin and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah continued to hold on to their second and fourth positions, respectively, in the bowlers' chart.

In the ODI rankings, Kohli remained static on second while Rohit climbed up a place to fourth.

Bumrah, who is the only Indian in the top 10 among bowlers, remained at the sixth spot. 

Also Read : RR completely outplay SRH to register their first win

News Source : PTI

Wellington, Mar 30 (Cricket News) Australia booked their place in the ICC Women's World Cup final with a dominant 157-run victory over West Indies after Alyssa Healy's belligerent century was complemented by the bowlers here on Wednesday.

Meg Lanning's side were at their destructive best with the bat, with Healy making 129 and adding 216 for the first wicket with Haynes (85), to post a mammoth 305 for three from 45 overs in a rain-curtailed semifinal.

The West Indies never looked like getting close in their chase. Captain Stafanie Taylor was her side's top-scorer with 48 in a total of 148, indicating the gulf in the class between the two semifinalists.

Play got underway one hour and 45 minutes late after thick mist and drizzle gave way to sunshine with the match shorn of 10 overs.

Put in to bat, Australia were undeterred by the West Indies' fast bowlers running in on a green wicket in gloomy Basin Reverse, making 37 runs in the powerplay.

Healy took her time to get going, making just 10 from 25 balls through the first 10 overs but then picked up pace to bring up her fifty from 63 balls.

Her second fifty would come off just 28 balls as she recorded a maiden World Cup hundred.

Healy eventually departed for 129 from 107 balls, including 17 fours and one six, as the West Indies held on to their first catch of the day with substitute Shakera Selman, on for the injured Anisa Mohammed, diving in.

A mini fightback ensued as Chinelle Henry took two wickets in an over, with Haynes going first for 85 from 100 balls before Ashleigh Gardner's promotion from seventh to third ended after 12 runs as the West Indies dragged Australia back to 235 for three.

Lanning and Beth Mooney were there to steady the ship however, the two batters with the highest averages in the tournament, taking Australia past 300, the largest-ever score in a World Cup knockout game.

In reply, the West Indies made a steady start once again, led by Deandra Dottin but soon lost their first wicket as Rashada Williams went for a 10-ball duck, Mooney holding on to a stunning grab off the bowling of Megan Schutt.

Annabel Sutherland did what the Windies could not, safely holding on to a looping catch at long-on to dismiss Dottin for 34.

Hayley Matthews fell for the same score as Jess Jonassen took the first wicket from spin for the day with her fourth ball, Alana King holding on to a poorly-timed shot at mid-off.

Matthews's wicket did not spark the West Indies into life as they slipped to 91 for three in 22.4 overs. Taylor was joined by Shemaine Campbelle as the required run-rate climbed above 10 an over.

Sutherland chipped in with a wicket as Campbelle sent a delivery straight to Jonassen to depart for eight.

Chedean Nation came out with intent cracking a six from her first ball but could add only more before being run out by Healy.

Kycia Knight followed for a two-ball duck as Jonassen moved to 10 wickets for the tournament and reduced the West Indies to 126 for six.

Gardner then looked to catch Jonassen up getting her ninth of the World Cup to dismiss Ramharack LBW a ball after she was dropped by Sutherland.

Taylor eventually departed for 48 from 74, with four fours, and with it the West Indies innings and run in the tournament came to an end as the injured Mohammed and ill Henry did not take to the field. 

Also Read : CSK, LSG seek improvement in top-order batting after opening losses

News Source : PTI

Christchurch, Mar 29 (Cricket News) Veteran West Indies spinner Afy Fletcher has been ruled out of the Women's ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia after testing positive for COVID-19, the ICC said on Tuesday.

Fletcher, who has played 58 ODIs, is a vital cog in the Caribbean side and her absence will reduce West Indies' bowling options against the powerful Australia line-up.

Mandy Mangru, who is in New Zealand as a travelling reserve, has been drafted into the squad as Fletcher's replacement and is in contention to play her first game of the tournament on Wednesday.

Fletcher has picked up four wickets from three matches at the showpiece, with her best haul coming against Bangladesh when she collected 3/29 from 10 overs in Mount Maunganui.

Mangru has played just one ODI for the West Indies and that came in the lead-up to the World Cup when she earned a debut against South Africa in Johannesburg last month.

The 22-year-old scored 15 runs batting at number six on that occasion and registered bowling figures of 0/15 from three overs with her handy off-spin.

Mangru is a temporary replacement for Fletcher.

A COVID replacement can be temporary, which means once the affected player has recovered, he or she would be eligible to return to the squad in place of the travelling reserve.

Any replacement in the squad requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad. 

Also Read : Women's CWC: Every qualified teams’ best player from the group stage

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 29 (Cricket News) India skipper Mithali Raj climbed two places to sixth while veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami also rose a couple of spots to fifth in the latest ICC Women's ODI rankings released on Tuesday, taking into account the ongoing World Cup in New Zealand.

Raj, who struck a half-century in India's final league match against South Africa on Sunday, surpassed Australia's Rachael Haynes and Tammy Beaumont of England.

However, the match ended in heartbreak for the Indian skipper as her team crashed out of the World Cup in a last-ball thriller.

Star opener Smriti Mandhana, who played a 71-run knock against South Africa, remained static on 10th.

In the bowlers' chart, Goswami, who missed the match against the Proteas, went past the South African duo of Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka to be fifth.

However, she lost her ninth position in the all-rounders' list to Katherine Brunt of England.

Goswami is now 10th with 217 rating points in her kitty, while compatriot Deepti Sharma held on to her seventh position.

South Africa opener Laura Wolvaardt, who has scored more runs (433) at the ongoing World Cup than any other player, moved up two places, overtaking the Australian duo of Alyssa Heau and Beth Mooney to claim the top ranking . 

Also Read : Ireland Wolves coach Johnston shares his views about touring squad

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) The Ireland Women’s team will become the first senior Irish side to tour Pakistan in history when they play a six-match white-ball series in November 2022. The series was confirmed jointly by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Ireland and the announcement comes days after the Pakistan Women’s team made public their tour to Ireland in July (for a T20I Tri-Series between Ireland, Pakistan and Australia to be played at Bready Cricket Club).

Ireland and Pakistan have a 60 year old history of international cricket but this is the first time a senior men’s or women’s side will be playing in Pakistan. The Women’s team first met at the 1997 Women’s World Cup where the Irish team won by 182 runs. The two sides then met in a Test match in 2000 in Dublin and have played each other in 33 matches across all formats with Pakistan winning 24 and Ireland 9. The last match between the two teams was at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2018.

TOUR FIXTURES

6 November 2022: Pakistan Women v Ireland Women – 1st ODI (venue TBC; 10am start local time)*
8 November 2022: Pakistan Women v Ireland Women – 2nd ODI (venue TBC; 10am start local time)*
11 November 2022: Pakistan Women v Ireland Women – 3rd ODI (venue TBC; 10am start local time)*
14 November 2022: Pakistan Women v Ireland Women – 1st T20I (venue TBC; 10am start local time)
16 November 2022: Pakistan Women v Ireland Women – 2nd T20I (venue TBC; 10am start local time)
18 November 2022: Pakistan Women v Ireland Women – 3rd T20I (venue TBC; 10am start local time)
 
* The ODIs are part of the ICC Women’s Championship

Laura Delany, Captain of Ireland Women, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2022, following the announcement of full time contracts. We have a busy summer ahead and are greatly looking forward to the prospect of playing Pakistan in an away series.

“As a squad we haven’t travelled to Pakistan before, but now having qualified for the ICC Women’s Championship we have been presented with this opportunity, one that no doubt will be a good challenge towards the end of the year. Having not played in Asian conditions for a few years now due to COVID-19, with a young squad this will be an invaluable opportunity as we are set to play more regularly in this part of the world over coming years.”

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director at Cricket Ireland, said: “We are delighted to confirm this historic tour to Pakistan and appreciate the support of the Pakistan Cricket Board in arranging the tour. This year will be 25 years since the two women’s sides first met on the field, and will be the first time in five years an Ireland Women’s side has played in Asia. Ireland and Pakistan have a deep cricket bond in both women’s and men’s cricket – and we will be as delighted to welcome them to Ireland in July as we will be to visit Pakistan in November.”

Also read: Top 5 all rounders to watch out in the upcoming Tata IPL 2022

(Motorsport) The 2022 Formula 1 season has certainly lived up to the hype as cars are more competitive than ever and Ferrari are finally in the mix for a World Championship after over a decade of disappointing results. Sergio Perez may have finished P1 in the qualifying but lost his lead due to an unfortunately timed safety car. However, Red Bull will be happy with their performance this weekend, especially after the disastrous result at the Bahrain Grand Prix last week and couldn’t have hoped for a better start as Perez maintained his pole position while Verstappen overtook Sainz in the first lap.

Meanwhile, seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton started the race in 15th place after an extremely disappointing qualifying session. Mercedes’ woes continue in the season so far and will need to improve drastically if they hope to come anywhere near the top at the end of the season. In the race, Hamilton managed to do some damage control, progressing from 16th to sixth, but after three back-to-back retirements for Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo and Valtteri Bottas, the British racing driver attempted to pit under the Virtual Safety Car. However, he was unable to do so and was forced to pit later, resulting in Hamilton being relegated to 12th place before managing to finish 10th at the end.

With just four laps to go, Verstappen overtook Leclerc in Turn 1 and the reigning champion was elated with the result. Speaking after the race, the Dutch racing driver said “I'm really happy that we've finally kick-started the season." Meanwhile, Leclerc said “Well done to Max, that was nice. It's hard racing but fair. Every race should be like this." The Italian manufacturers may be disappointed not to finish first in Saudi, but both their cars were on the podium at the end of the match and the result will go a long way in the Constructors and Drivers Standings at the end of the season. 

Lando Norris managed to score McLaren’s first points of the season while Kevin Magnussen also had an impressive performance and managed to score points for Haas yet again. The stewards investigated the final two laps after the race as many drivers had failed to sufficiently slow down under double-waved yellows after Albon’s crash but only a three place grid penalty was given to the Williams driver due to his collision with Lance Stroll.

Top 10 grid places at the Saudi Arabia GP

1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
3) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
4) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
5) George Russell, Mercedes
6) Esteban Ocon, Alpine
7) Lando Norris, McLaren
8) Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri
9) Kevin Magnussen, Haas
10) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

Also read: Lewis Hamilton aims to fight for diversity in Formula 1

Mumbai, Mar 25 (Cricket News) The BCCI is planning to start the Women's IPL by 2023, Board President Sourav Ganguly said on Friday while four exhibition games make a return this season after a one-year gap.

The BCCI, which has been criticised in the past for not starting the Women's IPL, will need AGM's approval to kickstart the league next season. The Board is planning to have five or six teams in the inaugural edition.

"It (the full-fledged women's IPL) has to be approved by the AGM. We plan to start it by next year hopefully," BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told reporters after the IPL Governing Council meeting here on Friday.

In an interview to PTI in February, Ganguly had said that Women's IPL will be launched in 2023.

IPL chairman Brijesh Patel also made it clear that this season there will be four matches for the three women teams around men's IPL play-offs.

"There will be four matches involving three teams around the time of the playoffs," Patel said after the meeting.

With the second half of the IPL being shifted to the UAE due to the pandemic, the exhibitions games were not held last year. However, they were staged in the UAE in 2020 when IPL Trailblazers won the title.

According to Patel, there would be five or six teams in the Women's IPL but again that would need approval of the General Body.

The most likely venue for the women's exhibitions games is Pune.

The IPL starts on Saturday with defending champions Chennai Super Kings up against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede stadium.

IPL media rights tender to be out soon ======================== The issue of IPL media rights for the 2023-2027 cycle was also discussed by the Governing Council.

"The tender will be out soon," said a Governing Council member.

Star India had paid a whopping Rs 16,347.5 crore for the 2018-2022 cycle. With the league's popularity soaring and the addition of two new teams, that number could touch a staggering Rs 40,000 crore for the upcoming five-year cycle.

Companies interested in securing the rights to India cricket's hottest property include Reliance backed Viacom 18, current right holders Disney Star, Sony (which had paid Rs 8200 for nine years, back in 2009) and streaming giant Amazon which could bid for the digital rights. 

Also Read : South African batter Zubayr Hamza provisionally suspended by ICC for failing dope test

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 25 (Cricket News) South African batter Zubayr Hamza was on Friday provisionally suspended by the ICC for failing an out-of-competition dope test.

Hamza's dope sample collected out-of-competition on January 17 this year has been found to contain Furosemide, a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency Code.

"The ICC has charged South African batter Zubayr Hamza with an anti-doping rule violation under the ICC Anti-Doping Code," the world body said in a statement.

"Hamza has been charged with the presence and/or use of a prohibited substance following the detection of Furosemide in a sample collected out-of-competition on 17 January 2022 and has been provisionally suspended pending the outcome of the disciplinary process." Furosemide is a Specified Substance contained in Section S5 of the 2022 WADA Prohibited List.

The ICC said proceedings against Hamza are ongoing and it will not make any further comment at this stage. 

Also Read : Top 5 batters to watch out in the upcoming Tata IPL 2022

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) In a shocking turn of events, M.S Dhoni has handed over the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings to Ravindra Jadeja, just 2 days before the tournament kicks off. Jadeja will become only the 3rd player after Suresh Raina and M.S Dhoni to lead CSK. Before the mega auction, CSK retained M.S Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Moeen Ali. Dhoni was always expected to lead the side but the decision may have come at a good time as Dhoni may not be able to play all the games.

It will be interesting to see how Jadeja handles the responsibility of being a captain for the first time in his career. His improvement as a player has been incredible and there is every chance that it grows even more with captaincy. It is a blessing for him to have someone like M.S Dhoni in the team to guide him for some time at least. Taking over from a captain like Dhoni is no easy task for anyone let alone a player who doesn't have much leadership experience.

Along with the retained Jadeja, Dhoni, Gaikwad, and Moeen Ali; CSK also brought back Dwayne Bravo, K.M Asif, Ambati Rayudu, Mitchell Santner and Robin Uthappa. The core of the Chennai Super Kings is pretty much the same which makes things a little easier for Jadeja. He will also have to play a hand in developing the younger lot of players which is something CSK has always done. The decision to change the captaincy will not make sense if Dhoni still white ants Jadeja. The all-rounder will have to make big decisions and trust his instincts on certain things much like Virat Kohli did when he first took over as team India captain.

On a personal level, Jadeja might look to push himself further up the order. Recently, in the T20Is against Sri Lanka, he showed that he is more than capable of doing so. There are players who have only got better with the responsibilities of captaincy especially in the IPL. Everything indicates that Jadeja will be another example of that. The only question is if it happens instantly or takes a little while longer for that to happen.

Also read: Australia survive Bangladesh scare, finish on top (ICC Women's World Cup)

Wellington, Mar 25 (Cricket News) Australia overcame a few anxious moments before getting past Bangladesh by five-wickets, a win that ensured them a top-of-the-table finish after the group stage matches of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Friday.

Australia took regular wickets through spin to reduce Bangladesh to 135 for six from their 43 overs after the start of the contest was delayed by rain.

Spin continued to dominate as Bangladesh took the ball, Salma Khatun reducing Australia to 41 for four at the first drinks break before a defiant Beth Mooney guided her side with an unbeaten 66.

Put into bat, Bangladesh made a steady start before the spin of Ashleigh Gardner and Jess Jonassen was introduced.

Gardner got the first wicket, dismissing Murshida Khatun for 12 from 17 balls as Rachael Haynes held on to a good catch.

That brought Fargana Hoque to the crease and she became the first Bangladeshi woman to pass 1000 ODI runs before nicking Annabel Sutherland behind to Alyssa Healy for eight.

Australia then smartly reviewed to have Sharmin Akhter given out LBW as Bangladesh slipped to 58 for three.

The experienced Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed played calmly, taking five runs off the next 25 balls before Nigar departed for seven from 30 balls when trying to relieve the dot ball pressure.

Bangladesh continued to build promising partnerships. Rumana and Lata Mondol added 33 for the fifth wicket before the former was caught by Jonassen at mid-off for Gardner, leaving the Tigresses on 95 for five with 8.4 overs remaining.

Lata was the final wicket to fall as Megan Schutt had her stumped after she top-scored with 33 from 63 balls, wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy whipping off the non-existent bails after they were removed due to the blustery conditions.

Salma was there at the end on 15 not out from 23 balls as Bangladesh set Australia 136 to win, no easy task given the weather.

But it wasn't the wind that caused Australia problems, it was Bangladesh’s bowlers with Salma the principal architect of the initial collapse.

Healy (15) was first to go after holing out to Jahanara Alam as Salma became the first Bangladeshi bowler to take a wicket against Australia in the first ever ODI clash between the sides.

Meg Lanning’s 30th birthday did not come with a present from her opponents as she was clean-bowled for a duck by a peach of a delivery from Salma, only the fourth time the Australian captain has failed to trouble the scorers in 98 ODIs.

Haynes departed for seven from 23 deliveries as Salma single-handedly reduced Australia to 26 for three.

Tahlia McGrath only made three, given out LBW off the bowling of Nahida Akter. Mooney combined with the hard-striking Gardner to build the biggest partnership of the innings so far, adding 29 runs.

But Gardner had to go when she was bowled by Rumana.

Mooney steadied a rocking Australia ship with a fifty from 60 balls, scoring only four fours as she realised the aerial route spelt danger, instead rotating the strike with Sutherland as the light began to fade.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh: 135/6 in 43 overs (Lata Mondol 33, Sharmin Akhter 24; Jess Jonassen 2/13, Ashleigh Gardner 2/23) Australia: 136/5 in 32.1 overs (Beth Mooney 66 not out, Annabel Sutherland 26 not out; Salma Khatun 3/23). 

Also Read : Was lucky to see how MS Dhoni's brain works: Du Plessis

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Following the recent announcement regarding Ireland Men’s home season, the senior side will now line up for a T20I series against long-term rivals Afghanistan, to be played at Stormont. The series is set to be a key part of Ireland Men’s build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in October.

This series also represents the first T20Is that Afghanistan have played in Belfast.

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said: “It’s a great rivalry that has developed over the years between Ireland and Afghanistan, and we warmly welcome the Afghan Men’s team here once again. With the context of both sides looking to bolster their T20I exposure in the lead-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in October, it was agreed by the Cricket Ireland Board that the previously scheduled Test match and ODI series would be rescheduled to a later date – with both sides looking to maximise our T20I cricket instead. Our thanks to the Afghanistan Cricket Board for their support in getting this series approved.”

Ireland v Afghanistan men’s T20I series

9 August: Ireland v Afghanistan, 1st T20I (Stormont)
11 August: Ireland v Afghanistan, 2nd T20I (Stormont)
12 August: Ireland v Afghanistan, 3rd T20I (Stormont)
15 August: Ireland v Afghanistan, 4th T20I (Stormont)
17 August: Ireland v Afghanistan, 5th T20I (Stormont)

Other fixtures in Ireland Men’s international schedule this summer

Ireland Men v India Men T20I series

Sunday 26 June: Ireland v India, 1st T20I (Malahide) *
Tuesday 28 June: Ireland v India, 2nd T20I (Malahide) *

* Subject to licence

Ireland Men v New Zealand Men series

Sunday 10 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 1st ODI (Malahide)
Tuesday 12 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 2nd ODI (Malahide)
Friday 15 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 3rd ODI (Malahide)
Monday 18 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 1st T20I (Stormont)
Wednesday 20 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 2nd T20I (Stormont)
Friday 22 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 3rd T20I (Stormont)

Ireland Men v South Africa Men T20I series

Wednesday 3 August: Ireland v South Africa, 1st T20I (Bristol)
Friday 5 August: Ireland v South Africa, 2nd T20I (Bristol)

Also read: England Women defeat Pakistan by nine wickets in the Cricket World Cup

(Cricket news) England Women progressed to the top four standings in the ICC Women’s World Cup with a dominant nine wicket victory over Pakistan in Christchurch. Katherine Brunt showcased impressive figures of 3-17 and she dismissed Nahida Khan in the first ball of the innings. 

England's seamers and Sophie Ecclestone (3-18) kept chipping away, aided by two run-outs, as Pakistan were bowled out for 105. Danni Wyatt raced to 76 to see England home inside 20 overs and with it boosted their run-rate to overtake India in the table. Victory over Bangladesh in England's final group game would guarantee a semi-final berth.

England Women's World Cup Fixtures

Saturday March 5: Australia Women 310-3 beat England Women 298-8 by 12 runs

Tuesday March 8: West Indies Women 225-6 beat England Women 216 by 7 runs

Monday March 14: South Africa Women 236-7 beat England Women 235-9 by three wickets

Wednesday March 16: England Women 136-6 beat India Women 134 by four wickets

Saturday March 19: England Women 204-9 beat New Zealand Women 203 by one wicket

Thursday March 24: England Women 107-1 beat Pakistan Women 105 by nine wickets

Saturday March 26: England Women v Bangladesh Women, Wellington

Also read: Bowlers, Wyatt power England to nine-wicket win over Pakistan

Christchurch, Mar 24 (Cricket News) A dominant England dished out a fine all-round performance to crush Pakistan by nine wickets and keep themselves in the reckoning for a place in the semifinals of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Thursday.

Bowling first, England bundled out Pakistan for a paltry 105 in 41.3 overs, and then, chased down the target with as many as 184 balls to spare.

Opting to field after winning the toss, opening bowler Katherine Brunt (3/17) and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3/18) led England's brilliant display with the ball at the Hagley Oval.

When their turn to bat came, opener Danni Wyatt top-scored with an unbeaten, aggressive 68-ball 76 while captain Heather Knight remained not out on 24 in 36 deliveries.

With the massive win, England have not just moved to six points on the table but also have a better net run rate than India and are placed at the fourth place.

Needing to win the game at all costs, Brunt gave England the best and Pakistan the worst possible start by removing Nahida Khan in the very first ball of the match.

Brunt bowled it full around middle and off and as the ball moved away, it took a thick edge off Nahida's bat to the first slip.

Pakistan were none for one, and it soon became 11 for two when skipper Bismah Maroof was run out while going for a needless second run.

Pakistan found themselves in dire straits thanks to another horrible run out, this time the victim being Omaima Sohail off a Tammy Beaumont direct hit in the 14th over with the score reading 33 for three.

It became 53 for four when Brunt had Nida Dar trapped in front of the wicket with a ball that pitched on middle and leg before hitting her low on the front pad. The batter opted for a review but it did went in her favour, as the English rejoiced.

Pakistan could add just five more runs before the set Sidra Ameen (32), the innings' top-scorer, played a fast Brunt delivery on to the stumps while looking to guide it to the third man region.

Wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz contributed 23 before Ecclestone wrapped up the Pakistan innings.

The whether got a bit gloomy in Christchurch as England began their reply, but that did not come in way of their chase as they sealed the game in their favour in only 19.2 overs.

Brief scores: Pakistan: 105 all out in 41.3 overs (Sidra Ameen 32; Katherine Brunt 3/17, Sophie Ecclestone 3/18) England: 107/1 in 19.2 overs (Danni Wyatt 76 not out). 

Also Read : Virat took a smart decision to relinquish captaincy: Ravi Shastri

News Source : PTI

Wellington, Mar 24 (Cricket News) South Africa on Thursday became the second team to qualify for the semifinals of the ICC Women's World Cup after their league match against West Indies was abandoned due to rain at the Basin Reserve here.

Both South Africa and West Indies were awarded one point each.

South Africa followed Australia into the last-four stage with nine points from six matches, while West Indies have completed their league engagements and are currently placed third in the standings with seven points from as many games.

The match witnessed action for a little over 10 overs, with South Africa 61 for four after being sent into bat.

West Indies' decision to bowl first was spot on as they reduced South Africa to 22 for four in 5.3 overs with Chinelle Henry (3/19) turning out to be the star with the ball.

But Mignon du Preez (38 not out off 31 balls) counter-attacked the West Indian bowlers to somewhat stabilise South Africa's innings with a 39-run fifth wicket stand with Marizanne Kapp (5 not out) before the heavens opened up.

Shamilia Connell (1/18) was the other wicket-taker for West Indies.

The result means India face a must-win game against South Africa on Sunday to progress to the knockout stage. A no result will also work in India's favour as they have a better net run rate than West Indies.

Having finished their league campaign, West Indies will keenly follow the India-South Africa game and will hope for a Protea win.

India are currently placed fourth with six points from as many games. 

Also Read : Cummins, Finch will miss KKR's first five matches: David Hussey

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Mar 23 (Cricket News) Lucknow Super Giants have signed Andrew Tye as a replacement for the injured England pacer Mark Wood for the upcoming Indian Premier League, it was announced on Wednesday The announcement was made via an IPL media advisory.

Wood suffered an elbow injury during England's first Test against West Indies earlier this month.

Tye has represented Australia in 32 T20Is and picked 47 wickets. The right-arm pacer, who has so far played 27 IPL matches and has picked 40 wickets, will join LSG for the price of Rs 1 crore.

LSG – who will be making their IPL debut this season – will begin their IPL 2022 campaign on March 28 when they take on Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium here.

The IPL-15 begins with a match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26.

Tye, who was with Rajasthan Royals earlier, had left the IPL midway last season due to personal reasons. 

Also Read : ICC Test Rankings: Jadeja regains top spot among all-rounders

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 23 (Cricket News) India's Ravindra Jadeja reclaimed the top spot from West Indies' Jason Holder in the latest ICC Test rankings for all-rounders released on Wednesday.

Jadeja had risen to No. 1 after his 175 not out and nine wickets in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali earlier this month.

However, he had lost the place to Holder last week. But the two players have once again interchanged places with Jadeja back on top with 385 rating points.

Jadeja's compatriot Ravichandran Ashwin held on to his third place among all-rounders and continued to be second in the bowlers' chart.

Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who had jumped six spots last week, remained static on fourth in the bowling list.

India skipper Rohit, the country's top-ranked batter, fell a spot down to seventh in the latest Test rankings for batters.

While former India skipper Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant remained static on the ninth and 10th place respectively.

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, who was at his glorious best against Australia during the second Test of the series in Karachi, gained three spots to move up to No.5 in the rankings chart.

Other star performers with the bat from the same match – Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khawaja – have also taken a massive leap.

Rizwan has moved up six spots, to be joint No.11 alongside David Warner after his unbeaten knock of 104 in the second innings. Khawaja, who scored 160 and 44 in Karachi, moved up eleven spots to No. 13.

Kohli static at 2nd, Rohit slips to 4 in ODI chart ================================ In the ODI chart, Kohli retained his second spot even as Rohit moved down a rung to be fourth among batters.

Kohli has 811 points and is placed behind Paksitan captain Babar Azam, who also retained his top spot.

However, Rohit, who was earlier placed third was pushed down to fourth by South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Bumrah, the only Indian in the top 10 in the ODI bowlers' list , held on to his sixth spot but Ravindra Jadeja moved down a place to 10th alongside Zimbabwe's Sean Williams. 

Also Read : Shreyas Iyer was born to be a leader, says Hussey, the KKR mentor

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 23 (Cricket News) India's Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia moved up to the 10th and 39th spots respectively in the recently-released ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings, but skipper Mithali Raj's descent in the batters' chart continued as she dropped to eighth position.

Star opener Mandhana, who played modest knocks of 35, 10 and 30 in India's previous three matches in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup, climbed up one place to enter the top 10 with a rating of 663.

Bhatia's impressive run was also reflected in the rankings issued on Tuesday as she moved up eight places to the 39th spot. The left-hander had scored back-to-back half centuries against Australia and Bangladesh in India's previous two games.

Mithali, who has slipped five places in the past two weeks, has dropped one more spot to be joint eighth alongside New Zealand's Amy Satterthwaite. The Indian skipper got some respite from her wretched ODI form when she scored 68 against Australia but was out for a duck in her next innings in India's 110-run win over Bangladesh on Tuesday.

Australia's Alyssa Healy (730) still leads the way in the ODI batting rankings, though the wicket-keeper has quite a few players closing down on the number one spot, with a number of chasers being her Australian teammates.

Beth Mooney (2nd spot) is the best of the rest, jumping two places to a rating of 725 after scores of 30 not out and 28 not out, providing stability in Australia's middle order.

Compatriots Meg Lanning (715) and Rachael Haynes (712) have also risen to fourth and fifth positions respectively, with South African Laura Wolvaardt's fine start to the tournament reflected in a two-spot rise to third.

In the bowlers' chart, India pacer Pooja Vastrakar has risen 13 spots and is currently placed 56th while veteran Jhulan Goswami dropped a rung to be seventh.

However, Goswami's recent cameos with the bat have moved her two places to ninth in the all-rounders' list, while Deepti Sharma, who was dropped from the playing XI in India's last two games, has moved down to seventh.

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone (773) continues to occupy the top spot among bowlers, well above fellow left-arm tweaker Jess Jonassen (726), who remains in the second position.

South African quicks take up fourth, fifth and sixth places, with Shabnim Ismail edging past Marizanne Kapp. Ayabonga Khaka's two-place jump means she leapfrogs Goswami and Ellyse Perry, an indication that the Proteas' bowling success has been a collective.

Kate Cross has moved up three spots into the top 10 (623), with England teammate Anya Shrubsole climbing four places to 11th. New Zealand quick Jess Kerr leapt six places to 21st, while Pakistan bowlers Nida Dar (up five spots to 24th) and Anam Amin (up two spots to 31st) also enjoyed success. 

Also Read : Moeen Ali may miss CSK's IPL opener due to visa issues.

News Source :  PTI

New Delhi, Mar 22(Cricket News)The IPL-15, former Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri said on Tuesday, is an opportunity to discover a "strong" future captain for the Indian cricket team. From Rishabh Pant to Shreyas Iyer, the forthcoming tournament may be mostly about identifying India's future leaders. He praised India's current captain Rohit Sharma for a "amazing" job. "Virat is no longer captain, but Rohit has been equally impressive, particularly in white ball. India will consider who will captain the squad (in the future) — the options include Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. "India will be searching for a solid captain in the future, and this is the opportunity," Shastri said Tuesday during a news conference hosted by Star Sports, the IPL's official broadcaster. "... That is the beauty of the IPL; during the last edition, we saw Venkatesh Iyer; he was unknown prior to the tournament and by the time it concluded, he was a member of the Indian team. As a result, you anticipate the unexpected." Hardik Pandya, the Gujarat Titans' skipper, has remained tight-lipped about his comeback to bowling, but Shastri feels the entire country would be "very attentively following" his every move in the 2019 IPL. Pandya is scheduled to head the Gujarat Titans team when the new club makes its IPL debut in 2022. The star Indian all-rounder has yet to play a competitive match following last year's ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE due to a lower back ailment. "The entire country will be watching Hardik Pandya intently in the IPL; we all know what he is capable of," Shastri said Tuesday during a press conference hosted by Star Sports, the IPL's official broadcaster. Shastri and Suresh Raina have been added to Star Sports' elite commentary crew for the lucrative league. "Along with Hardik, there will be a slew of other players vying for a spot on the Indian team." Shastri also stated that quick bowling may receive more attention than any other aspect of the 2019 IPL, considering the upcoming T20 World Cup would be held on Australia's hard and bouncy fields. On Saturday, the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League begins with a match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. "One thing I can say is that they will be paying close attention to the fast bowling section above all else, given they will be visiting Australia four months after the IPL," Shastri added. Numerous youngsters have been handed opportunities to play for India under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, and Shastri is watching to see how these players improve their case with strong performances in the Indian Premier League. "I'd rather concentrate on guys who have recently been given an opportunity and how they perform in the IPL.... It will now be critical to monitor how these players perform in the IPL and bolster their positions." Shastri returns to the commentary box following a seven-year hiatus. He will, however, be a member of the Hindi commentary crew, something he has not previously done. This year's tournament will feature ten teams, including the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. "The competition will be fierce this time around, with two new teams joining the fray. There are now a number of teams who will give you a run for your money. The combination has been excellent, and it bodes well for a very strong league," Shastri remarked. 

Also Read :Bringing out best out of players came naturally to 'incredible leader' Warne: Watson

News Source: PTI

(Cricket news) The Ireland Wolves suffered a two-run loss under the DLS method after dangerous lightning at the ground forced an abandonment of play mid-way through Namibia’s run-chase in the first T20 at the Wanderers Cricket Ground today.

Murray Commins, in his second match for Ireland Wolves, top-scored with 29 on a low-scoring pitch that rewarded disciplined bowling throughout the day. The Wolves batter successfully held the dominant hand over the Namibian bowling attack. Following his 60 in the Ireland Wolves match against Zimbabwe last September, the left-handed South African-born batter has made an impressive start to his time in the Green.

The match started 45 minutes late and was reduced to 18 overs-a-side due to persistent passing showers, the Namibian bowling attack struck in the first over itself. Jeremy Lawlor (0) and James McCollum (7) fell early, before Commins began to counter-attack. He struck two fours and a six in a 22-ball innings of 29, before unluckily falling to a spectacular diving catch at short third after middling a reverse-sweep.

The Irish batters looked very uncertain at times about the pace of the pitch, but continued to look to play their shots against a disciplined Namibian attack. Senior Namibian international Helao Ya France (3-12 from 4 overs) delivered an impressive spell of right-arm off-spin, and Nicol Loftie-Eaton grabbed two wickets through the middle overs, leaving the Wolves lower-order with much to do.

They needed quick wickets to build some sort of early pressure, but Peter Chase and Graham Hume delivered three wickets in the first two overs and all three were brilliantly taken by the Wolves fielders. The pick of the catches was a diving outfield effort from Graham Kennedy at deep square leg to dismiss the threatening-looking Lohan Louwrens for 6.

When Campher claimed the fourth wicket with just 34 on the scoreboard in the 7th over, the Wolves looked well in the hunt, and it looked more likely that they were closing in on what would be a dramatic low-scoring win. However, lightning struck  near the ground and dark clouds overhead stopped the game shortly after, with the Namibians ahead of Duckworth-Lewis by two runs and play did not resume and umpires called the match off, handing the home side a DLS win.

The two sides will return for the 2nd T20 of the three-match series at 2pm (local time) or 12pm (GMT) Wednesday at the same venue.

Also read: India get crucial win over Bangladesh to keep qualification in their own hands
 

Mumbai, Mar 22 (Cricket News) Newly-appointed fast bowling coach Lasith Malinga feels Rajasthan Royals have a fantastic pace attack with a good mix of experienced international players, genuine Indian quicks and youngsters.

Malinga, who took 546 wickets in 340 international matches across three formats for Sri Lanka and also led the country to the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup triumph, has been roped in by the Royals as their new fast bowling coach ahead of IPL-15.

"I think we have a fantastic pace attack. You've got experienced overseas players like Boult and Coulter-Nile, with whom I've worked before," Malinga was quoted as saying in a media release.

"Then we've got genuine Indian fast bowlers in Prasidh (Krishna) and (Navdeep) Saini, who have proven themselves at the highest level, and some new faces in Anunay Singh, Kuldeep Sen and Kuldip Yadav.

"In T20 cricket, I think little margins really matter, and I'm here to guide them to deliver their best in all situations," he added.

Talking about joining the new franchise, the 38-year-old, who is also IPL's highest wicket-taker, said he's enjoying his new role.

"It is certainly a new thing for me to get into coaching and pass on my experience to the younger players. I have played this role before with Mumbai, and now I'm delighted to be working with Rajasthan Royals. It is a new place for me, but I'm enjoying my role so far working with such a talented group of bowlers." Having been associated with Mumbai Indians for 13 seasons, he also recalled how the move to Royals came about.

"It was actually last year that Kumar (Sangakkara) asked me if I was interested. But with COVID and all the bubble restrictions, I didn't want to stay away from my family.

"But this year, having also worked with the Sri Lankan team, I felt I could use my experience and give back to the game that I love, by working with this group of players." Sharing his thoughts on what's the most important thing for a fast bowler, Malinga said, "I think most of the times teams focus on analyzing the opposition and looking at their weaknesses.

"But in my experience, I think what works best is when you work on your strengths and bowl according to them. In T20, you only have to bowl 24 balls, which works in our favour but it's also important to trust your instincts as to which variations can work in which situations." "On the field, you only have a right hander and a left hander to prepare against, so when a bowler trains, it's important to just train according to that – to think there are just two batters – it doesn't matter what the name of the batsman is," he added.

Having won the IPL four times with Mumbai, the veteran also commented on what he thinks is the most important thing to do when going after a title.

"I think every team is equally strong and everyone in the team is equally valued. But the most crucial thing is how we understand the game, and the situations within a game.

"So, what I want to get out of our bowlers is to improve their thinking pattern, and help them understand the situations better," he expressed. 

Also Read : Bhatia, Rana power India to 110-run win over Bangladesh, keep SF hopes alive

News Source : PTI

Hamilton, Mar 22 (Cricket News) Yastika Bhatia's gritty half-century and Sneh Rana's all-round performance powered India a dominating 110-run win over Bangladesh and kept them in the hunt for a semifinal spot at the ICC Women's World Cup, here on Tuesday.

Opting to bat, India recovered from a mid-inning collapse to post a modest 229 for seven, riding on a responsible 80-ball 50 by Bhatia and a late flourish from Rana (27) and Pooja Vastrakar (30).

Defending the total, the spinners, led by Rana (4/30), controlled the proceedings as they struck at regular intervals.

India bowled out Bangladesh for 119 in 40.3 overs to register their third win of the tournament. The big win helped India improve their Net-Run-Rate (0.768) further.

The Mithali Raj-led side will take on South Africa in the final league match on Sunday. Before that match, if the second-placed Proteas beat West Indies on Thursday India's semifinal chances will get better.

India's decision to bring in senior spinner Poonam Yadav (1/25) in place of pacer Meghna Singh paid dividends. With spinners operating from both the ends on a slow track, Bangladesh found the run-scoring difficult.

India restricting Bangladesh to 69/5 after 25 overs.

Lata Mondal (24) and Salma Khatun (32) provided some resistance with a 40-run partnership which was broken by Jhulan Goswami when she dismissed the latter, while Vastrakar accounted for the former a few overs later.

The pace duo of Goswami (2/19) and Vastrakar (2/26) shared four wickets between them while the spinners accounted for the rest.

Earlier, Smriti Mandhana (30) and Shafali Verma (42) shared 74 runs for the opening wicket but Ritu Moni (3/37) and Nahida Akter (2/42) shared five wickets between them to reduce India from 74 for no loss to 108 for 4 at one stage.

Mandhana ended up hitting straight to Fargana Hoque off Akter, while Moni struck twice in two balls in the next over to leave India at 74 for 3 in 15.4 overs.

While Verma was stumped by Nigar Sultana, skipper Mithali Raj (0) was out for a first-ball duck as India lost three wickets in quick succession.

Vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur (14) then joined Bhatia as the two tried to resurrect the innings but the duo scored only 34 runs in 70 balls before a direct throw from Hoque caught the former short of her crease.

Bhatia (50 off 80) and Richa Ghosh (26) then added 54 runs to take India past the 150-run score.

The duo played at a good pace with Ghosh slamming Lata Mondal (0/20) for successive fours in the 30th over.

However, Akter brought Bangladesh back into the game when she had Ghosh caught behind while she tried to cut a ball that was too close to the body.

After completing her fifty, Bhatia too perished in the next ball while trying for a paddle scoop, only to be caught by at short fine leg.

Vastrakar (30) and Rana (27) then came together at 180 for 6 at the end of 44th over to add 48 off 38 balls, taking India past the 200-run mark. With the two going strong, the last 10 overs yielded 64 runs. 

Also Read : Lanning's 135 guides Australia to five-wicket win over South Africa

News Source : PTI

Wellington, Mar 22 (Cricket News) Skipper Meg Lanning produced another masterclass, smashing an unbeaten 135 as six-time champions Australia continued their invincible run with a five-wicket thrashing of South Africa in the ICC Women's World Cup here on Tuesday.

Lanning scored her 15th ODI century with 15 hits to the fence and one maximum during her 130-ball unconquered innings to help Australia successfully chase down South Africa's total of 271 for 5 with 28 balls to spare at Basin Reserve.

Invited to bat, opener Laura Wolvaardt cracked a 134-ball 90, while skipper Sune Luus (52) notched another half-century as South Africa posted a decent total from their 50 overs.

However, it proved inadequate in the end as Lanning took control of Australia's chase and recorded her third World Cup century to lead her team to a comfortable victory.

The win further consolidated Australia's position at the top of the table with 12 points from six matches and they are likely to end at the top with just one match to go against Bangladesh in the league stage.

It was South Africa's first loss of the tournament. They remain second in the standings with 8 points from five games but are still in danger of missing out on the semifinals should they fail to win any of their final two matches against West Indies and India.

The Australian innings was all about Lanning as the skipper showed her class with a true captain's knock that was one of her best innings of all time.

Opener Alyssa Healy (1) was out in the third over and Rachael Haynes (17) followed her back to the pavilion in the 11th when Mignon du Preez held on to a screamer in the outfield to leave Australia in a spot of bother at 45 for 2.

However, Lanning showed little respect to the South Africa bowlers as she found the gaps with ease.

The Australia captain enjoyed a 60-run partnership with the reliable Beth Mooney (21) and then an even better one of 93 with all-rounder Tahlia McGrath (32) that put Australia in a dominant position to cruise home.

A back injury to Ellyse Perry was the only negative to come out of the win for Australia, with the veteran all-rounder bowling just three overs. She did not bat.

Earlier, opener Wolvaardt continued her rich run of form, sharing 88 runs with Lizelle Lee (36) for the opening wicket, before forging a 91-run stand with skipper Luus (52).

Ash Gardner pulled off the catch of the tournament when she held on to a beauty in the outfield to dismiss du Preez (14), while Marizanne Kapp (30 not out off 21 balls) hit four boundaries to help boost South Africa's total.

For the Proteas, seamer Shabnim Ismail (2/33) and spinner Chloe Tryon (2/44) snapped two wickets apiece. 

Also Read : IPL: Taskin Ahmed not to replace Mark Wood as BCB refuse to give NOC

News Source : PTI

Hamilton, Mar 22 (Cricket News) Yastika Bhatia hit a responsible fifty as India recovered from a mini-collapse to post a competitive 229 for 7 against Bangladesh in their must-win ICC Women's ODI World Cup league match here on Tuesday.

Opting to bat, Smriti Mandhana (30) and Shafali Verma (42) shared 74 runs for the opening wicket but India suffered a mini-collapse, losing both the openers in quick succession.

Skipper Mithali Raj (0) was also back in the hut after a first-ball duck as India slumped to 74 for 3 in 15.3 overs.

Vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur (14) too was run out by Fargana Hoque. Bhatia (50 off 80) and Richa Ghosh (26) then added 54 runs to take India past the 150-run score before the latter was sent packing by Nahida Akter. After completing her fifty, Bhatia too perished while trying for a paddle scoop, only to be caught by at short fine leg.

Pooja Vastrakar (30) and Sneh Rana (27) then added 48 off 38 balls to take India past the 200-run mark.

Earlier, India opted to replace pacer Meghna Singh with wrist spinner Poonam Yadav on a spin-friendly pitch, while Bangladesh brought in top-order batter Murshida Khatun and medium-pacer Lata Mondal for Shamima Sultana and Fariha Trisna respectively.

India have won two matches and lost three games, including back-to-back defeats against England and Australia, to be placed fourth in the overall standing with just four points. They need to win this game to stay in the mix for semifinals spot.

Brief Score: India: 229 for 7 in 50 overs (Yastika Bhatia 50, Shafali Verma 42; Nahida Akter 2/42, Ritu Moni 3/37). 

Also Read : Whenever I scored runs, there's someone else who scored better: Karun Nair

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) The 2022 Women's World Cup group stage is about to reach its climax. As of this moment Australia are the only team that have secured their qualification. South Africa on the other hand are almost guaranteed to make it to the semis. The other two places are a 4 horse race between New Zealand, India, England and West Indies. Bangladesh and Pakistan also have an outside chance of qualification.

As far as India are concerned they need to win both their games and keep their Net Run Rate intact. India has the 2nd best NRR after Australia and they need to keep it that way as it is very likely that the 4th place team is decided by it.  A big victory over Bangladesh will be a huge result for the Women in blue.

India's Possible Playing XI:

Smriti Mandhana, Yastika Bhatia, Mithali Raj(c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Jhulan Goswami, Rajeshwari Gayakwad

Bench: Shafali Verma, Poonam Yadav, Taniya Bhatia, Renuka Singh

In the first 4 games India went with 5 pure batters, 3 all-rounders and 3 bowlers. In the last match against Australia, Mithali Raj decided to drop all-rounder Deepti Sharma for opener Shafali Verma. The plus side was that the batting did well as Yastika Bhatia looked more comfortable in her usual one down position and even Mithali Raj broke her drought by scoring a half century. The down side was that the women in blue were a bowler short which may have ultimately cost them the game. India may go back to their previous combination which would mean that Shefali Verma will once again be axed. 

Bangladesh Possible Playing XI:
Shamima Sultana (wk), Sharmin Akhter, Fargana Hoque, Nigar Sultana (c), Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Salma Khatun, Nahida Akter, Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trisna

Bench: Lata Mondal, Suraiya Azmin, Murshida Khatun, Sobhana Mostary, Shanjida Akter

Skipper Nigar Sultana will have a lot of responsibility on her shoulders. Seamer Jahanara Alam will lead the bowling against the mighty Indian batting line-up. Bangladesh need to be good with the bowl throughout as India have batting till number 8 and even Jhulan Goswami at 9 can contribute with the willow.

India's last group game against South Africa will have a lot of importance but it wouldn't matter if India lose against Bangladesh. The women in blue need a win and an emphatic one to keep their chances of making the Semi finals alive. Pakistan's win over the West Indies have increased their chances but they still need to win the remaining two matches. 
 

Also read: Pakistan stun West Indies by 8 wickets in rain-hit match to record first win in ICC Women's WC

Hamilton, Mar 21 (Cricket News) Pakistan ended their 18-match losing streak with an eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the Women's ODI World Cup here on Monday.

Spinner Nida Dar returned with impressive figures of four for 10 to help Pakistan restrict West Indies to 89 for seven after opting to field in the rain-curtailed match which was reduced to 20-over-a-side affair because of damp outfield at Seddon Park.

Besides Dar, Omaima Sohail (1/12), Fatima Sana (1/14) and Nashra Sandhu (1/24) picked up a wicket each as Pakistan produced an inspired bowling effort.

Opener Deandra Dottin (27) top-scored for West Indies, while Stafanie Taylor (18) and Afy Fletcher (12 not out) were the other two Caribbean batters to have managed double digit scores.

Chasing 90, Pakistan, who have so far lost all their four matches to be placed at the bottom of the eight-team standings, lost opener Sidra Ameen (8) in the sixth over with their scorecard reading 22.

Muneeba Ali (37 off 43) and skipper Bismah Maroof then shared 35 runs for the second wicket before the former departed with Pakistan still needing 31 runs off 46 balls. Muneeba struck five boundaries during her knock.

But Maroof (20 not out) played sensibly without taking any risks and in Sohail's (22 not out) company stitched unbeaten 33 runs for the third wicket to romp home with seven balls to spare.

While the win be a huge morale booster for Pakistan ahead of their remaining two league games, the defeat put West Indies' semifinal hopes at a risk.

Despite the loss, West Indies still occupy the third spot with six points from six games. Pakistan still are in the last spot.

West Indies will face South Africa in their final league game on March 24, while Pakistan will play England (March 24) and New Zealand (March 26) in their final two matches.

Brief Scores: West Indies: 87 for 7 in 20 overs (Deandra Dottin 27; Nida Dar 4/10).

Pakistan: 90 for 2 in 18.5 overs (Muneeba Ali 37, Omaima Sohail 22 not out, Bismah Maroof 20 not out; Shakera Selman 1/15). 

Also Read : England Women defeat New Zealand in Women’s World Cup

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) England Women defeated New Zealand by one wicket at Eden Park, winning their second of four must win games and maintained their hopes of reaching the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-finals. Facing hosts New Zealand, the Kiwi’s were restricted to a meagre score of 203 and it was left to England’s Charlie Dean and Anya Shrubsole to get their team over the line after a late collapse. 

Earlier Kate Cross (3-35), Sophie Ecclestone (3-41) and Dean (2-36) had put Heather Knight's team in the ascendancy. Another improved performance in the field also featured a spectacular catch from Knight at cover. In reply, England seemed comfortable at 106-3 and then 176-4 - with Nat Sciver the mainstay with 61 - but New Zealand nearly stole it after a dramatic, late flurry of wickets. England's next fixture is against Pakistan in Christchurch on Thursday.

Also read: India can't afford anymore slip-ups in must-win game against Bangladesh

Hamilton, Mar 21 (Cricket News) An inconsistent India will have no room for errors when they take on a spirited Bangladesh in their must-win ICC Women's World Cup league match here on Tuesday.

India's problems have compounded over the course of their campaign, which has seen them win two games and lose three, including back-to-back defeats against England and Australia.

The heavy fluctuations in the batting performance was already a concern and with the ease Australia chased down a record 278 in the previous game, the Indian bowlers also need to step up.

The bowling looked rather flat against the Aussies, who attacked and put pressure from ball one. The move to drop an extra bowling option in Deepti Sharma and bring back batter Shafali Verma also did not work.

Harmanpreet Kaur, who roared back to form with the bat, is yet to be used as an off-spinner in the competition.

It remains to be seen if Shafali will be persisted with for the crucial contest and Yastika Bhatia returns at the top to open alongside Smriti Mandhana. One positive from the Australia game was captain Mithali Raj getting back among runs. After a couple of quiet games, Mandhana will also be expected to score big on Tuesday.

India find themselves in a tricky spot as they have not gelled as a unit so far and it is something they would have to correct against Bangladesh, who have shown a lot of promise in their maiden ODI World Cup appearance.

"The atmosphere remains positive. After a loss you do feel down but we are in good headspace ahead of the game tomorrow. We will play to win, net run rate remains secondary," said all-rounder Sneh Rana, adding that they can't afford to take Bangladesh lightly.

"Bangladesh have reached here by performing. They are always improving. There are no easy games in this World Cup," she added.

Bangladesh have run most of their opponents close in the four games they have played so far and that includes a memorable win over Pakistan.

Ahead of the India game, captain Nigar Sultana said the more they play at this level, the better they will become.

"We never got to play a lot of ODI games in the past. We have a proper FTP now. We want to show we are comfortable and we are capable at this level. Every game is a big opportunity for all of us," said Sultana.

Bangladesh failed to chase down 141 against the West Indies in their last game after a brilliant bowling performance and batting is one area they will need to improve significantly.

"We need to ensure we don't make the mistakes we made in the last game," added Sultana.

Squads (from): Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana (c), Salma Khatun, Rumana Ahmed, Fargana Hoque, Jahanara Alam, Shamima Sultana, Fahima Khatun, Ritu Moni, Murshida Khatun, Nahida Akter, Sharmin Akhter, Lata Mondal, Sobhana Mostary, Fariha Trisna, Suraiya Azmin, Sanjida Akter Meghla.

India: Mithali Raj (c), Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, Jhulan Goswami, Pooja Vastrakar, Meghna Singh, Renuka Singh Thakur, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav.

Match starts 6.30 am IST. 

Also Read : ICC rates Bengaluru pitch where India played 2nd Test against Sri Lanka as 'below average'

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 20 (Cricket News) The Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch in Bengaluru, which was used for the second Test between India and Sri Lanka earlier this month, was on Sunday rated "below average" by the ICC.

India had defeated Sri Lanka by 238 runs in the Test which began on March 12 and ended inside three days.

The venue thus received one demerit point under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

"The pitch offered a lot of turn on the first day itself and though it improved with every session, in my view, it was not an even contest between the bat and ball," match referee Javagal Srinath said in a statement issued by ICC.

Srinath’s report has been forwarded to the BCCI.

In 2017, the Bangalore wicket was rated as below average by ICC match referee Chris Broad after the second Test between India and Australia.

According to the revised ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, which was introduced on January 4, 2018, "if a pitch or outfield is rated as being substandard, that venue will be allocated a number of demerit points." "One demerit point will be awarded to venues whose pitches are rated by the match referees as below average, while three and five demerit points will be awarded to venues whose pitches are marked as poor and unfit, respectively.

"No demerit point will be awarded when the outfield is rated as below average, but two and five demerit points will be awarded to venues whose outfields are marked as poor and unfit, respectively." Demerit points will remain active for a rolling five-year period.

When a venue accumulates five demerit points (or crosses that threshold), it will be suspended from hosting any international cricket for a period of 12 months, the ICC said.

A venue will be suspended from staging any international cricket for 24 months when it reaches the threshold of 10 demerit points. 

Also Read : KL Rahul is my favourite captain, says new skipper Shreyas Iyer

News Source : PTI

Auckland, Mar 20 (Cricket News) Defending champions England huffed and puffed to a one-wicket win over hosts New Zealand in a league stage match to keep their semifinal hopes alive at the ICC Women's World Cup, here on Sunday.

Experienced middle-order batter Maddy Green top-scored for New Zealand with an unbeaten 52, while skipper Sophie Devine contributed 41 before England bowled out the hosts 203 at the Eden Park.

England pacer Kate Cross (3/35) and star spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3/41) shared six wickets between them, while spinner Charlie Dean (2/36), who took the pace off the ball in a solid performance, accounted for two batters.

All-rounder Natalie Sciver (61) then anchored the innings with a patient half-century but the holders slipped from a comfortable 176 for five to 196 for nine in five overs to almost snatch defeat from a winning psosition.

Anya Shrubsole (7) and Charlie Dean (0) though held their nerves to take England past the finish line for their second win of the tournament.

By virtue of this win, England have managed to stay in the mix for a semifinal berth as they displaced New Zealand from the fifth position. India, England and New Zealand are all now on 4 points.

While India and England have two matches left to play New Zealand have one game in hand.

England's top order made an aggressive start to their chase of 204, backing the work of their spinners who held New Zealand to a modest total.

Openers Danni Wyatt fell to Jess Kerr for 12, while Tammy Beaumont (25) was clean bowled by Lea Tahuhu (1/18).

Skipper Heather Knight raced to 42 runs of 53 balls before being adjudged leg before to Frankie Mackay in the 23rd over. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones (1) soon followed her captain.

Sciver then combined forces with Sophie Dunkely (33) to stitch a crucial 70-run partnership as England looked set for a win.

However, New Zealand bowlers managed to make a comeback with a flurry of wickets, intensifying pressure on England.

Earlier put to bat, New Zealand seemed to be cruising towards a massive total at one point of time, with Devine scoring at will and Amelia Kerr (24) looking assured at the crease.

However, Devine was forced to retire hurt with a back problem in the 15th over and Kerr holed out for 24 to become Charlotte Dean's (2/36) first victim as England fought back strongly during the middle overs.

The experienced Amy Satterthwaite (24) and Green attempted to mount a fightback, but England, who have been sloppy in the field in their earlier matches, performed well in that area, effecting two run outs.

Satterthwaite was trapped leg before by Dean and then the duo of Cross and Eccelstone cleared off the tail to dismiss the White Ferns in the penultimate over of their innings. 

Also Read : Retained players have a responsibility to guide youngsters in the team: Ponting

News Source : PTI

Auckland, Mar 19 (Cricket News) India on Saturday came tantalisingly close to breaking Australia's unbeaten run in the ongoing ICC Women's World Cup before falling short and young batter Yastika Bhatia said had they picked up some early wickets, the end result could have been different.

India's path to the semifinals got a lot tougher after they lost by six wickets to Australia, their third defeat in the showpiece, as the Meg Lanning-led side became the first team to qualify for the last four stage with a record chase in the tournament's history.

Half-centuries from skipper Mithali Raj (68 off 96 balls), Yastika (59 off 83) and Harmanpreet Kaur (57 not out off 47) steered India to 277 for seven, but Australia rode on openers Alyssa Healy (72 off 65), Rachael Haynes (43 off 52) and Lanning's (97 off 107) knocks to cruise to their fifth win in as many games.

"They (Australia) have been playing superb ricket, everyone in their team takes responsibility," left-handed Yastika said in the post-match media interaction.

"It was Meg Lanning (97) who just took it on herself to take the team over the line. Her intent quite clear from the beginning, though she got out. Still, we came pretty close, it could have gone either way, we could have crossed the line." India, runners-up in 2017 edition, had eliminated Australia en route to the final.

And Yastika said despite their ominous form, Australia are a beatable side.

"It's nothing like they can't be beaten. We can do it for sure. Our team is really good, we can do it in the semis or finals," the 21-year-old said.

"I think it was a defendable total. Credit to the Aussie batters the way they started. Healy and Hyanes started aggressively.

"We would have liked to take more wickets in the power play but they played really well. That (early wickets) would have turned the game but they played really well," she added.

The Mithali Raj-led India now have a tough task at hand as they must win their remaining two matches against South Africa and Bangladesh to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Against Australia, India missed a sixth bowler as they opted for Shafali Verma in place of Deepti Sharma.

India also did not use the part-time off spin of Harmanpreet on Saturday.

"She's (Harmanpreet) bowling in the nets. We had it in our mind that we can use her in the middle overs but I don't know what the captain had in her mind. But she will bowl for sure in our future matches," Yastika said.

India will next face Bangladesh at Hamilton on Tuesday, before taking on South Africa in their concluding league match on March 27. 

Also Read : We have got a title winning squad, now need to execute skills under pressure: Punjab Kings captain Mayank Agarwal

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Three of England’s disability teams will return to the international stage in June when they jointly tour Australia for the International Cricket Inclusion Series. England’s Deaf, Blind and Learning Disability teams will each play five IT20s and three ODI matches against Australia in Brisbane from 1-15 June.

The series marks a long-awaited resumption to international cricket for England’s national disability squads. The England Learning Disability team, which has lost just one match since 2009, last played in 2019 when they defeated Australia 8-0. England also held the Blind Ashes and won on their last trip to Australia in 2016.

It has been 11 years since the England Deaf team toured Australia, when they were winners of an IT20 tri-series against Australia and South Africa. Ian Martin, ECB Head of Disability Cricket, said: “After the hiatus caused by the global pandemic, we very much look forward to seeing international disability cricket back in our calendar. We thank Cricket Australia for organising this opportunity for three of our international squads to contest Ashes cricket in what will be a unique celebration of the inclusive nature of our sport.”

England Learning Disability Team captain, Chris Edwards, said: “As a squad we can’t wait to get back to playing international cricket again after what has been a tough two years for all of us due to the pandemic. We haven’t played since beating the Aussies 8-0 three years ago and the opportunity to go back to meet them again is really exciting.”

England Deaf Team captain, George Greenway, said: “It’s great to have international disability cricket back and this will provide an amazing opportunity to win back the Deaf Ashes. A tour of Australia is the pinnacle for any international cricketer. We haven’t toured Australia for over a decade but we will go there confident that we can play our very best cricket.”

England Blind Team captain, Ed Hossell, said: “We can't wait to be back playing international cricket and are excited for the opportunity to compete alongside our two other touring teams. It will be a great chance to showcase our skills and we're aiming to bring back the three trophies. We're focused on the task ahead, but it will also provide the perfect preparation for us ahead of the World Championship next year.”

Also read: India post 277-7 against Australia in ICC Women's World Cup match

Mumbai, Mar 19 (Cricket News) Hard-hitting West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer is looking forward to pick the brains of Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara to get better not only in the shortest format of the game but also improve his red-ball cricket.

The 25-year-old left-handed batter was bought by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 8.5 crore during the IPL mega auction after not being retained by Delhi Capitals.

"It’s very exciting to play under someone like Kumar Sangakkara. A legend of the game, I’ve heard some amazing things about him and can’t wait to get his brains on certain aspects of my game, that can help become better not just in the white-ball format but also in the longer version of the game with the red ball," Hetmyer said in a release issued by the franchise.

The Guyanese batter had an impact in a finishing role for his previous franchise and he hoped to replicate the same for the Royals in the upcoming edition of the IPL.

"I'm really excited to get going for the Royals. I've heard some really nice things about the franchise from my good friend Evin Lewis, and I can’t wait to get going and just enjoy myself as part of the squad," the West Indian southpaw said.

Hetmyer, however, played down the price tag, saying it is important he plays any role that comes to him.

"There’s no pressure of the price tag on me, it’s a challenge to help the Royals when I’m out there. The price tag does not really matter to me, it’s the runs I score that help contribute to the team’s cause that matter," he said.

"I’m ready for any role the team needs me to perform. It’s imperative to do well as a player in the squad. And at my end, as I’ve always believed, is to just give myself that chance to be out there and the performance will come, no matter what the situation of the game is." Playing for his third franchise in the tournament, Hetmyer was candid in talking about his IPL journey thus far.

"My first season in the IPL at RCB was a challenging one, for a young player, and being the only West Indian in the squad was a tough one to start off in franchise cricket," said the West Indian.

"IPL, in general, has been a wonderful learning experience that has taught me to look at myself and my game differently and has enabled me to learn and develop the right processes." The 2016 U-19 World Cup-winning captain also shared his initial experiences in the IPL.

"I think it was 2018, I had a chance to go to a camp with the Royals in Mumbai and that was one of my first interactions with an IPL team. It felt like a great atmosphere back then, met some really thoughtful cricketing people and was again glad to see some of them still with the squad this season as well," he said.

"It was fantastic being around an IPL set-up such as the Royals, and how they would approach and work towards things. I felt it was an insightful experience and something that I’ve carried with myself ever since."

Also Read : India lose to Australia by six wickets in ICC Women's World Cup match

News Source : PTI

Auckland, Mar 19 (PTI) India suffered a six-wicket loss to Australia in a crucial match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup here on Saturday.

India, the 2017 edition finalists, failed to defend a total of 277 with Australia overhauling the target, scoring 280 for 4 in 49.3 overs to continue their unbeaten run in the showpiece event.

Australia's top-order fired in unison as Meg Lanning (97) anchored the chase with a 107-ball 97.

Alyssa Healy (72), Rachael Haynes (43) and Beth Mooney (30 not out) were also among runs.

Earlier, invited to bat, India posted a competitive 277 for 7, riding on fifties from skipper Mithali Raj (68), Yastika Bhatia (59) and Harmanpreet Kaur (57 not out).

Brief Score: India: 277 for 7 in 50 overs (Mithali Raj 68, Yastika Bhatia 59, Harmanpreet Kaur 57 not out; Darcie Brown 3/30).

Australia: 280 for 4 in 49.3 overs (Meg Lanning 97; Pooja vastrakar 2/43). PTI ATK ATK BS BS

(Football news) The Round of 16 of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League did not disappoint as PSG, Manchester United, RB Salzburg, Sporting CP, Inter Milan, Ajax, Juventus and Lille were eliminated. The quarter final draw presented some very interesting fixtures.

Manchester City vs. Atlético Madrid

Atletico Madrid got the better of Manchester United in the last round with a 2-1 aggregate win. Manchester City on the other hand dismantled Sporting CP with a 5-1. The tie will without question be Manchester City's attack vs Atletico Madrid's defence throughout the 180 minutes. If there is any team in the world that can stop Pep Guardiola's Manchester City from scoring, it is Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. The key for City will be to not allow Atleti to go ahead in the game because as soon as they take the lead, Diego Simeone will shut the shops.

Chelsea vs. Real Madrid

Amidst all the ownership crisis, Chelsea got a comfortable win over Lille in the Round of 16. Real Madrid were 2nd best for the entire 1st leg and the first half of the 2nd leg against PSG but managed to turn it around in the last 45 minutes. The tie will also be the replay of last year's semi final where Chelsea got the better of Los Blancos. This time around is a completely different story as Real Madrid are runaway leaders of La Liga and are playing much better than they were last season while Chelsea at times have struggled this season. 

Villarreal vs. Bayern Munich

Unai Emery's Villarreal did the unthinkable by eliminating Juventus by beating them 3-0 at the Allianz stadium in Turin. Bayern Munich on the other hand got a thumping 8-2 win over RB Salzburg. Villarreal will have to defend better than ever if they want to get the better of Bayern Munich. The Bavarian side despite being on top of the Bundesliga table have had quite a few hiccups this season. Villarreal have definitely shown that they belong at this level after winning the Europa League last season but it will take something very special to overcome the mighty Bayern.

Benfica vs. Liverpool

Liverpool narrowly edged Inter Milan in the last round and so did Benfica against Ajax. Jurgen Klopp's men are hunting for a quadruple this season and if Liverpool had a choice they would've picked Benfica. The Portuguese side will need to punch way above their weight to overcome this Liverpool side.  

UCL 2021/22 semi finals:

Manchester City/Atletico Madrid vs. Chelsea/ Real Madrid

Villarreal/Bayern Munich vs. Benfica/Liverpool

Also read: Santiago Bernabeu set to host the El Clasico; Atlético travel to Rayo

(Motorsport) Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen finished final practice 2 in pole position ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, narrowly edging out Charles Leclerc who finished second. The conditions were similar to the one that the drivers will experience during qualifying and the grid result is a good indicator of how the cars might line up at the race on Sunday. Ferrari have looked incredibly consistent so far and Leclerc led for the majority of the hour, only to be overtaken by Verstappen who posted a time of 1:31.936 on soft tyres, the difference between the two drivers being just 0.087s.

Ferrari’s second driver Carlos Sainz finished third, such was the Italian team’s performance that it’s expected that they can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Red Bull and Mercedes this season and possibly compete for the World Championship after 15 years. As for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton struggled with a variety of issues and only managed to finish ninth while George Russell ended up fourth. The Silver Arrows seem to have 'porpoising' issues and are struggling to unlock the pace of the car.  

An increasingly frustrated Hamilton said during the race “Some sort of problem with the front brakes man, the front right is pulling. We're faced with much bigger problems this year.” Meanwhile, George Russell said “I think it's clear we're certainly not where we want to be. We're a long way off the pace of Red Bull, Ferrari, even the likes of AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo are on our pace or quicker, so we've got a bit of work to do."

Fernando Alonso in the Alpine, Hamilton’s former teammate Valtteri Bottas in the Alfa Romeo and Mick Schumacher in the Haas finished ahead of the seven-time World Champion. Kevin Magnussen, who replaced Nikita Mazepin in the Haas, finished 10th while McLaren had a disappointing session as Lando Norris finished 11th and Daniel Ricciardo was 18th. Pierre Gasly ended in 13th place after an impressive FP1 and Nico Hulkenberg, replacing Sebastian Vettel in the Aston Martin this weekend, finished 17th.

Also read: Haas confirm Kevin Magnussen will replace Mazepin for 2022 season

New Delhi, Mar 19 (Cricket News) Injury-prone India all-rounder Hardik Pandya says he is still a "work in progress" and is focussing on the "controllables" as he gears up to lead Gujarat Titans in the upcoming Indian Premier League beginning March 26.

The 28-year-old has been battling fitness concerns ever since injuring his back in 2019 and didn't find a place in the Indian team for the last few series against New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

"I was just spending time with family, working hard as always. (I'm) making sure I prepare well. For me, it was a time of self realising a lot of think about what I want and what will work for me going forward and I got this answers during this time,” Hardik said in a video posted in IPL website.

There was a lot of buzz after Pandya was named the captain of the Gujarat Titans after he was not retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL mega auction in February.

"I don't think it is going to be my comeback or I am focusing on it. For me, right now I just want to be in a positive mindset and I'm not looking way ahead, I am just focussing on things which are controllables, which is looking after my body and making my team win," he said.

"Eventually if I do things right for Gujarat Titans in IPL then things will fall into places for future as well. I am just a work in progress right now but for me, what will be important is that I will always be available for the players no matter what time and day. I want to give the players security and freedom." Pandya, who has been demoted from Grade A to C in the BCCI central contracts, had recently undergone a general assessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he bowled and also passed the 'Yo-Yo' Test comfortably.

"I am looking forward to this IPL because I have been away from the sport for quite long time. For me it is very exciting, I will get to see where exactly I am after three months of hard work that I have put in behind the closed doors," he said.

"Result doesn't matter because I have learnt hard work doesn't guarantee you success but right process will eventually get you success." Gujarat Titans will clash with fellow debutants Lucknow Super Giants – led by KL Rahul -- in their IPL campaign opener on March 28. "I'm quite happy with the team. It is a new team and to be honest, we are not here to prove anyone anything. We are here to play good cricket.

"We are here to make sure that the environment is right for the players to flourish in their own capacity. There's no expectation as such. We are going to be a team that makes sure it keeps improving." Pandya, who made his first appearance in the IPL in 2015 for Mumbai Indians, expressed his gratitude to the five-time champions.

"I am very grateful to Mumbai Indians. I played international cricket because of Mumbai Indians. I have achieved a lot and it was close to my heart but now I am looking forward to new opportunities," he said. 

Also Read : India post 277-7 against Australia in ICC Women's World Cup match

News Source : PTI

Auckland, Mar 19 (Cricket News) Invited to bat, India posted a competitive 277 for 7 against Australia in a crucial ICC Women's ODI World Cup match here on Saturday.

Skipper Mithali Raj (68) and Yastika Bhatia (59) provided the base with a 130-run partnership after India were reduced to 28 for two, while Harmanpreet Kaur (57 not out) and Pooja Vastrakar (34) produced the late flourish to take the team across the 250-mark.

Darcie Brown (3/30) was the most successful bowler for England with a three-wicket haul, while Alana King (2/52) and Jess Jonassen (1/40) were the other wicket-takers.

India had lost their last match to defending champions England by four wickets.

Brief Score: India: 277 for 7 in 50 overs (Mithali Raj 68, Yastika Bhatia 59, Harmanpreet Kaur 57 not out; Darcie Brown 3/30). 

Also Read : England pacer Mark Wood out of IPL due to injury 

News Source : PTI

Auckland, Mar 18 (Cricket News) Star India batter Smriti Mandhana on Friday said the team is seeking to draw motivation from the performance on the 2021 tour of Australia when the two teams clash in a crucial Women's ODI World Cup match here on Saturday.

In the series played last year, India lost 1-2 but ended Australia's 26-match winning streak. India had also famously derailed Australia's chances in the 2017 World Cup by beating them in the semifinals.

"Everyone knows what happened in 2017. More than that, we discussed our last tour of Australia. We have done well against them and we almost won the series. That's the brand of cricket we want to play and that has been our motivation," she said at a virtual media interaction ahead of Saturday's fixture.

The left-handed batter further said, "the girls are really motivated and everyone is pumped to go and get 2 points on board, knowing the situation of the tournament and how important this match is. The team psychologist has also helped in this regard." On the fitness of key batter Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana said "she is fit and available for tomorrow’s game." Dwelling further on the 2021 tour of Australia, the India opener said "Definitely we couldn't win the series. The second match also we almost won against them, so it would have been like a series win." About veteran bowler Jhulan Goswami's 200th ODI match, Mandhana said: "It is a proud moment for all of us to be there for Jhulan di’s 200th match. She has been motivating us and also all the girls back home." She said Rachel Haynes was a key member of the Australian line-up and "she has been anchoring the innings for them. "That’s why we’ll be looking to get her out early. She is a very experienced player and it will be an interesting battle." Australia's coach Matthew Mott seemed to echo Mandhana's views and said he was confident those memories (of the 2017 defeat) wouldn't resurface "It's a non-event internally," he said at a virtual media interaction.

"Literally, the last thing on our mind at the moment is what happened five years ago.

"India's our only focus at the moment, we've done a lot of research on them. And we match up well against them. They're a good cricket side, but it's going to be a hell of a game tomorrow night," Mott added.

Noting that it is a good time to play India," Mott said "I see them as an incredibly dangerous side. We are rolling with some confidence at the moment but as we always say, it's this game in isolation and everything that we're talking about at the moment is about how we can combat India.

"They've got one of the best new-ball bowling attacks in the world and we found that out last summer. So once again, we talked about negating that and that trying to build a base is very important," he added.

Mott also said India had some dangerous players down the order and that could hurt them and added that the team had to be at its very best.

"From a bowling perspective, they just keep coming with genuine match-winners, so even if we get off to a good start, we've got to respect that they've got some dangerous players down the order that can hurt us as well. And it's a game that we have to be at our very, very best to overcome them and then we'll reset for the next one." 

Also Read : Sarfaraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim dropped from Pakistan white-ball squad vs Australia

News Source : PTI

Karachi, Mar 17 (Cricket News) Pakistani selectors have named uncapped spinner Asif Afridi and wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris in the white ball squads for the three ODIs and one-off T20I against Australia.

The most notable exclusions include former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and all-rounder Imad Wasim while the selectors have also called up all-rounders Muhammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan who were both out with fitness issues and also missed matches in the Pakistan Super League.

Haris, a former Pakistan under-19 player, has replaced Sarfaraz after some impressive batting performances in the PSL.

He was also named in the Pakistan squad for the home series against New Zealand last September but the series couldn't be played at the time as the Kiwis returned home on the day of the series opener.

Left-arm spinner Asif also bowled impressively for Multan Sultans who lost in the final to Lahore Qalandars.

Chief selector Muhammad Wasim said the selection of the two squads was based around a strategy to provide opportunities to high-performing players as part of their strategy to increase the pool of top-class cricketers and developing a formidable bench-strength.

While the selectors have picked up 20 players for the ODIs, which are being played as part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League; they have chosen 17 players for the only T20I, leaving out Abdullah Shafique, Imam-Ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel.

ODI squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (VC), Abdullah Shafique, Asif Afridi, Fakhar. Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Wasim jr, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani. Usman Qadir.

T20 Squad: Babar Azam (Caps), Shadab Khan (VC), Asif Afridi, Asif Ali, Fakhar. Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Wasim jr, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani. Usman Qadir. 

Also Read : Bowlers should not have any second thoughts now: Ashwin on controversial runout at non-striker's end

News Source : PTI

Hamilton, Mar 17 (Cricket News) South Africa edged out hosts New Zealand by two wickets in a thrilling league stage match to continue their unbeaten run in the ICC Women's World Cup here on Thursday.

Seamers Ayabonga Khaka (3/31), Shabnim Ismail (3/27) and Marizanne Kapp (2/44) led the way with the ball as the Proteas bowled out New Zealand for 228 despite skipper Sophie Devine's 93 at Seddon Park.

Laura Wolvaardt (67) and skipper Sune Luus (51) then hit timely half centuries before Kapp (34 not out) ensured South Africa crossed the line for their fourth win of the tournament.

South Africa thus consolidated their second spot on the points table while New Zealand, who have just two wins from five outings, continued to remain fourth and will need to win their remaining two fixtures to stay in the mix for a semifinal spot.

Chasing 229, openers Lizelle Lee (17) and Wolvaardt started positively for South Africa. But a bit of hesitation in running between the wickets cost the former her wicket.

Wolvaardt, however, remained unperturbed and kept finding the boundaries. She was lucky on a couple of occasions with a dropped catch and almost dragging on to her own stumps but along with Luus, kept the chase on track.

Amelia Kerr (3/50) trapped Wolvaardt leg before to put an end to the 88-run partnership between the opener and Luus in the 36th over before dismissing Mignon du Preez (1) in her next over.

When Luus was caught by Katey Martin in the 41st over it seemed that the Proteas were losing momentum as New Zealand continued to claim wickets. But Kapp held on to one end, smashing boundaries when required.

Earlier, Devine hit 12 boundaries and one six in her 101-ball innings as her partnership of 81 with Amelia Kerr (42) and 80 with Maddy Green (30) formed the backbone of the New Zealand innings.

But when Devine was bowled by Khaka in the 41st over the hosts suffered a late collapse. New Zealand lost their final six wickets for just 30 runs to be all out in the 48th over.

Devine and Kerr looked solid and put on 81 for the second wicket, until Luus (1/48) intervened with the big wicket of Kerr.

Luus had the New Zealand number three trapped leg before and experienced batter Amy Satterthwaite (1) fell in the next over to Khaka as the Proteas quickly gained the upper hand.

Devine then fell to a lovely Khaka yorker and the rot then fell in as South Africa cleaned up the New Zealand tail to ensure their victory target would not be too high.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 238 all out in 47.5 overs (Sophie Devine 93, Amelia Kerr 42; Shabnim Ismail 3/27, Aybonga Khaka 3/31) South Africa 229 for 8 in 49.3 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 67, Sune Luus 51; Amelia Kerr 3/50). 

Also Read : With two best spinners in IPL and competent squad, Sangakkara confident of turnaround

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Mar 17 (Cricket News) Former captains Diana Edulji and Shantha Rangaswamy feel the Indian women's cricket team can't afford to "blow hot and cold" in a big event like the ongoing World Cup and called for consistency in the batting department.

India have two wins and as many losses to their name in the World Cup and after the defeat against England, they face the mighty Australians on Saturday.

Edulji feels too many changes are being made in the batting order. Deepti Sharma batted at three in the first two games before skipper Mithali Raj replaced her in that position against West Indies and England.

Mithali, who has been the team's most consistent batter over the last 12 months, is yet to fire in the tournament while Harmanpreet has roared back to form after a prolonged lean patch that saw her getting dropped from the bilateral series against New Zealand before the World Cup.

Edulji, who had called for Harmanpreet's exclusion from the playing eleven last month, is happy that she was proved wrong by the senior batter who has hit a hundred and 50 batting at four in the ICC event so far.

Edulji wants Harmanpreet, who has been batting at five, and opener Smriti Mandhana to get maximum time in the middle.

"When they (Harman and Smriti) are in form and have confidence between themselves, let them play as many overs as they can. They complement each other and they run well between the wickets. Opening pair (Smriti and Yastika) is fine as Shafali doesn't seem to be in form.

"Harmanpreet can bat at three if you want left-hand right-hand combination, followed by Deepti, and Mithali can control the innings at five if there is a top-order collapse.

"Too many changes are being made at the moment. Let the players know they are going to bat at this number, tell them they are safe at that number. Harman has to bat higher now that she is in form.

"You can always be flexible in the last 20 overs with the likes of Richa and Pooja being promoted but your top four needs to be stable," Edulji told PTI.

England, who had lost all three games prior to Wednesday, bundled out India for 134 after scoring 317 against the West Indies.

"You can't blow hot and cold like that," Edulji added.

Rangaswamy too called for consistency from the batters but doesn't want to change the order for the game against Australia. Last year, India had ended Australia's 26-match winning streak though they lost the closely contested away series 1-2.

"Both Mithali and Deepti were among runs earlier but they have not clicked in the tournament so far. Hopefully, these two, especially Mithali fires against Australia as she is the fulcrum of India's batting.

"With Smriti at the top and Harman returning to form, it is a good sign for India. Our bowlers have done well throughout the World Cup. They will overcome a major psychological barrier if they can beat Australia," said Rangaswamy.

"I don't see any changes in the batting order. Mithali has batted at three for the major part of her long career. I am confident that she will be back among the runs. Harman, at number five, is ideal, the team should not not risk her against the moving ball.

"When she gets going, she is unstoppable. Really happy to see her back among the runs. She was dropped from one of the games and that fired her up. Everyone needs a jolt at some point in their career." Rangaswamy added that leg-spinner Poonam Yadav can be tried against South Africa and Bangladesh but not Australia as they have "found her out". 

Also Read : PCB calls former ICC Academy head curator Lumsden to oversee Gddafi track, Aaqib wants 'Indian curators' help' for turners

News Source : PTI

Karachi, Mar 16 (Cricket News) Facing scathing and continuous criticism over the pitches prepared for the first two Tests against Australia at home, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) summoned former ICC Academy head curator Toby Lumsden to oversee the preparations for the final game at Gaddafi Stadium starting Monday.

In the two Tests so far, eight centuries have been scored -- six by Pakistani batters and two by Australia in Karachi. Both games have produced over 2300 runs with 14 wickets falling in Pindi and 28 in Karachi.

The PCB has confirmed that Lumsden has reached Lahore on a 10-day assignment and will use his experience to help the local curators prepare the third Test surface.

A PCB official said he will also help the local curators understand the modern requirements for preparing pitches.

Lumsden, who has also been curator at the MCG, is presently supervising all the preparation work in Lahore where the pitch is expected to produce a result after the first two tests have been drawn.

Lumsden is not the first foreign curator to be hired by the PCB which has in the past also brought in other foreign curators during home series to help in preparing pitches.

A reliable source in the board said that PCB Chairman, Ramiz Raja has been focusing a lot on improvement of pitches in Pakistan.

"He wants to also change and improve the process of preparing pitches and Lumsden might also be given a longer assignment to help train the local curators," he said.

Get services of Indian curators to prepare "turners", says Aaqib Javed =========================================== Pakistan's former Test pacer and acclaimed coach Aaqib Javed wants PCB to pick brains of Indian curators, who have been regularly preparing rank turners in their own backyard.

"Why go anywhere else? I would say find out from the curators in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai etc how they prepare the turners on which Indian spinners dominate. I am surprised until now Pakistan has not been able to produce pure turning tracks, which will help our spinners,” Aaqib said on a YouTube channel.

He insisted that Pakistan could only beat Australia through spin as the Pakistani pace bowlers were not as experienced as the visiting quickies. 

Also Read : Jharkhand enters Ranji quarters after farcical '1000 plus runs overall lead' against hapless Nagaland

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Five umpires have been added to the newly-established Professional Umpires’ Team who will officiate in men’s and women’s matches across all of England and Wales. Naeem Ashraf, Anthony Harris, Sue Redfern, Surendiran Shanmugam and Jack Shantry join the new 34-person Professional Umpires’ Team

Members of the Professional Umpires’ Team will be able  to stand in women’s professional cricket (Women’s Regional competitions and The Hundred) and men’s professional cricket set up also which include (County Second XI, Royal London Cup, Vitality Blast, The Hundred and LV= Insurance County Championship). All members of the Professional Umpires’ Team will now have the support to allow them to concentrate solely on umpiring as a career.

Redfern who’s currently in New Zealand where she is officiating at the ICC Women’s World Cup, will continue to be available to officiate women’s international cricket in addition to the opportunities her appointment to the Professional Umpires’ Team will provide.The five appointments are all promoted from the National Panel of umpires and showcase the value of a clear pathway into professional ranks.

Former Worcestershire left-armer Shantry (Shropshire) has become  an umpire following his retirement as a player in 2017 and joins former Pakistan international Ashraf (Lancashire), Harris (Shropshire) and Shanmugam (Northamptonshire) who, like Redfern (Staffordshire), who  have been appointed following a recruitment process overseen by the new diverse Officiating Oversight Panel. Their appointments come following the retirements of Jeff Evans (2019), Jeremy Lloyds (2019), Ian Gould (2021) and Ian Ramage (2021) and ensure a full list of umpires for the new season.

ECB Managing Director of County Cricket, Neil Snowball, said: “The appointment of these five umpires is richly deserved for their consistently high performances over recent times.

“The ECB has a long history of developing some of the best match officials in the world and we are at a point, after the independent review into Officiating last year, where we have the opportunity to drive change to be better.

“We are making good progress on that journey and these appointments are important steps as we establish a clearer and fairer pathway for anyone who wants to be an umpire.

“Additionally, we are close to finalising further contracts for a group of female umpires so they can be better supported from both a performance and financial perspective.

“I would also like to express my thanks and gratitude to Jeff Evans, Jeremy Lloyds, Ian Gould and Ian Ramage who retired from umpiring during the pandemic. Their service to the game has been significant.”

Also read: Indian batters collapse as England open their account with 4 wicket win

Dubai, Mar 16 (Cricket News) Fresh from his maiden Test five-wicket haul at home, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah jumped six spots to fourth but struggling star batter Virat Kohli slipped to ninth in the latest ICC rankings released on Wednesday.

Bumrah, who returned with eight wickets in the Day/Night second Test against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru, climbed past Shaheen Afridi, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, James Anderson, Neil Wagner and Josh Hazlewood in the Test rankings for bowlers.

Former captain Kohli, who continued his struggle with the bat and could not convert his starts, dropped four places, but managed to remain inside the top-10 just ahead of Rishabh Pant who remained static at 10th.

Kohli scored 45 in the opening Test in Mohali, while in the second Test he had scores of 23 and 13. He is yet to score a century since his 136 against Bangladesh in November 2019.

India skipper Rohit Sharma, however, held on to his sixth position to be the best-placed Indian in the batting charts.

The in-form Shreyas Iyer was rewarded for his match-winning 92 and 67 against Sri Lanka as he took a giant leap, advancing 40 spots to be on 37th position in the batting chart.

Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne jumped up to a career best No 3 after his fighting 107 in the second innings in Bangalore.

In the all-rounders' table, Ravindra Jadeaja was displaced from the No.1 position as West Indies' Jason Holder reclaimed the top spot.

Jadeja had risen to No 1 after his 175 not out and nine wickets in the Mohali Test earlier this month.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Shakib Al Hasan and Ben Stokes rounded off the top five in the all-rounders' list.

In the bowlers' ranking, Mohammed Shami climbed up a spot to displace fellow countryman Ravindra Jadeja to 17th. Pat Cummins, Ashwin and Kagiso Rabada have retained the top three spots among the bowlers. 

Also Read : RR all-rounder Riyan Parag wants to pick Ashwin's brains in IPL 2022

News Source : PTI

Mount Maunganui, Mar 16 (Cricket News) A below-par batting effort cost India dear but defending champions England earned a new lifeline in the ICC Women's World Cup with a four-wicket victory, here on Wednesday.

It was a must-win game for the title holders, who had lost all three matches before this contest. They moved up to six from seventh.

India now have two wins and as many defeats from four matches and stay in third position.

All India could manage was 134 in 36.2 overs with Smriti Mandhana top-scoring for the side with her 35-run knock. Wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh made 33 after India opted to field first.

Charlie Dean (4/23) was the pick of the bowlers for England while Anya Shrubsole (2/20) also chipped in with two wickets.

The four-time champions England stuttered a bit before crossing the finish line in 31.2 overs with skipper Heather Knight leading from the front with an unbeaten 53-run knock.

Medium fast bowler Meghna Singh (3/26) scalped three England batters.

Brief Scores: India: 134 all out in 36.2 overs (S Mandhana 35, R Ghosh 33; Charlie Dean 4/23).

England: 136 for 6 in 31.2 overs. (H Knight -- not out, Nat Sciver 45; M Singh 3/26). 

Also Read : Inconsistent India bowled out for 134 against England in ICC Women's WC

News Source : PTI

Mount Maunganui, Mar 16 (Cricket News) Inconsistency returned to haunt Indian batters as they produced a below-par effort to be bundled out for a meagre 134 by defending champions England in an ICC Women's World Cup league stage match here on Wednesday.

Previous game's centurion Smriti Mandhana (35) top-scored, while wicketkeeper batter Richa Ghosh made 33 before England bowled out India in 36.2 overs after opting to field first.

It was in sharp contrast to India's performance against the West Indies in their last match when they rode on centuries from Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to post 317 for 8, their highest total in the history of the showpiece event.

Charlie Dean (4/23) was the pick of the bowlers for England while Anya Shrubsole also chipped in with two wickets as the Indians failed to build a decent partnership.

Having suffered three defeats from as many matches so far, it is a must-win match for title holders and four-time champions England.

Brief Scores: India: 134 all out in 36.2 overs (Smriti Mandhana 35; Charlie Dean 4/23). 

Also Read : Mumbai Indians begin preparation for IPL; Kishan, Rohit, Bumrah join squad

News Source : PTI

(Sports news) National, March 15, 2022: The Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), India’s self-regulatory industry body for Fantasy Sports (FS), today unveiled the findings of a report titled ‘Fantasy Sports: Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Sports Development’ in collaboration with Deloitte. According to the report, India is the world’s biggest Fantasy Sports market with a user base of over 13 crore, which is expected to further grow at a CAGR of 32% in the coming years. The country has become a high-growth, in-focus market for FS due to factors like large tech-savvy millennial population, growing affiliation with sports, rapid smartphone penetration, availability of low-cost mobile data; and the market size is projected to grow from INR 34,600 cr in FY21 to an estimated INR 1,65,000 cr by FY25 thereby clocking a CAGR of 38%.

Cricket, the dominant sports on fantasy sports platforms, might see its share going to other sports such as kabaddi, hockey, football and volleyball which are growing in popularity, but is expected to continue growing at 30% CAGR over the next four years and remain the highest contributor to the overall revenue of the fantasy sports industry. Women’s cricket has also gained popularity with fantasy sports; the first 12 matches of the 2020 ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup generated 4.1 crore viewing hours in India, a 213 percent increase from 2018. During the Phase 1 of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) alone, the FS industry user base in India grew by over 20 lakh users.

Key Highlights:
50% of user transactions on the FS platforms have come in through tier 2 and tier 3 cities which not only promotes digital payment literacy but also increased engagement and involvement of population in sports through the grassroot level

Currently, it is estimated that close to 30% of the registered user base for FSPs in India is female users, a number that is expected to consistently rise in the next few years 

Globally the FS user base has been male dominated with men accounting for 67% of the total revenue. Further, the male FS user segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% over 2020–26

We can infer that the generation of INR 5,200 crore revenue, in FY21, would have created an indirect revenue of approximately INR 5,500 crore through its vendors and service providers. The total revenue attributable to FS (direct + indirect) is therefore INR 10,700 crore. It may also be noted that the indirect revenue will generate its own stream of GST as well
 
FS Drives a Sporting Culture
"Fantasy sports industry is making huge economic inroads into India's overall growth and development in multiple ways - creating highly skilled jobs, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and generating significant revenue for the exchequer. Besides, it is also propelling sporting culture and giving a boost to non-cricket sports as people tend to hone knowledge to participate in fantasy sports contests. Taking cognisance of the potential of this sector together with multiple favourable court judgements, primary government think tank NITI Aayog has released comprehensive guidelines for Fantasy Sports," said FIFS chief executive officer (CEO), Anwar Shirpurwala.

He added, "Recent positive developments viz., Rajasthan Government's announcement to regulate games of skill, K'taka HC decision quashing law banning games of skill, Union Budget 2022 announcement to set up an AVGC (Animation Visual Effects Gaming Comic) Taskforce and Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's statement on India's potential to become a global hub of gaming sector, have together laid down a clear roadmap for growth of this industry. In another progressive move for the sports tech ecosystem, the state of Gujarat, in the blueprint of its Sports Policy recently, announced an incubator for sports startups and an athlete welfare programme. This will further bolster the growth of sports industry which has been sidelined from serious bureaucratic conversations till now"

Anwar further said that FIFS, as the only self-regulatory industry body for this niche sector, is fully committed to work with the Government, both at the centre and in states to ensure growth of this industry and protect its users.

Sharing his thoughts about the sector, Prashanth Rao, Partner, Deloitte India said “Online Fantasy Sports has, over the past few years, witnessed unparalleled growth and widespread acceptance among the Indian Sports Fans. By leveraging cutting edge technology, developed locally, this sunshine sector is now emblematic of the Indian ‘Atma Nirbhar’ vision of self-reliance and growth. I believe that FIFS can help the sector unlock its true potential by encouraging responsible rule-based gaming and contributing to the development of the sporting industry in India.”

NITI Aayog has recognised Fantasy Sports as a sunrise sector for India’s Digital Economy and has recommended a uniform national-level regulatory framework for the industry. Given widely available research into predominance of skill in FS, and landmark decisions from the Hon’ Supreme Court & multiple High Courts on FS format, there is merit to put in place a robust, unified national-level regulatory framework, bringing an end to the ambiguity and multiplicity of regimes. Such a framework, with checks and balances, would usher in greater accountability and transparency, improve the ease of doing business while also ensuring protection of user’s interest

Also read: Women's World Cup: India take on winless England in important clash

Karachi, Mar 15 (Cricket News) Undeterred by India's lack of interest, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja says he will discuss his proposal to launch a four-nation ODI tournament with BCCI counterpart Sourav Ganguly during the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) meeting in Dubai on March 19.

Ramiz told reporters at the national stadium in Karachi that he has proposed the tournament, also featuring Australia and England, to ensure that players from India and Pakistan get to play each other more often and to increase revenue for other member countries in the International Cricket Council.

"I will talk to Sourav Ganguly about it when we meet for the ACC meeting in Dubai. Both of us are former captains and players and for us cricket is not about politics," he said.

"Even if India does not go with us on this proposal, we will think about launching an annual three-nation event with Australia and England in Pakistan," he added.

The former captain also expressed confidence that India would come to Pakistan to play in the Asia Cup next year.

"I think they will come and if they don't travel to Pakistan we will see what can be done," he added.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah has already shot down the proposal by Ramiz saying that India was more inclined towards globalisation of the sport and not any short term financial incentive.

Sri Lanka is due to host the Asia Cup T20 format event this year and the final dates for the tournament will be finalised in Dubai with expectations it would be held just before the ICC World T20 Cup in Australia scheduled in October-November. 

Also Read : Delhi Capitals name Shane Watson as assistant coach

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Mar 15 (Cricket News) IPL franchise Delhi Capitals on Tuesday appointed former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson as an assistant coach for the upcoming season of the league.

The 40-year-old joins the DC coaching staff comprising Ricky Ponting (Head Coach), Pravin Amre (Assistant Coach), Ajit Agarkar (Assistant Coach) and James Hopes (Bowling Coach).

"The IPL, the best T20 tournament in the world. I've got incredible memories as a player, first of all with Rajasthan Royals winning it in 2008, led by the incredible man Shane Warne, RCB and then CSK," Watson said in a statement issued by DC.

"I've got incredible memories as a player, and now coaching opportunities. It's come to be able to work under the great Ricky Ponting. He was an amazing leader as a captain, and now to be able to coach under him.

"He is one of the best coaches in the world now. So, for me to be able to learn the ropes under Ricky, I am really excited," he added.

Considered one of the best all-rounders in white ball cricket, Watson has been a part of Australia's two World Cup-winning campaigns in the 50-over format -- in 2007 and 2015.

At the 2012 T20 World Cup, he was named Player of the Tournament.

Watson has over 7000 runs, and more than 200 wickets to his name in limited overs cricket, having represented Australia in 190 ODIs and 58 T20Is.

In the Indian Premier League, he has played for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Chennai Super Kings and won the title twice -- with RR in 2008 and with CSK in 2018. 

Also Read : ICC Women's World Cup: India aim for consistency in clash against England

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Mount Maunganui, Mar 15 (Cricket News) Their confidence high after an impressive win over the West Indies, India would look for much-needed consistency with the bat against a struggling England in their fourth league stage match of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Wednesday.

Currently placed third after a morale-boosting 155-run against the West Indies, India would like to keep the winning momentum going and maintain its stay in the top four especially when they take on table toppers Australia after England.

After an inexplicably slow performance against New Zealand when the Indian batters played out 162 dot balls, Smriti Mandhana (123 off 119) and Harmanpreet Kaur (109 off 107) produce a splendid batting display, slamming twin centuries against the West Indies to power India to their highest total (317/8) in the history of the showpiece event.

"I think for us, it is very important the way we performed in the last game; we just need to continue that, rather than thinking about what are your negatives and what are your positive points," vice-captain Kaur told reporters on the eve of the game.

Both openers -- Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia -- showed intent from the very beginning, something coach Romesh Powar had stressed upon ahead of the match.

Mandhana played a fluent 123 run-knock while Kaur also continued her fine run, bringing up her fourth ton and the first since hitting the famous 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 World Cup.

The duo will be eager to continue in the same vein with the race for semifinal berths heating up.

However, all-rounder Deepti Sharma, who has been elevated to the top, has to do more with the bat as does skipper Mithali Raj, who has also been off the boil recently.

Young Richa Ghosh, who has been brilliant behind the wickets, has so far crumbled under the pressure with the bat. The 18-year-old is yet to replicate her sensational form against New Zealand last month.

India also have quality all-rounders with Sneh Rana and Puja Vastrakar already displaying their ability to convert a poor show into brilliant final outcome.

The bowling unit, that seemed a cause of concern heading into the World Cup, has so far delivered for the team.

While pacers Meghna Singh, Pooja Vastrakar and Jhulan Goswami are doing a decent job, the bulk of the wickets have been shared between the spinners -- Rajeshwari Gayakwad (7), who is third on the list of leading wicket takers in the tournament, and Sneh Rana (5 wickets).

Gayakward (3.36) and Rana (3.44) also have the third and fourth best economy rates in the tournament respectively.

On the other hand, England's title defence has been off to a disastrous start. Heather Knight and Co. have lost all three of their matches to slip down to the seventh spot on the points table.

Their inability to close matches in the dying minutes has cost the defending champions dearly.

A loss against India on Wednesday mean the possibility of making the top four would be completely out of their hands, a prospect England would definitely want to avoid.

The defending champions have been sloppy on the field as fielding errors have crept into their performances with several dropped chances and missed stumpings.

Opener Tammy Beaumont continues to remain their star performer with the bat while spinner Sophie Ecclestone and all-rounder Nat Scriver are the team's leading wicket takers with four scalps each.

Squads: India: Mithali Raj (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Rich Ghosh (wk), Taniya Bhatia (wk), Sneh Rana, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Jhulan Goswami, Renuka Singh.

England: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Amy Jones, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver), Anya Shrubsole, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt. 

Also Read : Important to continue playing like we did against West Indies, says Harmanpreet

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Mount Maunganui, Mar 15 (Cricket News) Delighted by India's performance in the win against West Indies, vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur said the team is looking for a repeat performance against a struggling England side in their ICC Women's World Cup league match here on Wednesday.

India had dished out a splendid all-round performance against an in-form West Indies side to notch up a dominating 155-run win in their previous outing.

“I think for us, (it is) very important that the way we performed in the last game we continue that, rather than thinking about what is (are) your negatives and what is (are) your positive points,” Kaur said at the pre-match media conference.

Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana had starred with the bat, smashing twin centuries while sharing a 184-run stand against West Indies before the bowlers sealed the deal for India.

"We got a great partnership while batting and also the way we bowled in partnerships we want to continue that against England and in the upcoming matches. I think those are the areas which we look to continue.

“And apart from that, sometimes we are losing back-to-back wickets if we can work on that. Otherwise, the way we want (things to be) we are getting them,” Kaur added.

The 33-year-old, who endured a prolonged lean patch, has found her form again. She followed her 71 against New Zealand with a spectacular century (109 off 107) against West Indies.

“Big tournaments are always very important and where your role is more important. You need to take more responsibility and perform for your team.

“I always want to give my best for my team but sometimes things don't go your way but I’ll make sure whenever we play the World Cup, I will be there always for my team and that is the reason,” she said when asked that three of her ODI hundreds have come in the World Cups and whether playing in the marquee event inspires her.

Kaur feels the bilateral series in New Zealand just before the World Cup helped India gain momentum for the marquee event.

“The greatest thing was before the World Cup we got (to play) five ODIs against the New Zealand and one T20 (and) because of that we got that momentum and getting used to these conditions and that is the reason which is helping us now to perform well,” she signed off. 

Also Read : Suryakumar Yadav unlikely to be available for MI's IPL opener vs DC on Mar 27

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Wellington, Mar 15 (Cricket News) A dominant Australia confidently carried on their march towards a record seventh title as they pummelled West Indies by seven wickets in a lop-sided league stage contest to register their fourth consecutive win at the ICC Women's World Cup here on Tuesday.

Australia, the most successful team in the history of the event, has lived up to its favourites tag so far in the tournament as it has looked way too strong compared to the other seven teams in the fray.

The Meg Lanning-led side seemed to have all its bases covered, dishing out clinical performances one after another to lead the standings with eight points from four wins.

West Indies, the 2013 runner-up side, were no match for Australia as the team from the Caribbeans was bundled out for a meagre 131 in 45.5 overs after opting to bat.

Skipper Stafanie Taylor played a lone hand with a fighting 91-ball 50 as West Indies kept losing wickets at regular intervals from the word go.

Taylor held one end as wickets kept tumbling from the other.West Indies struggle can be gauged from the fact that their best partnership was a 36-run fourth wicket stand between Taylor and wicketkeeper batter Shemaine Campbelle (20).

Ellyse Perry (3/22) and Ashleigh Gardner (3/25) shared six wickets between them for Australia, while Jess Jonassen picked up two scalps giving away 18 runs.

The chase was always going to be a cakewalk for the Australians. Opener Rachael Haynes hit a stylish 83 not out off 95 balls with the help of nine boundaries to anchor Australia's chase after they suffered two early blows in the form of Alyssa Healy and Lanning.

With Australia in a spot of bother at seven for two and later 58 for three, Haynes took the onus on herself to guide the innings in Beth Mooney's (28 not out) company and the duo overwhelmed the target easily in 30.2 overs.

Chinelle Henry (1/20), Hayley Matthews (1/31) and Shamilia Connell (1/32) picked up a wicket each for the Windies.

While Australia remain unbeaten in the tournament so far, West Indies suffered their second defeat, a heavy one, from four games and are placed fifth in the standings with four points.

Brief Scores: West Indies: 131 all out in 45.5 overs (Stafanie Taylor 50; Ellyse Perry 3/22, Ashleigh Gardner 3/25).

Australia: 132 for 3 in 30.2 overs (Rachael Haynes 83 not out, Beth Mooney 28 not out; Chinelle Henry 1/20). 

Also Read : We are ready to accept what comes with Rishabh Pant: Rohit Sharma

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Dubai, Mar 14 (Cricket News) West Indies on Monday slipped to eighth spot in the World Test Championship standings after being penalised by docking two points for slow over-rate during their drawn first Test against England in Antigua.

The Kraigg Brathwaite-led side were found to have been two overs short after reasonable adjustments and time allowances had been taken into consideration, the ICC said.

As a result, West Indies were fined 40 per cent of their match fee and were also penalised two points in the ICC World Test Championship standings, dropping below Bangladesh to eighth place in the nine-steam standings.

They are one of three teams to have been docked points due to penalty overs.

This was West Indies' first slow over-rate offence in the 2021-2023 Championship cycle, while India have been docked three points and ninth-placed England docked 10 across 10 matches to date.

As per the WTC playing conditions, a side will be penalised one WTC point and fined 20 percent of their match fees for every over they have failed to bowl in the allotted time.

West Indies' four-pronged seam attack bowled the bulk of the 188.5 overs as the Antigua Test saw England bat long in both innings.

West Indies frontline spinner Veerasammy Permaul sent down just 25 overs of his left-arm spin in the match, a significant factor in the slow over-rate.

Brathwaite has pointed to it as an area for improvement going into the second Test in Barbados from Wednesday.

"There are some areas in terms of run rate we can improve and it’s simply just setting the field and bowling to it and being disciplined enough to bowl to that field," said Brathwaite. 

Also Read : Punjab Kings get power-hitting coach Julian Ross Wood on board ahead of IPL

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Bengaluru, Mar 14 (Cricket News) Sri Lanka were 151 for 4 at tea on the third day while chasing a mammoth target of 447 runs to win the second Test against India here on Monday.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne (67 not out) and Kusal Mendis (54) shared 97 runs for the second wicket before Sri Lanka lost tree wickets in quick succession.

At the break, Niroshan Dickwella (10 not out) was giving Karunaratne company at the crease with the visitors still needing 296 more runs for an unlikely win.

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up two wickets in the opening session of the day, while Ravindra Jadeja accounted for the other visiting batter as Sri Lanka added 123 runs to their overnight score.

India are leading the two-match Test series 1-0 after winning the first game by an innings and 222 runs.

Brief Scores: India: 252 and 303 for 9 declared.

Sri Lanka: 109 and 151 for 4 in 39 overs (Dimuth Karunaratne 67 batting, Kusal Mendis 54; R Ashwin 2/40). 

Also Read : All-round South Africa beat England to register hat-trick of wins in ICC Women's WC

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Dubai, Mar 14 (Cricket News) Fast-rising India batter Shreyas Iyer was on Monday voted the ICC 'Men's Player of the Month' for February, while New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr bagged the honour among women.

Iyer earned the award on the back of his brilliant white-ball exploits during the home series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka respectively last month.

He pipped UAE's Vriitya Aravind and Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee to claim the honour.

The right-hander struck a well-crafted, match-winning 80 in the third ODI against the West Indies in Ahmedabad and followed it up with a brisk 16-ball 25 in the closing game of the subsequent three-match T20I series.

He was even better in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, aggregating 204 runs without being dismissed across three innings at a highly impressive strike-rate of 174.36.

He registered scores of 57*(28), 74*(44) and 73*(45) across three games, while striking 20 fours and seven sixes collectively in a Player of the Series performance.

"Throughout the month Shreyas showed tremendous consistency and control," remarked former Sri Lanka cricketer and voting panel member Russell Arnold.

"He totally dominated opposition bowlers and proved very hard to bowl at, scoring runs all-round the wicket and attacking the bowlers at the right moments. What really stood out for me was his composure as he battles for a regular place in the India lineup." The 27-year-old has carried his form in the ongoing month too, having produced an outstanding 92 in the first innings of the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka in Bangalore.

Kerr, the 21-year-old New Zealand all-rounder, was named the Women's POTM, following her supreme consistency with both bat and ball during the home white-ball series against India.

Kerr was chosen ahead of fellow nominees, India captain Mithali Raj and all-rounder Deepti Sharma for the award. The Wellington-born is already being hailed as one of the best women cricketers of the modern era.

After scoring 17 and returning 2/25 in New Zealand’s 18-run win in the only T20I, Kerr showcased exemplary skills during the ODI leg to further establish herself as a world-class cricketer.

She finished the top-run scorer in the ODI series with 353 runs at a staggering average of 117.67, while bagging seven wickets at an economy of 5.78.

She was named the Player of the Match in the second and fourth ODI respectively, her standout performance coming in the former, in which she returned 1/43 with the ball before anchoring a tense 271-run chase with a sublime unbeaten 119.

"Amelia Kerr is growing into her role as a genuine all-rounder in the New Zealand team," said Isobel Joyce, the former Ireland Women cricketer, and a voting panel member.

"She's been a world-class leg spinner for a number of years, but now her batting adds even more value to her spot in the team and makes her one of the best cricketers in the world." Kerr is an integral part of the White Ferns set-up at the ongoing World Cup, having already racked up 111 runs and bagged five wickets from four outings thus far. 

Also Read : All-round South Africa beat England to register hat-trick of wins in ICC Women's WC

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Mount Maunganui, Mar 14 (Cricket News) South Africa produced an allround display to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament, beating defending champions England by three wickets to register a hat-trick of wins in the ongoing ICC Women's ODI World Cup here on Monday.

South Africa first rode on Marizanne Kapp's (5/45), her best bowling ODI figures, to restrict four-time champions England to 235 for nine and then Laura Wolvaardt (77 off 101 balls) held their innings together as they overcame a late scare to chase down the target with four balls to spare.

South Africa skipper Sune Luus (36), Kapp (32) and Tazmin Brits (23) also provided useful support with the bat.

Wolvaardt decorated her innings with eight boundaries.

After her brilliant show with the ball, Kapp played a good hand with bat and almost took South Africa past the finishing line with her 42-ball knock during which she struck three boundaries and one six.

Kapp fell just 10 runs short of the target, LBW to Anya Shrubsole (2/34). The wicket gave England a glimmer of hope but it was not to be as Trisha Chetty (12 not out) and Shabnim Ismail (5 not out) took South Africa home.

The win helped South Africa jump to the second spot in the eight-team standings with maximum six points from three games ahead of India but below Australia on net run rate.

England, on the other hand, suffered third straight loss and are yet to open their account in the points table.

This is South Africa's first World Cup win against England since 2000, while it's the first time that a defending champion side of a World Cup (men/women or ODI/T20I) lost their first three matches.

Earlier, opener Tammy Beaumont (62) and wicketkeeper batter Amy Jones (53) struck patient half-centuries to help England post 235 for nine after being invited to bat.

Beaumont and Jones shared 107 crucial runs for the fourth wicket to rescue England after they lost three quick wickets at the start to be reduced to 42 for three by the 12th over.

Kapp was the wrecker-in-chief for South Africa with her maiden five-wicket haul, while Masabata Klass also chipped in with two wickets.

After the early jolts, England were rescued by Beaumont and Jones with their patient partnership before both the batters perished in quick succession.

While Beaumont's runs came off 97 balls and with the help of six boundaries, Jones laced her 74-ball knock with five hits to the fence.

After their dismissals, Sophia Dunkley (26), Katherine Brunt (17) and Sophie Ecclestone (15 not out) played good hands to take England to a decent total.

After her early onslaught, Kapp once again did the damage at the rear end of England innings with three more vital wickets to help South Africa restrict their rivals well under the 250-mark.

Brief Scores: England: 235 for 9 in 50 overs (Tammy Beaumont 62, Amy Jones 53; Marizzane Kapp 5/45).

South Africa: 236 for 7 in 49.2 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 77, Sune Luus 36, Marizzane Kapp 32; Anya Shrubsole 2/34). 

Also Read : Hyderabad defeated Vidarbha in Divyang T20 cricket tournament

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Hamilton, Mar 13 (Cricket News) The West Indies players were fined 40 per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate during the ICC Women's ODI World Cup match against India here.

Shandre Fritz of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Stafanie Taylor's side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

"In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time," the ICC said in a statement.

Taylor pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Eloise Sheridan and Paul Wilson, third umpire Ahmed Shah Pakteen and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge levelled the charge.

India defeated West Indies by a massive 155 runs here on Saturday to register their second win in the tournament. 

Also Read : India dismiss SL for 109 on day 2 of second Test

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Women’s team will visit Ireland for a two-match white-ball series against Ireland Women’s Select XI and Leinster President’s XI in July – with Irish players set to feature on both sides of the contest.

These fixtures are the first time that an MCC Women’s side has visited Ireland, and it is expected that up to three Irish players will feature in the MCC squad.

Ed Joyce, Head Coach of Ireland Women, said: “MCC Ireland have had men’s tours for a long time, and so it felt that now was the right time to request a women’s tour with the national side in the ICC Women’s Championship. We are grateful to everyone at MCC Ireland, Cricket Leinster, and the MCC itself, for making this tour happen.”

“These games are set to be more high-quality fixtures for some of our players - the more games and experiences like this our players have, the better. We’ll select the Ireland Women’s Select XI squad closer to the time, but the squad will likely feature a mixture of players from the senior performance squad and our younger development squad.”

“I would certainly love if this tour could become a regular feature of the calendar. As I said before, the more quality games we get for our High Performance squads annually, the better in my opinion. Hopefully we could make it a longer trip in future!”

Kari Carswell, Head of Women’s Cricket at the MCC, said: “The MCC Women’s section is very excited by this opportunity to play an Irish side this year – and we hope to welcome three Irish players into our ranks for these matches. Women’s cricket in Ireland is improving year-on-year, and we hope this can become an annual feature of our playing calendar.

“Women’s cricket globally is on the rise and I see these sorts of tours as providing positive experiences to those involved – on both sides, and giving people lots of opportunities to fulfil their potential.”

The fixtures are:

11 July: Ireland Women XI v MCC Women (T20 match; Merrion Cricket Club, start 5pm)
12 July: Leinster President’s XI v MCC Women (50-over match; Pembroke Cricket Club, start 11am)

Also read: Cricket Ireland unveil professional contracts for women

(Cricket news) After losing the last game against New Zealand by 62 runs, India bounced back by beating West Indies by 155 runs. It was a very important win for India and a big step towards semi final qualification. Mithali Raj became the cricketer with most matches captained in the ICC Women's World Cup, surpassing former Australian cricketer Belinda Clark.

After Mithali Raj won the toss for the 3rd time in a row she elected to bat first. The women in blue got off to a good start as Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia added 49 runs in just 6 overs. West Indies then picked up the wickets of Bhatia, Mithali Raj and Deepti Sharma cheaply as India found themselves 3 down for 78 runs in 14 overs. Harmanpreet Kaur joined Mandhana in the middle and the pair added 184 runs which was India's highest partnership in women's world cup history. Mandhana scored 123 off 119 balls while Kaur got 109 off 107 balls as India put 317 runs on the board. The partnership between Mandhana and Kaur was very beautiful to watch with the left and right hand combination. It looked like the pair were taking turns to attack while the other would take singles. 

Chasing 318 runs, West Indies got off to a great start as openers Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews got a 100 run partnership in just 12 overs. Mithali Raj brought Sneh Rana into the attack and she responded by dismissing the dangerous Dottin. No other Windies batter could settle into the crease as India bowled incredibly well. Rana was the pick of the bowlers as she picked up 3 wickets while Meghna Singh got 2 wickets. Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Jhulan Goswami got a scalp each. The wicket meant that Goswami became the highest wicket taker in the history of the Women's World Cup with 40 wickets as she went past Australia's Lyn Fullston, who had taken 39 wickets.

It was overall an incredible performance from India in all 3 departments. The only concern perhaps would be the new ball bowling which was a little bit haywire. The women in blue go top of the table till tomorrow with 4 points in two matches. Their next game is in 4 days time against defending champions England who are yet to register a victory in this campaign.

Also read: Aaron Finch joins KKR as replacement for Alex Hales

Hamilton, Mar 12 (Cricket News) Brilliant centuries from opener Smriti Mandhana and vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur powered India to their highest total in the history of the showpiece event, 317 for eight against the West Indies in a crucial match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup here on Saturday.

While Mandhana smashed her fifth ODI hundred, a sensational 119 off 123 balls studded with 13 fours and two sixes, Kaur had 10 hits to the fence and two maximums in her 107-ball 109, which was her fourth ton and the first since hitting 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 World Cup.

The duo forged a 184-run partnership for the fourth wicket to take India across the 200-mark after skipper Mithali Raj won the toss and elected to bat. This was also India's highest partnership for any wicket at the Women's World Cup For WI, Anisa Mohammed was the most successful bowler, taking two for 59, while Hayley Matthews (1/65), Shakera Selman (1/41), Deandra Dottin (1/32) and Aaliyah Alleyne (1/26) also accounted for one wicket each.

Yastika Bhatia scored a quick 31 off 21 balls as India were off to a good start, putting on 49 runs for the opening stand in 6.3 overs but once she departed, Mithali Raj (5) and Deepti Sharma (15) also followed suit, leaving India tottering at 78 for three.

But then Mandhana and Kaur joined hands and steadied the innings as India scored 100 runs in 20 overs, before crossing the 200-mark in 35.4 overs.

Brief Scores: India: 317 for 8 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 123, Harmanpreet Kaur 109; Anisa Mohammed 2/59). 

Also Read : Captain Mithali Raj breaks World Cup captaincy record

News Source : PTI

Hamilton, Mar 12 (Cricket News) India's ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Saturday broke the record for most matches captained in the ICC Women's World Cup, surpassing former Australian counterpart Belinda Clark.

Mithali, 39, led the country in 24 World Cup games, claiming 14 victories, 8 losses and one no result. Clark had captained her side in 23 matches.

The India skipper achieved the feat when she stepped out to lead the country against the West Indies in a crucial match in the ongoing showpiece event here.

Interestingly, Mithali and Clark are the only two cricketers to have led their country at more than two World Cups.

Last Sunday, Mithali became only the third cricketer and the first woman to appear in six World Cups, joining the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and Pakistani great Javed Miandad. 

Also Read : Aaron Finch joins KKR as replacement for Alex Hales

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Mumbai, Mar 11 (Cricket News) Two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have roped in aggressive Australian batter Aaron Finch as a replacement for England's Alex Hales for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League.

"Hales has cited bubble fatigue as his reason for withdrawal from the tournament," IPL stated in a media release.

Finch, who led Australia to an ICC T20 World Cup win, has so far played 88 T20Is scoring 2,686 runs with the help of two hundreds and 15 half-centuries.

"Finch, who has played 87 IPL games and has over 2000 IPL runs, will join KKR at the price of Rs 1.5 crore", it added.

The Australian white-ball captain, who last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2020 edition, was not picked by any team in the IPL mega auction last month.

KKR will take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings in the IPL lung opener on March 26 at the Wankhede Stadium here. 

Also Read : Women's WC: South Africa hold nerves to seal last over win against Pakistan

News Source : PTI

Mount Maunganui, Mar 11 (Cricket News) Pacer Shabnim Ismail snared two wickets in a nerve-racking final over to seal a thrilling six-run win for South Africa over Pakistan in a league stage match of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Friday.

Defending 10 runs in the last over, Ismail (3/41) picked two wickets while giving away just three runs to power South Africa to their second win of the tournament.

Earlier, South Africa overcame an excellent spell by spinner Ghulam Fatima (3/52) to post a competitive 223/9, riding on half-centuries by opener Laura Wolvaardt (75) and skipper Suner Luus (62).

Their bowlers then sealed the deal despite Omaima Sohail (65) and Nida Dar's (55) best efforts.

"As a strike bowler, I like to come out at the death. I was always confident (of taking that catch in the final over). I love catches, that was 100 percent mine. I don't take a lot of catches during warm-ups but I always back myself," Ismail said of her stunning show.

With the win, South Africa, who remain unbeaten after two matches, moved to the third spot while Pakistan continued to languish at the bottom of the points table.

"You have got to love the World Cup, no game is easy. We can take the positives out of the two wins and try and see what we need to work on going ahead. We take it one game at a time and want to play our best cricket," Luus said after the match.

Put to bat, the in-form Wolvaardt played a masterful 91-ball knock, finding the fence 10 times. The opener was perfectly complimented by skipper Luus (62 off 102 balls) at the other end.

The two held the South African innings together, putting up 89 runs for the third wicket to gain momentum and the team looked set for a huge total.

However, Fatima snapped three wickets in two overs to derail South Africa's cruising innings and the Proteas were left reeling at 120/5 after 32 overs.

Chloe Tryon (31) and Trisha Chetty (31) then shared a 55-run stand to help South Africa post a 200 plus score.

Chasing 224 for their first win of the tournament, openers Nahida Khan (40) and Sidra Ameen (12) got Pakistan off to a decent start, adding 26 runs in the first six overs.

However, Ismail ensured the openers don't run away with the game, extracting an edge off Ameen's bat to break the opening stand.

She dismissed skipper Bismah Maroof for a duck in the very next ball but was unable to claim a hat-trick as Sohail saw off the delivery.

"We were very clinical with the ball and the key moments we missed cost us, South Africa clinched those moments and they deserve to win," a disappointed Maroof said later.

Two consecutive maidens, including Ismail's double-wicket maiden, saw South Africa come back into the game but Sohail and Nahida kept going about their work swiftly, finding boundaries regularly.

They brought up their 50-run stand in the 20th over and at the halfway stage, Pakistan were 129 runs away from a win.

But the partnership was broken by seamer Ayabonga Khaka when she trapped Nahida leg before.

Sohail then combined forces with Nida Dar and Pakistan looking set for their maiden win of the tournament.

A flurry of wickets again put the match in balance but with set batter Dar in the middle, Pakistan had the slight upper hand.

Daina Baig (13) then joined the party, hitting a couple of boundaries to help the required run rate decrease.

However, South Africa held their nerve to first effect Dar's run out in the penultimate over before Ismail's last over heroics. 

Also Read : Women's World Cup: India look to bounce back vs unbeaten West Indies

News Source : PTI

Mumbai, Mar 11 (Cricket News) Former Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga has joined Rajasthan Royals as their fast-bowling coach for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League, which starts here on March 26.

Rajasthan Royals on Friday also announced that Paddy Upton has joined the squad as a 'Team Catalyst'.

Malinga, who took 546 wickets in 340 matches across three formats for Sri Lanka and also led the country to the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup trophy, will be working with the talented group of pacers in the Royals' set-up.

"It’s a wonderful feeling for me to return to the IPL and an absolute honour to join Rajasthan Royals," the 38-year-old Malinga, who had represented five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the IPL, grabbing 170 wickets in 122 matches, said in a release.

"I am excited by the pace bowling unit we have going into the tournament and looking forward to supporting all the fast bowlers with the execution of their game-plans and their overall development." South African Paddy Upton, who had worked as the head coach of the franchise from 2013-15 and then in 2019, having led the team to top-four finishes in 2013 and 2015, along with a place in the Champions League in 2013, also returned to the Royals in a new role.

Being the 'Team Catalyst', Upton will play a crucial role in establishing team integration by bringing them together as a cohesive and mutually supporting unit, and look after their mental well-being.

"Upton himself will be part of the bubble for the initial four weeks of the tournament, while supporting virtually post the completion of this period," the release said.

Like last season, Sri Lankan batting legend Kumar Sangakkara will be assuming the role of head coach during the upcoming season, while being the 'Director of Cricket' at the Royals outside of the season.

"Lasith is arguably one of the greatest T20 fast bowlers of all-time, and to have a personality like his around the training ground, and the expertise he brings to the table, is certainly something we feel the team can benefit from," said Sangakkara.

Among others, Trevor Penney (Assistant Coach), Zubin Bharucha (Strategy, Development and Performance Director) and Dishant Yagnik (Fielding Coach) will continue to serve in their respective roles. 

Also Read : Cricket Ireland unveil professional contracts for women

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Cricket Ireland today unveiled its first-ever full-time professional contracts for Ireland Women as part of a €1.5M investment in the women’s game – and announced three of the world’s best teams would tour Ireland this summer.

The key announcements at today’s event were:

1) 20 women’s playing contracts have been offered - seven full-time, nine part-time/educational and four non-retainer contracts

2) Cricket Ireland’s investment in the women’s game is now €1.5M a year – triple the expenditure from pre-pandemic 2019

3) Ireland Women will host Australia, South Africa and Pakistan at home this summer

Head Coach Ed Joyce has signed a three-year contract extension

PLAYING CONTRACTS

20 playing contracts have been offered in 2022:

International (full-time) contracts

Laura Delany, Shauna Kavanagh, Sophie MacMahon, Cara Murray, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, Mary Waldron.

Education (part-time) contracts

Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell.

Non-retainer contracts

Rachel Delaney, Sarah Forbes, Hannah Little, Kate McEvoy.
 
All full-time contracts commence in March 2022 and represent Ireland’s first-ever fully-professional women cricketers, and just the second women’s national team in Ireland to introduce full-time, year-round playing contracts.

Education contracts are designed to work around players who are at school full-time or studying at a tertiary level. Players on these contracts gain a significant living allowance to ensure they do not need to find a job during their education years, and can instead concentrate on their cricket. Most of these players will be effectively full-time in the summer holidays.

Non-retainer contracts offer players loss of earnings and match fees, 12-month medical and healthcare insurance, sports science support (strength and conditioning, psychology, performance analysis, nutrition and lifestyle management), specialist coaching support, and for ROI-based players, full access to the Sport Ireland Institute.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S PROGRAMME 2022

Ireland Women have an intensely busy year ahead, with three visiting teams, a T20 World Cup Qualifier and a major tour in late 2022.

South Africa series

3 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st T20I (Pembroke)
6 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 2nd T20I (Pembroke)
8 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 3rd T20I (Pembroke)
11 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf)
14 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf)
17 June 2022: Ireland Women v South Africa Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf)

The three ODIs will be Ireland Women’s first fixtures as part of the ICC Women’s Championship.

Women’s summer tri-series

16 July 2022: Australia Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)
17 July 2022: Ireland Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
19 July 2022: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)
21 July 2022: Ireland Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
23 July 2022: Pakistan Women v Australia Women – T20I (Bready)
24 July 2022: Ireland Women v Pakistan Women – T20I (Bready)

The ICC are yet to confirm the dates of the T20 World Cup Qualifier, and details of the Ireland Women’s tour to a major full-member nation in late 2022 will be announced in due course (see below for further points of interest about these series).

HEAD COACH SIGNS EXTENSION

Ireland Women’s head coach Ed Joyce has signed a three-year contract extension. Joyce took over the role on an interim basis in July 2019, before being appointed full-time later that year.

The Ireland Women’s squad now has a strong core of full-time coaching and support staff dedicated to the senior side, including:

Performance & Pathway Coach: Glenn Querl
Team Operations Manager: Beth Healy
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Greg Hollins
Physiotherapist: Catherine Simpson
Performance Analyst: Jay Shelat

In further support, the recently announced high performance specialist coaches for Ireland Men – Gary Wilson and Ryan Eagleson – will provide periodic support to the women’s programme as part of their roles, as will the yet to be appointed specialist spin bowling coach.

Also read: Axar Patel set to return as India eye Test series win over Sri Lanka

INVESTMENT

From 2016-2019 the annual investment in women’s cricket was approximately €500K per annum. In 2022, the annual investment will triple to €1.5M.

Expenditure is holistic, demonstrating a strategic approach to the women’s game, and includes areas such as: player contracts and match fees, coaching and support staff salaries, cost of home and away fixtures, uniforms, equipment, venue hire, nutrition and lifestyle management, talent pathway, Academy and Super Series costs.

In addition to this is further investment in the grassroots of the sport which benefits girls and mass participation programmes.

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said: “Last year we released our new Strategic Plan and our first-ever Women’s & Girls Cricket Action Plan. Both of these documents outlined Cricket Ireland’s national commitment to growing the sport from grassroots to elite levels. Today’s announcements underline our deep commitment to women’s and girls’ elite cricket and put us firmly on the path of not only becoming a major nation in world cricket, but a major sport in Ireland.

“However, the work behind-the-scenes to get to this point has - in reality - been three years in the making. Coming off the back of the team’s performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018, we – as an organisation – committed ourselves to a journey to professionalise women’s cricket. It was not only a good thing to do, it was the right thing to do. Women’s cricket’s time has come around the world – we’ve seen the incredible growth and professionalisation of the women’s game across several major nations like Australia, England and India and the strong focus on female cricket in the new ICC strategy. It’s now Ireland’s turn.

“We are today only the second women’s sport in Ireland to offer 12-month, full-time contracts after the Rugby 7s squad – and this we are intensely proud of. If in the past our focus was primarily on men’s senior cricket, now our focus is equally on the women’s game as the shopfront for advancing our sport. Today we proudly boast a national women’s squad that features full-time central contracts. This is almost the exact path the men’s game followed a decade ago – albeit the progress of the women’s programme will advance at a quicker pace.

“It may surprise many people to hear that the first evidence of women’s cricket in Ireland dates back 138 years, with Ireland Women playing their debut international in 1983. I would doubt that many of the women playing up until recent times would ever have dreamed we would be where we are today. That is progress and an organisation holding its hands up and acknowledging things have to change. That is where we are today, but this is not the destination, rather the start of a new era.”

Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, said: “Today’s announcements demonstrate a clear intent to not only further develop our performance pathway, but now forge a career pathway for our women cricketers. To get where we are today has been a true journey - not a smooth journey, and certainly not a straightforward one, but we are finally seeing the delivery of commitments we have made over recent years.

“To see a €1.5 million spending commitment this year on the women’s performance programme is remarkable. We have tripled the annual budget of the programme since 2016, and this commitment has been achieved through hard work, research, consultation and seeking expert advice.

“However, it is important to note that today’s announcements are not a case of ‘done and dusted’. This is not a final destination. This is just the start of our new era. In 2021 our women’s senior side qualified for the ICC Women’s Championship – we don’t want to just compete in this competition once, we want to stay there. We want to entrench ourselves in the top ranks of the women’s game. Today may be the culmination of three years' work, but it also represents the first day of a new project. A project to keep us in the top tier and to not only participate, but truly compete against the top nations.

“Now, do we expect to be a top cricketing nation overnight? Of course not. However, with gradual and determined planning and programme development, we believe we can steadily make our way up the rankings and be a side of international renown. We’ll be ambitious, but realistic – we’ll seek opportunities, but remain grounded. We see women’s cricket only heading in one direction over coming years – growing at the elite level, and inspiring the next generation of girls at the grassroots. We want to live that well-worn phrase: If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.

“Not only are we excited to announce the investment and the contracts, but also the international fixtures this summer. South Africa, Australia and Pakistan. And these 10 home internationals this summer will be complemented by a T20 World Cup Qualifier and an exciting away tour against a Full Member nation. I believe we’ll look back on 2022 as a watershed year for women’s cricket in Ireland, and I hope we can inspire that new generation of youngsters to take up the sport.

“I congratulate all players receiving contracts in 2022, but like all important advancements in the sporting world, we have not achieved this on our own. We would like to thank Hanley Energy for their sponsorship support of the national side since 2017. We would like to thank the Irish Government and NI Executive – and their sports authorities, Sport Ireland and Sport NI – for their ongoing commitment and funding support for the women’s programme. Thanks also to the Irish Cricketers Association for working with us on this project, and to the Cricket Ireland High Performance Committee for their expertise, insight and guidance.”

Laura Delany, Ireland Women’s captain, said: “As a squad we are truly excited and thankful for this opportunity – it is something that many of us never would have dreamed of when we started out playing the sport we love. While thankful, though, we also acknowledge the hard work, sacrifice and commitment shown by the players to achieve the honour of representing our country at the highest levels.

“And, as fortunate as the players here today are for having this opportunity, we know that we are standing on the shoulders of the giants that came before us. For many years, legends of our Irish women’s cricket have fought hard to achieve successes on and off the field. To the generations of women who came before us, we say thank you. You have helped us get here today, and we hope we can do you proud.

“To the squad I say simply, enjoy it. Enjoy this opportunity – be thankful, but know that you’ve earned the right to stand where you are. This is Day One of what I hope is an incredible journey we will take together - it may get tough at times, it may be challenging, but it should be an experience like no other. To travel the world playing cricket for Ireland – there’s no better feeling.”

Hamilton, Mar 11 (Cricket News) India's under-performing top-order will be keen to display way more intent to bring the team's campaign back on track when it squares off against a dangerous West Indies in the third league game of the ICC Women's World Cup here on Saturday.

Currently placed fifth after a demoralising 62-run loss to New Zealand, India would like to get back to winning ways as back-to-back defeat can cause loss in momentum, especially when they are playing one game after another on the bounce.

The likes of Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj, the young Yastika Bhatia and all-rounder Deepti Sharma were all criticised for not getting a move-on against New Zealand in India's chase of 261 and despite Harmanpreet Kaur's 62-ball-71, the team ended up being outplayed by 62 runs.

It is understood that Shafali Verma, despite her 'blow hot, blow cold' form, will be back in the playing eleven, and would be expected to lend pace to innings, something which Yastika Bhatia failed to do in the previous game.

The Indian batters played out an inexplicable 162 dot balls, equivalent to 27 overs, in the last game against White Ferns and the match was as good as over when they scored only 50 off the first 20 overs.

Head coach Ramesh Powar was very blunt and critical of the team's show on the eve of the game against the likes of Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, and Anisa Mohammed.

"I think it was one of those days where things didn't go our way and honestly I was also surprised with the way we batted for 20 overs. (But) if you look back (at the) last six games, which we have played against New Zealand, we were executing our plans well," Powar told reporters ahead of their game.

Mithali, playing her last tournament, has been in very poor form and even Mandhana has looked scratchy putting a lot of pressure on the likes of Pooja Vastrakar and Sneh Rana.

No wonder, coach Powar made it clear that he want the seniors to accept more responsibility.

"I think it is the pressure, I think of the World Cup but I don't want to give any excuses. This is the right time to put your hand up and put up the performances, because we have been training for last six months," Powar was very curt.

"We have been to England, Australia, we have been to New Zealand early, so we have got every practice opportunity which was needed, so it is time as a group to stand up and deliver," one could gauge the irritation in his voice.

One of the poor call by Neetu David-led selection committee has been non-inclusion of opening batter S Meghana, who showed a lot of spark in her comeback ODI series against New Zealand.

She was middling the ball well and unfortunately didn't make the cut in the World Cup squad, which was picked much earlier.

For West Indies, it has been a good start to the tournament and skipper Taylor would want one more inspirational performance from her band of women, who defended a mediocre total of 225 against defending champions England in the last game.

Taylor's biggest advantage is her multiple bowling options and she was able to use as many as eight bowlers in the last game against England.

While Dottin's airborne catch to dismiss Lauren Winfield-Hill was the highlight of the Windies' show against England, what would make Indians wary is the fact that the Caribbeans have successfully defended twice in two games against the White Ferns and England.

The bowling attack comprising Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Anisa is capable of putting relentless pressure on opposition batters and it won't be a cakewalk for India.

Teams: ====== India: Mithali Raj (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Rich Ghosh (wk), Taniya Bhatia (wk), Sneh Rana, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Poonam Yadav, Jhulan Goswami, Renuka Singh.

West Indies: Stafanie Taylor (capt), Anisa Mohammed (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Cherry Ann Fraser, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Rashada Williams.

Match Starts at 6:30 am IST. 

Also Read : Pink ball in 'Garden City': Will Kohli's wait for elusive 71st international ton end at Chinnaswamy?

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) Ireland’s premier domestic women’s cricket competition – the Arachas Super Series – is set to be ‘bigger and better than ever in 2022 as the series reverts to a three-team format, with Irish international Leah Paul being named the new captain of the returning Dragons side.

The Arachas Super Series features three representative teams - the Dragons, Scorchers and Typhoons – competing for the Arachas Super Series 50 Cup and the Arachas Super Series T20 Trophy. Condensed to a two-team affair over the last two years (without the Dragons), in 2022 the competition will revert to the original three teams featuring the best 45 female cricketers in Ireland.

Irish international Leah Paul will captain the Dragons, having moved from the 2021 title-winning Scorchers this year, while Gaby Lewis and Laura Delany remain captains of the Scorchers and Typhoons respectively.

With the growth of women’s cricket in Northern Ireland, and the emergence of talent in the two northern provincial unions, the Dragons will provide more than a dash of Northern Irish flavour with half the squad hailing from clubs from the Northern Cricket Union and North West Cricket Union, and will also feature a Northern Irish-based coach. In addition, five matches this year will be played north of the border to make the game even more accessible to the fans around Ireland.

Irish international James Cameron-Dow has accepted the role of head coach of the Dragons squad, while Glenn Querl will return to coach the Scorchers. The Typhoons will be seeking a new head coach for 2022 after Clare Shillington stepped down from the role over the off-season.

Cricket Ireland, in partnership with HBV Studios, will once again provide livestreaming of most matches in the competition. Cricket Ireland is proud to acknowledge Arachas Insurance returning once more as title sponsor of the series.

THE SQUADS:

Dragons

Leah Paul (captain) (Merrion), Amy Caulfield (Muckamore), Alison Cowan (CSNI), Zara Craig (Eglinton), Alana Dalzell (Bready), Mollie Devine (Fox Lodge), Sarah Forbes (YMCA), Abbi Harrison (Waringstown), Amy Hunter (Malahide/Instonians), Charlotte Lyons (Waringstown), Kia McCartney (Coleraine), Kate McEvoy (YMCA), Cara Murray (Waringstown/Clontarf), Orla Prendergast (Pembroke), Jemma Rankin (Bready).
Head coach: James Cameron-Dow
 
Scorchers

Gaby Lewis (captain) (YMCA), Christina Coulter Reilly (Clontarf), Rachel Delaney (Merrion), Shauna Kavanagh (Pembroke), Anna Kerrison (Malahide), Hannah Little (Pembroke), Sophie MacMahon (Leinster), Niamh MacNulty (Merrion), Aimee Maguire (The Hills), Jane Maguire (The Hills), Lara Maritz (Balbriggan), Ellie McGee (Rush), Eimear Richardson (Leinster), Jenny Sparrow (Leinster), Siúin Woods (YMCA).
Head coach: Glenn Querl
 
Typhoons

Laura Delany (captain) (Leinster), Ava Canning (Leinster), Sarah Condron (Malahide), Georgina Dempsey (Phoenix), Rebecca Gough (Rush), Maria Kerrison (Leinster), Robyn Lewis (YMCA), Louise Little (Pembroke), Joanna Loughran (Leinster), Tess Maritz (Balbriggan), Lara McBride (North County), Celeste Raack (Merrion), Freya Sargent (Clontarf), Rebecca Stokell (Merrion), Mary Waldron (Pembroke).
Head coach: vacant
 
Carrie Archer, Chair of National Women’s Selectors, said: “Most followers will agree that the quality of cricket on display in the condensed two-team format over the last two years was remarkable. However, with the national team’s qualification for the ICC Women’s Championship, it is now more important than ever that we expand the talent pool supporting the international level to provide a sustainable pipeline of talent. With a greater volume of international cricket comes a greater need to have players ready to step up to the international stage – and to achieve this, it is essential that we have a strong Super Series competition that draws players from all parts of the island.

“With the prospect of playing regular international cricket against the world’s best sides, the competitiveness of the Super Series is only set to grow further.

“This year the Selectors have been encouraged to see so many players over recent years from the two northern provincial unions really put their hand up and make compelling arguments for selection. In recognition of this, we have selected the highest number of players ever drawn from clubs north of the border to play in the Super Series. 

“The decision to have a Northern Irish focus within the Dragons composition and coaching staff adds another fresh and exciting dimension to the competition, and as selectors, we are looking forward to seeing the new players across all three squads and closely following both individual and collective progress and performances when competing at this level. As players from overseas are confirmed and signed for clubs, we also hope to see them appear on squads. Additionally, we have approached a panel of players outside of the main squads who will have opportunities to train with, and play on, the squads throughout the season, further strengthening our base and player pool.

“The selection panel would like to congratulate all players selected this year and look forward to what should be a bigger and better-than-ever competition in 2022.”

Leah Paul, newly appointed captain of the Dragons, said:  “I was delighted to be asked to captain the Dragons in 2022. Taking on a new challenge like this will be exciting, and I am looking forward to working with a new head coach and a new squad of players over the coming season.

“While I will miss the camaraderie that the Scorchers squad built up over last season’s successful Cup and Trophy campaigns, you just have to look at the Dragons squad to recognise that they are a group of players who will be keen to show their talent on the field. I expect the captaincy challenge will be as much about getting team dynamics right as it will be about getting team tactics right – but it’s a challenge I am absolutely looking forward to.

“The Arachas Super Series gets better in standard each year, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far this squad can go in what will undoubtedly be another highly competitive series.”

Also read: Women's World Cup: New Zealand completely outplay lackluster India

Hamilton, Mar 10 (Cricket News) Captain Mithali Raj had no hesitation in admitting that top order's performance hasn't been up to the mark as India didn't have "a batter to take the game deep" in their 62-run defeat against New Zealand in the ICC Women's World Cup.

India managed only 198 in a chase of 260 against the White Ferns after only 50 runs were scored off 20 overs here on Thursday.

"Our batting, especially the top and middle order needs to fire because other teams are posting 250-260," Raj said at post-match presentation ceremony.

"We thought it was chaseable but provided we had the top order going. But back-to-back wickets put a lot of pressure because we didn't have batter who can take it deep.

"There was bounce and good carry off the surface but it was not a tough strip to bat on. Their seamers were hitting the right areas with the bounce, but it wasn't unplayable and we could have done better," she added.

Raj has expressed the same concern after the win against Pakistan in India's campaign opener when the lower order made up for the faltering top order.

The silver lining for India once again was the bowling effort according to the skipper as they were able to restrict the hosts, who were cruising towards a huge total at one stage, to 260 for 9.

"Our bowlers have done well today and earlier as well. After the early wickets we got, the way they had a partnership I thought they'd get around 270-280. There was bounce and it got slower in the second innings," Raj observed.

For home team skipper Sophie Devine, it was a "complete performance".

"Really complete performance. We built partnerships throughout, (Amy) Satterthwaite was outstanding, we laid the platform and we knew it was a good score," Devine said.

She was all praise for the bowlers as they tightened the noose around Indian top order.

"Our bowlers were outstanding, didn't give them anything. We have different people putting their hand up in different phases of the game, that's what we want in the World Cup.

"The girls were outstanding today, they had the pressure on them to make sure they stood up, (Frances) Mackay (off spinner) was outstanding as well. (Lea) Tahuhu in the middle overs was certainly a role we saw her play last year in the UK." Devine said that she is spoilt for choice with multiple bowling options.

"We've got so many options now to bowl, our spinners, so it's a really good space. (This World Cup) is an interesting one, the first one was a bad game of cricket but we took a lot of positives. We didn't play our best that day." 

Also Read : India handed 62-run loss by hosts New Zealand

News Source : PTI

Hamilton, Mar 10 (Cricket News) Pooja Vastrakar and Harmanpreet Kaur's fiesty performances were overshadowed by the batters' insipid display as India succumbed to 62-run loss to New Zealand in the ICC women's World Cup here on Thursday.

Vastrakar's 4/34 helped India restrict New Zealand to 260 for 9 after skipper Mithali Raj opted to field.

However, India was unable to stitch a much-needed partnership as the batters crumbled under the pressure of an ever-increasing run-rate to be bowled out for 198.

Kaur (71) was the lone warrior for India with the bat.

Earlier, spinners Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/46) and Deepti Sharma (1/52) claimed three wickets between them while veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami (1/41), who became the joint highest wicket-taker in women's World Cups, accounted for one batter.

For New Zealand, Amy Satterthwaite (75) and Amelia Kerr (50) scored half-centuries.

Brief Scores: New Zealand: 260 for 9 in 50 overs (Amy Satterthwaite 75, Amelia Kerr 50; Pooja Vastrakar 4/34) India: 198 all out in 46.4 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 71, Mithali Raj 31; Lea Tahuhu 3/17, Amelia Kerr 3/56) 

Also Read : PCB chief's 4-nation tourney, involving India gets thumbs-up from CA's Hockley

News Source : PTI

(Football news) Barcelona, whose season has come down to a top 4 race in the La Liga and the Europa League host Galatasaray in the Round of 16. The Europa League is the Catalan club's only hope of avoiding a trophyless season. Galatasaray on the other hand are having a very difficult season in the Turkish League where they are struggling in 12th place.

Barcelona have won their last four games and haven't lost their 8 games. They are having a good run of games and results for the first time this season. Xavi will be without Gavi who is suspended while Ansu Fati, Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto are yet to recover from their injuries. There will be no surprises in Xavi's system as he will line-up in a 4-3-3. He has to choose 3 out of Ousmane Dembele, Memphis Depay, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres and Adama Traore which will be a tough call. Barcelona haven't registered Dani Alves in the Europa League squad hence Sergino Dest's place in the side is guaranteed.

Barcelona will play their usual possession game and play out from the back and Galatasaray will have to be smart with their pressing. They have to keep the pressure on and at the same time not commit too much. Striker Bafetimbi Gomis will be very important for Galatasaray and his job will make life difficult for Pique and Araujo. La Masia graduate Inaki Pena, who is on loan from Barcelona is expected to start in goal for Galatasaray. He will be expecting a very busy night and it will also be a chance for him to impress his parent club. 

Also read: Benzema hat-trick lights up the Bernabeu in startling comeback vs PSG

Karachi, Mar 9 (Cricket News) Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja is determined to float the proposal of an annual four-nation tournament, involving India, Australia and England, even after receiving cold response from the BCCI.

A reliable source in the PCB said Ramiz was still working on his proposal and had also spoken about it with officials of some other leading boards.

Ramiz had earlier said that he would propose to the ICC an annual four-nation T20 event, involving his country, arch-rivals India, Australia and England, the revenue from which will be shared by all members of the world governing body.

Ramiz's proposal, which has been rejected by BCCI secretary Jay Shah, got a boost on Wednesday when Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive Nick Hockley said that Australia is open to hosting a Tri-Series with India and Pakistan.

Hockley, who was in Rawalpindi to witness the first Test between Pakistan and Australia, told reporters that personally he felt it was a good idea which could be explored.

"Personally you ask me, CA would definitely be very open to considering the proposal and hosting a Tri-Series with Pakistan, India and Australia," he said.

He pointed out that Australia had large communities from South Asia and sub-contingent and a series involving India and Pakistan would be a big draw for the game Down Under.

India and Pakistan have only played each other in ICC and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) events since 2013 because of strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah had snubbed Ramiz's proposal last month, insisting the that Indian board was more interested in expanding the sport globally and having it included in the Olympics and the proposal was a short-term commercial initiative.

Hockely conceded that everyone wanted to see India and Pakistan play against each other anywhere in the world and they would also be playing in the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia.

"It's a contest that everyone wants to see in world cricket and if we can help support further opportunities we would love to do that." 

Also Read : Jhulan becomes joint-highest wicket taker in Women's ODI World Cup

News Source : PTI

Hamilton, Mar 10 (Cricket News) All-rounder Pooja Vastrakar starred with the ball, claiming four wickets to help India restrict hosts New Zealand to 260 for 9 in the ICC women's World Cup here on Thursday.

Vastrakar bowled a brilliant spell giving away 34 runs in her 10-over quota while snaring four wickets, including the important scalps of skipper Sophie Devine (35) and Amy Satterthwaite (75). She was unlucky to miss out on a hat-trick in the 47th over.

Spinners Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/46) and Deepti Sharma (1/52) claimed three wickets between them while veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami (1/41) accounted for one batter.

For New Zealand, Satterthwaite (75 off 84) and Amelia Kerr (50 off 64) scored half-centuries, while Katey Martin pitched in with a valuable 41 to power the hosts to a 250 plus score.

Brief Scores: New Zealand: 260 for 9 in 40 overs (Amy Satterthwaite 75, Amelia Kerr 50; Pooja Vastrakar 4/34) 

Also Read : Sreesanth retires from all forms of domestic cricket

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Mar 9 (Cricket News) Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday hailed the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) decision to remove run-out at non-striker's end from unfair play laws even as veteran England pacer Stuart Broad termed the move as "unfair".

Custodian of cricket laws, the MCC has decided to move the law relating to run-outs at non-striker's end from its "unfair play" section.

It relates to run-outs at non-striker's end when batters back up too far and have often triggered heated debates on spirit of the game. Several players like India's premier off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have advocated for it as a fair mode of dismissal.

Tendulkar said he was always averse to the term used for this dismissal as "Mankaded".

"New rules have been introduced in cricket by MCC committee and I am quite supportive of couple of them. The first one being Mankading dismissal. I was always uncomfortable with that particular dismissal being called Mankaded," Tendulkar said in a video message. "I am really happy that it's been changed to run out. It always should have been run out according to me. So this is one good news for all of us. I was not comfortable with it all, but that won't be the case anymore." However, Broad termed as "unfair" the MCC's decision to legitimise 'Mankading', a run out dismissal at the non-striker's end, saying it requires "zero skill".

"So the Mankad is no longer unfair & is now a legitimate dismissal. Hasn't it always been a legitimate dismissal & whether it is unfair is subjective? I think it is unfair & wouldn't consider it, as IMO, dismissing a batter is about skill & the Mankad requires zero skill," Broad tweeted.

The other change in cricket rules which Tendulkar liked was related to a new batter taking the strike in case of a catch dismissal.

"And the second one where the batter is dismissed, being caught, the new batter has to come and face the ball. The new batter takes the strike.

"It's absolutely fair because if a bowler has been successful in picking a wicket it's only fair that a bowler gets a chance to bowl to a new batter. This new rule is a good one and well done on that," he said.

Beside, the MCC also said that using saliva to shine the ball would be treated as an unfair practice.

Saliva application was barred by the ICC in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and MCC said its research found that applying saliva had no impact on the ball's movement.

The amendments will not come into force until October. 

Also Read : BCB rests Shakib from all forms of cricket till April 8, to miss SA series

News Source : PTI

New Delhi, Mar 9 (Cricket News) Vilified multiple times for running out non-strikers backing up too far, former India spinner Murali Kartik was a happy man on Wednesday after custodian of the game's laws, the MCC, amended its code to "stop the criminalisation" of bowlers in the name of "spirit of cricket".

One of the finest left-arm spinners of his era with 644 first-class wickets, Kartik, who represented the country in eight Tests and 37 ODIs, ran as many as five batters out at the non-striker's end across formats during his playing days.

On Wednesday, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) amended the laws and stated "...running out the non-striker has been moved from Law 41 (Unfair play) to Law 38 (Run out). The wording of the Law remains the same." This is something that Kartik, along with stars such as Ravichandran Ashwin, have been advocating for more than a decade.

"There is spirit of cricket. But what I have always argued is that this is not 'Spirit of Cricket'. That people who are actually flouting it were the ones hiding behind the garb of 'Spirit of Cricket'. It was a classic case of 'Pot calling kettle black'," Kartik told PTI during a chat.

So does he feel vindicated after all these years when people accused him of taking "unfair advantage" by running out batters who backed up too far at the non-striker's end? "I would say it is a vindication of what I have felt right. It was definitely high time that we stopped criminalising the bowlers for doing it," the renowned commentator said.

"It's the batter who gains unfair advantage and you are blaming the bowler and calling him wrong? "That is what my fight has been. I have always told people I would have ran all 11 out if allowed," he laughed.

Ashwin, in recent times, has had a lot of support for his opinion but if one recalls Kartik's playing days, he had little support outside his team but he never felt the need to change.

"I have done it five times. Never ever have I felt any lack of support because I have always believed if it is right and just because nobody else is believing it, does not mean that it is not right. It is as simple as that," he said.

In Kartik's case, he had a basic rule, he would warn the non-striker not once but thrice and then take the bails off.

"I never felt any pressure even when it wasn't an accepted norm of dismissal because some felt that it didn't supposedly adhere to 'Spirit of Cricket' whoever it may be. Anyone whom I have ran out at non-striker's end, I have warned that batter at least three times," he said.

Terming it 'normal run-Out' is kind of enforcement ================================ Kartik is sure that just like over-rate penalty of fielding restrictions in the T20 format is giving fantastic results, the batters will now have change in mindset when they intend to steal yards at non-striker's end even before the bowler is loading up.

"It should change the mindset of batters. I will give you a simple example. Look at T20 cricket, just recently penalty of one less fielder outside the 30 yard circle has been introduced by the ICC in case the last over of an innings doesn't start in stipulated time.

"Look at over rates, teams are finishing overs in time since there is a penalty. It's an enforcement and it's like on certain roads, it's 60 kmph and if you drive at 80 kmph, the cops will haul will you up. It was always legal but now it has to be enforced properly," he said.

Even the shy bowlers will now feel empowered ============================== For the likes of Kartik and Ashwin, who have had confidence in their convictions, a lot of bowlers haven't run batters out despite knowing that they were taking undue advantage.

"I am so happy...just because something wasn't accepted because people felt it was not right does not mean it was not right. It's been accepted now.

"Finally, the bowlers are being empowered in a big way...only a few people had the conviction to believe in what they were doing as most were always scared of the wrath they will incur and fury it might cause. Others have always been shy of doing it," he signed off. 

Also Read : India look to get revenge on New Zealand in the 2nd Women's CWC game

News Source : PTI

Hamilton, Mar 9 (Cricket News) Veteran India pacer Jhulan Goswami on Wednesday backed teen batting sensation Shafali Verma to overcome her poor form in the ongoing ICC women's World Cup sooner than later, saying that the swashbuckler is hitting the ball quite well during net sessions.

Verma was dismissed for a duck in the opening game against Pakistan that Indian won and hasn't exactly done well for the past few games. The 18-year-old's form is expected to be crucial to the team's chances of landing a first ever ICC title.

"Shafali has already proved herself. She is a very exciting cricketer. But these things happen with every cricketer," Goswami said in a virtual press conference ahead of the game against New Zealand here on Thursday.

"I am sure she is working hard really well in the nets, she is batting well in the nets; she is hitting the ball really well.

"She is just one big knock away and if she gets an opportunity, I am sure she is going to do well," she added.

Talking about the upcoming match, Goswami said it was important to bowl in the right areas against New Zealand.

"...against New Zealand, it is important to bowl in the right area. The grounds are pretty open, winds are always flowing, so how to take advantage of those things. We discussed a lot of stuff," she said.

"I think Pooja (Vastrakar), Meghana (Singh), Renuka (Singh Thakur), Simran (Dil Bahadur), they have done a decent job always when they get an opportunity and I hope they will continue with their performance," she added.

Bowled well against Pakistan =================== According to Goswami, the bowlers put up a good show in the lung-opener against Pakistan, which the Mithali Raj-led side won by 107 runs.

"I think we bowled well. I guess we hit the ball in the right areas and as a group we bowled well. The new ball bowlers restricted them very well in the first 10 overs...

"Then the spinners bowled well, they were getting a bit of turn on that wicket and I think restricting them below 150 runs is quite a good achievement as a bowling unit," said Goswami.

She felt the plan to land early in New Zealand for a few games against the hosts has helped India during the ongoing campaign.

"...that was the plan, just before the World Cup, to acclimatise with these conditions and wickets and come back and play fresh in this World Cup.

"(But) tomorrow's match is a totally different ball game, it is a fresh game and it is a World Cup game and definitely we are looking forward (to it)," said the speedster.

Goswami needs just two more wickets to become the highest wicket-taker in women's World Cup.

She currently has 38 World Cup wickets to her name and is just one short of Australia's Lyn Fullston's tally of 39 wickets.

Asked about it, she said, "Honestly speaking, I didn't know that...I am not aware of that. But (the) important (thing) is as a senior member of the side, (I should) go there and perform well, give early breakthroughs.

"That is my job and I often stick to my role and that is the important thing," she asserted.

"If you play (for) a long time, you are going to achieve a few individual milestones, yes that gives me a lot of joy. I enjoy (when) I contribute and the team wins. Personal milestones do not matter to me as I am an absolute team player." 

Also Read : West Indies defeat England Women at the ICC Women’s World Cup

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) The England Women’s team succumbed to their second narrow defeat, this time to West Indies by 7 runs at the ICC Women’s World Cup in Dunedin. The match was a topsy-turvy encounter with Sophie Ecclestone putting up an impressive performance with the bat and ball, almost winning it for her team with a ninth wicket 61 run partnership with Thunder and Manchester Originals teammate Kate Cross. 

It looked like England would manage to secure a win until Cross was run-out but Anisa Mohammed sealed a second victory for the West Indies in the competition. They posted a modest score of 225-6 with Sophie Ecclestone getting impressive figures of 3-20. The England Women’s team will play South Africa in their next match followed by India and they cannot afford to slip up if they hope to remain in the competition.

Also read: Shreyas, Mithali, Deepti nominated for ICC's 'Player of the Month' award

Dubai, Mar 9 (Cricket News) Talented Indian men's team batter Shreyas Iyer, women's team captain Mithali Raj and star all-rounder Deepti Sharma were on Wednesday nominated for the ICC's 'Player of the Month' award for their performances in February.

The nominations in the men's category also feature UAE batter Vriitya Aravind, and Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee.

In the women's category, New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr is in the list alongside Mithali and Deepti.

Iyer was in unstoppable form in the month of February and played a vital role in India's white-ball domination.

He started the month with a player of the match-winning 80 against West Indies in the final ODI and a 16-ball 25 in the last T20I.

With India opting to rest players and injury to Suryakumar Yadav, Iyer was promoted to No.3 in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

He scored three unbeaten fifties in three games and finished with 204 runs at a blistering strike rate of 174.35 and was awarded the Player of the Series for his exploits.

Mithali was one of the few shining lights for India in the ODI series against New Zealand. She was the highest run-scorer for India and the second-highest overall with 232 runs, including three fifties, averaging 77.33 with a strike rate of 82.56.

In the final ODI, she played the role of the finisher to perfection, remaining unbeaten on 54 as India chased down 252 with four overs to spare. With that, India ensured that they finished the series with a win in their kitty.

All-rounder Deepti was brilliant with both the bat and ball in the series against New Zealand.

She took the most wickets (10) in the ODI series and was handy with the bat as well, aggregating 116 runs in five matches. She grabbed a four-for in the second ODI and followed it up with a 69 not out in the next match. 

Also Read : ICC Test Rankings: Jadeja becomes world No.1 all-rounder

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 9 (Cricket News) India's Ravindra Jadeja climbed to the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for all-rounders on Wednesday after his match-winning performance against Sri Lanka in the opening Test in Mohali.

"Ravindra Jadeja's performance at India's recent Test win against Sri Lanka in Mohali has catapulted him to the no. 1 position in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's Test Player Rankings," the ICC said in a statement.

His unbeaten 175 lifted him up to 17 places from 54th to 37th with the bat and he added nine wickets to move up to 17th with the ball. His all-round contribution was enough for him to regain the top all-rounder spot from Jason Holder, who had held the position since February 2021.

Jadeja's only previous time on top was in August 2017, when he spent a week at number one.

Jadeja was named player of the match for his show against Sri Lanka in Mohali, where India triumphed under three days by an innings and 222 runs. 

Also Read : ICC Women's WC: West Indies beat defending champions England by 7 runs in thriller

News Source : PTI

Dunedin, Mar 9 (Cricket News) The West Indies edged past defending champions England by seven runs in a thrilling league-stage encounter of the ICC women's World Cup here on Wednesday, leaving the tournament favourites in a spot of bother.

Batting first, the West Indies women, despite an impressive opening stand of 81 between veterans Deandra Dottin (31 off 64 balls) and Hayley Matthews (45 off 58 balls), managed a mediocre 225 for 6 in 50 overs after opting to bat in their second league match.

In reply, England nearly pulled through, courtesy a 61-run stand between Sophie Ecclestone (33 no) and Kate Cross (27) for the ninth wicket before being all-out for 218 in 47.4 overs.

West Indies have now won both their games and are placed second on points table while England, with back-to-back defeats, including the opening round game against Australia, are placed sixth among eight teams.

It was a steady start by the Caribbean women as Dottin and Matthews safely negotiated the first 20 overs before a collapse saw them slump to 81 for three from 81 for no loss and subsequently 98 for 4 just after the halfway stage (26.1 overs).

However, keeper-batter Shemaine Campbell (66 off 80 balls) and Chedan Nation (49 off 74 balls) added 123 runs for the fifth wicket to get the team to a safe, if not great, total.

Campbell, who won 'Player of the Match' award, struck four boundaries while Nation had three to her credit.

Despite Carisbrook Park being known for aiding seamers, it was slow left-arm orthodox Ecclestone (3/20 in 10 overs), who was brilliant throughout the middle overs, not letting the Windies batters get away.

When England batted, their innings never had the momentum as they were 72 for four at one stage and then 156 for 8 at the end of the 36th over before Ecclestone and Cross nearly carried them home with their highly effective partnership.

It came down to the last three overs and it looked like the duo were going to get the job done as England required just nine runs for victory and still had two wickets in hand.

But Cross was run out at the non-striker's end when backing up too far and Anya Shrubsole was bowled by spinner Anisa Mohammed (2/24) three balls later to set off jubilant celebrations for the triumphant West Indies side.

Pacer Shamilia Connell (3/38) was the most successful Windies bowler among the eight used by skipper Stephanie Taylor.

Brief Scores: West Indies: 225/6 in 50 overs (Shemaine Campbell 66, Chedan Nation 49, Sophie Ecclestone 3/20) beat England 218 all out in 47.4 overs (Sophie Ecclestone 33 no, Anisa Mohammed 2/24, Shamilia Connell 3/38) by 7 runs. 

Also Read : ICC won't rate Rawalpindi pitch poor: PCB source

News Source : PTI

Rawalpindi, Mar 8 (Cricket News) The pitch at the Rawalpindi stadium has been receiving negative reactions from all corners but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) does not think that the ICC will rate it 'poor' or 'not up to the mark' for Test cricket.

The Test between hosts Pakistan and Australia ended in a high-scoring draw but visiting skipper Pat Cummins and top batter Steve Smith were not impressed with the quality of the strip.

"Turning up to a pitch that's probably not a traditional pitch you would get here in Rawalpindi, and it's probably clear they've made an effort to try and nullify the pace bowling," Cummins said.

On the fourth day, Smith, who made 78, described the pitch as "dead".

"There's not a great deal of pace and bounce in it for the seamers, that's for sure," said Smith.

It has been reported that the ICC match referee, Ranjan Madugalle could report it to the world body for not being up to Test cricket standards.

However a PCB source didn't see it happening.

"The ICC takes notices when a pitch is deemed dangerous and unfit for Test cricket," the source said.

Pakistan scored 476 runs in their first innings for loss of just four wickets. In response, Australia scored 459. Pakistan then hammered 252 runs for no loss in second essay, without losing a wicket.

The batters scored at an average of 84.09 runs per wicket which is the highest recorded since the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Test in Galle in 2013 (84.89).

According to ICC guidelines, a Test pitch should have a seam, bounce, spin, and carry at different stages to make an equal match for the batters and bowlers, slightly favouring the bowlers more.

A pitch is considered “poor” if it deprives the bowlers of a fair contest between bat and ball.

After the new ICC rules, the Wanderers Test pitch in South Africa was considered “poor” in 2018. That had played opposite of the Rawalpindi track and was dangerous for the batsman.

According to some Pakistan media reports, the pitch at the Pindi Cricket Stadium may come under the radar of the ICC as only 11 wickets fell in the first four days of the match.

Ranjan Madugalle has previously rated a pitch 'poor' for being unacceptable at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the 2017 Ashes Test.

Under ICC laws if the pitch is rated poor by the match referee, the Pindi Cricket Stadium will receive three demerit points.

Any ground that receives five demerit points in five years is suspended from hosting international cricket for 12 months. 

Also Read : Raj, Mandhana slip two places in ICC Women's ODI Player rankings, Lannings grabs 2nd spot

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 8 (Cricket News) Skipper Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana slipped a couple of places to the fourth and 10th spots respectively in the batting chart of the latest ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings released on Tuesday.

While Raj (718 points) was dismissed cheaply for nine runs, Mandhana (670 points) had hit a 75-ball 52 in India's opening women's ODI World Cup match against Pakistan on Sunday.

The Indian pair of Sneh Rana (53 not out) and Pooja Vastrakar (67 runs), however, moved up to their career best positions following their half-centuries in the team's 107-run win over Pakistan in the opening game.

Rana and Vastrakar had added 122 for India’s seventh wicket to lift them from 114-6 against Pakistan and both moved up to their career best positions with the bat.

Vastrakar occupies the 64th spot, while Rana still doesn't figure in the top 100.

Veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami was static at fourth in the bowlers' chart but spin all-rounder Deepti Sharma slipped a spot to the sixth position in all-rounders' rankings.

The first five games of the ICC event have caused a lot of movement in the women’s ODI player rankings with Australia skipper Meg Lanning climbing up two spots in the rankings for batters.

She is now just one position and 15 rating points away from the top spot that's currently occupied by her teammate Alyssa Healy.

Lanning was in sublime form in the first game against defending champions England, smashing 86 in 110 balls seven fours and a six, which helped Australia post a massive total of 310.

They eventually won the game in the last over by 12 runs.

The Player of the Match from the game, Rachael Haynes, who slammed a brilliant 130 of 131, climbed six spots and broke into the top 10 to occupy the No.7 spot in the rankings. The other centurion from the game – England's Nat Sciver rose five spots to No.6.

Hayley Matthews of West Indies made considerable gains across the board in the rankings for batters, bowlers as well as all-rounders.

She was the Player of the Match in West Indies' three-run heist against New Zealand – she scored a brilliant 119 to set a target of 260 for the White Ferns and then accounted for the wickets of the in-form Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday.

Matthews broke into the top 5 in the all-rounders' list, climbing six spots to No.4 and rose a massive 12 spots to No.20 for batters and three spots No.10 for bowlers.

Among the other players that moved up the rankings were South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka, whose four-for against Bangladesh in the opening game helped her rise a spot to No.6.

Also Read : Warne would have done terrific job as England coach: Ponting

News Source : PTI

Dubai, Mar 8 (Cricket News) Shane Warne would have been a "terrific" England coach with his immense knowledge of the game, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said in an emotional tribute to the legendary spinner.

Following the sacking of Chris Silverwood in the aftermath of Australia's 4-0 Ashes win, Warne had confided to his friends about his aspiration to become England coach, weeks ahead of his shocking death due to suspected heart attack while holidaying in Thailand.

"His (Warne's) passion and knowledge for the game is something to behold. He would have made a great coach. Having someone like Warne to take over the England cricket team, I think he would have done a terrific job," Ponting told fellow broadcaster Isa Guha on 'The ICC Review'.

"He's a huge loss to the world game. It's simple as that, whether he would have done some coaching or even just the way he talks, the insights he gave us through his commentary, I think we're all gonna miss that." Ponting, who played for much of his 15-year international career with Warne said the spin king, however, did not talk to him about his intention to helm the England team. "He didn't (talk to me about that) because I would have tried talking him out of it pretty quickly.

"I think he had a pretty good idea of things to talk to me about and not talk to me about. He would have made a great coach," said the batting legend.

Guha herself said that Warne’s desire to coach England was real.

In a column for 'News Corp', Guha said Warne had floated the idea to her.

“The last time I saw Shane Warne in person, he came to me with a question... 'Hey Ish … I’m keen to put my hand up for this England job, what do you reckon?' He was serious," Guha wrote.

Warne had previously coached and captained the Rajasthan Royals to win the inaugural Indian Premier League in 2008. He also coached The Hundred franchise, the London Spirit.

"I know he's done a bit of it in The Hundred (with the London Spirit) but having someone like Shane Warne to take over the England cricket team now he would have done a great job," Ponting said.

"I don't think he left too much in his head. Whenever he had something to talk about, he made sure he got that out there and he did it in such a great way.

"It was in an educational way. That was what he was. He was very much a teacher through his commentary." Warne's career was marred by many unfortunate incidents and controversies and one of the lowest points was when he had to deal with his broken marriage with then wife Simone Callahan, a few days before the famous 2005 Ashes series.

Their marriage lasted 10 years before the duo split in 2005. But Warne showed character, returning with 40 wickets and finishing as the fifth leading run getter for Australia in their 1-2 defeat.

"I was worried about him, not just his cricket, but his life and home. I wanted to make sure everything was okay," Ponting remembered.

"I finally got him at breakfast and spoke to him. He told me, 'Mate what are you talking? I will deal with all this stuff, I guarantee you when the first ball is bowled in the first Test, you would not even know that anything's up'.

"If you look back, that was probably the greatest series he had in his career, not just with the ball but with the bat." 

Also Read : Used to bowl medium pace to be next Kapil Paaji: Ashwin

News Source : PTI

Mount Maunganui, Mar 8 (Cricket News) Opener Alyssa Healy starred with the bat after Australian bowlers produced a clinical display as the six-time champions coasted to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the ICC Women's World Cup, here on Tuesday.

Australian bowlers struck at regular intervals, save a fine 99-run partnership between skipper Bismah Maroof (78 not out) and all-rounder Aliya Riaz (53), to restrict Pakistan to 190 for six after skipper Meg Lanning decided to field.

The Australian batters, led by star wicketkeeper Healy (72), who scored a scintillating half-century, then batted comfortably to notch up their second win of the tournament with 15.3 overs to spare.

Australia, who defeated England in their campaign opener, thus moved to the top of the table while Pakistan.continued to languish at the bottom. They had lost to India in their tournament-opener.

Chasing 191 for the win, Healy and Racheal Haynes (34) shared a 60-run stand to provide a steady start to Australia.

Some sub-par fielding by Pakistan gave the two openers a reprieve each with their catches going down.

Haynes, who scored a century in Australia's opening game against England, stayed aggressive but her run-a-ball knock was finally put to an end by spinner Nashra Sandhu (1/30).

Healy and Lanning (35) continued the onslaught with Pakistan bowlers having no answer to the pair with Australia edging closer to victory.

Healy brought up her 14th half-century in only 55 deliveries. She hit seven boundaries in her stay at the middle.

However, spinner Omaima Sohail (2/39) managed to get rid of the Australian skipper in the 22nd over and Healy at the start of the 28th but till then the damage was done and Ellyse Perry (26 not out) and Beth Mooney (23 not out) had no trouble taking Australia over the line.

Earlier, skipper Maroof and all-rounder Riaz rescued Pakistan from a precarious position to guide them to a respectable total.  With Pakistan teetering at 44-4 after 13 overs, the duo began its rescue act, sharing a 99-run stand for the fifth wicket before Riaz was trapped leg before in the 45th over.

It was Pakistan's highest partnership at an ICC Women's World Cup.

Maroof, who has returned to play six months after giving birth, was in particular impressive, sending the ball to the fence eight time during her unbeaten 122-ball stay as she ensured Australia would have to score at almost four runs per over to remain unbeaten at the tournament.

She celebrated her half-century by pointing her bat towards the pavilion where her seven-month-old baby Fatima was present.

Experienced seamers Megan Schutt (1/43) and Ellyse Perry (1/27) and medium pacer Nicola Carrey (1/36) picked up a wicket apiece for Australia while spinners Alana King (2/24) and Amanda-Jade Wellington (1/25) also contributed.

Maroof and Riaz didn't score quickly to begin with and played with extreme caution to put together a memorable stand. 

Also Read : Afghan opener Gurbaz likely replacement of Roy in Gujarat Titans

News Source : PTI

(Motorsport) Formula 1 has confirmed that the emilia-Romagna Grand Prix will remain on the calendar until 2025. The track returned to F1 in 2020 for the first time since 2006 as a way to fill the gaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ended up retaining its place in the 2021 and 2022 seasons with this season’s race scheduled for April 24th. This means that two races will be held in Italy for the foreseeable future, one being at Monza which is called the Italian Grand Prix while the Imola Grand Prix is named after its surrounding Emilia-Romagna region.

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali was born in the Emilia-Romagna region and said this in a statement “I am delighted that we will be continuing our excellent partnership with Imola for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix until 2025. The circuit is iconic and has been part of the history of our sport and they have done an incredible job of hosting two races during the pandemic. It is a proud moment for our Italian fans to host two races and for all our fans around the world to see this fantastic circuit on the calendar for the future."

“I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen and the work of the Emilia-Romagna Region, in particular the President of the Automobile Club of Italy, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, President of Emilia-Romagna, Stefano Bonaccini, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the City of Imola. We are all looking forward to being back in Imola in April to thrill our fans.”

President of the Automobile Club of Italy, Angelo Sticchi Damiani, said: “Today's agreement ratifies the presence of the Formula 1 Rolex Grand Prix of Made in Italy and Emilia Romagna at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit in Imola until 2025. Imola, it's great history and the strong tie of its territory to the world of engines deserved this recognition. This is not only a great success for sport in Italy but also a great enrichment for the top international motorsport series that has confirmed in its calendar for several years one of the most difficult races, but also the greatest, and the one that's mostly loved by both drivers and teams.

“Of course, the long negotiations carried out by the Automobile Club of Italy managed to achieve the desired goal thanks to the important support received from various local authorities. Among all, I would like to underline the enthusiastic work of the Emilia Romagna Region and its President Stefano Bonaccini."

President of Emilia Romagna, Stefano Bonaccini, said: “It's an extraordinary result for the Emilia-Romagna region and for the Motor Valley. The confirmation that the Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Formula 1 Grand Prix that will be held at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Autodrome in Imola until 2025 is a reward to an important team effort that involved the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ice (i.d. the Italian Trade Agency), the City of Imola, ACI, CON.AMI and Formula 1, of course.

“After two successfully organized editions, a unique event of great international appeal and absolute prestige was confirmed in the long run along the Via Emilia despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic and while preparations are already underway for the 2022 edition.

“The event will allow us to turn the spotlight on both a region which is home to great champions and world-famous motorsport brands and Italy, a country rich in unique, internationally renowned excellence in all fields, starting from the automotive industry. For us, this is a great source of pride and a precious opportunity to discuss values, knowledge and professionalism that translate first and foremost into work, innovation and the ability to do business together and with great passion.”

Previously known as the San Marino GP, the Imola track hosted the first Italian GP in 1980 and became the San Marino Grand Prix venue from 1981 to 2006. The track is also infamous for being the venue where legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna met with a fatal crash in 1994. The race on 24th April at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari International Circuit will be the fourth in the 2022 season’s 24 race calendar while the Italian GP race will take place in September and will be the 16th race of the season.

Also read: Formula 1 team Haas terminate Nikita Mazepin’s contract

Dubai, Mar 7 (Cricket News) Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting "loves" Shane Warne so much that he tends to switch off his television set on hearing the late spin king's voice in it in the past couple of days as he can't still believe that his one-time team-mate is no more.

In an emotional tribute to Warne with whom he played for much of his 15-year international career, Ponting said he is still struggling to comprehend the unexpected death of his close friend.

"It was so raw to me I couldn't really speak and every time I thought about him and our experiences and our journey together and I just got short for words," Ponting told Isa Guha, on The ICC Review.

"Even today I have had the TV on watching the tributes, but every time I hear his voice I have to turn it off.

"It's been a tough couple of days, but it makes us a bit more aware of things I probably need to pay more attention to and there is stuff there for all of us to learn.” Ponting knew Warne better than most having played alongside the iconic spinner for much of his international career, where the duo shared numerous Test victories, memorable series triumphs and a successful World Cup campaign in 1999.

But while Ponting lived in the same Melbourne bayside suburb as Warne and even caught up for the occasional game of golf all the way up to his death, the former Australia skipper said there was one thing he will never get to share with his long-time friend.

"I would say just how much I love him," Ponting said tearily, when asked what he would say to Warne if he had the chance for one final conversation.

"I didn't say that to him and I wish I did." Warne died at the age of 52 of suspected heart attack at the Thai resort of Koh Samui on Friday, leaving the cricket world stunned and shell-shocked.

"I woke up nice and early I was getting the kids ready to go to netball and Rianna (Ponting’s wife) looked at her phone and told me the news about Warney," he said.

"I grabbed the phone out of her hand to look at it and I couldn't believe it and it is still the same now," said the legendary batsman.

He vowed to ensure the champion leg spinner's legacy continues through his interactions with younger generation.

"He (Warne) was a teacher through his commentary and I've seen hundreds of photos over the last 24 hours of all the spinners he worked with. He helped Steve Smith in his younger days and Rashid Khan has been catching up with him - just imagine the conversations they would have had.

"So I feel it is now up to me whenever I get an opportunity to just let the world know what he was like and pass on some of the things I learnt from him." Ponting also reflected on the special memories he had with Warne while also paying homage to the type of man he was.

"If you spent a day with him (it was amazing to) see some of the names flashing up on his mobile phone.

"It was very rare for Warney just to be sitting at home. He would always try and find time for his friends and his family and that was one of his great strengths," Ponting said.

"The more people talking about Shane, the thing that will shine through will be just how loyal he was to family and friends and how loved he was. He had the energy that drew you to him and that is a trait that not a lot of people have." 

Also Read : India register emphatic win against Sri Lanka with multiple milestones 

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Dunedin, Mar 7 (Cricket News) Hosts New Zealand registered their first win of the tournament as they inflicted a nine-wicket defeat on Bangladesh in a rain-curtailed ICC Women's World Cup match here on Monday.

New Zealand bowlers first restricted Bangladesh to 140 for 8 after a long rain delay before Suzie Bates hit a strokeful unbeaten half-century to power the hosts to a victory with 42 balls to spare in the match that was reduced to 27 overs apiece.

The win earned New Zealand, who lost to West Indies in the tournament opener, two valuable points as they rose to the third place while, Bangladesh remain winless from their two matches and are in seventh spot.

Chasing the target, the White Ferns had a sedate start. Their innings was further dented in the seventh over when spinner Salma Khatun sent skipper Sohie Devine (14) packing but apart from that the Bangladesh bowlers didn't bother the hosts much.

Bates used all her experience and guile in her 79 from just 68 deliveries. She stitched a match-winning 108-run stand with Amelia Kerr (47 not out).

It was Bates’ 28th ODI fifty as she became just the sixth batter to score 1000 runs in Women's World Cup matches when she found the boundary late in her innings.

The all-rounder hit eight fours, two more than the entire Bangladesh team, while Kerr found the fence four times.

Earlier put in to bat by New Zealand after a rain delay that lasted four hours, openers Fargana Hoque (52) and Shamima Sultana (33) gave Bangladesh, who lost against South Africa in their campaign opener, a bright start.

With the five-over power play complete, Bangladesh looked to be racing to a competitive total on 41 for no loss.

But the opening partnership was put to an end by spin all-rounder Frances Mackay (1/24). The 31-year-old right-arm off-spinner than went on to effect half-centurian Hoque's run out in the 15th over.

After that it was an Amy Satterthwaite (3/25) show as the veteran all-rounder bowled a crucial spell, taking three wickets from five overs.

Bangladesh couldn't recover from the loss of their openers as only two more batters reached double digit scores.

The Nigar Sultana-led side crumbled under the pressure, slipping to 81 for three after 15 overs, their positive start undone by losing three wickets for 21 runs.

Ritu Moni (4) could not make her usual cameo as Devine pouched the catch that gave Satterthwaite her 50th wicket in ODI cricket.

With the feat she joins an illustrious group to have made 3,000 runs and taken 50 wickets in one-day internationals, including the likes of Charlotte Edwards, Karen Rolton and Stafanie Taylor. 

Also Read : South African cricketers face test of loyalty ahead of IPL: Elgar

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Mount Maunganui, Mar 6 (Cricket News) The Indian team thrashed arch-rivals Pakistan by 107 runs to begin their campaign in the ICC Women's World Cup on a rousing note here on Sunday, the much-anticipated face-off ending in a no contest.

Opting to bat after the coin landed in India's favour, in-form opener Smriti Mandhana, Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar struck useful half-centuries to help their team recover from an early wobble and post 244 for seven at the Bay Oval.

Chasing a tricky target of 245, the Pakistan team fell way short of the mark and was all out for 137 in 43 overs, losing its 11th straight game against neighbours India in the 50-over format.

Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad did the star turn with the ball, returning with excellent figures of 4/31 after her full quota of 10 overs. Seasoned pacer Jhulan Goswami bowled very well to finish the game with impressive figures of 2/29, while there were also two wickets for Rana (2/27), capping off her fine all-round show.

To start with however, the Indians found themselves under pressure after opener Shafali Verma was dismissed for a duck in the third over.

A 92-run stand between Mandhana (52 off 75 balls) and Deepti Sharma (40 off 57) helped steady the ship.

However, Pakistan came back strongly by claiming a flurry of wickets, including the scalps of skipper Mithali Raj (9) and her deputy Haramanpreet Kaur (5).

It wasn't a good outing for Raj with the willow but, by turning out in the India jersey on Sunday, the veteran 39-year-old became only the third cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar and Javed Miandad to appear in six World Cups and the first woman to achieve the feat.

Raj, though, would take her cheap dismissal in her stride as her team achieved the result it sought.

After the early dismissal of Shafali, the duo of Mandhana and Deepti got together to first steady the innings and then build a foundation for Rana and Vastrakar to take their team closer to 250.

Rana (53 not out) and Vastrakar (67) shared a crucial 122-run partnership -- the highest for the seventh wicket in ICC Women's World Cups -- to help boost the India total.

From the Pakistan point of view, the stand between Rana and Vastrakar hit them hard as they were hoping to restrict India after reducing them to 114 for six at one point.

Mandhana and Deepti were dismissed within a few overs of each other. Deepti missed a sweep and was bowled by Nashra Sundhu for 40, and Mandhana followed suit 13 balls later, giving a return catch to Anam Amin.

The rest of the batters failed to build on the foundation laid by Mandhana and Deepti as the likes of Raj, Kaur and Richa Ghosh fell in quick succession to leave their team in a spot of bother.

Pakistan had their tails up at that stage of the game but, batting in the lower order, Rana and Vastrakar had other ideas and displayed immense grit to pull India out of trouble.

For Pakistan, spinners Nida Dar (2/45) and Nashra Sandhu (2/36) snared two wickets each.

In reply, Pakistan were precariously placed at 78 for five at the halfway point in their innings, 167 runs away from a win.

India were rewarded for some tight bowling early on, limiting Pakistan to just 26 for no loss at the end of the powerplay.

The pressure got to the openers as Javeria Khan departed in the 11th over, trying to take the aerial route.

After that, the Indian spinners continued to keep a lid on the scoring, with Deepti and Rana taking the important wickets of Pakistan skipper Bismah Maroof and Omaima Sohail respectively.

Goswami then got into the act, dismissing the settled Sidra Ameen, who was caught behind. Jhulan struck again in her next over to remove Dar for 4 as Pakistan stared at a big defeat.

It was pleasing to see Jhulan, even after so many years, running in hard and giving everything for her team.

This is Pakistan's 15th defeat while chasing in the Women's World Cup games. 

Also Read : Ashwin goes past Kapil Dev's 434 wickets, becomes India's second highest wicket-taker in Tests

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Mount Maunganui, Mar 6 (Cricket News) One of the game's finest servants, India captain Mithali Raj on Sunday became only the third cricketer and the first woman to appear in six World Cups, joining the iconic Sachin Tendulkar and Pakistani great Javed Miandad.

She achieved the feat as India locked horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in their much-anticipated opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup at the Bay Oval here.

Raj, a 39-year-old veteran of many memorable matches, had made her maiden World Cup appearance in 2000, before playing the event in 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017 and now in 2022.

In the women's game, the Indian batter surpassed former New Zealand cricketer Debbie Hockley and Charlotte Edwards of England.

Fast bowler Jhulan Goswami, Raj's India teammate for the longest time, stands second on the list with five World Cup appearance.

Tendulkar, the holder of innumerable batting records, is the only Indian cricketer apart from Raj to feature in six World Cups, starting from 1992 to the triumphant campaign in 2011.

Earlier in the day, India won the toss and opted to bat.

India have an unbeaten record against Pakistan in women's ODIs, winning all their 10 matches, with three of those being in World Cups. 

Also Read : India bowl out Sri Lanka for 174, take first-innings lead of 400

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Mohali, Mar 5 (Cricket News) Ravindra Jadeja could have easily gone on to make a double hundred against Sri Lanka on Saturday but the Indian all-rounder sent a message asking for declaration as he wanted his side to exploit the variable bounce and turn on offer.

Jadeja scored a career-best 175 in India's 574 for 8 declared and Sri Lanka then were left tottering at 108 for 4 at the end of second day's play.

While there was a buzz that Jadeja should have been given a chance to go for a double, the cricketer insisted that it was an ideal time to declare giving opposition a session under difficult circumstances.

"I also told them that there is variable bounce and deliveries have started turning. So I sent a message that there is something on offer from the strip and I suggested that we should put them in to bat now itself.

"They were already tired fielding for nearly quarter to two days (five sessions)," Jadeja, who also picked up rival skipper Dimuth Karunaratne's wicket, said after second day's play.

"Since they were tired, it was not easy to play the big shots straightaway and bat for long hours. So plan was to declare quickly and exploit the fatigue of the opposition batters," he further explained.

In fact, the up and down nature of the track helped him remove Karunaratne, who has been a prolific performer in 2021 and a part of ICC's Test Team of the Year.

"When I was batting, there were some deliveries that turned and some kept low. There was natural variation off the surface and that was the plan. To keep the ball on the stumps and if we keep it on stumps, it can go straight or also turn from the same spot, and that's what happened.

"My first ball (to Karunaratne) turned and second ball I thought that I will bowl on the fourth stump and if it turns or stays low, there was always a chance of getting a wicket." On his big hundred, Jadeja spoke about his mindset of trying to improve every time he plays for India.

"I look to improve my game every single time I play for India. When I get an opportunity to score runs, I look to implement that opportunity in performance and so yeah, all in all, I am very much happy," he said.

While he has three triple hundreds for Saurashtra in Ranji Trophy, Jadeja has no issues batting at No.7 in the national set-up and also praised Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Shami, all of whom were involved in three hundred-plus stands.

"I used to bat at No.4 for Saurashtra so I had a lot of time to build my innings but here I bat No.7 but Rishabh, Ashwin and Shami all three supported me," he said.

"As a batter, I give myself time in shot selection and I select my shot after analysing the behaviour of the strip." His improved batsmanship at the Test level has a lot to do with his calm demeanour.

"The mindset needs to change in international cricket and I try to stay calm in pressure situations, so that I can maximise my ability and play my natural game." 

Also Read : Following on, Delhi fighting hard riding on Dhull's unbeaten fifty against Chhattisgarh

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Mount Maunganui, Mar 6 (Cricket News) Smriti Mandhana, Sneh Rana and Pooja Vastrakar scored half-centuries to help India post 244 for seven in their ICC women's World Cup opener against Pakistan here on Sunday.

Opting to bat, India were under pressure after opener Shafali Verma was dismissed for a duck.

A 92-run stand between Mandhana (52 off 75) and Deepti Sharma (40) helped steady the ship.

However, Pakistan came back by claiming a flurry of wickets, including the scalps of skipper Mithali Raj (9) and her deputy Haramanpreet Kaur (5).

Rana (53 not out) and Vastrakar (67) then shared a crucial 122-run partnership to take India to a respectable total.

For Pakistan, spinners Nida Dar (2/45) and Nashra Sandhu (2/36) snared two wickets each.

Brief Scores: India: 244 for 7 in 50 overs (Pooja Vastrakar 67, Sneh Rana 53 not out, Smriti Mandhana 52; Nashra Sandhu 2/36, Nida Dar 2/45). 

Also Read : Rockstar Ravindra Jadeja puts India in the box seat on Day 2

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(Cricket news)England Women narrowly lost their ICC Women's World Cup opener against Australia Women in Hamilton despite a brave chase. Heather Knight's team eventually fell 12 runs short. After the Aussies set a record 311 to win, Tammy Beaumont (74) and Nat Sciver (109*) took England to 298-8 but with 16 needed from the last over it wasn't quite enough.

Sciver had decent support on her way to her fourth ODI century - her third in ICC Women's World Cups, brought up from just 79 balls - with Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley and Katherine Brunt adding to the foundations set by Beaumont.

In reaching 74, Beaumont passed 3,000 ODI runs - the fifth English woman to that landmark, the fourth quickest overall and England's quickest ever. Australia had earlier been inspired by fine innings from Rachael Haynes (130) and Meg Lanning (86), who put on 196 for the second wicket. England travel to Dunedin for their second World Cup fixture against West Indies, on Tuesday March 8. 

England Women's World Cup Fixtures

Saturday March 5: Australia Women 310-3 beat England Women 298-8 by 12 runs

Tuesday March 8: England Women v West Indies Women, Dunedin (11am local, 10pm UK time March 7)

Monday March 14: England Women v South Africa Women, Mount Maunganui (11am local, 10pm UK time March 13)

Wednesday March 16: England Women v India Women, Mount Maunganui (2pm local, 1am UK time)

Saturday March 19: England Women v New Zealand Women, Auckland (11am local, 10pm UK time March 18)

Thursday March 24: England Women v Pakistan Women, Christchurch (2pm local, 1am UK time)

Saturday March 26: England Women v Bangladesh Women, Wellington (11am local, 10pm UK time March 25)

Also read: Sciver's ton goes in vain as England fall short against Australia

Mohali, Mar 3 (Cricket News) Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has vouched for one captain across all three formats for the Indian team, saying the concept of split captaincy won't work here.

Karthik hailed Rohit Sharma's elevation as Indian team's captain across all formats on the eve of the Mumbai batter's Test captaincy debut against Sri Lanka in the game starting here on Friday.

"A cricketing country like India needs one captain," Karthik said on the ICC Review.

"It is very easy to deal with one captain for all three formats.

"I remember MS Dhoni saying that split captaincy doesn't work in India that well. We haven't had that over a period of time, so we wouldn't know. But at this point in time when I do see it, I think he (Rohit) is the man. Every time he touched something, it's turned to gold. All the series he has been a part of, he has won convincingly." Karthik also praised Rohit for the way he has used Indian bowlers and his handling of young players.

India have recently completed 3-0 series sweeps in the T20Is against New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

"He has shown a lot of tactical nous in the games that he has played. Moved the bowlers around really well, giving confidence to the batters and when they've won a series, giving opportunities to the young guys," Karthik said.

"Sometimes taking a backseat, batting in a position where obviously he has not batted there for a long time. So, he is doing a lot of things right." 

Also Read : I know how momentous it is, Virat still has time for greater milestones: Ganguly

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Dubai, Mar 3 (Cricket News) The Decision Review System (DRS) will be available at all matches of the ICC Women's World Cup which begins on Friday in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

The ICC on Thursday said that the March 4 to April 3 showpiece will be the most widely distributed women's cricket event of all time with unprecedented coverage.

This is the second time DRS is being used in the women's World Cup. The system was used in the 2017 edition in England.

"The Decision Review System (DRS) will be available at all matches," the world body said in a release.

"All matches of the prestigious tournament will be covered live by broadcast partners around the world, who will access a fully produced world feed programme from ICC TV using a minimum of 24 cameras at each of the six venues." Hosts New Zealand face West Indies in the tournament opener in Mount Maunganui on Friday.

"Women's cricket has made rapid progress in the past few years, and I have been following it very keenly. The world's best have converged in New Zealand and I'm sure there are lots of thrills in store in the coming weeks," fomer England men's team captain and one of the commentators, Nasser Hussain said. 

Also Read : Never thought I would play 100th Test: Virat Kohli

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Mount  Maunganui, Mar 3 (Cricket News) Mithali Raj will be eager to get her hands on a maiden title in what would be her last hurrah for India at the world stage, Heather Knight will hope to defend it while Meg Lanning seems primed to lead Australia to a 'Magnificent Seventh' when the ICC Women's World Cup gets underway here on Friday.

The tournament, which was postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be played across six venues with the ICC deciding that teams will stay in a 'managed environment' instead of stringent bio-bubbles.

The marquee event will be played in the league format, where all eight teams will face each other once with the top four sides qualifying for the semifinals.

India, who were runners-up in the last edition and in 2005, open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan, while hosts New Zealand, who won the title in 2000, will take on West Indies in the tournament opener.

Australia, the most successful side with six titles, will meet defending champions England, who have been crowned champions four times.

The month-long event will see young stars and veterans come together. While the likes of Mithali, Jhulan Goswami, Suzie Bates and Megan Schutt will look to add to their already glittering legacies, teenagers including Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Fran Jones and Darcie Brown will be eager to make one.

Here's a look at the eight contenders: Australia ====== Hurt by the shock semifinal loss to India in 2017, six-time champions Australia have left no stone unturned in their quest for an unprecedented seventh title.

Such has been Australia’s dominance in the past four years in the 50-over format that the Southern stars have lost just one ODI in their last 30 games.

Labelled favourites, Australia head to the World Cup on the back of a dominating 3-0 ODI series victory against arch-rivals England in the Ashes.

Ellyse Perry, who has dominated with bat and ball at World Cups since 2009, has recaptured her best form with a commanding all-round display recently.

In Alyssa Healy, Meg Lanning, Perry and Beth Mooney, Australia have plenty of experience at the top while the likes of Ashleigh Gardner and Jess Jonassen will be tasked to play the big shot towards the end, making for a strong batting unit.

India ==== Runners up in the last edition, India will be keen to go one step ahead and claim the title that has eluded them, specially skipper Mithali and veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, who will be playing their last World Cup.

India were staring at a demoralising 5-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand but have been able to turn things around by winning the final match of the series while also emerging victorious in their warm-up games.

While Mithali and Goswami continue to play pivotal roles in the team, young Richa Ghosh has shone in recent series. Star opener Smriti Mandhana is also in good nick while the talismanic Harmanpreet Kaur, considered a big-event player, has also found her groove and is expected to set the stage ablaze.

England ====== The defending champions and the second most successful team in the history of the tournament, England will be eager to retain their crown.

Despite the recent Ashes white-wash, England has been one of the most successful sides in women's ODIs since the end of the last World Cup.

Kate Cross will be making her much-awaited debut. She has picked up the most wickets for England since 2019 at an average of 17.24 and an economy rate just above four runs per over. A lot will be expected of the seamer.

Another key player for England will be Tammy Beaumont, who was the Player of the tournament in the last edition. The opener has continued her rich vein of form.

New Zealand =========  Last time the tournament was held in New Zealand 22 years ago, the White Ferns won their maiden and only title. The hosts will look to repeat the feat and they have had the perfect lead up to the tournament.

Sophie Devine and her side registered a 4-1 series defeat over India while notching up a mammoth nine-wicket win over Australia in the warm-up game.

The Kiwis are performing as a well-oiled unit. Their top batters have been impressive. Amelia Kerr, who was promoted to No 3 form No 5, has taken to the spot like a duck to water.

The all-rounder was the leading run-scorer of the series. She has also delivered with the ball alongside sister Jess Kerr.

Suzie Bates heads to the marquee event with a hundred as does skipper Sophie Devine, who blasted an unbeaten 161 against Australia in the warm-up game, while Amy Satterthwaite has also been among runs.

South Africa ========= Riding high on confidence owing to series victories over West Indies, Pakistan and India, South Africa will aim to ride the momentum in search of their maiden World Cup title.

Sune Luus and Co. have played the most ODIs among all teams since the 2017 World Cup and have enough depth and talent in their squad to go all the way.

Widely regarded as the fastest women's bowler in the world, expectations will be high from pacer Shabnim Ismail.

Laura Wolvaardt and Luus have also been in good touch and will be banked on to collect the runs for the team.

West Indies ======== West Indies qualified for the tournament owing to their ODI rankings after the Qualifiers was cancelled mid-way last year due to COVID-19. The runners-up finish in 2013 was their best ever performance.

They have a blend of youth and experience in their side.

Off-spinner Anisa Mohammed will be making a fifth appearance in the World Cup. She has plenty of experience to offer.

Skipper Stafanie Taylor is a proven match-winner with the bat and is just as effective with her off-spin and is definitely one to look out for.

Big-hitting Deandra Dottin is another player to keep an eye on. She recently smashed her ODI-best of 150 not out against South Africa.

Pakistan ====== Pakistan have competed in four World Cups, finishing at the bottom in three of them. Their best result was a fifth place finish in the 2009 edition.

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof, who returns from maternity break, hopes to lead her side to the semifinals.

Left-arm seamer Nashra Sundhu, who is the team’s most reliable performer with the ball and has an impressive average of just over 28, will be the one to watch.

Bangladesh ======= Bangladesh will play in the tournament for the first time, having qualified on the basis of their ODI rankings. They will hope to leave an impression in their maiden tournament.

Captaining the side is Nigar Sultana, who will be expected to deliver with the bat and behind the stumps. 

Also Read : A 'Testy Treat': Rohit's Team India ready to dish out stellar show in King Kohli's 100th Test

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New Delhi, Mar 2 (Football news) The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) disciplinary committee on Wednesday slapped a two-match suspension and a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh on Kerala Blasters FC mid-fielder Harmanjot Singh Khabra.

Khabra was found guilty of "hitting an opponent when not challenging for the ball" after being charged with "violent conduct' in an Indian Super League match against Hyderabad FC last month.

Upon investigating video footage of the incident, the AIFF body show caused the player.

In his written response, Khabra regretted "making an error in sporting judgment and acting in a manner which is not in line with the laws of the game and it was never his intention to hurt Sahil Tavora." The committee called upon for an additional hearing and passed their verdict on Tuesday. Khabra will remain suspended for Kerala Blasters FC's last two ISL league-stage matches this season against Mumbai City FC (March 2) and FC Goa (March 6).

The 33-year-old will be eligible for selection next if Kerala Blasters FC reach the semi-finals. 

Also Read : Shreyas Iyer jumps 27 places to 18th in ICC T20 rankings

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Dubai, Mar 2 (Cricket News) Riding on his splendid run against Sri Lanka recently, India batter Shreyas Iyer has jumped a massive 27 spots in the latest ICC T20I rankings, even as Virat Kohli fell out of the top 10.

India's recent home series win against Sri Lanka has had major ramifications on the player rankings aiding attacking top-order batter Iyer to make a massive jump to reach the 18th position in the list for batters.

Iyer scored three unbeaten half-centuries during India's 3-0 win against Sri Lanka in February, with the 27-year-old amassing an impressive 204 runs at a strike rate of 174.

Iyer's teammate pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar jumped three spots to 17th on the bowler rankings.

Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka scored an impressive 75 in the second game of the series, and he was rewarded with a six-spot rise to ninth on the rankings, while former India captain Kohli - who was rested for the series - dropped five places to 15th.

The other big mover with the bat in T20I cricket this week is Mohammad Waseem of the UAE. His unbeaten century against Ireland in the final of ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier A, helped him reach the 12th position with the bat. That is the highest T20I ranking by any UAE batter, surpassing Shaiman Anwar's 13th place achieved in 2017.

Sri Lanka's Lahiru Kumara's five wickets in the series with India have lifted him into the top 40 bowlers for the first time.

Other bowlers who enjoyed a successful time at the T20 World Cup Qualifier A include Zahoor Khan of UAE (up 17 places to joint-42nd) and Ireland's Josh Little (up 27 places to join-49th).

Rohan Mustafa's successes with bat and ball have enabled him to move up to sixth place among all-rounders, just one place below his best of fifth achieved in February 2020.

The biggest mover on the Test rankings was South African quick Kagiso Rabada, who shot up three places to third following his impressive display against hosts New Zealand.

Rabada managed 10 wickets during the two-match series, with his magnificent haul of 5/60 in the first innings of the second Test helping the Proteas on their way to an important 198-run triumph.

The kiwi duo of Kyle Jamieson (dropped two spots to fifth) and Tim Southee (dropped one spot to sixth) lost ground in the bowler rankings, with Australia captain Pat Cummins and India veteran Ravichandran Ashwin still leading the way.

Marnus Labuschagne remained as the top ranked Test batter, with New Zealander Devon Conway jumping six places to 17th following his 92 in the second innings of the second Test against South Africa.

In the ODI rankings for men, veteran spinner Rashid Khan re-claimed his spot in the top 10 for bowlers following five wickets from the recent three-game series against Bangladesh.

Rashid jumped six spots to ninth, while teammate Mehidy Hasan Miraz dropped two spots to seventh following the series.

Sri Lanka's Liton Das was the leading run-scorer in the ODI series between Bangladesh and Afghanistan, and he is up to a career-best 32nd with the bat.

Trent Boult remained the top ranked ODI bowler, while Pakistan right-hander Babar Azam led the way for batters. 

Also Read : Harmanpreet credits team psychologist for helping her come out of 'shell'

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Christchurch, Mar 2 (Cricket News) India's ODI vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Wednesday revealed she was "going into a shell" before the team's psychologist Mugdha Bavare helped her get "clear ideas" and regain her lost form ahead of the ICC Women's World Cup.

Bavare is travelling with the team in New Zealand, which is hosting the ODI showpiece from Friday.

It is the first time that the Indian women's team has a sports psychologist on tour.

"Mugdha ma'am is travelling with us and she has been of a lot of help especially in the last four games which we played against New Zealand where my performance was not good and even I was going into a shell because the World Cup was coming," Kaur said during a virtual press conference.

"After I spoke to her I felt I was actually looking for that. I had things in my mind but I was not aware of it because of lot of pressure but after talking to her I got the solutions.

"I got clear ideas after talking to her, those things really helped during the last 2-3 games. I'm sure the team is also benefitting from her because I can see she's continuously talking to all the players, which is very important and that will really help us," Kaur added.

Bavare is a former national level swimmer and was engaged for the Indian men and women's wrestling teams, boxers and track and field athletes ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics. She has also been associated with the Mumbai Cricket Association beside working with ace archer Deepika Kumari in the past.

The 32-year-old Harmanpreet was struggling with the bat in ODIs for quite some time now.

In the just-concluded ODI series against New Zealand, Kaur had scores of 10, 10 and 13 in the first three ODIs before she was dropped for the fourth game.

However, in the final game, she played a 63-run knock and followed that up with a century (104) in the World Cup warm-up match against South Africa.

Last month, skipper Mithali Raj had also said that the team was benefitting immensely from the presence of a sports psychologist during its tour of New Zealand and such professional help is the need of the hour.

Raj had earlier also spoken about the need for a psychologist to deal with the pressure of knockout games.

She had said that with tours now being played in bio-bubbles, professional help is all the more crucial now. 

Also Read : Top uncapped players to watch out for CSK, MI, KKR, DC, PBKS

News Source : PTI

(Cricket news) With the IPL season set to begin from the 26th of March it's time to look at the lesser known uncapped players in each of the teams who can make a significant impact. Over the years we have seen a plethora of players get the much needed pedestal in the IPL to showcase their talent and some players have gone on to represent the country also.

• Chennai Super Kings (Tushar Deshpande)

Tushar Deshpande ever since making his debut for Mumbai in first class cricket, he has been a force to reckon with. Tushar Deshpande spearheads the Mumbai attack in all formats for them in the domestic circuit thanks to his raw pace and match-winning performances. He has played in the IPL once with Delhi but didn’t get enough matches to showcase his raw talent. The 26-year-old took 50 wickets for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy last year and made valuable contributions with the bat also. His career trajectory is pretty similar to Shardul Thakur and CSK have identified him as a able replacement for him and this season he will have a massive part to play at the start of the season as Deepak Chahar won’t be playing the initial few matches because of an injury.

• Mumbai Indians (Dewald Brevis)

Nicknamed as the “baby AB” for his similarities with the South African great AB de Villiers. Dewald Brevis captured all the headlines during the ICC U10 World Cup 2022 where Brevis got all the limelight for his excellent batting performance for South Africa. Although his team got knocked out in the quarter final, he ended up as the highest run-getter and made a lasting impression in the cricketing circuit . In his short U19 career he scored 506 runs at an average of 84.33 and a strike-rate of more than 90 .He played for the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) which was subsequently the same school from where his inspiration ‘Mr.360’ had done his schooling. This season MI went with a team for the future and Brevis can provide that much needed flare and elegance in the team.

• Kolkata Knight Riders (Aman Khan) 

The KKR franchise have a knack of identifying big hitters in the Indian domestic set up and Aman Khan certainly possesses that ability. Aman made his name by doing well in the T20 Mumbai league in 2018 as he scored 187 runs in 6 matches but with an unbelievable strike rate of 171.56. But he really made his name when he scored 137 off 60 in the DY Patil Cup which really impressed the selectors. In March 2021, he finally featured in List A fixture for Mumbai and then went to make play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2021 where he couldn’t really showcase his talent in those 4 matches he played. One thing going in favour for him is that he shares a very close bond with new KKR captain Shreyas Iyeras trained together at the Dadar Ground when they were young.

• Delhi Capitals ( Yash Dhull)

The India U19 captain heading into the auction was a hot property especially after his wonderful 100 against Australia in the semifinals.Then recently Yash Dhull capped off a dream first-class debut by scoring his second hundred of the game as the Ranji Trophy Group H match between Delhi and Tamil Nadu. In the U19 World Cup he was fantastic at the top-order scoring 229 runs in the four matches he played at an average of 76.33. The fact that he missed a few matches due to covid and still managed to bounce back with match winning performances tells a lot about his mentality and leadership skills. He idolises Virat Kohli and is following in the same footsteps of his idol and if he's anything like him then Delhi have hit the jackpot.

• Punjab Kings ( Benny Howell)

Howell is a French-born cricketer who is a right-handed batsman who bowls right-arm medium-fast. Howell has a vast variety of experience playing  domestically for Hampshire County Cricket Club and Gloucestershire. He has also played all around the world being part of the Bangladesh Premier League for three seasons representing Rangpur Riders. Howell has played in the BPL alongside the likes of Ravi Bopara, Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, and Rilee Rossouw, all top quality players who have tasted success at the highest level. The 33 year old is a relatively unknown entity in India but Howell is well known for claiming to have developed 50 different varieties of slower which has been heavily influenced by work of pitchers in baseball. In 113 T20 Cup matches in England, Howell has taken 131 wickets at an average of 19.44 which is quite impressive considering he's a medium pacer.

Also read: KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer wants to be 'players' captain'
 

Rangiora (New Zealand), Mar 1 (Cricket News) Captaining the Indian women's team in the upcoming World Cup after first featuring in the showpiece 22 years ago, Mithali Raj feels her career has come a full circle with only the dream of holding the "elusive" trophy remaining unfulfilled.

Raj was a part of the Indian team that played in the 2000 World Cup in New Zealand and more than two decades later, she is returning to the same country, this time as the captain.

In between, she had also faced the heartbreak of losing in the summit clash to England in the 2017 edition, besides being a member of the team that ended second in 2005.

"I have come a long way from the 2000 World Cup, that also in New Zealand. I missed (matches of) that World Cup because of typhoid and here I am. It has come a full circle and I am looking forward to finishing the journey," Raj said in a video posted by the ICC.

"I would look forward to all my players doing well in the World Cup and that will give the Indian team the opportunity to get a hand on that elusive cup." India had lost the recent ODI series against New Zealand 1-4 but the team was able to post 250-plus scores consistently. Raj said the side was looking to do better during the March 4 to April 3 World Cup.

"What we are looking at improving as a team for the World Cup is something we worked in the last series and before that.

"Yes, there was a bit of concern during South Africa and England tour. By the Australia and New Zealand series, the team has come around well to score above 250 consistently. We look forward to doing the same during the World Cup, probably much better than that." The 39-year-old veteran batter said having a few left-handers among the top and middle-order is an advantage for the team.

"It is good to have left handers in the playing XI, the advantage of having a left-right combination in the middle creates difficulties to the (opposition) captain, bowlers and the fielders." Raj has been in good nick in the lead-up to the showpiece with nine fifties since the resumption of cricket last year.

"I always prefer sticking to the basics of the game because when you play a big game and high pressure situation, it is difficult to maintain composure. It is important to focus on the basic things you have worked on over the years and that comes to your help." She said a strong performance in the World Cup would help in improving the fan base of the Indian women's cricket team.

"I hope each and every player becomes a household name. Also, there are a lot many young girls who looked up to the players. I am sure they will idolise many more women cricketers.

"Not just girls, but also young boys should look up to the young girls because these girls have work so hard, sacrificed so much to be at the spot where they are now." 

Also Read : Mumbai teen attempts record for batting longest, stays at crease for over 72 hours

News Source : PTI

Rangiora (New Zealand), Mar 1 (Cricket News) India will enter the ICC Women's World Cup with their tails up after opener Smriti Mandhana's 67-ball 66 and the bowlers' disciplined show powered them to an 81-run win over West Indies in their final warm-up game here on Tuesday.

Kept under observation after taking a blow to her head during the team's first practice match against South Africa on Sunday, the elegant Mandhana was in her element within two days from the injury, laying the foundation for India's challenging total of 258 all out in the allotted 50 overs.

In reply, West Indies were stopped at 177 for nine at Rangiora Oval.

India, who will face arch-rivals Pakistan in their campaign opener on Sunday, beat South Africa by two runs in their first warm-up game.

Opting to bat, 2017 edition finalists India were off to a poor start as Shafali Verma was bowled by Chinelle Henry for a duck.

Deepti Sharma joined Mandhana in the middle and the two went about rebuilding the innings with a partnership that was broken after the two experienced campaigners had added 117 runs for the second wicket while maintaining a scoring rate of almost six.

The in-from Mandhana compiled her 66 runs in 67 balls, hitting seven fours in the process before being dismissed by Cherry-Ann Fraser off her own bowling.

Mandhana's fine effort came barely two days after she was diagnosed with a mild soft tissue injury to her left earlobe which caused discomfort while batting against the South Africans, forcing her to leave the field retired hurt.

Deepti made 51 off 64 balls, accumulating most of her runs in singles and two. She hit just one boundary during her stay in the middle.

When Deepti was sent back by Fraser, India were 142 for three in the 27th over.

Skipper Mithali Raj contributed 30 off 42 balls with the help of four boundaries, while Yastika Bhatia chipped in with an useful 42 in 53 deliveries. Bhatia found the fence five times.

West Indies' innings got off to a disastrous start as they lost four wickets with only 53 runs on the board, including captain Stefanie Taylor for just 8 runs.

Wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle top-scored for the Windies with a 63 off 81 balls, while Hayley Matthews made 44 in 61 deliveries.

However, the others failed to make substantial contributions as the West Indies fell short by a big margin.

Pooja Vastrakar was the most successful Indian bowler, returning figures of 3/21 in seven overs, while there were two wickets apiece for Meghna Singh and Deepti, who ended the game with a fine all-round show.

The veteran Jhulan Goswami (0/14 in 8 overs), too, bowled exceptionally well, though she could not figure in the wicket's column.

Brief scores: India Women: 258 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 66, Deepti Sharma 51) West Indies Women: 177/9 in 50 overs (Shemaine Campbelle 63, Hayley Matthews 44; Pooja Vastrakar 3/21). 

Also Read : Ashwin is shaping up well, looking comfortable in training: Bumrah

News Source : PTI

Mohali, Mar 1 (Cricket News) Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been recovering from an unspecified injury he suffered in January, is shaping up well and looking "comfortable during training" ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, India vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah said on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Ashwin missed the recent white-ball series against West Indies at home as well as the three-match T20I contest against visiting Sri Lanka due to the injury.

“The test team had already come before and they were practising, he (Ashwin) is shaping up well and I don’t know, I am not aware that there are any complaints,” Bumrah said at the virtual press conference ahead of the first Test against Sri Lanka beginning here from Friday.

“He (Ashwin) looked good, he looked very comfortable in training today. He was bowling, batting, fielding, he did everything, so I think he is shaping up really well." Acknowledging the crucial role Ashwin plays in the Indian Test team set-up, Bumrah said, "He plays a very important role whenever we play, so his role will be important and hopefully there would (will) be no troubles going forward." Ashwin has 430 wickets from 84 Tests.

‘Will try to give my best in whatever capacity I can’ =============================== “See, I don’t look at it as a particular position that a spinner, or a bowler or a batter is a leader. As a senior member of the team, you have to help the players, in whatever capacity you can,” Bumrah said.

“As I have spoken before, this (vice-captain) is just a post. Yes, obviously given an opportunity, it’s a great opportunity that was presented itself and I am very happy to do that," the right-arm speedster added.

He said his endeavour was to help captain Rohit Sharma in whatever way he can.

"I will try to give my best in whatever capacity I can. But for me, I don’t think any position should matter or a bowler or a batter makes a difference, it depends on how you handle the situation and how tactically strong you are." 'Everybody is fine' but not ready to share team combination ==================================== Bumrah did not share the team combination, saying it was too early and there were three days to go for the game.

“Well, we just had a look at the track, but it is too early because (there are) still three days to go for the game, so there could be a lot of changes. So, right now we have not had a combination in mind.

"We had an optional session today, everybody was looking good and everybody was looking in touch, so that is a positive sign for us and we will try to hopefully make out a plan soon,” the Ahmedabad born pacer said.

"Everybody is fine, no complaints. Fingers crossed hopefully there are no problems and we would not face any difficulties,” he said. 

Also Read : Harmanpreet rises to 20th, Mithali stays 2nd in ICC rankings

News Source : PTI