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2022-10-03 20:21

Irani Trophy: Saurashtra delay inevitable vs Rest with spirited batting show

Rajkot, Oct 3 (Cricket News) Saurashtra's middle and lower-order showed a lot of stomach for fight, adding 281 runs by No. 6 to 8 batters, but Rest of India remained firm favourites to win the Irani Cup match here on Monday.

At stumps on third day, Saurashtra reached to 368/8, riding on half-centuries from the quartet comprising Sheldon Jackson (71), Arpit Vasavada (55), Prerak Mankad (72) and skipper Jaydev Unadkat (78 batting).

The overall lead is 92 runs now and Saurashtra will like to stretch it to at least 175 in order to set the cat among the pigeons.

With 276 runs in arrears, Saurashtra were literally staring at a humiliating innings defeat after being reduced to 87 for 5 before lunch.

However, Jackson and Vasavada, who have bailed Saurashtra out many-a-times in the past, added 117 runs for the sixth wicket to steady the ship.

But, it was the 144-run eighth wicket stand between Unadkat and all-rounder Mankad that raised visions -- however improbable it may look at the moment -- of pulling off a heist.

The duo not only had a century stand but also scored the runs at a quick clip -- in only 29.3 overs -- to keep the contest alive.

If it was Jackson who took the attack back to the opposition by repeatedly stepping out to left-arm spinner Saurabh Kumar (3/80 in 25 overs) to disturb his length, the pair of Unadkat and Mankad used the extra pace of Kuldeep Sen (3/85 in 16 overs) and Umran Malik (0/59 in 16 overs) to their advantage.

They hit six sixes from the bowling of Jackson, Vasavada and Unadkat.

Pujara fails again =========== Cheteshwar Pujara (1) would like to forget this Irani Cup match in a hurry as a rookie pacer like Kuldeep made life difficult for him with his extra pace and bounce.

On this ground, Pujara has hardly failed but his lack of feet movement and late reaction to deliveries with that extra kick will surely not go unnoticed as far as selectors Chetan Sharma and Sunil Joshi are concerned.

The problems that has been his undoing at the Test level is now resurfacing at the domestic level where he earlier used to rule.

Bowlers with extra pace at the domestic level are also asking Pujara probing questions.

Kuldeep got one to rear up from length on the off-stump and Pujara just dangled his bat with KS Bharat taking an easy catch.

Brief Scores: Saurashtra 98 and 368/8 (Jaydev Unadkat 78 batting, Prerak Mankad 72, Sheldon Jackson 71, Cheteshwar Pujara 1, Saurabh Kumar 3/80, Kuldeep Sen 3/85).

Rest of India 374.

Saurashtra ahead by 92 runs.

Also Read : Meghana dazzles as India beat Malaysia by 30 runs via D/L method

News Source : PTI

2022-10-03 20:17

Indian men's hockey team to play 5-match 'Test series' in Australia in Nov-Dec

New Delhi, Oct 3 (Cricket News) The Indian men's hockey team will tour Australia to play a five-match 'Test series' in November-December.

The Indians, currently ranked fifth, will face the world number one Australians in five matches between November 26 and December 4 at the MATE Stadium in Adelaide.

The second, third and fourth matches will be played on November 27, November 30 and December 3.

It will be the first time the two sides will be meeting since the Kookaburras beat India for the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in August.

The five-match 'Test series' will be invaluable outings for both the side in preparation for the 2023 Men's World Cup to be held in Odisha in January next year.

The Indian women's team will also be playing against the Australian women in a series of matches in May next year, for which the dates are yet to be confirmed.

A senior national Indian hockey team has not played in Australia since the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast.

"From the moment we raised the prospect of hosting these matches in Adelaide, the South Australian Government has shown enormous enthusiasm and eagerness to host, so we are delighted to bring these series to South Australia," said Hockey Australia CEO David Pryles in a statement.

"Australia and India have developed a fierce rivalry on the hockey pitch in recent times. Coupled with there being a large and passionate Indian population in Adelaide, there is no doubt this series will be a hot ticket to get hold of and attract terrific crowds," he added.

Highly decorated Kookaburras co-captain Eddie Ockenden will make his 400th international appearance in the series. The 35-year-old is currently on 398 matches.

The Indian men's team is currently coached by Australian and former Kookaburra Graham Reid. They will arrive in Australia after playing back-to-back double-headers against Spain and New Zealand in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-2023 season in Bhubaneswar.

"This is a great opportunity for both the Indian Men and Women’s Team as these matches will serve as an ideal preparation ground ahead of marquee events like the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar-Rourkela 2023 and the Asian Games next year,” newly-elected Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey said.

"Playing against a world-class team like Australia will prove beneficial for both our Men and Women's Hockey Teams. I wish them the very best, and thank Hockey Australia for organising these Test matches," Tirkey said in the Hockey Australia statement.

Also Read : Meghana dazzles as India beat Malaysia by 30 runs via D/L method

News Source : PTI

2022-10-03 17:41

Meghana dazzles as India beat Malaysia by 30 runs via D/L method

Sylhet, Oct 3 (Cricket News) Opener Sabbhineni Meghana (69) batted with authority to record her maiden T20I half-century as India defeated Malaysia by 30 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method in the rain-curtailed Asia Cup match here on Monday.

Replacing vice-captain Smriti Mandhana at the top, Meghana hit a career-best 69 off 53 deliveries to help India post 181 for 4.

In reply, Malaysia were tottering at 16/2 in 5.2 overs when rain stopped play, far behind the 46-run mark which was the D/L par score when the match was called off.

With the win, India moved to the second spot on the points table -- with four points -- behind Pakistan.

Meghana took the Malaysian bowling attack to the sword as she brought up her career-best score in the format after India were asked to bat.

The big-hitting Shafali Verma, who is struggling for form, also pitched in but the teenager looked scratchy for the most part of her 46-run knock.

Meghana made most of the opportunity provided to her as she donned the role of the aggressor from the very first ball.

She milked boundaries every over, hitting the ball all across the ground in the powerplay as India fetched 47/0 in the first six overs.

She was dropped on 14 by skipper Winifred Duraisingam (2/36) in the third over and the right-hander made the Malaysian's pay for the error as she raced to fifty with a boundary.

Poor fielding only added to Malaysia's woes as the Indian women looked on course for a 200-plus score.

However, Duraisingam got the big-wicket of Meghana. The Indian looked to drive only to chip the ball straight into the hands of extra cover, sending the entire Malaysian team into frenzy.

Shafali, who had played the second second fiddle to perfection, smashed a couple of sixes but failed to carry on the momentum once Meghana was out.

Richa Ghosh was elevated to the number three spot and the young wicketkeeper played a fluent 33-run knock, finding the gaps beautifully.

But Shafali struggled to accelerate as Malaysia tightened their bowling and fielding while also triggering a mini-batting collapse.

In the eventful penultimate over, Shafali was bowled by 17-year-old Nur Dania Syuhada (2/9) off the first delivery before the spinner got rid of Kiran Navgire (0) in the next ball.

It would have been three-wicket haul for the teenager had Richa not been dropped at deep mid-wicket on 31.

Defending 181, spinners Deepti Sharma (1/10) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1/6) got rid of openers Winifred Duraisingam (0) and Wan Julia (1) before rain stopped play.

Also Read : Is leaving out Shami from the ODI squad vs South Africa a mistake?

News Source : PTI

2022-10-03 17:26

Badminton at National Games: Praneeth edges out Prannoy as Telangana ambush Kerala to win team gold

Surat, Oct 3 (Badminton News) Former world championships bronze medallist B Sai Praneeth showed nerves of steel to outwit in-form HS Prannoy in a thrilling three-setter as Telangana blanked Kerala 3-0 to win the coveted mixed team badminton gold at the National Games here on Monday.

Enduring a dip in form for over a year now, Tokyo Olympian Praneeth finally had something to cheer about as he dug deep into his reservoir to see off Kerala's top shuttler Prannoy 18-21 21-16 22-20 to give Telangana a 2-0 lead.

His victory came on the heels of another brilliant show by the husband-and-wife duo of B Sumeeth Reddy and N Sikki Reddy, who got the better of the youthful pair of MR Arjun and Treesa Jolly 21-15 14-21 21-14 in a thrilling battle.

In the women's singles, Samiya Farooqui beat TR Gowrikrishna 21-5 21-12 to seal the win for Telangana.

Telangana's decision to field the experienced Sumeeth and Sikki in the opening mixed doubles match ahead of Vishnuvardhan Goud and Gayatri Gopichand, who had lost against Maharashtra, paid dividends as they put the team ahead.

"We only gave the coach the option of trying us out," Sumeeth said, even though they had last played together way back in the 2021 Thailand Open.

The couple fumbled at the start as the speedy Arjun and Treesa jumped into an early 5-2 lead.

"We were playing after a long time. We don't even practice together as we quite often get into arguments. It took some time to get into a rhythm. But once we found our groove, we got into a good rhythm," said a smiling Sikki.

The Kerala pair, however, fought back to win the second game, with Arjun sending powerful smashes from the backline and Treesa being efficient at the net.

The third game went close till 12-all before a change of strategy did the trick for Telangana.

"I think the turning point was when I went for variations in my service, not giving them any length," Sikki explained.

The next match was crucial with Prannoy, who is currently ranked 15th in the world and is enjoying a dream season, starting as the favourite against Praneeth, whose BWF world ranking has slipped to 40 due to his poor form.

"I knew it would be a tough match, especially as we know each other’s game as we often train together. But gradually I found my strokes," said 2017 Singapore Open champion Praneeth.

The first game was played fiercely. A tentative Praneeth made a few unforced errors while Prannoy looked good with his all-round game. They went neck-and-neck till 18-18 before Prannoy clinched it with a couple of well measured shots.

Praneeth was in full flow in the second game, with his repertoire of strokes catching Prannoy on the wrong foot. He surged ahead 13-7 and held on to it to make it 1-1.

In the third game, Praneeth built a healthy lead of 13-7 before Prannoy clawed his way back to make it 18-18 all.

"I was suddenly blank as Prannoy began to play a fast game. With the shuttle also coming off slowly, I was little taken back. But luckily, I held on to my nerves and pulled off this crucial win. It will boost my morale," Praneeth said.

Also Read : Sikki-Kapoor pair loses in Vietnam Open semifinals, Indian campaign ends

News Source : PTI

2022-10-03 17:03

Ather Energy to be Kerala Blasters FC's digital partner for the ISL

(Football news) Ather Energy, India’s first intelligent electric scooter manufacturer, has joined the Kerala Blaster Football Club (KBFC) as their digital partner of the team. This will be Ather Energy’s 3rd consecutive year of partnership with the finalists from last season.

Commenting on the association, Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer, Ather Energy, said “We are delighted to continue our support with KBFC for the third year in a row. The trajectory of KBFC in this tournament parallels our own in the EV business. KBFC has established itself as one of the country's most enthusiastic clubs and a finalist in the 2021 season. Similarly, Ather has developed strong salience in Kerala over the last year, becoming the market's biggest EV player. Our association with KBFC has helped us to drive awareness and familiarity for our brand in Kerala and also across the country, as we continue to expand our footprint. We are hopeful that with this partnership we will be able to showcase our scooters to a larger audience and accelerate the adoption of EVs across the country”

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Ather. They have been at the forefront of India's transition to electric vehicles, and the club looks forward to helping this transformation continue and drive awareness about sustainable development," says Nikhil Bhardwaj, Director, Kerala Blasters FC.

Kerala is one of the first markets in India to adopt EVs and has the highest scooter penetration in India. The acceptance of EVs continues to be an all time high. With Experience Centers across 9 major locations (Kochi, Calicut, Trivandrum, Kannur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam, Malappuram & Tirur) and 5000+ vehicles on road, Ather is the leading electric vehicle brand in Kerala now. The company has also installed 45+ fast-charging points - Ather Grid across Kerala, speeding up the EV infrastructure. By the end of the year, Ather Energy plans to expand its presence in Kerala to more cities. The number of test ride requests for the gen3 of Ather 450X has risen exponentially across the state in recent months. This association will increase the brand awareness in Kerala as well as among the football followers across the country.

Also read: Osasuna end Real Madrid's win streak; Barcelona & Atlético get wins

2022-10-03 16:47

Is leaving out Shami from the ODI squad vs South Africa a mistake?

(Cricket news) The BCCI has announced the squad that will take on South Africa in the 3 ODIs. As expected none of the players in the T20 World Cup squad will be playing the ODIs. Three of the reserves for the World Cup i.e Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar and Ravi Bishnoi are in the squad while Mohammed Shami is not. The 3 matches will be played at Lucknow, Ranchi and New Delhi. The series will be very important for the players to try and break into the first team with the ODI World Cup coming next. It is unclear whether South Africa will be playing their first choice squad but it will still be a good challenge for the men in blue.

India’s ODI squad: Shikhar Dhawan (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubhman Gill, Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), Rajat Patidar, Rahul Tripathi, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Mohd. Siraj, Deepak Chahar

There are 4 changes to the squad that faced Zimbabwe. Prasidh Krishna misses out due to injury while Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda and KL Rahul are playing in the T20 World Cup. Shabaz Ahmed retains his form while Ravi Bishnoi comes back after being rested against Zimbabwe. Bishnoi unfortunately missed out on the T20 World Cup squad but he will be looking to make a mark in the ODI format. Mukesh Kumar and Rajat Patidar who have been performing well for India A have received their maiden international call-up. There is still no place in the squad for Prithvi Shaw who has been in good form in domestic cricket.

The big absence is that of Mohammed Shami. Earlier this year there were reports that Shami would not be considered for T20Is. The only white ball series he played was against England and he has been rested for the other series. After the disappointment of the Asia Cup, the selectors brought back Shami into the T20 set up by selecting him for the series against South Africa and Australia and naming him in the reserves for the T20 World Cup. He was ruled out for both the series due to Covid but now has reportedly recovered. It is understandable for Shami to be rested for a few series but right now he is being rested way too much. If he has recovered from Covid then the seamer definitely deserves to be in the squad because he hasn't played cricket in a while.

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be ruled out of the World Cup and Shami is in line to replace him which gives the selectors another reason to make him play the ODIs to reach match fitness. It will be very difficult for Shami to go into the World Cup, having not played an international game in such a long time. Siraj and Chahar, who are also in contention if Bumrah is ruled out of the World Cup are both in the squad and unless Shami still has Covid, there is no reason for him to be excluded from the squad.

Also read: Batting heroics help India to series win over South Africa

2022-10-03 16:42

SA Series: Series in bag but India face stern bowling test in final T20, Iyer likely to replace rested Kohli

Indore, Oct 3 (Cricket News) It may be an inconsequential game on paper but Indian bowlers await another tough test against South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup when the two teams meet in the final game of the three-match series here on Tuesday.

Having sealed their first-ever series against South Africa at home, Indian team management has decided to rest its premier batter Virat Kohli for the final game.

"He has been rested from the final T20I," said a BCCI official.

After the final game against the Proteas, Kohli will link up with the squad in Mumbai from where the team is scheduled to leave for Australia on October 6 for the T20 World Cup.

It is expected that standby batter Shreyas Iyer will replace Kohli for the final game in the playing XI.

Since their early exit from the T20 World Cup 12 months ago, the Indian batting has come a long way and looks formidable ahead of the next edition beginning later this month.

Majority of the batters remain the same from the UAE edition but it is the drastic change in approach which has made the difference.

Heading into the ICC event, India's high-profile top-three have hit top form including K L Rahul who allayed concerns about his strike rate with a sublime effort on Sunday.

Kohli has batted a 140 plus strike rate since the Asia Cup that includes three 50s and a much-awaited hundred. Skipper Rohit has come up with impactful innings over the course of the six games at home against Australia and South Africa.

Number four Suryakumar Yadav is in a league of his own and seems to be batting at a much higher level than his teammates, so much so that Rohit is contemplating to play him straight in the team's World Cup opener against Pakistan on October 23.

Rishabh Pant is yet to bat in the series and though Dinesh Karthik got seven balls in the second T20, he too would be hoping to get a hit in the middle.

Jasprit Bumrah's absence has compounded India's bowling woes, especially in the death overs, but the team needs to find a way if the star pacer doesn't get fit in time for the ICC event.

Deepak Chahar, who is among World Cup reserves, has been impressive with the new ball but question marks remain over his efficacy towards the back end of the innings.

Arshdeep Singh has made an impact both with new and old ball but was unusually expensive on Sunday. Having bowled as many as three no balls, it was a forgettable night for the left-arm pacer who would be eager to bounce back.

The variations that Harshal Patel relies on to keep the batters in check have not been producing the desired results since his return from injury.

Red ball great R Ashwin is yet to get a wicket in the series and India will be looking to him for wickets in the middle overs.

Drafted into the squad in Bumrah's absence, Mohammad Siraj could also get to play at Holkar Stadium but India might continue with the out of rhythm Harshal Patel as he would need more game time post injury.

In the extreme humidity of Guwahati, the South Africa pacers struggled to grip the ball and ended up offering far many full tosses to the Indian batters. They would want to rectify that.

Despite the series loss, there has been plenty of positives for the visitors in the batting department. Continuing his menacing form this year, David Miller smashed an unbeaten hundred while Quinton de Kock got much needed runs before the World Cup.

The biggest concern for the Proteas is the form of their skipper Temba Bavuma, who is yet to score a run in the series.

Teams (from) India: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Umesh Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shahbaz Ahmed and Mohammad Siraj.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.

Match starts 7 pm IST.

Also Read : Batting heroics help India to series win over South Africa

News Source : PTI

2022-10-03 15:00

Batting heroics help India to series win over South Africa

(Cricket news) India defeated South Africa by 16 runs to seal the T20I. This is the first time India has won a T20I series against South Africa at home and it is also India's 11th consecutive bilateral T20I series win. India went into the game unchanged while South Africa brought in Lungi Ngidi for Tabraiz Shamsi. There was rain expected but it didn't interrupt the match but there were a couple of other delays. The first one was due to a snake entering the ground and the other one was when one of the light towers lost its power. While the first match was a bowlers victory, the 2nd belonged to the heroics of the batters. South Africa won the toss and put India into bat first.

The Indian openers pretty much reversed their roles as Rohit Sharma was cautious while KL Rahul played the role of aggressor. The openers added 96 before Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 43 off 37 balls after hitting 7 fours and a six. The Indian skipper continues to give India a good start by making the most of the powerplay. KL Rahul played an incredible knock of 57 off just 28 balls, he hit 5 boundaries and 4 maximums to give his side a perfect start. After Rahul was dismissed, India's ever reliable middle order duo Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli added 102. Virat Kohli was playing 2nd fiddle but still had a strike rate of 175 as he scored 49 off just 28 balls. SKY once again showed his quality as he got 61 off just 22 balls. Dinesh Karthik was promoted to finish the innings as he scored 17 off just 7 balls to take India to a total of 237 runs in 20 overs.

South Africa's chase got off to a sluggish start as Temba Bavuma and Rilee Rossouw were dismissed for a duck once again. David Miller was the sole warrior as he scored an unbeaten 106 off just 47 balls hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes. Quinton de Kock was also unbeaten on 69 but it came from 48 balls which was not ideal in a big run chase. India bowled well up front and in the middle overs but the death bowling is still an issue for the men in blue. The bowling in the final overs is possibly the only concern India have as everything else looks pretty solid. The management may be looking to rest a few players while giving others a chance in the next match.

Also read: Dawid Malan masterclass help England clinch the series 4-3

2022-10-03 14:22

Series in bag but India face stern bowling test in final T20 against Proteas

Indore, Oct 3 (Cricket News) It may be an inconsequential game on paper but Indian bowlers await another tough test against South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup when the two teams meet in the final game of the three-match series here on Tuesday.

Having sealed their first-ever series against South Africa at home, India can afford to rest a few of their key players but the hosts will be determined to put up a complete performance before they take the flight to Australia on October 6. Since their early exit from the T20 World Cup 12 months ago, the Indian batting has come a long way and looks formidable ahead of the next edition beginning later this month.

Majority of the batters remain the same from the UAE edition but it is the drastic change in approach which has made the difference.

Heading into the ICC event, India's high-profile top-three have hit top form including K L Rahul who allayed concerns about his strike rate with a sublime effort on Sunday.

Virat Kohli has batted a 140 plus strike rate since the Asia Cup that includes three 50s and a much-awaited hundred. Skipper Rohit has come up with impactful innings over the course of the six games at home against Australia and South Africa.

Number four Suryakumar Yadav is in a league of his own and seems to be batting at a much higher level than his teammates, so much so that Rohit is contemplating to play him straight in the team's World Cup opener against Pakistan on October 23.

If Suryakumar indeed is rested, then Shreyas Iyer is likely to take his place.

Rishabh Pant is yet to bat in the series and though Dinesh Karthik got seven balls in the second T20, he too would be hoping to get a hit in the middle.

Jasprit Bumrah's absence has compounded India's bowling woes, especially in the death overs, but the team needs to find a way if the star pacer doesn't get fit in time for the ICC event.

Deepak Chahar, who is among World Cup reserves, has been impressive with the new ball but question marks remain over his efficacy towards the back end of the innings.

Arshdeep Singh has made an impact both with new and old ball but was unusually expensive on Sunday. Having bowled as many as three no balls, it was a forgettable night for the left-arm pacer who would be eager to bounce back.

The variations that Harshal Patel relies on to keep the batters in check have not been producing the desired results since his return from injury.

Red ball great R Ashwin is yet to get a wicket in the series and India will be looking to him for wickets in the middle overs.

Drafted into the squad in Bumrah's absence, Mohammad Siraj could get to play at Holkar Stadium.

In the extreme humidity of Guwahati, the South Africa pacers struggled to grip the ball and ended up offering far many full tosses to the Indian batters. They would want to rectify that.

Despite the series loss, there has been plenty of positives for the visitors in the batting department. Continuing his menacing form this year, David Miller smashed an unbeaten hundred while Quinton de Kock got much needed runs before the World Cup.

The biggest concern for the Proteas is the form of their skipper Temba Bavuma, who is yet to score a run in the series.

Teams (from) India: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Umesh Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shahbaz Ahmed and Mohammad Siraj.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.

Match starts 7 pm IST.

Also Read : Not much to worry about, Australians won title despite struggles before World Cup: Miller

News Source : PTI

2022-10-03 14:15

Not much to worry about, Australians won title despite struggles before World Cup: Miller

Guwahati, Oct 3 (Cricket News) Formidable South African batter David Miller has a firm belief that the series-defeat against India won't make them a lesser force at the fast-approaching T20 World Cup as he cited Australia's title triumph in the previous edition despite their wretched run ahead of the big-ticket event.

South African top-order batters struggled badly while their bowlers were also not at their best on Sunday as India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a 16-run win in the second game here.

The loss will hurt them little, said Miller, saying Australia had also struggled badly in 2021 but eventually they became the world champions. Australia had entered the World Cup after five back-to-back series defeats in the format.

"There're a lot of stories in the past with one being Australia not doing too well before the World Cup, and then they end up winning the World Cup. So I don't think it's too much to worry about," Miller told reporters at the post-match interaction here.

"We've built up a really good squad over the last year and a half. We get on really well with each other. We've linked in nicely, great partnerships. We've won a lot of series last year.

"To have lost the series tonight was obviously very disappointing, but in the past we've really competed well and at least we can walk away with our heads held high, but it is still disappointing losing the series." The Temba Bavuma-led side was set a stiff target of 238 but the skipper departed without bothering the scorer for the second successive time. Rilee Rossouw also scored a duck.

However Miller produced a counter-attacking knock of 106 not out from 47 balls and was well-supported by Quinton de Kock's 48-ball 69 not out to make a match of it.

"We didn't bat well the previous game. We didn't start this game too well but we managed to get a really good partnership and put on a competitive game at the end of it," he said.

Miller, though, chose not be very "harsh" on his bowlers.

"There were over 400 runs in the game, I don't want to be too harsh on the bowlers, but I think that there was a little bit of lack of execution at times.

"But they were really good in the previous game -- extremely good. A few areas that we can work on still leading up to the World Cup, so we still have time." Miller had a special mention for the packed Barsapara Stadium.

"It is tough coming here as an opposition to play in Indian conditions with the crowd behind India the way they are. They are very loud. You can use that to your advantage as well. Just enjoy the atmosphere. You don't get this kind of atmosphere anywhere in the world." The match witnessed interruptions twice -- first when a snake entered the field and then one of the floodlights went off during the South African innings.

But Miller said it gave them a welcome break.

"You know, that's out of our control, and it kind of just gave us a bit of time to just process what actually happened in the power play -- the first couple of overs. It gave us a little bit of time to chat about it and think about the way forward.

"And then, there was the issue with the snake as well. So, I mean, there was a lot going on today."

Also Read : Dawid Malan masterclass help England clinch the series 4-3

News Source : PTI

2022-10-03 13:18

Dawid Malan masterclass help England clinch the series 4-3

(Cricket news) England brought on their A game as they were impressive with both bat and ball to register a comprehensive win in the seventh T20I at Lahore and clinch a hard-fought series 4-3. England set a mammoth target of 209 with the bat, then England stayed on top with the ball as well with Pakistan falling short by 67 runs. England had small contributions right through the batting order but the majority of the work was done by Dawid Malan, who scored a 47-ball 78. His stand of 106 with Harry Brook powered England and then Malan went onto add 62 with Ben Duckett which steadied the innings after a wobbly start.

After a quickfire opening partnership between Phil Salt and Alex Hales, they fell in the space of three balls. Hales was trapped LBW by Mohammad Hasnain while Salt was run out when he was involved in a mix-up with Malan. With England in danger of setting a low target, Malan and Duckett took a watchful approach initially and gave England the much needed base to build on from. Malan then went on to get his fifty off 34 balls, and after the run out of Duckett, he began to increase his strike rate. He was very fortunate to have been dropped once on 29 by Babar Azam at cover, while his partner Harry Brook had similar faith when Babar dropped him on 24. Both Brook and Malan upped the ante in the final four overs with 55 runs coming, including 20 runs off the final over.

In the second innings, Pakistan were dealt with a massive blow early on as first Babar Azam chipped a catch to cover in the first over and then one ball later, Mohammad Rizwan was bowled by Reece Topley leaving Pakistan on 5/2 and on the backfoot straight away. It was Chris Woakes who set the tone early with the wicket of Azam but he was supported well by the other England bowlers. In the middle overs, Adil Rashid proved to be difficult to hit against, especially on a track that offered turn right in the second innings. The pacers remained in the game for long periods by taking the pace off the ball, which resulted in three of the wickets. For Pakistan, Shan Masood scored a fifty but he struggled to up the ante right through against a very good bowling line up. Now England have three T20Is against Australia while Pakistan travel to New Zealand to play in a tri-series also involving Bangladesh as preparation for the World Cup.

Brief Scores: England 209/3 (Dawid Malan 78*, Harry Brook 46*) beat Pakistan 142/8 (Shan Masood 56; Chris Woakes 3-26) by 67 runs

Also read: Surya, Rahul show seals T20I series win over India against SA

2022-10-03 11:48

Higher strike rate was a demand of innings: Rahul

Guwahati, Oct 3 (Cricket News) Shortly after he let his bat do the talking amid criticism regarding his slow strike rate, India opener KL Rahul countered his detractors, saying he bats according to the "demand of the innings." Rahul sizzled with a 28-ball 57 in the India's series-clinching 16-run win over South Africa in the second T20I to silence his critics on Sunday.

The Indian vice-captain's strike rate had come under scanner during the Asia Cup and his 56-ball 51 against South Africa in the series opener at Thiruvananthapuram.

"Yes, going at a higher strike rate was a demand of this innings," Rahul said at the post-match press conference.

"When you are batting first you obviously want to give yourself a couple of overs to assess the conditions to see what are the shots that you can play, you talk to your partner," "You sort of give yourself a target and then you try and play accordingly. We've always tried to be more aggressive, take a lot of risks. that was what needed from me today and I'm happy that it came off today," he added.

Rahul was seen hitting a couple of sixes effortlessly over fine square leg with his impressive wrist work.

"Yes, there's a certain gift all of us have, that's why we are playing for the country. We have gotten this far because there's naturally certain talents.

"It's T20 cricket, you have to get in position to try to hit sixes. When the balls come at 145kmph, you don't have much time to see the ball and react, you hit with instinct. It's a lot of practice over the years," he said.

Their aggressive approach while batting was a conscious effort post the last T20 World Cup debacle in UAE where India failed to make the knockouts.

"That effort has been there for last 10-12 months since the last World Cup, that (scoring big runs batting first) is something that we have consciously tried to get better at. We've done it whenever we've gotten opportunities. something took back and that was our learning." Bowling not a concern ============== Rahul also came to the rescue of India's under-fire pacers who capped another poor outing here on Sunday.

Defending 237, India reduced the South Africans to 47/3 but the hosts were unable to break the 174-run partnership between David Miller and Quinton de Kock as the duo almost led the Proteas to a memorable victory.

"If it was such a big concern then I don't think we would've won so many games. It's never that one skill that wins you games," Rahul said.

"We always want to keep getting better as a team. Today was one of those days when our bowlers couldn't execute seven out of 10 balls or so but that doesn't mean it will keep happening. This is something we need to learn and get better at." "In the last game they restricted the team to 106 and today they went for runs. You have to take into consideration the conditions also, the pitch," the 30-year-old added.

Arshdeep Singh, who dismissed Temba Bavuma and Rilee Rossouw in three balls in his first over, leaked 62 runs in his four overs, while Harshal Patel had the poor figures of 4-0-45-0. Both of them are in the World Cup-bound squad.

The Indian opener, who hit a successive half century, added that the dew made it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball.

"It was humid and there was dew, so it was hard for the bowlers to grip the ball and when the opposition is chasing 240, you know batters are gonna come hard, try and smash every ball." "In a format like this, you will have good and bad days both as batters and bowlers. It's a high intensity and high-risk game."

Also Read : To bowl and bat in death overs is very tough but we need to get our act together: Rohit

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2022-10-03 10:58

To bowl and bat in death overs is very tough but we need to get our act together: Rohit

Guwahati, Oct 3 (Cricket News) Rohit Sharma admitted that T20 contests are pretty much settled during the death overs and India skipper wants a better execution of plans from his team mates, though he is not overly worried about his team's consistent struggle at that crucial stage of the match.

Invited to bat, India posted a mammoth 237 for 3 in the second T20 on Sunday but the Proteas took the game deep before eventually falling short by 16 runs as the hosts claimed their first series-win over South African at home.

"The team wants to play and bowl in a certain way and we want to give them that confidence. Yes, we have not bowled well at the death in the last five or six games. We are doing the same to the opposition as well," Rohit said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

"To bowl and bat at the death is very tough. That is where the game is decided. It is not concerning, but we need to pick ourselves and get our act together." India's top four batters once again came up with splendid effort and Rohit said they would look to continue their ultra-aggressive approach.

"It is something that all of came together and said was what we wanted to do as a team. It might not come across at times, but we want to stick to it," he said.

"What I have seen in the last 8-10 months is individuals putting their hand up and getting the job done for the team. Guys without too much experience did this as well." A disappointed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma put the blame on his bowlers.

"It wasn't our best performance, the conditions were different. We couldn't execute our plans. Late with the bat, I thought we could have given it a good go with 220 but 240 was too high," he said.

For South Africa, David Miller yet again put on display his big-hitting prowess with a 47-ball 106 not out, studded with eight fours and seven sixes.

"Miller was looking good, lot of confidence to be taken from his performance. The conditions were tough, we tried to get it swinging the ball early. But when it reduced, we saw how easy it was," the SA skipper said.

India will next take on South Africa in the third and final T20I on October 4 in Indore.

Also Read : Surya, Rahul show seals T20I series win over India against SA

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2022-10-03 10:41

Surya, Rahul show seals T20I series win over India against SA

Guwahati, Oct 2 (Cricket News) Indian batters were at their ruthless best with Suryakumar Yadav and opener KL Rahul leading the charge as they defeated South Africa by 16 runs despite David Miller's unbeaten century in the second T20I to clinch the thee-match series here on Sunday.

Rahul (57 off 28 balls) and Yadav toyed (61 off 22 balls) the Proteas attack with sensational fifties as the Indian top-four batters once again put up a superlative display to post a massive 237 for 3 -- their highest score against South Africa.

That 178 runs came from boundaries -- 25 fours and 13 sixes -- showed the Indians dominance against the Kagiso Rabada-led South African attack which looked mediocre all through.

Chasing a massive target of 238, the South Africans could score 237 for 3 in their 20 overs with David Miller remaining not out on 106 off 47 balls.

This was the first ever series win for India over South Africa in the T20I format on home soil.

India had won the first match by eight wickets on September 28. The third and final match of the series is slated in Indore on October 4.

Arshdeep Singh gave India a perfect start while defending 237, extending the run of ducks of South African skipper Temba Bavuma and Rilee Rossouw to two matches. Arshdeep, however, leaked runs at the death overs to return with figures of 4-0-62-2.

South Africa were put into submission at the score of 1/2 inside two overs and they could never recover from there.

At the other end, Deepak Chahar (4-1-24-0) held up firmly before R Ashwin (4-0-37-0) joined in the act to take the match out of the Proteas reach with some tight bowling.

The highlight of South Africa innings was David Miller's roaring return to form with his second T20I century with an unbeaten 106 from 47 balls.

Quinton de Kock too was back among runs in a 48-ball 69 not out as the duo put together 174 runs from 84 balls but it proved not enough.

Earlier Rohit Sharma (43 off 37 balls), who became the first Indian to play 400 T20 matches, started it all before Rahul took off.

Replying to his critics, Rahul (57) was back at his aggressive best, slamming a 24-ball fifty, his second in a row, as he and Rohit put on 96 runs for the opening wicket that came off just 59 balls.

Yadav then continued his insane 360-degree assault with a third successive half-century that came off just 18 deliveries and India crossed the 200-mark in the 18th over.

Virat Kohli gave him a perfect support and became the first Indian to get to 11,000 T20 runs during his 49 not out.

Playing a selfless knock, he gave designated finisher Dinesh Karthik the maximum strike. Karthik slammed 17 not out from seven balls to cap a perfect batting display for India.

The South African pacers looked lacklustre and bowled full and the Indians feasted on to them.

Also Read : Indian batters toy SA attack, post massive 237/3

News Source : PTI

2022-10-02 21:09

Indian batters toy SA attack, post massive 237/3

Guwahati, Oct 2 (Cricket News) The Indian top-four batters once again put up a superlative show to post a massive 237 for 3 in the second T20 International against South Africa here on Sunday.

A sellout crowd witnessed raining boundaries at the small ACA Barsapara Stadium as the Indian batters smashed 25 fours and 13 sixes. They scored 178 runs in boundaries.

Rohit Sharma (43 off 37 balls) and KL Rahul (57 off 28 balls) started it before Suryakumar Yadav (61 off 22 balls), Virat Kohli (49 not out) and Dinesh Karthik (17 not out) finished it off in style.

Replying to his critics, Rahul (57) was back at his aggressive best, slamming a 24-ball fifty, his second in a row, as he and Rohit put on 96 runs for the opening wicket that came off just 59 balls.

Yadav then continued to raise his standards higher with a third successive half-century that came off just 18 deliveries and India crossed the 200-mark in the 18th over.

With the top-four doing the bulk of the scoring, India's designated finisher Karthik got just seven balls but he made the most of the opportunity, smashing two sixes and one four in his quickfire 17 not out.

The South African pacers looked lacklustre and bowled full and the Indians feasted on to them.

Rohit first began the onslaught and Rahul followed it up in style after Temba Bavuma put them in.

After being hit on his hand from Wayne Parnell in the second over, Rohit came out all guns blazing while Rahul was a mute spectator with nine from five balls.

It was then the turn of Rahul who whipped the ball over square leg with perfect demonstration of his wrist work.

It was a shot that summed up his dominating innings as he took on Nortje in a similar fashion, this time whipping the bowler a little deep.

There was no signs of tentativeness in Rahul's batting that had copped much criticism as he raced to his fifty in just 24 balls, stepping down to Aiden Markram for a six over long-on.

India were 57 for no loss inside the power play and there was no stopping the duo when a snake gave South Africans a bit of a breather.

In a rare sight, the snake slithered out onto the field from the extra cover region to stop play for about five minutes before the groundsmen captured it in a bucket.

Also Read : Mukesh, Rajat earn maiden India call-up for SA ODIs

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2022-10-02 19:24

Aldrin beats Sreeshankar for long jump gold; Amlan and Jyothi emerge fastest man and woman of National Games

Gandhinagar, Oct 1 (Sports News) Jeswin Aldrin of Tamil Nadu beat Commonwealth Games silver medallist Murali Sreeshankar of Kerala for the gold in a high-quality long jump competition in the National Games here on Saturday to qualify for the 2023 World Athletics Championships.

Aldrin jumped 8.26m in his sixth and last attempt to win the gold and go past the World Championships qualifying mark of 8.25m. He also had two other 8m-plus jumps -- 8.07m amd 8.21m.

Sreeshankar, who won a silver in the Birmingham CWG in August and holds the national record of 8.36m, had a best jump of 7.93m, which he came up in his first attempt. He had another jump of 7.55m before passing all the remaining four attempts.

Another top long jumper, Muhammed Anees Yahiya of Kerala was third with a best jump of 7.92m.

Meanwhile, Amlan Borgohain of Assam and Jyothi Yarraji of Andhra Pradesh emerged as the fastest man and woman respectively of the National Games after clinching gold in the 100m dash events.

Jyothi, whose pet event is 100m hurdles in which she holds the national record, stunned the likes of Dutee Chand (Odisha) and Hima Das (Assam), to win the women’s 100m gold with a time of 11.51 seconds.

Tamil Nadu's Archana Suseendran (11.55s) and Maharashtra's Diandra Valladares (11.62s) won the silver and bronze respectively.

National record holder Dutee finished sixth with a time of 11.69s while Hima was seventh in 11.74s.

“I didn't come here thinking of winning or losing. I just wanted to give a good timing and that helped me come up with my fastest race,” Jyothi said.

“They (Dutee and Hima) have always encouraged me and I thank them for their support. I am just happy that I won and don’t think on the lines that I beat them,” she added.

Borgohain clocked 10.38s in the men's 100m dash to stand on the top of the podium. Tamil Nadu runners Elakiyadasan VK (10.44) and Siva Kumar B (10.48) were second and third respectively.

“You know, it’s like a stage show, sometimes you perform, sometimes you don’t,” Borgohain said.

Asked about the hot conditions during the race, he said, “I don’t think about it much. It is the same for everyone, isn’t it? "In the All-India Railway competition, I ran at 2 PM in similar weather conditions and clocked 10.25 seconds. So, I am experienced in this kind of weather.” Borgohain also took the opportunity to highlight the sacrifices his family had made to help him make a career in athletics.

“You see this,” he said, pointing to his arm on which he had tattooed ‘Maa’.

“I was in Orissa and was thinking of my mother and simply went and got this inscribed on myself,” he said, adding that he didn’t tell his mother before getting it done."

Also Read : Advani qualifies for knockout stage of World Men 6-Red Snooker Championship

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2022-10-02 19:08

Rashid slips to 73, but still shares lead in Taiwan Masters

Tamsui (Chinese Taipei), Oct 1 (Golf News) Indian gofler Rashid Khan battled his way through the third round to hang on to a share of the lead at the USD 1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters here on Saturday.

Rashid, who started the day four shots clear of the field, carded one-over 73. He shared the lead with Chinese-Taipei's Chan Shih-chang (69).

The two-time Asian Tour winner, Rashid, and the four-time Asian Tour winner Chan, are both at 11-under.

Chan is looking to win an Asian Tour event on home soil for the first time, while Rashid is looking for his first Asian Tour win since 2014.

Four-time Asian Tour winner Chan carded a three-under 69 to reach 11 under for the tournament and catch overnight leader Khan, who fired a 73.

Bangladesh's Siddikur Rehman (69), whose last Asian Tour title came at the 2013 Hero Indian Open, ten years ago, and Thailand's Sarit Suwannarut (68) share the third spot.

They are both at 8-under and three shots behind Rashid and Chan.

It was a good day for the Indians, as Veer Ahlawat (69) was T-8 and Aman Raj (67) and Shiv Kapur (71) were among the group tied at 12th. Ajeetesh Sandhu (72) was T-15 and SSP Chawrasia (73) was T-20 as six Indians were in the Top-20.

Three other Indians, S Chikkarangappa (72), Khalin Joshi (74) and Honey Baisoya (76) were T-26. Viraj Madappa (73) and Rahil Gangjee (77) were T-38, while M Dharma (74) was T-48 and Udayan Mane (77) was T-54.

Rashid started the day with a four-shot lead having returned a 65 on day two. He was disappointed to card a 73, but the satisfaction was that he was still in the lead.

Rashid struggled on the outward nine unable to make birdies and dropped a shot on seventh to make the turn in one over, and when he made bogey on 10 it appeared the chasing pack would overwhelm him.

Chan and Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert led on the back nine, but Rashid birdied 13th and 15th to stay in the hunt.

"I told myself, this is not the golf course which we played for the first two days, so just hang in there. And you know, if you make two or three birdies on last eight holes, you're still fine," Rashid said.

"I mean I'm still playing in the last group, and I have a chance, so I'm just going to focus on that." Rashid won both of his Asian Tour titles in 2014 – the SAIL-SBI Open in India, and the Chiangmai Golf Classic, in Thailand. This season he was joint runner-up at the Mandiri Indonesian Open in August.

Also Read : Aditi Ashok finds a closing birdie to make cut at the Ascendant LPGA

News Source : PTI

2022-10-02 14:10

When KL Rahul feels he has got nothing to lose, he can even strike at 180: Shane Watson

New Delhi, Oct 2 (Cricket News) KL Rahul bats at his best when he has a "nothing to lose" approach and that is how former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson wants the opener to play at the T20 World Cup beginning later this month.

Rahul's strike rate came under scanner during the Asia Cup and the ongoing home series against South Africa.

Though India had to chase down only 107 in the first T20 against the Proteas, questions were raised over Rahul's intent as he ended with 51 not out off 56 balls.

Speaking to PTI, Watson said Rahul needs to be aggressive from ball one in the World Cup Down Under.

"KL Rahul is is one of my favourite batters. To me when he is batting at his best, when he is aggressive, he takes the game on and is not trying to control the game.

"He has got that skill, when he is just reacting to the ball coming down, he has all the shots all around the ground against the best bowlers in the world.

"I love seeing him when he feels like he's got nothing to lose, then he can even strike at 180 without taking too much risk. If he is able to do that (in Australia), there will be a lot of bowlers in trouble," said one of the best all-rounders to have played for Australia.

Watson is currently in India for Legends League Cricket.

"Biggest concern is India's fast bowling" ======================== With serious question marks over the availability of the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the ICC event, India's pace attack seems like their weakest link.

Watson thinks on similar lines and wants Mohammad Siraj to take Bumrah's place if the latter is deemed unfit for the World Cup.

"India have certainly got the batting to do incredibly well in Australian conditions but the biggest question mark is around their fast bowling.

"The spinners, Axar Patel and Yuzi Chahal, are as good as anyone in the world in all conditions but the fast bowling without Bumrah in particular, whether they can execute skills under pressure at the back end of the game. That is where teams will be trying to expose India." India need a bowler who can bowl in excess of 140kmph in the absence of Bumrah, said Watson.

"It is a genuine concern (lack of express pace), that is why Siraj will be a good option if Bumrah isn't there.

"The pace at which he bowls and the skills he has got, swinging it away and pushing towards 150 kmph with the brand new ball and he can execute well in the end as well.

"He provides that element that other Indian bowlers don't necessarily have," said the 41-year-old adding that he would pick Siraj over Mohammad Shami in the squad.

"Way Hardik is batting and bowling is special" =========================== From one top all-rounder to another, Watson heaped praise on Hardik Pandya, saying he can make a huge impact in every game he plays for India.

Ever since his comeback from injury, Hardik has done the job with both bat and ball.

"I love nothing more than seeing an all-rounder who is bowling at good pace and hits the ball like Hardik does. To be able to see him work through his body issues and bowling like he is right now, it is something very special.

"He is a match-winning kid. Every time he bowls in the game, he can make a huge impact. His batting continues to go through the roof.

"Everyone knew he had the genuine technique to bat trough the middle overs and not just be a power hitter in the end. He has shown that. And he's bowling at 140 plus," said Watson.

The affable Australian is also backing Virat Kohli to get a bagful of runs in Australia like he has done in the past.

"It's awesome (that he's back in form). The great thing is he was able to have some time off to be able to re-energise his batteries. Some of the shots he played against Australian quicks (in the recent series), you knew he was back to his best." Speaking a bit about Australian cricket, Watson said Steve Smith and David Warner should be considered to captain the ODI side after Aaron Finch's retirement.

He feels the duo has paid for the mistakes it made, referring to the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

"It's going to be interesting to see which way Australia go. They have got two players waiting, Warner and Smith. I am not sure whether they would go down that route, I personally feel they definitely should because they have paid for their mistakes in a huge way.

"We need to move on from and pick the most appropriate person who can do the job under pressure."

Also Read : Great to play alongside Gayle, Harbhajan in Legends League Cricket: Brett Lee

News Source : PTI

2022-10-01 19:12

Won't go deep in medical reports, will wait for official confirmation: Dravid on Bumrah

Guwahati, Oct 1 (Cricket News) Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the T20 World Cup due to an injury but head coach Rahul Dravid on Saturday said he won't go deep into his medical reports and will wait for an official confirmation regarding his availability for the showpiece in Australia.

India suffered a big setback when their pace spearhead Bumrah was ruled out of their final preparatory series against South Africa due to stress fracture in his lower back.

"We are awaiting the official confirmation on the next steps. As of now, he's officially ruled out of this (SA) series. But we will see what happens over the next few days," Dravid told reporters on the eve of the second T20I against South Africa.

Usually a stress fracture in the back takes about six months to heal completely but Dravid said they are still "hopeful".

"Honestly, I've not gone deeply into the medical reports, I rely on the experts to tell me what it is. They ruled him out for this series and he's being assessed. We will know in due course what happens in the future," the 49-year-old said.

"Obviously till he's completely ruled out, and we get an official confirmation that he's ruled out, we will always be hopeful. We will always hope for the best just for us as a team and Jasprit as an individual." Bumrah, who has been out of action since the India tour of England in July, had recently made a comeback during the home T20I series against Australia but the 28-year-old has been forced to head back to the National Cricket Academy for rehab again.

Bumrah's spate of injuries, despite his workload being carefully looked after by the think-tank, has become a matter of debate.

Bumrah played all the 14 IPL matches for his franchise Mumbai Indians and since then he only featured in six Internationals in four months.

Doing rehab at the NCA, Bumrah made a comeback in the preceding Australia series where he played two matches and travelled with the team to Thiruvananthapuram for the 1st T20I against South Africa only to be ruled out ahead of the game.

"To a large extent we manage to get everything. Not everything will be perfect. It happens, it's part and parcel of the game, we are not the only team which suffers from injuries.

"Obviously if they happen closer to big tournaments they can upset your plans a little bit. Everyone is making good efforts to minimise the injuries as much as possible," Dravid defended their workload management.

The former India skipper said it's normal to have injury issues and added they really work hard with their sports science team to manage the players' workloads.

"I don't think there is a team in the world which can say they don't have injuries at all. It's part of the game, you play the game a lot, you play it all the time, people will get injured, that's the nature of the sport," he said.

There has been a lot of debate on who is going to replace Bumrah if he is officially ruled out as only two weeks are left for their World Cup warm-up fixture against Australia.

But Dravid said they are in their comfort zone, having got all the skill sets for different conditions and rival sides in Australia.

"We are quite comfortable that we have got all the skills that allow us to play different combinations and different kinds of XIs based on the wickets and oppositions. That's really important in a World cup when you play in 4-5 different venues.

"You need to have that little bit of versatility and flexibility in your squad that allows you to change things.

"Over the last few series, we probably have not been able to play that squad due to a variety of reasons. But most of the guys in the 15 now have had a pretty decent amount of cricket in the last six months." Dravid said they have absolute clarity on the roles assigned to each of the players in the World Cup-bound squad.

"Within the group, within the team, we have been pretty clear about the kind of combinations we want, the kind of players that we are likely to play in the XI. You can't pick an XI months in advance, you don't know the wicket, and what it's like.

"We have been pretty clear about the skills we want in the 15. For me, that is really important. The kind of squad we pick to the World cup, barring injuries, what were the skills that we are looking for, different kinds of bowlers, certain batting skills, we have been very clear about."

Also Read : India beat Sri Lanka by 41 runs in women's Asia Cup

News Source : PTI

2022-10-01 18:06

My focus is World Tour Finals: Star India shuttler HS Prannoy

Surat, Oct 1 (Badminton News) Star India shuttler HS Prannoy has set his sight on the season-ending World Tour Finals but said he will have to hone his skills to ensure that he doesn't falter at the business end of the remaining tournaments.

One of the most consistent players in the international circuit this season, Prannoy has consistently reached the quarters and semifinals this season but a title has still eluded him.

The 30-year-old from Kerala recently replaced Tokyo Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark at the top of the latest men's singles HSBC Race To Guangzhou rankings.

He is leading with 58,090 points, having participated in 13 tournaments on the BWF World Tour this year. Players in the top 8 qualify for the year-ending World Tour Finals scheduled to be held from December 14 to 18 in Guangzhou.

"My focus would be the World Tour Finals. There are quite a few tournaments before that. I hope to produce winning results in those," Prannoy said after guiding Kerala to a 3-1 win over Assam in the mixed team quarterfinals of the National Games here.

"I have to be consistent. I would like to get into a good rhythm before the World Tour Finals. I'm happy with my results over the last year and I need to be consistent." A former world number 8, Prannoy had slipped out of the top 20 after enduring a tough phase plagued with health issues and a slump in form.

However, Prannoy has regained his place in the top 15 in the latest rankings and said his aim remains to get back into the elite 10.

"I would like to get into the top 10 and preferably top five as I would get a better draw. I also need to work on my game so that I should go beyond the semifinals. That is my priority now." On Saturday, Prannoy, returning to court after a month's break, didn't break any sweat as he saw off Orijit Chaliha 21-11 21-9 in a lop-sided contest.

"I last played in the first week of September in Japan Open. It was a long break for me after some good victories this year," Prannoy said.

"I was not moving as well as I wanted to, but I have got back to training. And, playing a match after a long time is always tough. But going deeper into the tournament, I will be getting tougher matches." Prannoy has been in good form since helping India win their maiden Thomas Cup title in May this year. His best came when he made it to the final of the Swiss Open, a BWF Super 300 event.

He also had two semifinal appearances in the Malaysia Masters and Indonesia Open.

Maharashtra, Gujarat reach semis ===================== In the day's other matches, Maharashtra defeated Delhi 3-1 while Gujarat got the better of Uttarakhand 3-2 to reach the semi-finals.

Maharashtra will now face top seeds Telangana while the hosts will take on Kerala for a spot in the gold medal match.

For Gujarat, it was a reason for celebrations as they are assured of first-ever badminton medal in the National Games.

Also Read : Sikki-Rohan Kapoor enter semifinals of Vietnam Open

News Source : PTI

2022-10-01 15:08

It's difficult to defend when Surya attacks bowlers: Parnell

Guwahati, Oct 1 (Cricket News) Suryakumar Yadav's incredibly strong and powerful batting has made him one of the most feared T20 batters at the moment and South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell says the bowlers will have to stay strong and focussed while tackling him.

Surya slammed a 33-ball 50 in India's eight-wicket win over South Africa on a tricky track in the series-opener.

"Personally from what I've watched in the last couple of months, I think he's probably the best T20 batters at the moment. He scores 360-degree which is very difficult for bowlers to defend," he said on the eve of the second and penultimate T20I of the series.

"It's about being strong and focussed on each ball. He's allowed to play good shots, but the other day he was lucky as well. He's certainly a guy whom I enjoyed watching the last couple of months. He's certainly playing good cricket," Parnell said.

Parnell insisted that their flop show in the first T20I was an aberration and there's no need to panic before the T20 World Cup in Australia.

"It's just one of those things. It wasn't a good T20 wicket and they bowled really well, but our batters have been world class in the last couple of years so there's nothing to panic about," he said.

On their meek show in the powerplay when they were stuttering 9 for five, Parnell said, "It's a bit of a Catch-22 situation really. Certainly experience tells you that new ball does swing so you have to have a look at the first one-two overs." "We have to credit the Indian seamers who bowled really well. We will have to define ways to counter that in the second game." Kagiso Rabada and Parnell hit the right lengths but the likes of Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi struggled badly in the first match as the visitors looked one seamer short.

"Competition is good for the spots. Every single fast bowlers is different and has different skill sets. It's a positive sign for us. It also means that when we are presented with any particular condition, we can play a certain set of fast bowlers so I think personally having the variety that we have is really exciting," he said.

On World Cup preparation, he said: "It's been very good over the last few months. We were here in June, then went on a UK tour, coming back here again before going to Australia. Everyone is in really good spirits and looking forward to next couple of T20Is and the ODIs as well."

Also Read : Jemimah powers India to 150/6 in Asia Cup opener against SL

News Source : PTI

2022-10-01 14:34

It's where it all started for me: Gaikwad eager to play at Chepauk with CSK

Chennai Oct 1 (Cricket News) India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad is looking forward to compete for Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk "where it all started" for him as the IPL goes back to its traditional home-and-away format from the next season.

The IPL has been held at only a few venues since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 but with the pandemic under control, the cash-rich league will return to its old format in which each team plays one home and one away match against all teams.

Gaikwad was with the India A side for the unofficial ODIs against New Zealand A in the city, played a few days back.

"I had seen the atmosphere, I had seen the electrifying noise. I have experienced everything" Gaikwad said in video posted by CSK.

"So, obviously that was going on in mind when I would practise for two days (with India A in Chennai). I was imagining the crowd and CSK entering the stadium. So actually, I am just waiting for the moment," he added.

The opener joined CSK in 2019 but made his debut for the Yellow Army in 2020 and has thus never played at the Cheapuk with the IPL side.

"But the first time when I played here was actually special because I feel this is the place where I started my journey.

"Coming to CSK and getting to learn a lot of things, getting to know the first experience of what it is at the higher level. So this is the place where it all started." Gaikwad’s breakthrough year came in 2021 when he finished as the highest run-getter (635 runs in 16 matches) in CSK’s triumphant campaign.

Former CSK pacer Sharduk Thakur, who was also part of the recently-concluded India A series, also recalled his experience at the Chepauk.

"It feels really great, I mean, the moment I entered the stadium, it felt all nostalgic," Thakur said.

"Yes, I have had my times with CSK, I have played a few games here, but even before that, I have played Ranji (Trophy) games." Thakur was with the CSK for four seasons and was also their leading wicket-taker in IPL last year.

"2010 was my first game here in Chepauk. The stadium and the ground have changed a lot since then but I would say the weather is still the same.

"(It's an) amazing experience, I would always look forward to playing in Chepauk whenever there is an opportunity."

Also Read : Phil Salt’s blitz helps England level the series against Pakistan

News Source : PTI

2022-10-01 13:48

Team India grapple with Bumrah riddle as it chases rare series win vs SA

Guwahati, Oct 1 (Cricket News) It may be unsettled after an unexpected injury to Jasprit Bumrah but the Indian team would aim to continue its winning run and complete a rare home-series win against South Africa when the two sides clash in the second T20 International, here Sunday.

From the tranquility of Thiruvananthapuram, the Team India atmosphere, suddenly, wears a chaotic look -- much like the traffic of Guwahati, thrown out of gear in the midst of Durga Puja rush and construction of flyovers.

Bumrah was expected to play a key role in Indian team's campaign in the Australian conditions but his "back stress fracture" has ruled him out of the ICC flagship event, starting in three weeks' time.

The ongoing series was originally planned as the final tune-up for Rahul Dravid's team but Bumrah's absence from the remaining two T20Is has now thrown more questions than answers.

Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Siraj have been added to the squad as injury replacements but they do not figure in the World Cup-bound squad, as of now.

The burning question is, will the two remaining T20Is give the team management scope to test Bumrah's replacement.

The seasoned Mohammad Shami, who is in the World Cup squad as stand-by, is not here for the South Africa series.

Shami has recovered from COVID-19 and has more chances of making it to Australia because of his experience Down Under.

If that's the case, he might end up having little game time before their World Cup warm-up fixture against the reigning champions on October 16.

For the SA series, the team has a fit-again Deepak Chahar who also figures in the World Cup standby.

Chahar (4-0-24-2) looked in fine mettle when he along with young left-arm pace gun Arshdeep Singh (4-0-32-3) reduced the Proteas to 9/5 inside the power on the Greenfield track as India took a 1-0 lead.

But swing will be out of equation in conditions Down Under and Chahar is more in the mould of Bhuvenshwar Kumar, who is in the World Cup XI along with Arshdeep.

Siraj, on the other hand, has struggled of late and has inspired very little confidence.

It's a different debate altogether that Bhuvneshwar, who is short on experience -- three T20Is -- in Australia has started leaking runs and no longer holds the ace, as it was seen in their Asia Cup elimination last month.

Ditto for World Cup-bound Harshal Patel as it remains to be seen how the think-tank manages to arrange the jigsaw.

In the past, they have overcome bigger hurdles, like when in 2020-21 they won a back-to-back series in Australia with their fifth or sixth choice bowlers.

The Axar effect ============ Thankfully, it's not the case in the spin department.

Axar Patel has been a revelation after Ravindra Jadeja's knee surgery finally cemented his spot. From struggling to find a spot, Patel, a like-for-like replacement for the ace Indian all-rounder, has ticked all the boxes.

He was the top wickettaker -- eight wickets at an average of 7.87 -- in India's 2-1 win over the world T20I champions in their last series here.

And against South Africa too he was at his miserly best -- 1/16 -- bowling in the middle-overs along with Ravichandran Ashwin as it's a department that looks sorted.

For someone who has a career strike-rate of 136-plus from 30 T20Is, it's his batting that has inspired confidence in skipper Rohit Sharma: "I would like to see him batting as well." But India will head to Australia with their star-studded batting providing the big confidence. The top four, including their star batter Virat Kohli, look in their zone.

That KL Rahul also returned among runs with a slow but steady fifty in the first T20I was a big confidence-booster.

It's just that their middle-order with the likes of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik seemingly looks short on game time.

Pant, who is likely to be the X-factor in Australia, has not got any batting opportunities at all since returning from the Asia Cup where he had a mixed campaign.

Karthik, the designated Indian finisher, on the other hand has faced nine balls in last seven games as pushing them higher would not be a bad ploy.

Elusive series win in sight ================ From the series' perspective, India will be chasing their first ever victory over the Proteas in the format at home soil and a win will seal it. It's a different thing that it would hold little significance in the bigger picture.

That they have struggled in the world tournaments is not a secret and the 2007 champions, who last made the semifinal in 2016, would hope to avoid a repeat of 2021 UAE edition when they failed to make the knockouts.

Boasting the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, the South African bowling lacked the sting after the duo dismissed Rohit and Kohli cheaply.

Bavuma would hope that they put up a much-improved show and also the toss of the coin comes in his favour so as to test the Indian batting up front.

Teams (from) India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Umesh Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shahbaz Ahmed and Mohammad Siraj.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (Captain), Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.

Match starts 7pm IST.

Also Read : Former India A fielding coach Abhay Sharma roped in as Delhi head coach

News Source : PTI

2022-10-01 09:56

India U-17 team will be underdogs at Asian qualifiers, says Bibiano Fernandes

Al Khobar (Saudi Arabia), Sep 30 (Football News) India U-17 national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes said his boys haven't tested themselves against the best but hoped they will be able to put up a good show in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers after their recent success.

India have been clubbed in Group D of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, where they will face the likes of Maldives (October 3), Kuwait (October 5), Myanmar (October 7), and hosts Saudi Arabia (October 9).

The India U-17s started off their junior international campaign by lifting the SAFF U-17 Championship in Sri Lanka earlier this month, before playing a friendly against the Oman U-17 national team, which they won by a 3-1 margin in Muscat.

"Our teams have done well in the qualifiers historically, but this is a completely new team, that is yet to test itself at this level. So as far as I am concerned, we are the underdogs, and we will give it our best in every game," said Fernandes in a release.

India arrived in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from Muscat, Oman, on Thursday before shifting to Al Khobar, where most of their matches will be taking place.

"The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, and it is also a time when we were not able to play many exposure matches. But we have had a good outing in the SAFF Championship and last week against Oman as well," "Yes, we have made a few mistakes, but that's what these matches are for. We have learned from these, and have worked on these issues in training, and hopefully we can now give a good account of ourselves in the Asian qualifiers." Coach Fernandes sounded confident, yet cautious about India's chances in Group D.

"I feel that we are up against some tough teams this time, and there will be good competition for places to make it to the finals of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup this time round," he said.

India begin their campaign on Tuesday against the Maldives at the Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium.

Fixtures: October 4: Maldives vs India, 12 Midnight, IST.

October 6: India vs Kuwait, 12 Midnight, IST.

October 7: Myanmar vs India, 8.45 PM, IST.

October 10: India vs Saudi Arabia, 12 Midnight, IST.

Also Read : Man Utd face City in a mouthwatering clash while Arsenal take on Spurs

News Source : PTI

2022-10-01 09:39

Gujarat’s Elavenil Valarivan shoots down gold even as 9 records fall in athletics

Gandhinagar, Sep 30 (Sports News) Gujarat's ace shooter Elavenil Valarivan gave the hosts their fourth gold while Olympic silver medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, path-breaking fencer Bhavani Devi and wrestler Divya Kakaran, lived up to their top billing with yellow metals in their respective events in the 36th National Games here on Friday.

The athletics arena at IIT, Gandhinagar, however, was on fire, with as many as nine Games’ records falling during the course of the action-packed day.

Munita Prajapati (Uttar Pradesh), daughter of a construction labourer, and 17-year-old Parvej Khan (Services) were the stars of the day, with Munita setting the first record of this edition in the Women’s 20km walk. She clocked a commendable 1 hour 38 minutes 20 seconds.

Parvej Khan, then, did one better, breaking the highly-rated Bahadur Prasad’s 28-year-old Games record in the men’s 1500m to the delight of the fraternity. He slashed nearly two seconds off his personal best time to win the metric mile gold in 3:40.89.

2018 Asian Games decathlon champion Swapna Barman, competing in Madhya Pradesh colours here, claimed the women’s High Jump record with a clearance of 1.83m while Praveen Chithravel (Tamil Nadu) made light of a depleted Triple Jump field to win gold with a Games record effort of 16.68m.

Damneet Singh (Punjab) in the men’s Hammer Throw and Kiran Baliyan (Uttar Pradesh) in women’s Shot Put also entered the record books. In the men’s 100m semifinals, Amlan Borgohain (Assam) also broke the National Games record, set at 10.45 seconds by Haryana’s Dharambir Singh in Thiruvananthapuram in 2015.

Amlan Borgohain, who has been in good form this season, stopped the clock at 10.28 seconds, two-hundredths of a second outside the National Record held by Amiya Kumar Mallick since 2016.

Gujarat had plenty to cheer though, with their Netball Men’s team adding a fifth medal after the Technical Committee awarded the bronze to them as well as their opponents, Delhi, following a tie in their bronze medal play-off.

Powered by Ankita Raina, Gujarat women's team continued their march into the tennis final with an easy win over Karnataka. They will start favourites in the gold medal match against Maharashtra at the Riverside Sports Complex on Saturday.

The women's tennis team also stayed on course to defend its gold medal, defeating Karnataka 2-0 in the semifinals at the Sabarmati Riverfront sports complex.

Among the favourites, Bhavani Devi (Tamil Nadu) completed a hat-trick of women's Sabre individual gold medals. Having barely slept after flying in from her training base in France and having carried the Tamil Nadu flag in the athletes’ parade yesterday, she spent a productive day at the Mahatma Mandir, asserting her primacy as India's best Sabre fencer.

Divya Kakaran (Uttar Pradesh) stopped a Haryana sweep of all six gold medals at stake on the opening of wrestling competition. She won the women's 76kg class title, beating Haryana’s Reetika in the quarterfinals and Rohini Satya Shivani (Telangana) and Rani (Himachal Pradesh) with a measure of comfort.

Haryana men and Odisha women claimed the Rugby 7s gold medals respectively with victories over Maharashtra teams. Haryana scored a golden double in Netball, their men’s team defeating Telangana 75-73 in a thriller that went to the wire and their women quelling Punjab’s challenge 53-49.

The women's Kabaddi event will see an in-form Maharashtra square-up against Himachal Pradesh in the final on Saturday.

Both sides had a varied journey in the semi-final round with Maharashtra winning at a canter against Tamil Nadu while Himachal Pradesh had more than a few tense moments against Haryana.

Also Read : Weightlifting at National Games: Mirabai pips Sanjita for 49kg gold

News Source : PTi

2022-10-01 09:36

Former India A fielding coach Abhay Sharma roped in as Delhi head coach

New Delhi, Sep 30 (Cricket News) Former India A and U-19 fielding coach Abhay Sharma has been appointed as the head coach of the Delhi cricket team ahead of the domestic season beginning October 11.

Former India spinner and selector Sarandeep Singh was another strong contender for the job but Rohan Jaitly led DDCA has gone ahead with Sharma, who has more coaching experience.

The Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) comprising Nikhil Chopra, Gursharan Singh and Reema Malhotra had recommended Sharma's name to the president.

Former India selector Gagan Khoda has been appointed chief selector of the senior team, while former India pacer Pankaj Singh has been appointed head coach of U-25 side. Khoda, who played two ODIs for India, hails from Rajasthan.

Anil Bhardwaj and Mayank Sidana (former Punjab Ranji cricketer) are the other new faces in the senior selection panel.

Former Rajasthan Royals fielding coach Dishant Yagnik has been given charge of the senior women's team while India pacer Arshdeep Singh's childhood coach Jaswant Rai will coach the men's U-19 unit. Rai represented Himachal Pradesh in his playing days.

"Abhay Sharma has been chosen as the head coach of the senior team," said a DDCA source.

Sharma has worked extensively with India A, India U-19 and most recently the national women's team.

The 53-year-old, who played 89 first-class games representing Delhi, Railways and Rajasthan, was also the fielding coach of the Indian team which travelled to Zimbabwe in 2016. He also travelled with the Indian team on the tour of USA and the West Indies in the same year.

With Delhi scheduled to open their Syed Mushtaq Ali campaign against Manipur, Sharma has less than two weeks to work with the squad which is yet to be announced.

A lot of dilly dallying took place before the DDCA zeroed in on Sharma.

"It should have happened at least two weeks ago. But the good thing is most of coaching staff which has been recruited has come from outside Delhi," said another DDCA source.

Delhi had a forgettable last season when they failed to qualify for the knock outs of all three competitions -- Mushtaq Ali, Vijay Hazare and Ranji Trophy.

The team was coached by Virat Kohli's childhood coach Raj Kumar Sharma last season and captained by Pradeep Sangwan.

Also Read : It's a bit better for the bowlers: Hazlewood on Australian conditions for T20 WC

News Source : PTI

2022-09-30 19:24

Rashid shoots flawless 65, takes four-shot lead in Mercuries Masters

Tamsui, Sep 30 (Golf News) India's Rashid Khan shot a flawless seven-under 65 to open up a four-shot lead after round two of the USD 1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters here on Friday.

Rashid, who shot 67 in the first round, is now 12-under for 36 holes and leads by four over Chinese-Taipei's Chan Shih-chang (68) and Wang Wei-hsiang (70), the defending champion and first-round leader, and Nitithorn Thippong from Thailand (69), who are all in second position at 8-under.

It was a good day for the Indian golfers as Honey Baisoya (69-71) was T-11 and four others, Shiv Kapur (68-73), Ajeetesh Sandhu (73-68) and Rahil Gangjee (70-71) and Veer Ahlawat (69-72) were T-17 at 3-under.

One shot behind them were SSP Chawrasia (71-71) and Khalin Joshi (73-69) at T-23.

S Chikkarangappa (70-74) and Udayan Mane (70-74) were T-31, while Viraj Madappa (73-72) and Aman Raj (73-72) were T-41. M Dharma 71-75) was T-51 as 13 of the 14 Indians in the field made the cut.

Karandeep Kochhar, who dropped four shots in last five holes, missed the cut by four.

Rashid, whose two victories on the Asian Tour came back in 2014, has been consistent this year. He has four Top-10s, including a runner-up finish at Mandiri Indonesia Open and T-8 last week in Chinese Taipei at Yeangder TPC.

Starting from the tenth, he had three birdies on the back nine between 14th and 17th and coming to the front nine, he had four birdies in a span of five holes between third and seventh.

Despite finding only half the fairways with seven of the 14, he drilled his approaches superbly and found 16 of the 18 greens. He had 28 putts, the same at the first day. Interestingly, in the first round, too, he had only eight fairways out of 14 but 14 greens in 18.

"It was pretty good, it was stress free," said the 31-year-old Rashid, who began his round on 10.

"I really enjoyed it. I was hitting the ball well and even rolling the putts really well. So just keeping myself on the green, give yourself a lot of chances and that's what I did.

"I only missed like two greens, I'll say, the 10th where I started, and the last hole, but a really good par on the last." On that final hole, the ninth, he just missed out of bounds with his tee shot, chipped out leaving himself an approach from 140 yards from where he hit his third to 25 feet and courageously holed the putt to complete a brilliant round.

"I played well here last time also, I finished fifth (in 2019). I know that a lot of things are required at this golf course, especially if you miss the green, the ups and downs are not easy," he said.

"So, I'm just going to hit the greens and you know, give myself chances." His round was two shots short of the course record set by Chinese-Taipei's Lin Wen-hong in 2008.

A trio of Thai golfers, Danthai Boonma (66), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (69) and Donlaphatchai Niyomchon (71) are two shots further back at T-5.

Also Read : Varun Parikh shoots day’s best 67 to join Kartik Sharma in lead

News Source : PTI

2022-09-30 18:05

Irani Cup: Pujara and 'five openers' in focus as Saurashtra take on ROI

Rajkot, Sep 30 (Cricket News) Veteran Cheteshwar Pujara would strive to stay relevant in the national team's scheme of things with a purposeful knock when Saurashtra clashes with Rest of India, a side that is packed with five specialist openers, in the Irani Cup clash starting here Saturday.

While Madhya Pradesh are the 2021-22 Ranji Trophy champions, Saurashtra will be playing the Irani Trophy by virtue of being the 2019-20 champions as the one-off match wasn't held for successive seasons due to COVID-19.

Gone are those days when the Rest of India versus Ranji champions' encounter used to be a virtual national team trial game where a good performance was a sure shot ticket towards an entry into the national dressing room.

An Irani Cup in 2022 is more about being in the scheme of things as far as reserve bench is concerned and majority of the Rest of India squad comprises of players, who have all featured in the recent A series against New Zealand.

The Saurashtra team has a battle-hardened pro in Pujara, whose Test career is at the crossroads and he wouldn't like to put a foot wrong before the away series in Bangladesh.

He has had a dream run for Sussex in both red ball and white ball (List A) games but whether the selectors will persist with him in Tests going forward is another matter.

But on his home ground where he has scored truckloads of runs, Pujara can prove to be more than a handful for the young speed guns like Umran Malik, Kuldeep Sen, Arzan Nagwaswalla or the upcoming spinners namely R Sai Kishore and Saurabh Kumar.

However the primary problem that Rest of India face is having too many openers -- all in-form in their squad of 15.

There is India 'A' pair of Priyank Panchal and Abhimanyu Easwaran that did well against New Zealand 'A' while Yashasvi Jaiswal was in regal form in the Duleep Trophy, scoring 265 in the final.

Then there is Test opener Mayank Agarwal who is trying to make a comeback and young Yash Dhull who has scored 770 runs in five first class games in his debut season.

Only skipper Hanuma Vihari and in form Sarfaraz Khan are the two specialist batters apart from keeper Kona Bharat.

The Saurashtra bowling attack will be manned by Jaydev Unadkat, a pro in domestic cricket, who is sure to feel short changed on not getting a national call up after 65 wickets in 2019-20 season.

There is Chetan Sakariya who will bring the ball back into the right handed batters.

On a slow batting surface, the spinners of both sides will come into play from third day onwards.

Squads: Saurashtra: Jaydev Unadkat (Captain), Cheteshwar Pujara, Sheldon Jackson, Arpit Vasavada, Chirag Jani, Kamlesh Makwana, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, Prerak Mankad, Chetan Sakariya, Snell Patel, Vishvarajsinh Jadeja, Kushang Patel, Harvik Desai, Samarth Vyas, Parth Bhut, Kishan Parmar.

Rest of India: Hanuma Vihari (Captain), Mayank Agarwal, Priyank Panchal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Yash Dhull, Sarfaraaz Khan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, K.S.Bharat, Upendra Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Saurabh Kumar, R Sai Kishore, Mukesh Kumar, Umran Malik, Kuldeep Sen, Arzan Nagwaswalla.

Match starts at 9:30am.

Also Read : It wasn't part of plan but was very much within rules: Harmanpreet on controversial run out

News Source : PTI

2022-09-30 16:57

India qualifies for 14th World Esports Championships in CS:GO

(Esports news) India’s CS:GO team produced vigorous performances in the South Asian Regional Qualifiers of the 14th World Esports Championships after hammering Pakistan and Bangladesh in the South Asian regional qualifiers.

The team, comprising of skipper Ritesh Sarda (Defaulter), Shuvajyoti Chakraborty (Mcg1LLzZz), Anshul Adardkar (KiiLSwitCh), Hrishikesh Shenoy (Crazy_Gamer) and Harsh Jain (lynX), recorded identical 2-0 victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the semi-finals and final respectively.

Besides CS:GO team, prominent Tekken 7 athlete Hitesh Khorwal (rcool) and well renowned eFootball professional Hemanth Kommu (peshemak7) will also represent India at the World Esports Championships, scheduled to take place in Bali from Nov 29 – December 12, 2022. Hitesh and Hemanth secured their berths by winning the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2022, conducted by Esports Federation of India (ESFI) earlier this year.

Organised by International Esports Federation, the prestigious event will witness participation of top athletes from over 120 countries, competing in six different Esports titles—CS:GO, Dota 2, Tekken 7, eFootball, as well as PUBG mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang which will be making its debut at the championships. The 14th WEC has a prize pool of USD 500K (~INR 4 Crores).

“The team was simply too good for the opposition in terms of their skills, strategies and coordination. They won comfortably against Pakistan and Bangladesh shows the confidence they have in their gameplay. We are extremely proud of their performances and are now looking forward to seeing them compete with the best teams from all over the world in Bali. Everyone at ESFI wishes them the best of luck for the grand tournament,” said Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India and Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation.

Led by Sarda, the dominant Indian team hardly had to break a sweat in their matches as they comprehensively defeated Pakistan in two different maps by 16-6 and 16-4 and then displayed a similar aggressive performance to outperform Bangladesh in both maps of the final by 16-7 and 16-5.

“It feels amazing to represent India again at the World Esports Championships in back-to-back years. We definitely want to improve on our performances from last year and have been working very hard to do so. The team has done very well in showcasing its qualities in game while prevailing in all these qualifiers but the WEC final will be a stern test on a much higher level and we want to match that. I have high hopes from the tournament and we want to bring some glory from it back home,” said Sarda, captain of the Indian CS:GO team.

The same CS:GO team had participated in the last edition of World Esports Championships, held in Eilat, and finished eighth in the final.

Also read: The 3rd edition of TGR GT Cup ASIA to take place on 9th October 2022

2022-09-30 15:40

MotoGP announces it will race in India in 2023, provisional dates set at Sep 22-24

New Delhi, Sep 30 (MotorSports News) MotoGP on Friday confirmed that it will race in India from 2023 with provisional dates set at September 22-24, marking the return of a big ticket motorsport event in the country after Formula 1's departure nine years ago. The world's premier two-wheel racing championship will be held at the Buddh International Circuit, which staged Formula 1 from 2011 to 2013.

After MotoGP announced that India will become the 31st country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix next year, a provisional calendar was released. India has been listed as the 14th round, to be held in September, in a 21-race calendar.

Top officials from MotoGP's commercial rights holder Dorna had visited India earlier this month to sign a seven-year MoU with Indian race promoters Fairstreet Sports (FSS).

They had also held meetings with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

The FSS had announced that a MotoGP round will be held next year but Dorna MD Carlos Ezpeleta did not commit to a time frame considering the complexities surrounding a season's calendar. Friday's announcement from MotoGP makes the picture much clearer.

“We’re very proud to announce that Buddh International Circuit will be on the 2023 calendar. We have a lot of fans in India and we’re excited to be able to bring the sport to them," Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta said in a statement.

"India is also a key market for the motorcycle industry and therefore, by extension, for MotoGP as the pinnacle of the two-wheeled world. We very much look forward to racing at Buddh International Circuit and can’t wait to welcome the fans through the gates to see this incredible sport in person.” UP CM Adityanath added: “It’s a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh to host such a global event. Our government will provide full support to MotoGP Bharat.” Homologation process begins ================== The track will need to be homologated by governing body FIM before the mega event which is expected to be a formality considering it has already hosted Formula 1.

FSS COO Pushkar Nath told PTI that homologation process has already begun with FIM officials inspecting the BIC track.

"The homologation process has begun, the officials are already here," said Nath.

"It is (race coming to India) a landmark moment for the country and we are happy to have played a role in that." Government support is a must to pull off an event of this scale and the race seems to have the blessings of both the state and central government.

Formula 1 had left India due to financial health of the race promoters, taxation and customs issues. FSS, which will be shelling out millions of dollas to host the race every year, is confident of overcoming the logistical and tax hurdles.

Around 5000 people, including riders and staff, work during a MotoGP. On his visit earlier this month, Dorna MD Carlos Ezpeleta said MotoGP weekend generates economic activity of 100 million euros.

“This event will provide a major impetus to the economy by generating an influx of foreign investment in the state,” said Nand Gopal 'Nandi', a Cabinet Minister in UP government.

With the country being the world's largest two-wheeler market, Carlos had said that "MotoGP and India were meant for each other".

"Buddh International Circuit’s debut will make it the 75th venue at which the premier class have raced, and India becomes the 31st country to host a motorcycle Grand Prix," said MotoGP in a statement.

"As MotoGP continues to push to reduce its carbon footprint, India and Motegi mark the start of a longer stint in Asia – significantly reducing the paddock’s potential mileage.

"India is a true economic and cultural powerhouse, with a population of over 1.4 billion people and more than 200 million motorcycles on its roads. Two-wheeled transportation counts for nearly 75% of the total number of vehicles used daily, making India one of the biggest motorcycle markets in the world and a key focus for the manufacturers in the paddock," it added.

Also Read : Hamilton feels F1 is less entertaining due to Verstappen dominance

News Source : PTI

2022-09-30 14:29

Chennaiyin FC announce squad for ISL Season 9

Chennai, Sep 30 (Football News) Chenaniyin FC on Friday announced a 35-man squad for the upcoming Indian Super League season with head coach Thomas Brdaric looking to build on a promising Durand Cup campaign that concluded earlier this month.

Nasser El Khayati joined the club as its seventh foreign acquisition. He replaced Rafael Crivellaro in the midfield, having played in a similar role in the Dutch first division in May this year.

The Dutch footballer joined vice-captain and Senegalese international Fallou Diagne, Iranian defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi, German midfielder Julius Duker and attackers Kwame Karikari and Petar Sliskovic from Ghana and Croatia respectively.

Petar, Julius, Vafa and Karikari all found the back of the net over the five games they played in the Durand Cup.

While there has been a complete overhaul of CFC's foreign contingent, the team has also reinforced its Indian contingent by inducting several youth players alongside experienced campaigners.

In the Durand Cup, Petar top-scored for CFC with three goals while skipper Anirudh Thapa scored twice and assisted thrice.

The competition also saw Edwin Sydney get his first goal for the club, while the likes of Aakash Sangwan and Ninthoinganba Meetei also impressed -- all part of the league squad.

Some key absentees during the Durand Cup who will be a part of the season are Mohammed Rafique, Alexander Romario Jesuraj, Sourav Das and Vincy Baretto.

This year, Chennaiyin will kickstart their ISL campaign on October 10 against ATK Mohun Bagan in an away match, before hosting Bengaluru FC at the Marina Arena on October 14.

Chennaiyin FC Squad: Goalkeepers: Debjit Majumder, Samik Mitra, Devansh Dabas, Lovepreet Singh.

Defenders: Narayan Das, Aakash Sangwan, Vafa Hakhamaneshi, Fallou Diagne, Gurmukh Singh, Md. Sajid Dhot, Ajith Kumar, Monotosh Chakladar, Md. Aqib.

Midfielders: Nasser El Khayati, Jiteshwor Singh, Anirudh Thapa, Edwin Vanspaul, Julius Duker, Sajal Bag, Chris White, Mohammed Rafique, Sourav Das, Suhail Pasha Forwards: Ninthoi Meetei, Vincy Barretto, Rahim Ali, Romario Jesuraj, Petar Sliskovic, Kwame Karikari, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, Jockson Dhas, Senthamizh, Jobby Justin, Gulab Singh, Mohamed Liyaakath.

Also Read : Inter take on the mighty Romans while AC Milan face Empoli

News SOurce : PTI

2022-09-30 13:03

Favourites India look to carry ODI momentum into Asia Cup T20

Sylhet (Bangladesh), Sep 30 (Cricket News) An in-form India would look to carry forward the momentum of a historic ODI series sweep in England while trying to put behind the "Mankading" controversy as they open their women's Asia Cup T20 campaign against Sri Lanka here on Saturday.

The Indian women haven't had a lot of success of late in the T20 format but at the continental level, Harmanpreet Kaur's team will start as clear favourites.

Barring their only blemish in the last edition of the tournament, India have won all the Asia Cup titles since the event's inception in 2004 (4 titles in ODI format and 2 in T20 version).

The Asia Cup was transformed from ODI to T20 format in 2012 and India have won twice, while losing to hosts Bangladesh in the last edition in 2018.

And, India would look to assert their continental dominance in the tournament, which returns after a hiatus of four years.

The 2020 edition of the event in Bangladesh was first postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic before being cancelled altogether.

After claiming a historic silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where women's cricket made its debut in T20 format, India suffered a 1-2 away defeat against England earlier this month.

But the Harmanpreet-led side made a fantastic turnaround in the ODIs, clean sweeping England 3-0 to record a historic series victory, which marked a glorious end to Indian bowling legend Jhulan Goswami's international career.

The Indian series win, however, reignited an intense debate over the spirit of the game after all-rounder Deepti Sharma ran out Charlie Dean during the series-clinching third ODI as the English batter backed up at the non-striker's end.

The Indian team would be desperate to move on from the incident and focus on the Asia Cup.

On the team's front, Harmanpreet has been in imperious form. Smriti Mandhana too is in good touch but Shafali Verma, Sabbhineni Meghana and Dayalan Hemalatha need their bats do the talking.

Jemimah Rodrigues' return to the side after missing the tour of England due to a hand injury, augurs well for India. Wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh, who made a comeback in England after being dropped from the Commonwealth Games, is also in the mix.

India's seam bowling attack will be led by Renuka Singh, while Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad and Deepti will be in charge of the spin department.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be heavily relying on skipper Chamari Athapaththu to deliver the goods with the bat in the absence young Vishmi Gunaratne, who is out due to a back stress fracture.

The island nation's middle-order will revolve around Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, while the bowling attack will heavily depend on spinners Inoka Ranaweera and Oshadi Ranasinghe.

The tournament involves seven teams -- India, Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, UAE and hosts Bangladesh. All sides will play each other in a round-robin format -- a total of six matches each -- with the top four qualifying for semi-finals. The Teams (from) India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sabbineni Meghana, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Meghna Singh, Renuka Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Radha Yadav, KP Navgire.

Sri Lanka: Chamari Atapattu (c), Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Harshitha Madhavi, Madushika Methtananda, Hasini Perera, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Inoka Ranaweera, Anushka Sanjeevani (wk), Kaushani Nuthyangana, Malsha Shehani, Rashmi Silva, Tharika Sewwandi.

Match starts at 1 PM.

Also Read : How catastrophic is Jasprit Bumrah's injury for team India?

News Source : PTI

2022-09-30 12:34

How catastrophic is Jasprit Bumrah's injury for team India?

(Cricket news) After playing 2 T20Is against Australia, Jasprit Bumrah missed the 1st T20I against South Africa due to a niggle. Now Bumrah has been diagnosed with a back injury and he has been officially ruled out of the South Africa series. Even though the BCCI hasn't said anything about his availability at the T20 World Cup, reports suggest that he has been ruled out. The physios at the NCA will now take a call on whether Bumrah will have to undergo surgery. If he does go through a surgery then he will not be back until March 2023 at the very least. Mohammed Siraj has been added to the squad for the South Africa series as Mohammed Shami hasn't recovered from Covid.

Shami and Deepak Chahar are the stand-bys in the World Cup squad. Shami is the ideal choice to replace Bumrah as he is the option who can generate pace like no other. The problem is that Shami hasn't played a T20I game in the lead up to the World Cup which is exactly what happened in the last two World Cups as well. There are reports which suggest that he could play the ODI series against South Africa to get match fit. Just over a month ago, the BCCI were not going to consider Shami for T20Is but now they basically have no other option. Shami had a very good IPL where he led the Gujarat Titans bowling attack as they won the trophy. He will be a different bowler to Jasprit Bumrah as Shami excels with the new ball but isn't particularly good at the death.

Siraj is likely to be named as a backup for the World Cup squad and it could depend on his performance against South Africa. Siraj isn't a bad option to have and it is a mystery of sorts as to why he wasn't in the mix before, especially in the Asia Cup. Bumrah's absence is nothing short of a nightmare for India as he is up there with the best seamers in the world. He doesn't have any direct replacement either and his injury significantly affects India's chances at the World Cup. As per how the pecking order is looking at the moment, India's pace trio at the World Cup should be Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel, which is an attack that lacks pace. It is now time for Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma to come up with a solution and make do with what is available.

Also read: MCG my home ground: Rauf sends warning to India ahead of T20 World Cup opener

2022-09-30 10:03

Gujarat women's tennis team starts with easy win; WB women pip Assam in lawn bowls fours

Ahmedabad, Sep 29 (Tennis News) Gujarat began their defence of the National Games women's team tennis title with a commanding win over Telangana while West Bengal women's lawn bowls team registered a stunning 12-11 victory over Assam to maintain its winning momentum in the 36th National Games on Thursday. Gujarat women tennis team dropped just four games in securing a 2-0 verdict against Telangana at the picturesque Sabarmati Riverfront Sports Complex.

They will now meet Karnataka for a place in the final.

In the other semifinal, Maharashtra will lock horns with Tamil Nadu, who wriggled out of a tight spot against Haryana. Maharashtra had defeated Delhi 2-0.

At the Kensville Golf and Country Club where lawn bowls action is taking place, the West Bengal team held its nerves to quell Assam's fightback to register its second win in the Group.

The Assam Fours team, led by Birmingham Commonwealth Games participant Tania Choudhary, and comprising Bangita Hazarika, Adinita Kakoty and Ananya Saikia, was trailing 1-5 after the first two ends, but clawed back to level 7-7.

Bengal, who fielded Renu Mohfa, Manisha Srivastava, Reema Pawa and Anchor Malhotra, held their nerves to regain a slender 11-10 lead in the penultimate 11th end and kept their noses ahead at the finish.

In other matches, hosts Gujarat dominated the proceedings against Manipur to register a 12-10 win while Jharkhand made light work of Odisha to record a 33-3 win. In another contest, Delhi got the better of Bihar by a 20-9 margin.

At the shooting range, 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist Vijay Kumar (Himachal Pradesh) soaked in the pressure well to be placed second behind Ankur Goel (Uttarakhand) and ahead of the in-form Anish Bhanwala (Haryana) after the first stage of the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol competition.

Sri Karthik Sabari Raj (Tamil Nadu) topped the men's 10m Air Rifle qualification charts with 632.2 points, leaving the likes of Aishwary PS Tomar (Madhya Pradesh) Rudranksh B Patil (Maharashtra), Divyansh Singh Panwar (Rajasthan), Hriday Hazarika (Assam) and Arjun Babuta (Punjab) in his wake.

Similarly, in the women’s 10m Air Rifle qualification, Tilottama Sen (Karnataka) finished on top with 633.6 points. Sriyanka Sadangi (Odisha), Yukthi Rajendra (Karnataka) 629.3 and Nancy (Haryana) were placed above Elavenil Valarivan (Gujarat) and Mehuli Ghosh (West Bengal) but the final will come with its own set of challenges.

In the men's Netball semifinals in Bhavnagar, Gujarat stretched Telangana to the limit, losing by a wafer-thin margin after opening up a 30-28 lead at the half-time.

Telangana turned the tables on the home side by pressing hard in the third quarter for a 45-42 advantage. Gujarat fought lion-heartedly and held the upper-hand in the final quarter but lost 53-55.

Also Read : Laver Cup: Roger Federer closes the curtains on his illustrious career

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2022-09-29 17:11

Stage set for final round of national motorcycle championship

Chennai, Sep 29 (Motor Sports News) Battles for the titles are likely to be closely fought in the fifth and final round of the MRF MMSC-FMSCI National Motorcycle Championship to be held at the Madras International Circuit here over the weekend.

The focus would be on the two premier categories, Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open and Pro-Stock 165cc Open where the race for championships could go down to the wire, going by the extremely close races this season.

Veteran Rajini Krishnan (RACR Castrol Power1), in sight of his 11th National title, has 161 points in the kitty going into the Pro-Stock 301-400cc Open double-header that offers a maximum of 50 points. Behind him are Petronas TVS Racing’s KY Ahamed (126) and Deepak Ravikumar (125). Rajini needs 16 more points this weekend to seal the title.

It is a three-way battle in the Pro-Stock 165cc category involving Pacer Yamaha’s Mathana Kumar (126 points), Rajiv Sethu of Idemitsu Honda SK69 Racing (109) and Prabhu Arunagiri (Pacer Yamaha, 104) ahead of the two races.

While Sethu is 17 points behind Mathana Kumar, his teammate Senthil Kumar is currently placed 11th with 38 points. ASK Honda Racing team’s Abhishek V has 40 points. Hubballi’s Sarvesh Balappa (Axor Sparks Racing), with five wins and a podium finish from eight races so far, has taken an unassailable 58-point lead in the Novice (Stock 165cc) category while Ann Jennifer (Alpha Racing), the 2020 champion, has a slender nine-point advantage over Mumbai’s Jagruthi Kiran Penkar (Axor Sparks Racing) in the Girls (Stock 165cc) class.

Pune youngster Sarthak Chavan enjoys a 30-point advantage in the NSF 250R class of the Idemitsu Honda India Talent Cup while Kolhapur’s Raheesh Mudassar Khatri is virtually assured of the crown in the Novice (CBR 150) category with eight wins from eight starts.

The Petronas TVS One-Make Championship organised by MMSC comprises four categories – Open (Apache RR 310), Rookie, Girls and Media (all RTR 200).

Hyderabad’s Rahil Pillarisetty requires only five more points from two races this weekend to clinch the title in the Open class, while Bengaluru teenager Chiranth Viswanath has effectively sealed the championship in the Rookie category having won all eight races so far, and Aditi Krishnan, also from Bengaluru, with four wins from as many outings, enjoys an unbeatable lead in the Girls class.

Also Read : Hamilton confident Mercedes will bounce back after disappointing season

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2022-09-29 16:43

Rizwan and the bowlers shine to take a 3-2 series lead against England

(Cricket news) Pakistan beat England by 6 runs in a final-over thriller between the two sides on Wednesday. Mark Wood continued his fiery return after his injury as his spell had the Pakistani batters rattled. Mohammad Rizwan's knock helped set a target of 145 on a two-paced pitch. But in the end, it came down to the final over that fell on the shoulders of debutant Aamer Jamal who was up against Moeen Ali as he defended 14 runs. Barring one delivery that went for six, Jamal was great with his execution of wide yorkers to help Pakistan clinch the fifth T20I as they took a 3-2 series lead.

Six bowlers were used by Babar Azam as Pakistan had to defend a small total of 145 runs. They went in with a combination of three pace options, and three spin options as England were reduced to 85/6 in the 15th over, all of those six bowlers had a wicket apiece. Nawaz took the first wicket in the first over itself, removing Alex Hales. Haris Rauf was the next bowler to strike, and was followed by Mohammad Wasim Jr and Shadab as England tumbled inside the first 10 overs failing to get any momentum in their innings. England’s best player in the series Brook fell to a googly from Shadab, and Malan missed a straight one from Iftikhar.

Struggling at 83/5 after 14 overs on a two-paced pitch, England were in trouble which was about to get even deeper as Jamal was introduced in the attack, he removed Sam Curran whose miscued shot was caught at extra cover. At that stage, Pakistan were firm favourites as England needed 58 off the last five overs with just four wickets in hand but Moeen Ali kept England in the hunt. The timing started getting better as the innings progressed and so did the frequency of connecting his shots, and going into the final over with 15 needed and a newcomer up against him, it was really anybody's game but the youngster kept his cool and eventually won the game for Pakistan.

Earlier in the evening, England won the toss and opted to bowl. There were many changes from both teams. In the first innings, Rizwan held the innings together as he got off to a slow start, and was never really allowed to play freely given the situation. Despite the struggles he kept the scoreboard ticking and started to accelerate once he brought up his fifty off 37 balls. In the 18th over he went for a high full toss from Curran but he only holed out a fielder in the deep. His efforts ensured a competitive score that gave the bowlers a fighting chance. For England they will take a lot of positives from the bowling performance as Mark Wood capped off a fine return with figures of 3/20.

Brief scores: Pakistan 145 in 19 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 63; Mark Wood 3/20) beat England 139/7 in 20 overs (Moeen Ali 51*; Iftikhar Ahmed 1/16) by 6 runs.

Also read: Sky and Arshdeep inspire India to a 8 wicket win over South Africa

2022-09-29 16:14

Probiotic health drink Yakult partners with Kerala Blasters

(Football news) Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd., the World’s No.1 Probiotic Fermented Milk Drink, today announced its association with Indian Super League, Kerala Blasters as a health partner. Under the association, Yakult has been identified as the official health partner for the Kerala-based franchise KBFC in the current ISL season. Yakult was launched in India in 2008 and is presently available in 31 states/UTs. More than 40 million bottles of Yakult are consumed every day in 40 countries and regions.

A bottle of Yakult contains over 6.5 billion unique beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota) which offer specific health benefits that have been established through years of research. The bacteria present in Yakult reach the intestines alive in sufficient numbers and suppress the growth of harmful bacteria. Daily consumption of Yakult improves digestion and helps to build immunity. There are 2 variants of Yakult i.e., Yakult and Yakult Light with reduced sugar. It has a shelf life of 40 days from the date of manufacture, when refrigerated. It is manufactured at a state-of-the art HACCP, and ISO 14001 and 45001 certified facility at Sonepat, Haryana, near Delhi.

There is promising evidence to show that probiotics can help in building immunity and reduce the risk of common cold in athletes. This was shown in a study conducted at Loughborough University in U.K by Prof. Michael Gleeson, Prof. of Exercise Biochemistry. The study showed that athletes benefitted from daily consumption of the probiotic drink Yakult, in improving their immunity and reducing the risk of respiratory infections, like common cold and flu.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroshi Hamada, Managing Director, Yakult Danone India Pvt. Ltd. said, “This sponsorship is in line with Yakult’s corporate philosophy which is “We contribute to the health and happiness of people around the world.” Therefore, Yakult strongly supports all programs and activities that can build good health in addition to contributing to a healthy environment. Apart from this, the performance of Kerala Blasters FC in the season was also seen to attract Yakult Danone India to be together.

"I believe Kerala Blasters FC as a team that can again go further and give stiff competition to other teams for the 2022/2023 season. This team has a very good past record as well. Also, the club has a strong fan base. Therefore, we choose to sponsor this team and establish strategic partnership so that it can benefit not only this team, but the people in the state of Kerala in general. "

Elaborating further, Mr Hamada said, “We are also considering introducing a Japanese League Club to Kerala Blasters FC as part of the essence of this collaboration. I hope that the various possibilities of collaboration between India and Japan will contribute to club, players and grassroot activities in the coming season.”

Mr. Nikhil Bhardwaj, Director, Kerala Blasters said “We are delighted to have Yakult with us as associate sponsor of KBFC. With its global mission of contributing to the health and happiness of people around the world, it is a matter of great pride for us that Yakult has chosen to partner with KBFC for the upcoming seasons of ISL. We look forward to working with the Yakult Team in making the brand reach and connect with the KBFC Fans and millions more through this exciting partnership. This partnership will give us an opportunity to build meaningful campaigns and make it a win-win partnership for both brands. At KBFC we encourage good health and fitness and Yakult and KBFC are a great fit!”

Mr. Navroze D Dhondy, MD and Founder, Creatigies Communications, the agency which stitched this partnership, stated, “Creating Yakult – KBFC partnership has been extremely rewarding for us as an agency as this is Yakult’s first association with a Sports Team in India. While having worked in the Sports Sponsorship domain over the last 2 decades, we always sense that added spark in the first time partnerships that makes them so special. The involvement shown by Yakult and KBFC during this course has been full of positivity and energy. Though Yakult has been at the forefront of many Sports Sponsorships around the world, we strongly believe that Yakult – KBFC partnership will drive great value for the brand and will be the start of many more exciting opportunities for Yakult in India.”

Also read: Jharkhand's St. Patrick’s win Subroto Cup girls U-17 title

2022-09-29 16:07

Focus is on ceasing early goals, making imposing starts: hockey midfieder Nilakanta

New Delhi, Sep 29 (Hockey News) Stopping opponents from scoring early goals and making imposing starts will be India's focus heading into the men's hockey World Cup next year, said midfielder Nilakanta Sharma.

India's Commonwealth Games campaign in Birmingham ended in a disappointing 0-7 drubbing at the hands of Australia in the final last month. In that match the Manpreet Singh-led side had conceded five goals in the first half itself.

"We have been going through the video tapes of our matches in CWG ever since the camp started and we have been working to make sure that we don't concede any early goals," Nilkanata said in a media release.

"If we start strong, we can go on to build on our performance throughout the game." In next year's World Cup at home, India are grouped in pool D along with England, Spain and Wales. They begin their campaign in Rourkela on the opening day against Spain on January 13.

"We have to face quite a few strong sides in the group stage of the World Cup and we don't want to end up feeling like we haven't performed our best at the end, so a good start is crucial for a good showing on home turf," Nilakanta stated.

"Our aim at the World Cup is to get a medal, no matter what. We hope to qualify for the knockouts comfortably even though we face strong teams in the group stage and then focus on getting results against any team that stands in our way." Ahead of the World Cup the Indian team will take on New Zealand and Spain in the FIH Pro League in Bhubaneswar.

"We do have the advantage of having played most of these teams in the FIH Pro League matches and we want to take that experience on to the pitch in Odisha," he said.

"Once we get to the quarterfinals you cannot help but think, what if we lose, but the people in Odisha had been very supportive last time around and I will count on that support to relieve us of any pressure during the upcoming World Cup.

"The whole team feels that we need to keep the 2-1 loss against Netherlands in the 2018 World Cup in mind and perform well, like we did in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games." If he makes it to the squad for the mega-event, Nilakanta will become the first Manipuri to play in back-to-back World Cups at home.

"The official squad hasn't been announced yet but yes, I hope to be playing in the World Cup. I feel proud that I can represent Manipur twice at this event and give my 100 per cent to help the squad win and not feel disappointed at the end," he concluded.

Also Read : Pro League tie will give us better understanding of Spain ahead of WC: Manpreet

News Source : PTI

2022-09-29 15:25

Buttler, Moeen not in favour of running out batters at non-striker's end

London, Sep 29 (Cricket News) England white ball captain Jos Buttler and his deputy Moeen Ali said that running out a non-striker for backing too is not "their thing" and that they would rather call the player back if any of their teammates used it as a mode of dismissal.

Custodians of the laws of cricket MCC have re-affirmed that a non-striker's run out while backing up is within the laws of the game but there has been no end to the debate in the aftermath of the third and final women's ODI between India and England where Deepti Sharma ran out Charlie Dean to complete clean sweep for visitors.

"No, I am calling the batsman back," the 32-year-old Buttler, who is recovering from a calf injury ahead of the World Cup, told TalkSPORT.

Incidentally, in IPL 2019, Buttler was at the receiving end as Rajasthan Royals opener when he was dismissed in a similar fashion by veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Aswhin, who was back then playing for Kings XI Punjab.

"No one wants to see them (mode of dismissal) in the game because they always create such a talking point when it should be about the battle between bat and ball and watching great games of cricket. They always seem to happen at unsavoury times." Moeen, the stand-in captain in their current T20I series against Pakistan, echoed similar sentiments: "No, it's not my thing." "I don't think I'll ever do it unless I was really angry with someone. It's in the laws and there's nothing illegal so people that do it have the right, but I just hope it doesn't become a common thing, or something that's regularly done," Moeen told the 'Telegraph'.

"You are not really working to get a wicket. At least with a run-out, there's a bit of work that has to be done, and with all the other dismissals. This is just waiting for the guy and taking the bails off. Even when I played cricket as a kid in the garden, it's not my thing to do." The mode of dismissal currently listed in the MCC's 'Unfair Play' section of the laws (41.16.1) is to be moved to the 'Run Out' section from October 1, when an update to the ICC Playing Conditions comes into effect.

"Whilst (the dismissal) was indeed an unusual end to an exciting match, it was properly officiated and should not be considered as anything more," a statement from the MCC has said earlier.

"Where one person sees the bowler as breaching the Spirit in such examples, another will point at the non-striker gaining an unfair advantage by leaving their ground early." While Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has said that they have committed "no crime", Deepti on her arrival in Kolkata told reporters that they had "warned" Dean after she was repeatedly backing up at the non-striker's end.

England’s captain Heather Knight, who pulled out of the series, later shot back accusing Deepti of "lying".

Also Read : Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of T20 World Cup

News Source : PTI

2022-09-29 13:44

Sky and Arshdeep inspire India to a 8 wicket win over South Africa

(Cricket news) A potent opening spell from Arshdeep Singh (3/32) and Deepak Chahar (2/24) set up a dominant eight-wicket win over South Africa on a very testing Thiruvananthapuram pitch to go 1-0 up in the three-match series on Wednesday. India's new-ball bowlers had the Proteas on the mat at 9/5 halfway through the third over, before Keshav Maharaj's spirited innings inspired a fightback that helped them post a respectable target of 106/8. Despite losing two wickets up top cheaply, Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul finished off the chase in the 17th over with both hitting half-century.

The match was nearly all decided in the first 15 balls itself as the frontline pacers were rested but a match-defining display of swing bowling by Arshdeep and Chahar upfront with the new ball ensured that the hard hitting South African batsmen were in check. The tinge of green on the pitch helped both the seamers. In the first over Chahar set up Temba Bavuma with a series of outswingers before bringing one back in sharply which completely bamboozled the South African captain. Arshdeep then got three strikes in his opening over as Quinton de Kock chopped one onto his stumps, Rilee Rossouw edged one behind trying to drive the ball and David Miller was undone by another brilliant inswinger. Tristan Stubbs was the third batter to go for a golden duck when Chahar picked his second wicket.

At 9 for 5, South Africa showed some fight as Adien Markram (25 off 24) and Wayne Parnell's (24 off 37) took them to 30/5 at the end of powerplay. The only batter to show proper impetus was Maharaj, who smacked two sixes and five boundaries in his 35-ball cameo of 41. Harshal Patel removed South Africa's last proper batter in Markram with the help of DRS. Maharaj was batting on 5 off 16 but broke the shackles with an authoritative shot as he ultimately hit 17-runs from Arshdeep’s 19th over which saw the tourists crawling their way into triple digits.

After a brief drizzle in the second innings, Kagiso Rabada began the match with a maiden and then in his next over sent Rohit Sharma packing for a duck with a peach of a delivery. At the other end, Rahul continued to play test match style cricket as he dodge the slew of in and outswingers from Parnell with India finishing with their lowest powerplay score in T20s with a score of 17/1 in 6 overs. Virat Kohli saw an opportunity to break the shackles at the sight of a bowling change when Anrich Nortje began with a short and wide delivery but Kohli could only manage to get a thick outside edge to the 'keeper.

Suryakumar and Rahul ensured there were no more hiccups as Sky got off the mark with back to back sixes off Nortje to give India the move on. The pair rotated the strike well as Rahul got into his element with a classic wristy flick over long-on for six. India went past the fifty in the 11th over before the duo took the attack to the spinners. Parnell did some damage control and finished with impressive figures of 4-0-14-0 but Nortje continued leaking runs as they brought up India's 100. Rahul then finished the match with a slog sweep into the stands to close the chase in some style and also get his half century.

Brief scores: South Africa 106/8 in 20 overs (Keshav Maharaj 41; Arshdeep Singh 3-32, Deepak Chahar 2-24) lost to India 110/2 in 16.4 overs (KL Rahul 51*, Suryakumar Yadav 50*; Kagiso Rabada 1/16) by 8 wickets.

Also read: Focus is on adaptability ahead of T20 WC: Arshdeep

2022-09-29 11:52

South Africa need to find ways to combat new ball: Maharaj

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 29 (Cricket News) South Africa left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj feels the Proteas need to re-assess how to combat the new ball which swung "prodigiously" in the first few overs of the series opener against India.

South Africa's batting unit crumbled as Indian seamers Arshdeep Singh (3/32) and Deepak Chahar (2/24) swung the ball both ways to set up an eight-wicket win for the hosts in the first T20I here on Wednesday night.

"I don't think it's a chapter we need to dwell too much on. However, we do need to chat about how we started," Maharaj said at the post-match press conference.

"The application we saw upfront, we need to re-assess that and find ways to combat the swing. The ball did swing prodigiously in the first couple of overs." Maharaj, who top-scored for the visitors with a 35-ball 41, feels some adjustment and a change in mindset could help them combat the swing.

"Something that we need to address is the new ball, the way we are playing it, there is a lot of swing in it. So maybe just adjust our plan and mindset and take it from there," he added.

South Africa were reeling at 9/5 within the first three overs before Aiden Markram (25) and Wayne Parnell (24) steadied the ship before Maharaj took them over the 100-run mark.

"We didn't expect the ball to swing so prodigiously. It wasn't an easy wicket to bat on, it was two paced, the odd balls skidded through, a lot of tennis ball bounce at various points," Maharaj said.

"I don't think we want to dwell too much on what has transpired, but it is something that we can address going forward and hopefully we can rectify that," he added.

The left-arm spinner felt the team did well to make a match after being in such a precarious position at the beginning of the game.

"When you are put under pressure it is difficult to comeback but the boys showed a little bit of fight and character.

"The character that we showed coming back from 29/5 and get 106 and still sort of make a game of it, we can take a lot of positives from that." The 32-year-old rued the "small moments" that didn't go in South Africa's favour that could have change the complexion of the game.

"The seam bowlers did extremely well in the Powerplay -- KG (Kagiso Rabada) and Wayne (Parnell), got the wickets, didn't give away much. I don't think it became easier to bat but the small moments could have gone our way." "When Surya (Kumar Yadav) came to bat the top edge went of hand it could have been a different situation. But full credit to the Indian batting unit KL (Rahul) and Surya batted extremely well," Maharaj said.

The two teams will meet again in the second T20I in Guwahati on Sunday.

Also Read : Focus is on adaptability ahead of T20 WC: Arshdeep

News Source : PTI

2022-09-29 11:37

Focus is on adaptability ahead of T20 WC: Arshdeep

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 29 (Cricket News) Young India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh said "adaptability" is the main focus of the team ahead of the T20 World Cup, starting later this month in Australia.

The T20 World Cup will be held in Australia from October 16 to November 13, and Arshdeep said the Indian bowlers are geared up for the tough challenge that awaits them.

"Adaptability is the big motive of our team. The main motive is adapting to the situations and demands of the team, whatever the situations and conditions are," said the 23-year-old pacer, who made a sensational comeback after a disappointing outing in the Asia Cup recently.

"When we go there (Australia) we will see how the conditions are. I'm looking forward to doing well." Arshdeep (3/32) and Deepak Chahar (2/24) broke South Africa's backbone to help India register an easy eight-wicket win over the Proteas in the low-scoring first T20I of the three-match series here on Wednesday night.

"We are trying to tick all the boxes in the practice sessions and trying to execute all our plans on the field. Today (Wednesday) was really a good example of showing a good power play bowling and we are looking forward to do amazing things in the coming days," Arshdeep said.

The left-arm pacer, a key arsenal in India's death bowling scheme of things for the ICC showpiece next month, missed the preceding three T20Is against Australia after he was sent to the NCA for conditioning.

"The purpose of the last 10 days was to get refreshed and come back stronger and fitter that will help me in my bowling. I feel really refreshed and looking forward to doing good things on the field," Arshdeep said after his exploits with the ball.

Bowling with the new ball in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep came back with a bang, grabbing three wickets in five balls to reduce South Africa to 8 for 4 inside the second over.

The visitors never recovered from Arshdeep's early blows to lose the opening match of the series, which is the last leg of preparation for both the teams before heading to Australia.

In the preceding T20 series against Australia, India had defeated the reigning world champions 2-1 after losing the first match.

Arshdeep, who made his debut in the tour of England in July this year, said he always strives to give his best on the field without bothering about selection.

"They told me you're 'in the plan' back end of the IPL, that I'm in the scene... I guess the main motive was to keep doing well whatever opportunities I get, that's my job and I don't think much about the selection part," he said.

Arshdeep had a forgettable Asia Cup campaign in the UAE, where he struggled to get wickets in the power-play and also made headlines for dropping a sitter in their loss to Pakistan in the 'Super 4' stage.

But with some assistance from the Greenfield track, he dismissed Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw and David Miller in the second over to silence his critics.

"Getting the wickets early on was always a great feeling. The plan was really simple, the ball was swinging. I had to pitch it in the right places and it worked well. It was about hitting the right areas and making sure the line was good." He also credited his senior teammate Chahar for holding up the pressure from the other end.

"We practice in every type of situation, our job is to adapt to the situations and do well for the team. Today (Wednesday) it was more about the new ball and we worked really well as a pair, a lot of credit goes to DC bhai as well," he signed off.

Also Read : You learn a lot playing on tricky wickets: Rohit Sharma

News Source : PTI

2022-09-29 11:08

World Ch'ship to offer fewer quotas for Paris Games, World Qualifier gets more: UWW

New Delhi, Sep 28 (Wrestling News) The 2023 World Wrestling Championship will offer five quota places for the 2024 Olympics in each of the 18 weight categories instead of six as UWW on Wednesday announced changes to the qualification process for the Paris Games.

The World Championship, set to be held in Russia from September 16-24, will be the first qualifying event for the Paris Games. Apart from the 2023 World Championship, the continental qualifiers (Asia, Africa, America, European) 2024, and the 2024 World Olympics Qualifiers will also offer quota for the Games.

Earlier, 108 quotas were awarded at the World Championships (six per Olympic weight) but now 90 quota places will be on offer.

The first six (6) highest placed athletes in each of the 18 Olympic weight categories at the 2019 Senior World Championships were awarded quotas for the Tokyo Games.

However, only top-5 wrestlers will earn quotas for their countries in Russia. It means that all four medallists (gold, silver and two bronze winners) will secure the quota for their respective nations and the two bronze medal play-offs losers will contest for the fifth spot.

United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic said, the changes are aimed at creating "further fairness in the distribution between the World Championships and the World Qualifier." A total of 144 wrestlers will qualify for the Paris Games through the continental qualifying events (Asian, African, Pan-American and European). The top two wrestlers in each Olympic weight class will get one spot each for their NOCs.

The quota winners at the 2023 World Championship will not be eligible to participate in the continental qualifiers unless they participate in a different style.

At the World Olympic Qualifiers, three quotas in each Olympic weight class instead of the two previously will be at stake.

Not just the gold and silver medal winners will secure quotas but the bronze medal winners will also get a chance to earn quota.

The bronze winners will fight it out for the quota in each of the 18 categories.

Unused quotas due to withdrawal, doping offence, or non-participation, will be transferred to the next best wrestler of that weight category of the tournament.

The deadline for the Olympic Games entries will be July 8, 2024. The wrestling competition will be held from August 4-11.

Also Read : World C'ships: Bajrang Punia losses in quarterfinals, Sagar Jaglan to fight for bronze

News Source : PTi

2022-09-29 09:50

You learn a lot playing on tricky wickets: Rohit Sharma

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 28 (Cricket News) India captain Rohit Sharma is happy that his team got to "learn a lot" in their eight-wicket victory over South Africa in a low-scoring chase on a "tricky track" in the first T20 International.

Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 50 off 33 balls ensured that India didn't face too many hiccups despite KL Rahul's struggles on a track where South Africa were left tottering at 9/5 at the start of the game.

"The wicket was tricky. You learn a lot playing such a game. You understand what the team needs to do in tough conditions. It was nice to play a game like that. We knew the bowlers will get something seeing grass on the pitch, but we didn't expected help for the full 20 overs," Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rohit admitted that the pitch was a bit damp and that made South Africa stay in contest despite a paltry score of 106/8.

"It was still damp. Both teams were in the contest and the team that played better won the game. We started well, got five wickets in quick time and that was the turning point. It was a perfect showcase of how to bowl when there is help for the pacers." While Rahul scored a half-century (51) off 56 balls, Rohit said that one got to respect the conditions.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy. Got to respect the conditions. Lost two wickets and that partnership between KL and Surya got us home." Surya's attacking batting helped me take my time =============================== KL Rahul, whose scratchy batting got papered over by Suryakumar Yadav's regal half-century, said that his partner's attacking intent allowed him to take his own time.

It was because of Rahul's struggles, India scored only 17 in six Powerplay overs but Surya's imperious form didn't allow South Africa to make a comeback.

"Definitely, right up there (as the toughest pitch)," Rahul said when asked if it was the toughest strip he has batted on in T20Is.

"We have played in some difficult conditions like this but I haven't got runs. So this was hard work." He was all praise for Surya's approach.

"It was unbelievable for Surya to come out there and play those shots. we have seen how balls were flying, nipping around, two-paced and everything that can be hard for a batter that was the wicket today.

"And for Surya to come with that approach after the first ball that hit him, he just woke up and wanted to play his shots, be aggressive and take on the bowling. That helped me take my time and play one end." Rahul said that he expected the track to do a bit but not to the extent it did.

"Not that much. We did practice here yesterday and that was a humbling experience as well, we all came in prepared mentally as it was not going to be an easy wicket and I was ready to do the dirty work, ready to be challenged and get the job done for the team." Rahul also praised young Arshdeep Singh, whose three wickets in his first over set-up the game.

"He's (Arshdeep) growing with each game and with each outing he gets better, he is somebody who has a big heart and I have seen him in close quarters while playing in the IPL. This season what he did for his franchise was phenomenal and to be the number one death bowler in a team (Punjab Kings) which has Rabada speaks highly of him.

"We always want a left-arm seamer and it is great to have someone like Arshdeep."

Also Read : Swing It Like Seamers: Arshdeep, Chahar set it up as India win low-scoring opener by 8 wickets

News Source : PTI

2022-09-29 07:50

Swing It Like Seamers: Arshdeep, Chahar set it up as India win low-scoring opener by 8 wickets

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 28 (Cricket News) Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar hit the South Africans hard with some magical swing bowling before Suryakumar Yadav's little gem on a difficult track ensured an easy eight-wicket victory for India in the first T20 International here on Wednesday.

A target of 107 on a pitch with underlying moisture and more than waist high bounce at times was a struggle before Suryakumar (50 not out in 33 balls) released the pressure created by KL Rahul (51 not out, 56 balls) as India won the game in 16.4 overs to go 1-0 up in three-match series.

The pitch that former India head coach Ravi Shastri on air termed "not ideal for T20 cricket" had batters of both teams finding it difficult to cope with both pace and movement.

It was Arshdeep (3/32) and Chahar (2/24), who basically clinched the issue for India within first 15 deliveries of the start after skipper Rohit Sharma called it right at the toss. Once South Africa were reeling at 9/5 in 2.3 overs, the game as a contest was over and 106/8 even on a difficult track was a sub-par score.

The South Africans did bowl their heart out in defence.

Kagiso Rabada bowled an ideal Test match delivery that pitched on length and reared up while moving a shade and all Rohit Sharma (0) could do was to dangle his bat at the corridor of uncertainty.

Virat Kohli (3) got an express delivery from Anrich Nortje that kept climbing as he tried to have a go away from his body and the edge was taken by Quinton de Kock.

Surya, India's best T20 batter by a distance, got a streaky six when his attempted flick turned into an outside edge that flew over third-man for a maximum off Nortje.

The next six was a picture-perfect whip over deep square leg and then an inside out six off Keshav Maharaj indicated that he is India's in-form man.

Rahul's batting at the other end on the same strip became an ordeal as India had their lowest ever Powerplay score on board.

Just that there was no scoreboard pressure, Rahul could once play his waiting game and the only shot worth appreciating was a six off Nortje.

Earlier, Arshdeep and Chahar made the white Kookaburra talk with some incisive swing bowling after Jasprit Bumrah pulling out of the game due to his recurrent back problem which has resurfaced yet again.

The duo moved the ball both ways, making full use of the nip in the air and the bounce off the surface.

Temba Bavuma (0) was nicely set up by Chahar with stock outswingers, which the skipper left alone before a banana inswinger had him bowled through the gate. The deviation into the batter was as big as it could be.

Arshdeep started by taking the ball shade away from the left-hander and Quinton de Kock (1) in his bid to get a move-on dragged one back onto the stumps.

The other left-hander Rilee Rossouw (0) also chased a wide outswinger (inswinger by the bowler) to nick one to Rishabh Pant behind the stumps.

But it was the delivery by Arshdeep to David Miller (0) that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Miller was anticipating an outswinger and had committed on the front-foot only to find that the bowler had got one to bend back into him. His atrocious across-the-line shot would have resulted in only one thing and that was getting castled.

New T20 sensation Tristan Stubbs (0) didn't get enough wood to his slash over deep to a delivery from Chahar that bounced a shade more. The result was Arshdeep taking a well-judged catch diving in-front.

With five wickets gone, there was no coming back for South Africa and predictably there wasn't any change in the script.

Also Read : Delhi Cricket: No big names in fray, two-way fight between Sarandeep and Abhay for chief coach's post

News Source : PTI

2022-09-28 19:41

Vietnem Open: Praneeth bows out; Meiraba & Ruthvika among Indians in prequarterfinals

Ho Chi Minh, Sep 28 (Badminton News) Tokyo Olympian B Sai Praneeth suffered a shock defeat at the hands of fellow Indian Rithvik Sanjeevi Satish Kumar in the men's singles second round at the Vietnam Open Super 100 badminton tournament here on Wednesday.

A former World Championships bronze medallist, Praneeth, who has been struggling for form for the last one year, lost 21-17 18-21 13-21 to Satish Kumar to make another early exit from a tournament.

Satish Kumar, who had finished runner-up at Bangladesh International Challenge in December last year, will now face Malaysia's Ong Ken Yon next.

In other results in the men's singles, Meiraba Luwang Maisnam eked out a thrilling 21-16 18-21 21-14 win over Malaysia's Kok Jing Hong to set up a fight with Chinese Taipei's Chi Yu Jen, who beat India's eighth seed Mithun Manjunath 21-17 21-7 in another match.

S Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian also notched up an sensational win over Indonesian veteran Tommy Sugiarto 14-21 22-20 21-12 in the second round.

He will next meet Chinese Chia Hao, who defeated India's Raghu Mariswamy 21-16 21-15 in a lop-sided contest.

Harshit Aggarwal defeated Mongolia's Batdavaa Munkhbat 21-15 21-13 to be pitted against Japan's third seed Kodai Naraoka in the third round.

Kiran Kumar Mekala saw off Myanmar's Phone Pyae Naing 16-21 21-14 21-19 and will face Malaysia's Cheam June Wei next.

In the women's singles, Ruthvika Shivani Gadde progressed to the pre-quarterfinals after getting a walkover from his opponent and will face Vietnam's Thi Trang (B) Vu next.

Prerana Neeluri will meet top seed Aya Ohori of Japan in the second round after she opened her campaign with a 21-16 21-14 win over local player Thi Ngoc Lan Nguyen.

Ira Sharma and Rituparna Das also made it to the second round with straight game wins.

While Ira beat Vietnam's Thi Anh Tran 21-13 21-14, Rituparna defeated another Vietnamese in Bich Phuong Bhi 21-12 21-17.

Mixed doubles pair of N Sikki Reddy and Rohan Kapoor advanced to the second round after beating compatriots Hariharan Amsakarunan and SS Lakshmi Priyanka Subramanian 14-21 21-9 21-12.

Another Indian pair of Bokka Navaneeth and Priya Konjengbam also progressed to the second round.

Also Read : BWF Rankings: Prannoy returns to top 15, Lakshya remains at 9th

News Source : PTI

2022-09-28 18:37

Suryakumar equals career-best second position in ICC T20I rankings

Dubai, Sep 28 (Cricket News) India batter Suryakumar Yadav jumped a place to reach a career-best-equalling second position in the latest ICC men's T20I Player rankings issued on Wednesday.

Suryakumar now has 801 rating points after smashing a match-winning 69 off 36 deliveries in the third match against Australia in Hyderabad on Sunday that helped India clinch the series 2-1.

He had reached the second spot in T20 rankings for the first time in August this year following his exploits against the West Indies.

India captain Rohit Sharma was at the 13th position after scores of 46 not out and 17 in the second and third T20Is respectively against Australia. Virat Kohli also climbed a spot to 15th but KL Rahul slipped four places to 22nd.

Only a couple of rating points separate Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who also improved a spot to grab the third position.

Babar, who had occupied the No.1 position for 1,155 days before being overtaken by teammate Mohammad Rizwan earlier this month, was named Player of the Match for an unbeaten 110 in the second T20I against England.

He followed it up with scores of eight and 36 in the third and fourth matches, which were also played over the past week.

India spinners Axar Patel (18th) and Yuzvendra Chahal (26th) and pacer Harshal Patel (37th) have moved up the bowlers' list, which continues to be led by Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, however, dropped a spot to the 10th position in the chart.

Among others, Matthew Wade (62nd), Cameron Green (67th) and Tim David (109th) are the Australian players to move up the batting rankings.

Green and David had notched up half-centuries in the final match of the series.

England batter Harry Brook's scores of 31, 81 not out and 34 in Pakistan have lifted him to 29th position, while Ben Ducket has reached 32nd position after scoring 43, 70 not out and 33 in those three matches.

In the latest weekly update, Reece Topley moved to 23rd and is the third third-highest ranked England bowler after Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan.

Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf climbed to 14th position after taking five wickets in the last three matches, while Mark Wood (40th) and Sam Curran (47th) have also progressed.

Also Read : Naseem Shah rushed to hospital with viral infection, to miss 5th T20I against England

News Source : PTi

2022-09-28 17:29

Pro League tie will give us better understanding of Spain ahead of WC: Manpreet

New Delhi, Sep 28 (Hockey News) India will be hosting Spain in the new season of FIH Pro League next month and captain Manpreet Singh wants to use the opportunity to get a better understanding of their rivals ahead of the 2023 men's hockey World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

India will play New Zealand in the first match of Pro League on October 28 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, followed by the second game against Spain on October 30.

Placed in the same pool, India will take on Spain in their World Cup opener at the newly-built Birsa Munda International Stadium in Rourkela on January 13.

"It is great that we will get a chance to play against Spain now in the Pro League matches. It will give us an understanding of their game and what we need to improve upon before we meet them again in the first match of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar-Rourkela 2023," Manpreet said in a Hockey India release.

"In all, these are exciting times for hockey and I hope fans from all over the world will come to Rourkela and Bhubaneswar to support our campaign." In the World Cup, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists India, who are currently world No. 5 in the FIH rankings, are clubbed alongside England (6), Spain (8) and debutants Wales (16) in pool D.

After Spain, India will play their second match in Rourkela, against England on January 15, before moving to the capital city of Bhubaneswar, where they will face Wales in their final group match on January 19.

The match against Spain in the World Cup will be the Indian team's first outing at the newly-built Rourkela stadium, touted to become the world's largest hockey venue.

"We have all experienced how electrifying the atmosphere can be in Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Hockey Stadium and from what I have heard from my teammates who are from Sundergarh, the fans from this region are all looking to turn up in huge numbers for all the matches to be played in Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela," Manpreet said.

"I can already feel the goosebumps thinking of the turnout for the opening game. It will be quite incredible to play in the newly built Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium which will be the biggest stadium in the country with more than 20,000 seating capacity," he added.

News Source : PTI

Also Read : Hockey World Cup: India open campaign against Spain on Jan 13

2022-09-28 15:17

Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma rise in ICC T20I Player rankings

Dubai, Sep 28 (Cricket News) India batter Suryakumar Yadav jumped a place to reach a career-best-equalling second position in the latest ICC men's T20I Player rankings issued on Wednesday.

Suryakumar now has 801 rating points after smashing a match-winning 69 off 36 deliveries in the third match against Australia in Hyderabad on Sunday that helped India clinch the series 2-1.

He had reached the second spot in T20 rankings for the first time in August this year following his exploits against the West Indies.

India captain Rohit Sharma also moved up one place to 13th position after scores of 46 not out and 17 in the second and third T20I against Australia.

Only a couple of rating points separate Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who also improved a spot to grab the third position.

Babar, who had occupied the No.1 position for 1,155 days before being overtaken by teammate Mohammad Rizwan earlier this month, was named Player of the Match for an unbeaten 110 in the second T20I against England.

He followed it up with scores of eight and 36 in the third and fourth matches, which were also played over the past week.

India spinners Axar Patel (up from 33rd to 18th) and Yuzvendra Chahal (up from 28th to 26th) have moved up the bowlers' list, which continues to be led by Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Among others, Matthew Wade (up six places to 62nd), Cameron Green (up 31 places to 67th) and Tim David (up 202 places to 109th) are the Australian players to move up the batting rankings.

Green and David had notched up half-centuries in the final match of the series.

England batter Harry Brook's scores of 31, 81 not out and 34 in Pakistan have lifted him 118 places to 29th position, while Ben Ducket has soared 1,070 places to 32nd position after scoring 43, 70 not out and 33 in those three matches.

In the latest weekly update, Reece Topley is up 14 places to 23rd and is the third third-highest ranked England bowler after Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan.

Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf is up seven places to 14th position after taking five wickets in the last three matches. Mark Wood (up 29 places to 40th) and Sam Curran (up five places to 47th) have also progressed.

Also Read : Deccan Gladiators bolster squad ahead of Abu Dhabi T10 Season 6

News Source : PTI

2022-09-28 14:53

Deccan Gladiators bolster squad ahead of Abu Dhabi T10 Season 6

(Cricket news) With another thrilling season of the Abu Dhabi T10 unfolding from November 23, 2022 to December 4, 2022, defending champions Deccan Gladiators have drafted a power-packed team. The draft for this season was held on September 26, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, and Deccan Gladiators summed up with a 16-player squad consisting of an excellent line-up of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders.

Eyeing another title in their kitty, the defending champions had already retained Andre Russell, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Zahoor Khan, Odean Smith, and David Wiese. The Odean Smith-David Weise pair played a superb knock of 62 off 24 against Delhi Bulls to take Deccan Gladiators into the final last season, while Andre Russell and Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s spectacular unbeaten 159/0 won them the trophy.

The West-Indian T20I and ODI captain Nicholas Pooran had already joined the Deccan Gladiators squad as the team announced ahead of the draft. The aggressive all-rounder adds a great punch to the team. Joining him in the squad is English star-opener Jason Roy, who is revered for his hard-hitting knocks.

Deccan Gladiators has roped in young Afghan bowling sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman, along with Luke Wood, Joshua Little, Will Smeed, Zahir Khan, Curtis Campher, Sultan Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, and Adeel Malik.

Commenting on the exciting line-up of players in the squad, Gaurav Grover, Owner of Deccan Gladiators said, “We are quite excited with the line-up we have got. In the fastest format of the game, we have to be strategic with our approaches. We are glad to have a team that represents experience and youthful energy. We’ll work on grooming this team for the battle ahead and we hope for the best.”
“We have got the team that we’re planning for. The team looks well in shape as we’ve got some that come with a plethora of experience and some that are quite promising with their tactics. It’s now time to prepare in full swing for the season ahead and stay resilient in our efforts,” said Head Coach Mushtaq Ahmed.

Deccan Gladiators has drafted a carefully-picked front that reflects a blend of strength, agility, and grit. With another title in sight and with the inclusion of two new teams, the Abu Dhabi T10 Season 6 will see eight teams fighting for glory in the world’s fastest format of cricket.

The full squad: Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, David Wiese, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jason Roy, Odean Smith, Luke Wood, Joshua Little, Will Smeed, Zahir Khan, Curtis Campher, Sultan Ahmed, Zahoor Khan, Taskin Ahmed, Adeel Malik.

Also read: England 'offers' to be neutral venue for Indo-Pak Test series, BCCI 'not interested'

2022-09-28 10:46

Indian U-17 team registers 3-1 win over 10-man Oman in football friendly

New Delhi, Sep 28 (Football News) The India U-17 boy's football team converted a couple of penalties to register a comfortable 3-1 win over a 10-man Oman in a friendly match held in Muscat.

The team played against the hosts on Tuesday as part of its preparations for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, which is scheduled to begin on October 3 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Gangte (10th) converted a penalty to open the scoring for the visitors with Thokchom (18th) doubling India's lead eight minutes later.

In the second half, Lalpekhlua (69th) scored the third goal for India by converting converted another penalty.

Alhaitham Alshukaili scored the solitary goal for Oman a couple of minutes before the final whistle.

The first half began with the Indians pressing hard to seize the initiative. In the seventh minute, Lalpekhlua's shot went wide off a Danny through pass.

Three minutes later, India were awarded a penalty.

Gangte stepped up and made no mistake to give India the lead. The Indian gradually found their footing as Thokchom doubled the lead from Guite's pass in the 18th minute.

A couple of more chances were missed by India but the youngsters remained upbeat in their efforts to score more goals. At the stroke of half-time, Korou's powerful shot from a free kick hit the pole.

The second half began on similar lines as Bibiano Fernandes's team got back into attacking mode immediately.

India earned a couple of free kicks in good positions but couldn't make best use of them. In the 48th minute, Guite saw his free kick being cleared by an Omani defender.

Korou Singh proved to be a constant threat for the Oman defence and he often tested the opponent custodian with his shots.

In the 61st minute, Korou was provided with an opportunity to widen the lead off a Lalpekhlua cross from the left flank but the former failed to tap home.

Nine minutes later, Tamim Alburaiki tackled Lalpekhlua inside the box and India earned another penalty.

Lalpekhlua shot went straight into the back of the net making it 3-0 for India.

In the 88th minute, Alshukaili scored for Oman from a free kick. They were down to 10 men after Tamim Alburaiki was handed a red card.

Also Read : Reality check: India suffer 0-3 defeat to Vietnam in international football friendly

News Source : PTI

2022-09-28 09:27

Reality check: India suffer 0-3 defeat to Vietnam in international football friendly

Ho Chi Minh City, Sep 27 (Football News) India suffered a 0-3 thrashing at the hands of a higher-ranked Vietnam in the second and final match of the Hung Thinh Friendly Football Tournament here on Tuesday.

It was a reality check for the 104th ranked Indians after three convincing wins in June in the Asian Cup qualifiers and a 1-1 draw against Singapore in this tournament on Saturday as they were literally outplayed by the 97th ranked Vietnam in the second half.

Phan Van Duc (10th), Nguyen Van Toan (49th) and Nguyen Van Quyet (70th) scored for Vietnam to no reply from the Indians whose defenders had a mediocre outing, especially in the second half.

The Indians, however, were on equal terms with their opponents in the first half only to be blown away in the second session.

Vietnam won the tournament with two wins from as many matches. They had also thrashed Singapore 4-0 in their opening match.

India and Vietnam had played many a memorable matches in the past, one among them being the 2002 LG Cup final which India triumphed 3-1 having come back from behind to win the trophy.

India and Vietnam last met in 2010 in an international friendly in Pune with the Blue Tigers running out 3-1 winners with Chhetri scoring a hat-trick.

But since then, Vietnam football has been on the ascendancy and they have been able to compete with the top teams of the continent. Earlier this year, they reached the final round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and also made it to the last eight stage of the 2019 Asian Cup. The home side did not take long to surge ahead with Phan Van Duc finding the target in the 10th minute. The goal, though, could have been avoided had keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and central defender Sandesh Jhingan communicated well.

Both Gurpreet and Jhingan, who was in the starting eleven after sitting out the last match due to late arrival on account of visa issues, went for the ball off a corner but the Indian goalie could lay his hands on it.

Jhingan's header somehow fell in the middle of the Indian box and Van Duc's sharp left-footer bulged the net even as Gurpreet managed a faint touch.

Just a minute before the strike, Gurpreet had to dive full stretch to his right to save another shot from a Vietnam attacker.

Vietnam went on the offensive but India also gradually came to their own and they had two clear scoring chances in the first half, courtesy fine assists from Akash Mishra who was superb on the left channel.

In the 26th minute, Mishra was in the thick of an Indian counter-attack and he sent a superb pass to Ashique Kuruniyan, at the edge of Vietnam box on left side. Kuruniyan's volley beat the goalie but went inches wide off the Vietnam far post.

Even closer than Kuruniyan's effort was that of skipper Sunil Chhetri just before the half time whistle was blown.

Mishra chipped one from the wide left for Chhetri, who guided his header towards the far post, but missed it by a whisker. The veteran striker reacted with disbelief with hands on his head.

Vietnam pressed hard just as they came out after resumption and they had a couple of shots at the Indian goal.

The second goal from Vietnam came four minutes after resumption as Nguyen Van Toan won an aerial duel with Anwar Ali and then beat Gurpreet with a shot.

By the 65th minute, head coach Igor Stimac substituted Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Chinglensana with Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco and Roshan Singh but there was no change in India's fortune with Vietnam scoring their third five minutes later.

Van Quyet was gifted the ball from a headed clearance inside the Indian box and he curled it past Gurpreet to punish the visitors for yet another defensive sloppiness.

Also Read : Portugal take on Spain for the final UEFA Nations Final spot

News Source : PTI

2022-09-27 19:44

India 'A' crush NZ 'A' by 106 runs in 3rd ODI to sweep series 3-0

Chennai, Sep 27 (Cricket News) Shardul Thakur's blazing 33-ball 51 was well complemented by debutant Raj Angad Bawa's fine bowling show (4/11) as India 'A' crushed New Zealand 'A' by 106 runs in the third and final unofficial ODI to clinch the series 3-0 here on Tuesday.

Captain Sanju Samson (54 off 68 balls) and and Tilak Varma (50 off 62 balls) also scored half-centuries after India opted to bat but it was Thakur's blitzkrieg down the order that took the home side to 284 all out in 49.3 overs.

Thakur struck four boundaries and three sixes during his 33-ball entertaining knock.

Chasing 285 for a victory, the visitors were bowled out for 178 in 38.3 overs despite getting a good start from the openers Chad Bowes (20) and Dane Cleaver (83 off 89 balls).

The 19-year old Bawa, who shone in the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, ran through the middle and lower order of New Zealand 'A' batting line-up with a four wicket haul.

The young all-rounder picked up three of the last four NZ 'A' wickets to fall for fine figures of 4 for 11 to finish as the best Indian bowler.

Earlier, Abhimanyu Easwaran (39 off 35 balls), brought into the playing XI in place of Prithvi Shaw, and Rahul Tripathi got off to a brisk start. The duo added 55 runs in 8.5 overs.

Easwaran hit two boundaries to signal his intent while Tripathi smacked a pull to the square-leg boundary.

Against the run of play, Easwaran nicked one to the 'keeper off Matthew Fisher.

Samson, who came in at No.3, saw Tripathi (18) fall with the score at 65. The captain joined forces with the talented Tilak Varma to put together an impressive stand.

Varma, who had impressed many with his knocks for Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL, got off the mark with a six over long-off region from the second delivery he faced.

The two scored briskly and added 99 runs in 106 balls, with neither hesitating to go aerial. Varma fell to the left-arm spin of Rachin Ravindra for an impressive 50.

K S Bharat, playing his first game of the three-match series, did not last long, dismissed by Fisher for 9.

Samson looked good for a big score before falling LBW to medium-pacer Jacob Duffy for a 68-ball 54 (1 four, 2 sixes). Bawa fell to the same bowler for 5 and India 'A' slipped to 206 for 6.

Thakur, who batted with aplomb in the second match, came up with a blazing 33-ball 51 and his furious assault left the NZ 'A' bowlers clueless. His aggressive knock helped the host post a challenging total of 284.

The visiting team's opener Cleaver batted in an enterprising manner and powered the chase but lack of support from the other end resulted in the challenge falling flat.

Save for the half-century partnership for the first wicket, the rest of the batters failed to raise to the occasion.

Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar (2/39) struck the first blow, removing Bowes to a catch in the deep off a sweep.

Ravindra, who shone in the previous game, made just two, becoming Chahar's second victim.

Cleaver, meanwhile, kept getting the runs but the Kiwis kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Tripathi, bowling medium-pace, got a wicket too, dismissing NZ 'A' captain Tom Bruce for 10.

Michael Rippon (29) helped Cleaver add 31 runs from 24 balls before the latter fell to Rishi Dhawan (1/27).

Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up a hat-trick in the second match, grabbed two wickets including that of Robert O'Donnell (6).

From 175 for 6, the NZ 'A' innings folded quickly as Bawa picked up the wickets of Rippon, Duffy (1) and Fisher (0).

Brief Scores: India 'A' 284 all out in 49.3 overs (Sanju Samson 54, Shardul Thakur 51, Tilak Varma 50, Michael Rippon 2/43, Jacob Duffy 2/45) beat New Zealand 'A' 178 all out in 38.3 overs (Dane Cleaver 83, Raj Angad Bawa 4/11, Kuldeep Yadav 2/29, Rahul Chahar 2/39).

Also Read : Facing new ball quite a challenge in India: Temba Bavuma

News Source : PTI

2022-09-27 18:42

Facing new ball quite a challenge in India: Temba Bavuma

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (Cricket News) South Africa captain Temba Bavuma feels facing the swinging ball in the powerplay will be one of the main challenges for his team in the three-match T20 series against India, beginning here on Wednesday.

India relied on their batting might to bounce back from being 0-1 down to post a 2-1 win in the recently-concluded three-T20 series against Australia.

The focus will now shift to an identical match-up against the Proteas, the final dress rehearsal for both the teams before the T20 World Cup in Australia next month.

"Facing the new ball bowlers (in India) is quite challenging, they make the ball to swing and move in quite a bit, a bit more than what we are accustomed to in South Africa. That's obviously a challenge you have to manoeuvre around," the South African white-ball skipper said on the eve of the opening T20 here.

The chinks in India's pace bowling armour were badly exposed in the three-match T20s against Australia.

In the series decider in Hyderabad on Sunday, the two seasoned pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar together conceded 79 runs from seven overs, with the latter claiming one wicket.

Harshal Patel, who is considered a death over specialist, also was a big letdown and the South African skipper knows what it takes to succeed in India.

"The key is to limit the damage and not allow the wickets to fall and try and get the momentum going. But yeah, Bhuvi and Bumrah they always challenge you with the new ball up front," he added.

Bhuvneshwar, by the way, is rested for the series ahead of the World Cup as the pace workload will be shared among Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Patel and Arshdeep Singh.

India's batting looks in safe hands with Virat Kohli's return to form and Rohit Sharma leading from the front.

"Obviously, those -- Rohit and Virat -- are big names with big pedigree behind them, and obviously as you saw in their last while their performances have boosted the confidence of the team.

"We expect to come leading from the front, and good for us to come up against the best. You expect those guys to bring a lot of confidence and X-factor into the team," the South African skipper said.

That said, Bavuma will have an 'unfinished business' as their last series -- a five-match T20I rubber -- ended in a 2-2 result after rain washed out the decider in Bengaluru.

"The last time we were here we were tested, we were challenged, but I think we answered it quite well. We expect this to be a good series, a competitive one as well. This is the last series before the World Cup, we will be looking to fill up the gaps whatever they are," he added.

Personally, Bavuma has a lot to prove after being snubbed in their SA20 auction, the country's inaugural T20 League.

Dismissing it as 'side-show', the skipper said his role is to lead the country and keep everyone in a good space before the World Cup.

"I’m here to make sure the guys are in the best space possible going into that big World Cup tournament. All the other distractions, side-shows as I would call it, I will deal with on a personal level.

"But being here within the team, as long as I am still wearing the shirt, it will be to serve and lead the team as best as I can," the 32-year-old said.

Also Read : Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur moves up to fifth in ICC rankings

News Source : PTI

2022-09-27 16:19

Manchester United to host #ILOVEUNITED in Kolkata in October

(Football news) Manchester United’s international fan event, #ILOVEUNITED is returning to Kolkata on Sunday 16th October as the club delivers on a promise made to its supporters in India last season. When the pandemic postponed plans for an in-market match screening in February 2021, the Club staged a special virtual event, which gave fans in India the opportunity to decide where the next live, in-person #ILOVEUNITED event should take place.

Of the six shortlisted Indian cities, Kolkata was the clear winner with 33% of votes. #ILOVEUNITED Kolkata will be a three-week celebration of Manchester United in India, featuring locally-tailored content across club channels, such as a special edition of the award-winning UTD Podcast and exclusive Interviews with some well-known United fans from around the world.

The campaign culminates with the live match screening kicking-off from 16:00IST at Big Lawn Nicco Park, Kolkata, attended by United Legends Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre, who will meet fans throughout the day. Both Brown and Silvestre enjoyed stellar careers at United, winning five Premier League titles each and conquering Europe in the UEFA Champions League before ending their careers playing in India with Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin, respectively.

The fans attending #ILOVEUNITED will play a starring role in MUTV’s Matchday Live coverage of the Premier League match against Newcastle United, broadcast globally across Manchester United channels. Fans will be able to enjoy the full Manchester United experience in the build-up to the match, from giveaways and unique photo opportunities to football challenges and interactive games.

Manchester United’s CEO, Alliances and Partnerships, Victoria Timpson, said, “We love visiting our fans in India, so it was disappointing when the pandemic led to the postponement of the planned #ILOVEUNITED event in February last year. But it presented us with the opportunity to demonstrate to our fans in India just how much we value their support and input, by asking them to decide the next host city for #ILOVEUNITED in India.

“We have enjoyed fantastic support in Kolkata for many years and look forward to bringing the excitement of a live fan event back to the city and share the Manchester United matchday experience with thousands of passionate fans.”

Rick Sinha represented Kolkata on a special ‘#ILOVEUNITED Fan Panel’, during last season’s interactive virtual experience, making the case for his city to host the next #ILOVEUNITED event in India. Rick said: “Kolkata is one of the cities in the country where I feel football is more popular than cricket and it has always had a huge role to play in the history of Indian football. The United fan community in Kolkata has also been proudly supporting the club for many, many years, and that varies across different age groups and generations, too.

“It gave me great pride to represent United fans in my city on the #ILOVEUNITED Fan Panel and it felt even better to win and play my part in bringing this amazing event to Kolkata. I can’t wait to be there and enjoy the match with thousands of fellow Reds.” #ILOVEUNITED Kolkata is free to attend. Fans can apply online for tickets by visiting www.manutd.com/ILOVEUNITEDKOLKATA by no later than Sunday 9th October. Applications will then be entered into a ballot, with tickets issued at random. Successful applicants will be notified by email no later than Wednesday 12th October.*

Also read: Italy qualify for Nations League finals after beating Hungary

2022-09-27 15:33

Kohli's power game is coming back at right time: Manjrekar

New Delhi, Sep 27 (Cricket News) Virat Kohli has got back his "power game" and things have started falling in place for him ahead of the T20 World Cup, feels former India Test cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.

Kohli had endured a lean patch for nearly three years before he decided to take a month-long mental health break while reinventing himself during last month's Asia Cup.

He finished as India's highest run-getter and since then continued his good form in the just-concluded T20s against Australia, where his half-century in the series decider gave glimpses of vintage Kohli that the fans have been yearning to see.

"...right from the Asia Cup every match that he (Kohli) got runs, not just the runs, there was some improvement coming. I think the power game is back. He is trusting his power game," Manjrekar told in Sports 18's 'Sports Over The Top' show. "There was a time when he was getting runs but his power game was not coming at his beck and call. That is starting to happen," Manjrekar said.

The fact that he is being able to hit good balls for boundaries is a welcome sign, said Manjrekar.

"He is dispatching good balls for big boundaries and sixes. It's all about confidence. This is a guy who's damn self-confident and drives himself to excellence but for long-time runs weren't coming and his confidence was tender.

Kohli was the second highest overall run getter in the Asia Cup, scoring 276 in five innings at an average of 92.00, a strike rate of 147.59 with two half-centuries and a ton.

"During the Asia Cup, slowly and steadily, certain things start to happen, the pull shots came in, and the sixes started going more into the stands than just going over the rope as it was going in the IPL. So, the pieces falling back to frame the perfect picture. Now it's all about putting all these kinds of performances in the main event," he added.

In the following three-match T20 series against Australia at home, which India won 2-1, Kohli totalled 76 runs from three innings at an average of 25.33, with 63 being his highest individual score.

Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel, who made a comeback from injury, leaked runs in the series against Australia, ending with an economy rate of 12 plus.

And Manjrekar pointed out the reasons behind the duo's lacklustre performances.

"Bhuvneshwar is over-worked" ================== The cricketer-turned-commentator feels Bhuvneshwar is overworked. "With Bhuvneshwar Kumar, it's never a very simple answer but you've got to give one of the simple answers and one of the main reasons why Bhuvi seems to be off the boil - is playing too much cricket. In the sense, that he's played all the matches coming into this series as well," he said.

"The Bhuvneshwar Kumar I have seen over the years, he's not one of the strongest guys going around, he's not somebody who takes a lot of workload, he plays one format and hardly any other.

"He's somebody if you notice, barring injury, if he comes later a break to play in any tournament, he is at his best in the first few games. So, I am going to put down Bhuvneshwar Kumar's current performance to just match fatigue." Manjrekar said Harshal has limitations as a pacer.

"Harshal Patel has limitations as a seam bowler, but India must look as one of the third seaming options and must look at a couple of others as options and I keep stressing on Mohammed Shami as the other option."

Also Read : India's ideal playing XI for the T20Is Vs South Africa

News Source : PTI

2022-09-27 14:14

India look to address death bowling concerns in final tune up ahead of T20 WC

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 27 (Cricket News) India will be looking to round off their T20 World Cup preparation with a marked improvement in their death bowling besides providing crucial game time to its untested players in the three-match series against South Africa, beginning here on Wednesday. India skipper Rohit Sharma, expectedly, singled out death bowling as an area that requires improvement following the series win over Australia.

The hosts will be without two of their key bowlers, Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who have been rested ahead of the ICC event next month.

Mohammad Shami, who is one of the World Cup reserves, is yet to recover from COVID-19 and will be missing the three games against the Proteas after being unavailable the rubber against Australia.

Harshal Patel did not have the best of times in his comeback series against Australia but he will be expected to get back to his best in the final three games before the World Cup.

His career economy rate stands at 9.05 but he conceded more than 12 runs per overs against the Aussies.

Deepak Chahar, who is also on standby for the Word Cup, did not get a game in the previous series and he could get a chance if the team decides to rotate its pacers over the three games. Arshdeep Singh will return to bolster the team's resources in the slog overs, making an effective combination alongside Jasprit Bumrah, who will aiming to regain his full rhythm after coming back from injury.

In the the series decider against Australia, Yuzvendra Chahal showed what he can do if the ball is gripping and turning after looking flat in the first two games. Keeping the Australian conditions in mind, the wily leg-spinner will be looking to up his game on docile pitches. As Rohit spoke about the importance of giving all the players game time ahead of the World Cup, R Ashwin could get a look in.

In the batting department, K L Rahul would like to make the most of these three games after missing out in the last two games against Australia.

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are looking in good touch, it is important that Rahul too is in full flow before the team travels to Australia. Dinesh Karthik got to play all of eights balls against Australia and Rohit has already said the designated finisher in the squad needs more time in the middle. World Cup bound Deepak Hooda will end up missing all the six games before the mega event as he has been ruled out of the South Africa T20s with a back injury. Shreyas Iyer is expected to take Hooda's place in the squad.

Over the next week, India will be competing against a team they are yet to beat at home in a bilateral series. South Africa and India will face each other in a group game in Australia and though conditions are totally different here, both teams can pick out areas to target in the coming three games.

"The pitches in Australia will be different and ground size will be a lot bigger, but as a bowler there is always something you can work on. It is a great opportunity to be bowling at these Indian batters and pick up on a few things and use against them in the World Cup," said Tabraiz Shamsi.

All eyes will also be on the young Tristian Stubbs who has made the World Cup squad on the back of his good show in franchise cricket.

Squads: South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.

India: Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.

Match starts 7 PM IST.

Also Read : India's ideal playing XI for the T20Is Vs South Africa

News Source : PTI

2022-09-27 12:33

India's ideal playing XI for the T20Is Vs South Africa

(Cricket news) After defeating Australia in the T20I series 2-1, India now prepares to take on South Africa in a 3-match T20I series. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya have been rested for the series while Arshdeep Singh is back after resting against Australia. Deepak Hooda is suffering from a back injury and is ruled out of the series while Mohammed Shami still hasn't recovered from Covid. Umesh Yadav will continue with the squad while Shahbaz Ahmed and Shreyas Iyer will also join the team. The focus will be on death bowling which has been a major issue as far as India are concerned.

Openers: KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma

The skipper and his deputy are the first names on the team sheet. The pair have just got back amongst the runs but are far from their best as an opening combination. India seems to have a concrete plan to make the most out of the powerplay. Rohit Sharma usually doesn't wait and starts attacking straight away while KL Rahul takes around 3-4 overs to get going. The big issue is that none of the openers have managed to stay till the end and play a big innings which may or may not be what the team wants but a big innings from Rahul and/or Rohit is long overdue. Virat Kohli, Suryakumar and Rishabh Pant could open the batting if necessary.

Middle order: Virat Kohli & Suryakumar Yadav

India are very secure with these two in the middle order. The pair are in good form and on top of that they always seem to put on important partnerships. SKY and Kohli compliment each other really well in the middle. In Australia this is going to be a very important partnership for India and South Africa will be a good test for both of them. Kohli always plays 2nd fiddle when Suryakumar is in his zone and then takes off again after SKY is dismissed.

Wicket keepers: Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik

Hardik Pandya's absence will be a good opportunity for India to play both Karthik and Pant. It seems like India have already decided on Karthik as the first choice keeper but this series is a good opportunity for Pant. India will not have a proper 6th bowling option even though there is a slight possibility of Kohli bowling. It is a risk worth taking to give Pant some games and also because there is no real replacement. The other batting all-rounder Deepak Hooda is injured and it doesn't make sense to play Shahbaz Ahmed because he is not even in the mix.

All-rounder: Axar Patel

Axar has stepped up his game in the past couple of years and he is finally getting a long run in the team due to Ravindra Jadeja's injury. He was the Player of the Series against Australia for his incredible bowling performance. His batting is something which needs to be tested in this particular format which is why Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma might push him up the order. Shahbaz Ahmed is also in the squad who can play if required as can Ravichandran Ashwin.

Seamers: Harshal Patel, Jasprit Bumrah & Arshdeep Singh

In Bhuvneshwar Kumar's absence these 3 are obvious choices. It will be interesting to see how Rohit Sharma uses them because all 3 are death bowlers. Out of the 3 Bumrah is probably the best new ball option. There is a chance that the team management decides to play Umesh Yadav or Deepak Chahar just to get a proper new ball bowler into the side but the trio are in the T20 World Cup squad and need game time.

Spinner: Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal had a decent series against Australia but he isn't picking up as many wickets as one would expect. The good thing is that he is keeping things tight most of the time. His form is going to be extremely crucial in the World Cup which makes this series very important for him. Ravichandran Ashwin is also an option but Chahal is the clear choice.

Also read: Here's why the 'spirit of cricket' conversation needs to be stopped

2022-09-26 19:27

India shouldn't feel need to justify run-out by lying about warnings: Heather Knight

New Delhi, Sep 26 (Cricket News) England skipper Heather Knight, who is currently recovering from a hip surgery, has accused the Indian women's team of "lying" about having warned Charlie Dean before Deepti Sharma ran her out at the non-striker's end in the final ODI.

India pulled off a win against England on Saturday after all-rounder Deepti ran out Dean (47), the last England batter, for backing up too far at the non-striker's end.

Dean was out of her ground and Deepti simply held the ball to remove the bails, leaving the English team flabbergasted and also triggering an intense debate over 'spirit of the game'.

After returning to the country, Deepti on Monday revealed that Charlie Dean was warned against backing up multiple times before she effected the run out.

However, Knight dismissed the claims made by Deepti in a series of tweets.

"The game is over. Charlie was dismissed legitimately, India were deserved winners of the match and the series. But no warnings were given," Knight wrote on Twitter.

"They don't need to be given, so it hasn't made the dismissal any less legitimate. But if they're comfortable with the decision to affect the run out, India shouldn't feel the need to justify it by lying about warnings." Chasing 170, England were reduced to 118 for nine before No 9 batter Dean revived their hopes with her last wicket partnership with Freya Davies.

However, with 17 needed to win, Dean was run out for 47 with Deepti clipping the bails during her delivery stride to put an end to their 35-run partnership that gave India 3-0 sweep.

"Woh plan tha hum logon ka, kyunki woh baar baar... Hum warn bhi kar chuke the usko. Jo rules mein hain, jo guidelines hain, uske according hi humne kiya (We had planned this as she was not paying heed to our repeated warnings. We acted according to the rules and the guidelines," Deepti told reporters upon her arrival here.

While Dean was left in tears, the guardians of the laws of cricket MCC stamped its seal of approval on the dismissal, saying "it was properly officiated and should not be considered as anything more." Recently, the ICC while modifying the playing conditions had moved this kind of dismissal from 'unfair play' to 'run out'. The changes would come into effect from October 1.

Also Read : We warned her multiple times: Deepti on controversial run out

News Source : PTI

2022-09-26 17:25

We warned her multiple times: Deepti on controversial run out

Kolkata, Sep 26 (Cricket News) India all-rounder Deepti Sharma on Monday revealed that Charlie Dean was warned against backing up multiple times before she effected a controversial run out of the England batter in the third and final ODI.

The dismissal reignited an intense debate over the 'spirit of the game'.

"Woh plan tha hum logon ka, kyunki woh baar baar... Hum warn bhi kar chuke the usko. Jo rules mein hain, jo guidelines hain, uske according hi humne kiya (We had planned this as she was not paying heed to our repeated warnings. We acted according to the rules and the guidelines," Deepti told reporters upon her arrival here.

Reduced to 118 for nine in their pursuit of 170 in the third ODI, England's chase was led by their No 9 batter Dean who revived their hopes with her last wicket partnership with Freya Davies.

With 17 needed to win, Dean was run out for 47 with the veteran Indian off-spinner deciding to clip the bails during her delivery stride to put an end to their 35-run partnership that gave India 3-0 sweep. It was also Jhulan Goswami's swansong game. The run-out is currently listed in the 'Unfair Play' section of the laws but is set to be moved to the 'Run Out' section at the start of next month when an update in the ICC Playing Conditions comes into effect.

Deepti further pointed out that they had informed the umpires before running out Dean.

“Umpires ko bola tha hum logon ne, but still woh wahin par thi. Hum log kuchh nahin kar sakte the. (We did inform the umpires, but she continued to do it. There was nothing we could do)," the 25-year-old added.

The 39-year-old Jhulan, who has a record 355 wickets across formats, retired from international cricket in the final ODI as India secured their first-ever 3-0 sweep on English soil to give the legendary Indian pacer a fitting farewell.

Having made her debut in 2002, Jhulan ended up playing 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is.

"Har team ko jeetna hota hai, aur last match mein hum chahte the ki hum jitke unko (Jhulan) acha farewell de, toh uske hisaab se, as a team, jo effort daal sakte the woh humne diya. (Every team wants to win and we as a team gave our best effort to win it for Jhulan Goswami," she said.

Jhulan and Deepti, who also plays for Bengal in domestic cricket, landed in the city to a rousing welcome at the airport by several women's cricketers.

Also Read : Bangladesh defeat Ireland in final of Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier

News Source : PTI

2022-09-26 16:33

Here's why the 'spirit of cricket' conversation needs to be stopped

(Cricket news) India recently won the 3rd ODI against England to clinch the series 3-0. The series was the perfect farewell to the legendary Jhulan Goswami who has retired from all forms of cricket. The game ended in controversy as India took the last match winning wicket by running out Charlie Dean at the non striker end which is also called as 'Mankading'. Mankading is in the official rulebook of cricket and If it is against the spirit of the game or not should not matter. It goes back as far back as the early 1800s when it was named after Indian cricketer Vinoo Mankad. The batsman is supposed to run 22 yards to complete a run and if running out a batter when he is outside of the crease is against the so-called spirit of the game then the non-striker might as well stand in the center of the pitch. Players like Kapil Dev, Murali Karthik and Ravichandran Ashwin are infamous for mankading and have defended the mode of dismissal.

After Charlie Dean's dismissal, many cricketers like James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Sam Billings criticized Deepti Sharma while Alex Hales and Ravichandran Ashwin among others lauded her. The discussion about the spirit of cricket is a never ending one but it should reach a point where it becomes a personal choice. A player running out a batter at the non striker end is often criticized and called a 'disgrace' for doing something which is well within the rules. Adam Gilchrist, who started the trend of walking when he knew he was out without waiting for the umpire's decision once said that it was a personal choice. He said that just because I believe in walking doesn't mean I'm questioning other people's values. That sort of narrative has to be built around the whole Mankading debate.

Due to the social stigma around the dismissal, it takes a lot of courage for a bowler to do it. Right now is counted as 'Unfair Play' in the ICC rules, the unfair play in this case is not the bowler running out the batter but the batter going out of his crease. From 1st October it will officially be counted as a run out as per the new ICC rules. When Ravichandran Ashwin mankaded Jos Buttler in the IPL a few years ago, he was criticized a lot for it. This time around Deepti Sharma has a lot more support which is a sign that things are changing. People, especially professional cricketers, need to get on with it and accept the fact that it is a rule and there is nothing they can do about it. Targeting people who do something within the rules just because you don't believe in it is incredibly arrogant.

Also read: India whitewash England to give Jhulan Goswami a perfect send off

2022-09-26 15:47

Everyone thought Jadeja’s absence would weaken India but Axar was outstanding: McDonald

Hyderabad, Sep 26 (Cricket News) Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from the T20 series was expected to weaken India but the hosts found an able replacement in "outstanding" Axar Patel, said Australia coach Andrew McDonald.

Left-arm spinner Axar, who was shoed in as a like-for-like replacement for the injured Jadeja, impressed everyone with his bowling, ending as the leading wicket-taker in the three-match series.

“Axar, in particular, had an outstanding series. With Jaddu out everyone thought that it might become a bit of a weakness for India, but they've found another one again, which tends to happen,” McDonald said at the post-match press conference after India clinched the series.

The Australian bowling attack, comprising the pace duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, was taken to the cleaners by the Indian batters.

Asked if it’s a concern heading to the World Cup, McDonald said: “Across the series the run rate was high, it was entertaining cricket from the get-go. Bat dominated the ball, so there was really no place to hide for bowling units, in particular death.

“We worked our way through some plans. We saw some good results with some of the plans that we implemented that might be able to transition to the World Cup.” McDonald added that Australia will have reinforcements in the form of Mitchell Starc when they begin the defense of their World Cup title at home next month.

“The connection between here (India) and Australia might be slightly different, a little bit more bounce, different tactics. Mitchell Starc comes back into the picture being one of our best death bowlers. So, we feel like we'll get reinforcements there.” McDonald feels most of the bowling attack is “under the pump” due to the skills of the batters.

“The conversations always going to be can you get better at your death bowling? The answer to that is yes.

“We encourage our guys to make good decisions and execute them. Sometimes the batter out-executes you and we've seen that with Hardik (Pandya) across the series.

“Suryakumar Yadav was outstanding today and he's gonna be dangerous in the World Cup but he showed what he can do.” Australia were without a few of their World Cup-bound players due to injuries but the head coach feels the defending champions have enough depth to overcome the situation.

"It's fortuitous that some of the guys got the opportunity here. We got a couple of injuries which are concerning leading into a World Cup. You don't like to see some of your mainstay players out of the team leading in but we feel as though we've got some good options in depth.” In the absence of David Warner, who was rested, Cameron Green “embraced the challenge of opening".

The all-rounder amassed 118 runs, including two belligerent half-centuries to give Australia great starts.

"I've asked him to show great intent on top of the order and everything that we're seeing so far shows that he's doing that.

“It's probably opportunistic the way that he's come into the opening position with obviously David Warner not being here and a couple of other players from our World Cup 15.

“And that's all you can do, given an opportunity... Before we came over here we thought he had the skill sets to be able to succeed there, and he's taken on some of the best bowlers in world cricket.”

Also Read : India whitewash England to give Jhulan Goswami a perfect send off

News Source : PTI

2022-09-26 13:02

Haris Rauf stars in a thrilling victory over England in 4th T20

(Football news) In a thrilling final match, Haris Rauf's death bowling skills outweighed Liam Dawson's finishing as Pakistan found a way to win the fourth T20I in Karachi by 3 runs and level the series 2-2. Pakistan were going to win the match when England needed 33 more runs from two overs, with only three wickets in hand but then a brilliant 24-run over then from Mohammad Hasnain turned the game upside down. Hasnain, who had figures of 3-0-16-2, conceded four boundaries and a six in the 18th over, all of which were hit by Dawson. England then were sudden favourites but Rauf picked up two wickets in two balls, including the dangerous wicket of Dawson's to put his side on course to a famous win. Reece Topley run out in the final over sealed the victory as England were bowled out for 163 with four balls to go.

England couldn't chase it down as the hosts bowled brilliantly with the new ball upfront, leaving the visitors tottering at 14/3. Mohammad Nawaz took the wickets of Phil Salt in the first over before Hasnain's twin strike in the next over, which saw the dismissals of Alex Hales and Will Jacks. However, England did manage to recover to 106/4 but then back-to-back wickets of Moeen Ali and the in-form Harry Brook hurt the chase. Dawson did what he did but he couldn't do it for long enough on the night.

In the first innings, the no 1 T20 batsman Mohammad Rizwan scored 88 off 67 and Babar Azam made 36 off 28 as both added 97 runs for the first wicket, getting their team off to another flyer. Rizwan was the main aggressor when he dominated the partnership when he scored 60 off those runs in the partnership. By the end of the PowerPlay, Pakistan were 52/0 as Babar had faced only 11 balls for 13 runs while Rizwan at the other end did the majority of the hitting. The Pakistani wicket keeper went on to complete a 38-ball fifty in the 10th over.

Good starts haven't been an issue for Pakistan but setting good totals have been. Once the overs ticked into the second half of the innings, Babar started to take more risks and that's when England came back into the game as he was caught at deep midwicket off Dawson. While he was replaced in the middle by Shan Masood whose 19-ball 21 kept Pakistan's scoring rate in check despite Rizwan playing a fine knock at the other end. Reece Topley was on hat-trick in the final over but Asif Ali's 3-ball 13*, helped Pakistan get to 166/4.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 166/4 in 20 overs (Rizwan 88; Topley 2-37) beat England 163 in 19.2 overs (Dawson 34; Rauf 3-32, Nawaz 3-35) by 3 runs

Also read: Takeaways as India win thrilling series against Australia

2022-09-26 12:45

Takeaways as India win thrilling series against Australia

(Cricket news) India defeated Australia by 6 wickets with a ball to spare in the 3rd T20I. The Men In Blue sealed the series 2-1 which was Rohit Sharma's 9th consecutive bilateral series win as the Indian captain. It was an incredible series as both the teams played some really good cricket. From India's point of view, there were a few positives and also a few negatives to take away from the series. India needed to bounce back after a disappointing Asia Cup and they did exactly that. Even though Australia were missing 4 crucial players, they were still a handful. India played what would be their strongest XI at the World Cup in this series which is a really good way to get the momentum going.

Axar Patel was the biggest positive for India as he was named the Player of the Series. Jadeja's injury left a big void in the Indian side and Axar is filling that void at least with the ball. The left hander took 8 wickets in 3 games with an economy of 6.3 in what was a high scoring series. He will need to be tested more with the bat but with the ball, India will not be missing Jadeja. He has the ability to bowl in the powerplay and in the middle overs, both of which are equally effective. Australia will be a different challenge but with the bigger grounds in play, Axar Patel will be a tough customer for opposition batters to take on.

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat all played good innings in each game which is an incredible sign for India. The top 3 are incredibly crucial as far as India's batting is concerned. Even though they haven't been consistent recently, they have played well in this series. It is about time that the trio play a good innings in the same match. Suryakumar Yadav continued his incredible run of form as he finished as India's highest run scorer in the series. The right hander manages to play some ridiculous shots at tricky situations and gets India out of trouble more times than not. India's top 4 looks incredibly potent at this point in time. Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik are also playing their role perfectly by finishing things off.

Perhaps the only negative has been death bowling as India's premium death bowlers Harshal Patel and Jasprit Bumrah are just back from injury. The South Africa series will be a big test for death bowling which is where India is truly lacking. Axar Patel bowling in the powerplay means that India will have more options in the death overs. Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel aren't a bad death bowling line-up but they need to step up their game in the South Africa series. Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be resting in the South Africa series while Arshdeep Singh will be back. It is still unclear whether Mohammed Shami will be available for the series.

Also read: Kuldeep Yadav hat-trick, Shaw blitzkrieg help India 'A' beat NZ 'A' and seal series

2022-09-26 07:25

Will be hard to score against us: India women's U-17 team head coach

New Delhi, Sep 25 (Football News) The Indian team for the upcoming FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup which the country will host has improved in defending but needs to work on "attacking and some technical details", head coach Thomas Dennerby said on Sunday.

Dennerby, who is currently camping in Spain along with the players for an exposure tour ahead of age-group showpiece, said the fitness level of the team will also not be a problem.

"We are well organised and have a good fitness level. The fitness level won’t be a problem. We have good sessions of defending so it will be hard to score on us but we still have to utilise our chances on the pitch. We are playing at a higher tempo and higher pace than before," Dennerby said.

"Meanwhile, we are working on our attacking side as well as on some small technical details, which require attention at this moment. But we feel we are on the right track," the Swede said in an AIFF release.

The Indian team will play against Imabari JFA Academy in their first friendly match on Monday at Soccerland, Catalunya, Spain.

Asked how much the team has improved in recent times, he said, "When we look at the girls now, we think we are at a higher level. And this is the biggest reason we wanted to come and camp in Spain to play international games.

"It will give us the answer if we are close enough and ready to beat tough opponents. My personal feeling is we are at the top level and after the games here we will analyse and see if I am right or wrong." He said he's happy with the preparations so far ahead of the mega event .

"I am proud of the girls. They have been working very hard for more than six months now – 10 to 12 sessions a week, including football, zoom and running sessions. I think we have reached a new level.

"I am happy to have the opportunity to play these matches. It will mostly be a 10-day camp in Spain and the focus is on the games now. Most of these girls are very young, they don’t have much experience in playing important games.

"It’s necessary to play against good opponents and it is crucial for us to have these games before the World Cup. Hopefully, it will boost the confidence of the girls."

Also Read : Chhetri not happy with Indian team's performance against Singapore

News Source : PTI

2022-09-26 07:03

Green, David hit fifties to take Australia to 186/7 against India

Hyderabad, Sep 25 (Cricket News) India all-rounder Axar Patel continued to impress but Cameron Green and Tim David hit belligerent fifties to guide Australia to 186 for 7 in the series-deciding third T20I here on Sunday.

With the pitch offering grip and turn, the left-arm spinner (3/33) picked three wickets, while also executing a sensational run out.

Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22) was also in his element, bowling an economical spell. But Green (52) scored upfront while Tim David (54) provided the final flourish for Australia.

Sloppy fielding from India towards the end only added to Australia's total.

Invited to bat, Green (52) was on the offensive from the start. He smashed the second delivery to square leg for a massive six, which was followed by a boundary as Australia collected 12 off the first over.

Green continued the onslaught, smashing Bumrah for a four before hitting back-to-back sixes, including one that went to the second tier much to the dismay of the partisan crowd.

With Australia going over 13 runs per over, Axar provided the home side with the first breakthrough as he bowled a slower one, forcing Aaron Finch (7) to mistime the shot with Hardik Pandya collecting the ball at mid-on.

Green brought his 50 in 19 balls in the fifth over, his innings studded with seven fours and three sixes. But the opener was soon sent packing by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/39), who bowled slightly wide only for the Australian to slash the ball to KL Rahul.

Australia plundered 66 runs for the loss off two wickets from the Powerplay.

But Glenn Maxwell's (6) woeful run continued as Axar executed a brilliant run out with a direct hit from the boundary.

There was some doubt whether it was a run-out as wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik's glove had knocked out one bail but in the end the decision went in India's favour.

Just before the halfway mark Karthik stumped Smith (8) who was deceived by Chahal's wrong 'un as the Australian innings seemed to fall apart.

But Josh Inglis (24) and David steadied the Australian innings as the visitors made a comeback.

Skipper Rohit Sharma introduced Harshal Patel (1/18) in the 13th over but his struggles continued. The medium pacer was first hit for six, which was followed by a no-ball and a wide.

Rohit then brought Axar back into the attack and the left-armer immediately repaid the skipper's faith by getting rid off Inglis and danger-man Matthew Wade.

The strapping David slammed two consecutive sixes and a four off Bhuvneshwar, who missed his length in the 18th over.

It rained boundaries and sixes towards in the end as Australia crossed the 180-run mark.

Also Read : Kuldeep Yadav hat-trick, Shaw blitzkrieg help India 'A' beat NZ 'A' and seal series

News Source : PTI

2022-09-25 19:16

Kuldeep Yadav hat-trick, Shaw blitzkrieg help India 'A' beat NZ 'A' and seal series

Chennai, Sep 25 (Cricket News) Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav's sensational hat-trick and Prithvi Shaw's quick-fire half century (77) set up a four-wicket win for India 'A' against New Zealand 'A' in the second unofficial ODI to clinch the three-match series here on Sunday.

Electing to bat, New Zealand 'A' were all out for 219 in 47 overs as Kuldeep picked up the last four wickets, including the hat-trick. From 210 for 6, the visiting team collapsed to 219 all out as Kuldeep ran amok. After dismissing Sean Solia for his first scalp of the match, Yadav picked up the wickets of Logan Van Beek, Joe Walker and Jacob Duffy to complete a memorable hat-trick.

India 'A' chased down the target with 16 overs to spare to notch-up a series-clinching win, reaching 222 for 6 in 34 overs.

The home side won by seven wickets in the first match on Thursday. The third and last match will be played on Tuesday.

"A hat-trick at any level is special. This is a very special one," Kuldeep told reporters later. Rachin Ravindra (61 off 65 balls) and Joe Carter (72 off 80 balls) set the platform for the Kiwis before Kuldeep got into the act.

The openers -- Chad Bowes (15) and Ravindra -- set the ball rolling, putting on 32 runs. Ravindra was the dominant partner in a 31-run stand with No.3 Dane Cleaver (6).

Ravindra played some pleasing shots and looked set for a big score before he fell to a catch by Ruturaj Gaikwad in the point region off Rishi Dhawan's bowling after the score had crossed the 100-mark.

NZ 'A' captain Robert O'Donnell fell for a duck to Dhawan, dragging a delivery on to his stumps while attempting a pull.

Indian under-19 World Cup winning player and medium-pacer Raj Angad Bawa then sent back Tom Bruce (10) to leave the Kiwis at 133 for 5.

Carter, who was the top-scorer with an enterprising 72, hit the first six for the visitors and continued to push the score along. A miscued slog off leg-spinner Rahul Chahar (2 for 50) led to his dismissal.

Solia became Kuldeep's first victim after a watchful 28 off 49 balls.

In his final over, Kuldeep got van Beek (4), whose attempted reverse sweep took an edge and flew to Shaw in the point region. Next ball, he had Walker (0) caught behind by Samson with a superb delivery and finished things off by trapping Duffy (0) LBW.

Chasing a modest 220 to win and seal the series, Shaw got off to a flier and smashed the ball around as the Indian score reached 50 in the seventh over.

There was no stopping the diminutive Shaw as he reached 50 from 26 balls with a sweep shot. He hit 11 fours and 3 sixes in his superlative 48-ball knock.

Gaikwad, who was sedate in comparison, fell for 30 off 34 balls.

The in-form Rajat Patidar then fell for 20 at team score of 131 for 2 while Shaw fell to Walker two runs later.

Skipper Samson went after the bowling and hit 37 off 35 balls, studded with four boundaries and two sixes before a superb diving catch by Chad Bowes cut short his stay.

Tilak Varma and Bawa fell for ducks and India 'A' appeared to be in some trouble but Rishi Dhawan (22 not out off 43 balls) and Shardul Thakur (25 not out off 24 balls) saw the team home.

Brief Scores: NZ 'A' 219 all out in 47 overs (Joe Carter 72, Rachin Ravindra 61, Kuldeep Yadav 4/51) lost to India 'A' 222 for 6 in 34 overs (Prithvi Shaw 77, Sanju Samson 37, Shardul Thakur 25 not out, Logan van Beek 3/46)) by four wickets.

Also Read : India win toss, opt to field (Third and final T20 International)

News Source : PTI

2022-09-25 15:17

End of an era, BCCI says after one of greatest Jhulan's retirement

New Delhi, Sep 25 (Cricket News) The BCCI has described Jhulan Goswami's two decade-long international career as "monumental", saying an era has come to an end with the retirement of one of women's cricket's greatest players.

The 39-year-old Jhulan retired from international cricket following the conclusion of the ODI series in England, in which the visitors secured a first-ever clean sweep to give the legendary seamer a fitting farewell.

In an international career spanning over two decades – the second longest in women's international cricket - Jhulan, who made her debut in 2002, represented India in 12 Tests, 204 ODIs and 68 T20Is, picking 355 wickets across formats.

"With Jhulan announcing her retirement from international cricket, an era has come to an end. She took immense pride in representing India and always put her best foot forward as she served Indian cricket with distinction," BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said in a press release.

"She was the leader of India's bowling attack and her feats will continue to inspire the present and budding cricketers. Her contribution to the game has been monumental.

"While her inspiring presence on the field will be missed, her achievements will continue to motivate the upcoming cricketers," Ganguly added.

Jhulan, who went on to play five ODI World Cups -- 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022 -- remains the leading wicket-taker in the history of the Women's World Cups. She also remains the only pacer in women's cricket to have 250-plus wickets in ODIs.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah said: "Jhulan Goswami is one of the greatest to have ever graced the game. She, with her exceptional bowling skills, led India's bowling attack with elan for numerous years and will remain a benchmark for the young cricketers who wish to represent the country at the highest level.

"As she embarks on a new journey and starts a new inning, I wish her all the very best." In her farewell game, Jhulan finished with excellent figures of 2/30 in her full quota of 10 overs, including three maiden overs.

The competitive Indian has seen the game evolve during her long journey that was marked with some unforgettable moments and few unpleasant days, something that the board's treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal also observed.

"As women's cricket continued to grow in the country, Jhulan Goswami, along with Mithali Raj, remained at the forefront. Jhulan never shied away from going that extra mile, be it with her performances on the field or be it for the preparations to seek excellence," said Dhumal.

"Her stellar achievements and tremendous work ethics were there for everyone to see and her outstanding contributions towards our game will continue to inspire her teammates and budding cricketers."

Also Read : Rahane sets example, asks Jaiswal to leave field for indiscipline

News Source : PTI

2022-09-25 13:40

West Zone annexes Duleep Trophy with big win over South

Coimbatore, Sep 25 (Cricket News) West Zone thrashed South Zone by 294 runs to win the 2022 Duleep Trophy here on Sunday, completing the formalities before lunch on the fifth and last day's play.

Set an improbable target of 529 runs for an outright win, South Zone were bowled out for 234 in 71.2 overs, with left-arm Shams Mulani (4 for 51) picking up three of the four wickets to fall on the final day.

Resuming at 154 for six, South batters Ravi Teja and R Sai Kishore defied the West attack for nearly two hours. Most of the South Zone's experienced batters failed and fell to the pace duo of Atit Sheth and Jaydev Unadkat on the fourth evening, leaving the team in a hopeless situation.

Teja (53) batted with resolve and was well supported by lanky Sai Kishore, who kept the bowlers at bay for 82 deliveries for his seven.

The duo added 57 runs in 157 deliveries, handling the West bowlers with circumspection. While Teja got three boundaries and hit a six, Kishore was content in defending and spending time in the middle.

Medium-pacer Chintan Gaja broke through with the score at 203 when he had Kishore caught by Priyank Panchal.

Karnataka off-spinner K Gowtham who joined Teja made sure the West bowlers were made to work hard for more success. They added 23 runs and threatened to extend the game past the lunch break.

Mulani trapped Ravi Teja leg before wicket after he had scored a half-century.

Basil Thampi (0) was the next to go, caught by Sarfaraz Khan off Mulani before Tanush Kotian had Gowtham (17) to end South's resistance.

West Zone had amassed 585 for four before declaring in their second innings after conceding a 57-run first-innings lead to their opponents.

Prolific run-scorer Sarfaraz Khan recorded a fine, unbeaten century (127 off 178 balls) while Yashasvi Jaiswal made a monumental 265 in the second innings to help set the game up for the Ajinkya Rahane-led West Zone.

Kerala Opener Rohan Kunnummal waged a lone battle, scoring 93, in South's second innings.

Meanwhile, West captain Rahane decided to ask Jaiswal to leave the field after opposition batsman Teja complained of sledging, which had led to a couple of warnings.

"The way everyone contributed was magnificent. Just looking to play one game at a time, not thinking too much for the future. Excited about the season ahead, first full season after Covid, looking forward to playing for Mumbai," winning captain Rahane said.

The Duleep Trophy returned to the zonal format this season after an experiment with three teams for a few years.

"I think zonal cricket is very important for those players who have been doing well for their states - Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy and Duleep Trophy are very important for picking out Test cricketers for India in the future," Rahane added.

Brief Scores: West Zone 270 and 585/4 declared in 128 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 265, Shreyas Iyer 71, Sarfaraz Khan 127; R Sai Kishore 2/157, K Gowtham 2/235) beat South Zone 327 and 234 in 71.2 overs (Rohan Kunnummal 93; Ravi Teja 53, Shams Mulani 4/51, Jaydev Unadkat 2/28, Atit Sheth 2/29).

Also Read : Whatever we have done I don't think it was any crime: Harmanpreet

News Source : PTI

2022-09-25 11:29

Whatever we have done I don't think it was any crime: Harmanpreet

London, Sep 25 (Cricket News) India women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur says her side had committed "no crime" after completing a first-ever whitewash in ODIs on English soil with a legal yet debatable run out.

Harmanpreet was responding to questions on the run out effected by her bowler Deepti Sharma at the non-striker's end to claim the crucial wicket of Charlie Dean, after the batter had backed up too far, and end England's innings 17 short of the target of 170 in the third and final ODI here on Saturday.

Batting at number nine, Dean had staged a dramatic recovery with a fighting 47 and shared a 35-run stand with No. 11 Freya Davies to put England within reach of the target after the hosts had slipped to 65 for 7 and then 103 for 8.

"Today whatever we have done I don't think it was any crime," Harmanpreet said at the post-match press conference.

"It is part of the game and it is an ICC rule and I think we just need to back our player. I'm actually very happy she was aware of that, and the batter she is taking too long a stride I think. I don't think she has done something wrong and we just need to back her." The India skipper, who was named the Player of the Series, did not agree that the controversy took the sheen off the legendary Jhulan Goswami's farewell game.

"I don't think so, because, like I said, I don't think we have done any crime. I don't think we need to talk about that because the first nine wickets were also very important and everybody was working so hard.

"It was a chaseable total but the way our bowlers bowled and the whole team putting in the effort, there were a lot of things to celebrate other than just talking about the last wicket." Harmanpreet was annoyed with the line of questioning at the presentation ceremony, when the presenter kept harping on the the run out, instead of the Indian team's historic series triumph that was built on the back of a terrific all-round display.

"Well, to be honest I thought you will ask about the nine wickets which was not easy to take as well. It's part of the game. I don't think we have done something new. It shows your awareness, what batters are doing," Harmanpreet said.

"I will back my players, she hasn't done something outside the rules. After the first game we discussed, we wanted to do really well, we have that much potential. We want to continue this kind of cricket." At the post-match presser, she also pointed out how India suffered when Smriti Mandhana was given out in the third match of their T20I series, which England won 2-1, despite the ball touching the ground after Sophie Ecclestone went for the catch.

Very recently only the ICC reiterated the dismissal was completely legitimate, moving it from 'unfair play' to 'run out'.

The MCC Law 41.16.1 states: "If the non-striker is out of his/her ground at any time from the moment the ball comes into play until the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the non-striker is liable to be run out." Weighing in on the run out, England's senior seamer Kate Cross, who grabbed 4/26 with the ball, said this sort of dismissal will always divide opinion.

"I think it's a dismissal that's always going to divide opinion. That's all that's ever going to get said about it: some people are going to like it, some people aren't.

"Deepti chose to dismiss Charlie Dean that way. I'm more disappointed for Charlie Dean that she couldn't get a fifty at Lord's today because she looked set to do that," Cross said.

"If we're looking at the real positives, then maybe that's the only way they could have got Deano out today.

"Losing any game of cricket is disappointing. Ultimately it's Deepti's choice how she goes about that, and we've lost that game of cricket. What we did say in the dressing room was that we didn't lose that game of cricket because of that last wicket," Cross added.

A teary-eyed Dean, after an initial show of anger when she also threw her bat to the ground, composed herself and shook hands with the Indian players.

Also Read : Jhulan is a go-to person, backed me in my rough time: Harmanpreet

News Source : PTI

2022-09-25 07:57

Jhulan is a go-to person, backed me in my rough time: Harmanpreet

London, Sep 24 (Cricket News) Heaping praise on the retiring Jhulan Goswami, Indian women's team skipper Harmanpreet Kaur on Saturday said the iconic seamer was "a go-to person" and supported the batter in her difficult phase.

India provided a fitting farewell to the 39-year-old Jhulan as they won the third and final ODI against England by 16 runs here on Saturday to complete a first ever clean sweep on English soil.

Speaking about Jhulan at the presentation ceremony, Harmanpreet said, "When I debuted she was a leader, before the game I told her when I was going through the best time people supported me but when I was in a rough time she was the one who supported me.

"I wanted to thank her and tell her she is always with us. She is a go-to person, I always called her at low times and she was someone always guiding me." Charlotte Dean run out: captain says will back my players =================================== Sent in to bat, India were all out for a paltry 169, but that proved enough in the end.

The Indians managed to eke out a win as Charlotte Dean (47) was adjudged run out in controversial fashion, for backing up.

Dean, who nearly pulled off a stunning win for the hosts after they were reeling at 65 for seven and then 103 for eight, was out of her ground and Deepti Sharma simply held the ball to remove the bails, leaving the English flabbergasted.

When probed about it, the India captain said, "To be honest, I thought you will ask about all the 10 wickets which was not easy to take as well. It's part of the game. I don't think we have done something new. It shows your awareness, what batters are doing.

"I will back my players, she hasn't done something outside the rules. After the first game we discussed, we wanted to do really well, we have that much potential. We want to continue this kind of cricket." The India skipper, who was also named Player of the Series, added, "This wicket was not easy to bat on, our batters did a decent job. We were looking for 170 after losing four wickets.

"After that we knew we have the pace attack and spin attack to take the wickets. We never thought we were out of the game." On her own form, she said, "I'm enjoying my time, I want to be there for the team because if I'm there the team is in a positive mode. Today was unfortunate, but otherwise I was watching the ball and batting accordingly." England captain Amy Jones, who contributed 28 and looked to lift her side from a precarious situation along with Charlie Dean, felt they needed partnerships.

"Not happy with the result, we bowled really well, we just needed a bigger partnership. The last dismissal divides opinion. I'm not a fan but it depends how India feel about it. It's within the rules, hopefully doesn't take the shine off the summer.

"A massive learning experience. Learnt the hard way in the 2nd ODI with some practical errors. The girls have been supportive. Looking forward to have Heath (Knight) back. The average age is pretty low and Capsey, Kempy and it has been a brilliant summer fo us.

On Dean, she said, "She looked good out there, She absorbed the pressure and knuckled down - not sure she was getting out any other way."

Also Read : Indian women's team records first ever series sweep on England soil with win in 3rd ODI

News Source : PTI

2022-09-24 22:47

Chhetri not happy with Indian team's performance against Singapore

Ho Chi Minh City, Sep 24 (Football News) Captain Sunil Chhetri was not happy with the Indian football team's performance in the 1-1 draw against Singapore in the Hung Thinh friendly tournament here on Saturday, saying his side will need to go back to the drawing board for the next game against Vietnam.

India were the dominant side with more shots at Singapore goal, but failed to convert them, except for once.

"There are many things that we could have done better. We missed a lot of chances, and maybe we could have defended a little better. I'm sure the coach will have a talk with us about it," Chhetri said after the match.

"Without being too harsh on ourselves, there are a few things that we need to work on." Asked about India's last match against Vietnam on Tuesday, Chhetri said, "We have watched their match against Singapore (which Vietnam won 4-0 on Thursday). They are really a good especially at home. They are one of the most improved sides in Asia in the last five years.

"We have to really go back to the drawing board and improved ourselves against Vietnam. We have to really worked hard. It is not going to be the same (as Singapore)," said the 38-year-old talisman.

Asked about the weather during the match, he said, "No excuses from our end about the weather. We were here two days ago, and I must say that the weather is little different here, but it's quite nice.

"The ground was great. A lot comes down to how we played and we need to do better." Ikhsan Fandi put Singapore ahead in the 37th minute when his free-kick from about 25 yards out took a deflection off the Indian wall and beat a diving goalie Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who could lay a hand on the ball but failed to stop it from entering the net.

Singapore's joy lasted jut six minutes as Ashique Kuruniyan equalised in the 43rd minute off an assist from Chhetri.

Jeakson Singh made an interception in the Singapore half, passed the ball to Chhetri, who put Kuruniyan through on goal. Kuruniyan calmly slotted the ball home with a left-footed grounder which beat Singapore goalie and captain Hassan Sunny.

India are currently ranked 104th while Singapore are at 159th. The last time the two sides met each other in 2012, Singapore had won 2-0.

Also Read : Hungary defy all odds and qualify for the Nations League finals

News Source : PTI

2022-09-24 17:58

Gujarat's Harmeet, WB's Sutirtha sends top seeds packing; Shah-Krittwika bag mixed gold

Surat, Sep 24 (Table Tennis News) Gujarat's Harmeet Desai and West Bengal's Sutirtha Mukherjee came up with inspired performances to upset top seeds G Sathiyan and Manika Batra to reach the men's and women's singles table tennis finals in the National Games here on Saturday.

Harmeet defeated Sathiyan 4-2 while Sutirtha got the better of Manika by an identical margin. Later in the session, Manush Shah and Krittwika Sinha Roy clinched the mixed doubles gold for Gujarat, earning a standing ovation from the packed stadium.

But it was the riveting clash between two Team India players that kept the fans engaged in the morning session.

Harmeet rode on the vociferous support of the home crowd to start the semi-final clash against World No. 37 Sathiyan by taking an 8-0 lead in the opening set and never looked back thereafter.

By the time Sathiyan found his footing, the local hero was up two sets to nil. The top seed did manage to catch up with the last edition silver medallist by winning the next two sets but that hardly created a dent in Harmeet's confidence.

The 29-year-old from Surat tightened his defence, stuck to his game plan and closed out the semifinal on the third match point in the sixth set to stay on course for his second gold medal from these Games. He had led Gujarat to the men’s team gold earlier this week.

The chances of an all-Gujarat men's singles summit clash were however dashed when Haryana's Soumyajit Ghosh came back from a set down to beat Manush Shah 4-1 in the other semifinal.

In the women's singles semifinal, Sutirtha was equally dominating against Manika in the first match of the day.

She countered Manika's backhand threat by effectively slowing down the rallies to take the first two sets. Manika threatened to make a comeback after she saved a set point before winning the third.

The two players shared the next two sets but Sutirtha took control of the sixth by opening up a 5-1 lead then wrapped up the semifinal on the first match point.

Sutirtha, who has already won the team gold and has also reached the women's doubles final, will face second seed and national champion Sreeja Akula in the gold medal match. The Telangana paddler had little trouble in beating Diya Chitale of Maharashtra 4-1.

"I am quite comfortable while playing her as we have been playing together for a long time. There were quite a few good rallies but I was enjoying myself out there," Sutirtha said after her win.

Meanwhile, Gujarat picked up their first individual gold medal of the Games after Shah and Krittwika Sinha Roy registered a straight-sets win over Telangana's Sreeja and FR Snehit in the mixed doubles final.

The Gujarat pair were hardly tested in the gold medal encounter, winning 11-8, 11-5, 11-6.

Both the bronze medals went to West Bengal.

Also Read : Gujarat men, West Bengal women clinch TT team gold

News Source : PTI

2022-09-24 17:42

She would spit fire even while bowling at me in nets: Mithali pays tribute to longtime teammate Jhulan

New Delhi, Sep 24 (Cricket News) Jhulan Goswami's commitment to the game was such that she would "spit fire" even while bowling in the nets, and at the receiving end of it often was her longtime teammate and captain, Mithali Raj.

India's finest ever batter Mithali, who called time on a glorious career in July, on Saturday welcomed her contemporary and fast-bowling great Jhulan into the former cricketers' club.

Having shared the dressing room for close to two decades, Mithali and Jhulan saw the massive growth of women's cricket in India, shared many memorable wins and also some heartbreaking losses.

Speaking to PTI on Jhulan's immense impact, longevity and relentless hardwork over the years, Mithali began by talking about the 'Chakdaha Express'' early days when she came into the Indian team as a 19-year-old.

"We are of the same age, so we have that comfort level and communication. It was always very easy to reach out to her and speak to her. Someone who was always high on energy on the ground, may be because she is a fast bowler," said Mithali.

The 39-year-old became the leading wicket-taker in ODIs through sheer dedication. Though swing was not her biggest weapon, accuracy and use of the seam got her a bagful of wickets.

The competitive spirit in Jhulan was very much evident even in the nets, recalled Mithali.

"In the nets, I would often ask her 'why are you spitting fire, you are my teammate only na'. Then she would say 'to get out is the toughest'. She always had the competitive streak including domestic cricket where we played against each other often. I enjoyed that rivalry as well." A fast bowler is expected to have a tough exterior but Jhulan was also gentle at heart. Mithali recollected a game in domestic cricket that revealed Jhulan's softer side.

"We were playing in the semifinals (Railways versus Bengal). I did not carry my helmet during that domestic season. Jhulan was aiming right at my head and I did leave a lot of her bouncers.

"After a while she came up to me and said 'why are you not wearing a helmet? I was like 'I did not carry helmet', how will I wear one?' Those were the fun times." The former India captain said even the opposition would give her due respect, especially when she was at her peak.

"What her stood out was her accuracy. She was not much of a swing bowler, she was more of a bowler who would get the ball in and out. The cutters were her strength. At her peak, she would hardly give loose balls." After the retirement of pacers Rumeli Dhar and Amita Sharma, Jhulan was the constant in India's pace attack, even as the team relied heavily on spin.

"She was a lone ranger from one end for a very long time. She would get support at times but often she would be the only one trying to put pressure. That holds true even in the recent times." Both Mithali and Jhulan started playing at a time when women's cricket was a neglected sport. It finally came under the BCCI's umbrella in 2006.

"We had a lot of fun probably early in our careers though she was more at the receiving end of my pranks. As we got older and matured, we saw many of our teammates leave the game and both of us were left among a bunch of new faces.

"Having her in the team helped because she was also that person who would speak to everybody and communicate. Whenever I needed an opinion she would always give one." Mithali also fondly remembers their partnerships in the middle.

"I enjoyed batting with her as well and I always thought she could contribute a lot more with the bat.

"There were some good partnerships, some amazing wins, some bad losses, we have seen it all through. It is a sad moment (that she is retiring) but also a moment to celebrate someone who played for such along time. It is not easy to have a career like that as fast bowler." Talking about Jhulan's interests off the field, Mithali came up with interesting revelations.

"She enjoys reading about politics, wants to know what is happening in the world. Her knowledge of men's cricket also stands out. I would always tell her if I was ever on the hot seat (KBC) and a cricketing question came, she would be the first person I would call."

Also Read : Ireland Women’s team secure qualification for the T20I World Cup

News Source : PTI

2022-09-24 14:23

Harshal, Chahal's form in focus ahead of series decider against Australia

Hyderabad, Sep 24 (Cricket News) India will be hoping their key bowlers, Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal, are back to their best when the hosts take on Australia in the series-deciding third T20 International here on Sunday.

India were able to plug the gaps in Nagpur to level the three-match series with a comprehensive win in the eight-over-a-side contest. But they will need their bowlers, especially Harshal and Chahal, to overcome their struggles ahead of the T20 World Cup.

India had got off to an electric start in the last game with Axar Patel bowling a fiery two-over spell that included a couple of wickets but they are struggling at the back end of the innings.

While Jasprit Bumrah is sure to carry the responsibility, senior seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s poor show at the death overs is a real concern. He struggled in the Asia Cup and in the opener against Australia.

He was dropped for the second T20, perhaps, because skipper Rohit Sharma felt he needed only four bowlers for the eight overs but Bhuvneshwar’s form is worrisome.

Death overs specialist Harshal, who is returning from an injury, also hasn’t inspired confidence and perhaps needs a couple of matches more to find his rhythm.

The right-arm medium pacer, who relies on his variations to be effective, has conceded 81 runs in his six overs at an economy rate of 13.50 and is the most expensive bowler in the series. He has struggled to get his lengths right, remaining wicketless.

India rely on their spinners in the middle overs and while Axar has been a big positive, Chahal has faltered. He went for a lot of runs in the Asia Cup and the trend has continued against Australia.

India will, however, breathe a sigh of relief as Bumrah was his vintage best, showing no signs of rust after returning from his back injury.

In the batting department, the famed top order comprising Rohit, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli needs to be more consistent. The trio has not fired in unison for a while. Suryakumar Yadav has also been patchy in the past few games with Hardik Pandya churning out match-winning performances.

Another chink in the Indian batters' armour is leg spin. The have continued to struggle against leggies and Adam Zampa has utilised this weakness well.

Dinesh Karthik, who played his role of a finisher to perfection in the previous game, is likely to get more game time.

Skipper Rohit would also like to give Axar, who is a like-to-like replacement for the injured Ravindra Jadeja, a go with the bat to see how the all-rounder performs in crunch situations. Additionally, he is the only left-hander in the side apart from Rishabh Pant.

The Australians, on the other hand, would also be concerned with their bowling.

After outplaying India in the first game, the Australians were at the receiving end in the second match, eventually losing by a massive six wickets. While Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade managed to put runs on the board, their bowling department failed miserably once again.

In the absence of the injured Nathan Elis, pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Daniel Sams leaked over 11 runs an over. All-rounder Cameron Green has also been expensive.

Wade has been brilliant with the willow but with a World Cup to defend in their backyard, the Australian team management would like the big-hitting Glenn Maxwell, who has scored just a run in two games, to pick up form.

Come Sunday, both teams will try to iron out the chinks in their armours and come on top, as a series win this close to World Cup will be a real moral booster.

Teams From: Australia: Aaron Finch (C), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

India: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (vc), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav. Match starts at 7pm IST.

Also Read : Brook and Duckett help England take 2-1 lead in the T20I series

News Source : PTI

2022-09-24 14:02

Brook and Duckett help England take 2-1 lead in the T20I series

(Football news) England got back to winning ways on Friday to take the lead 2-1 after defeating Pakistan by 63 runs. The visitors were humbled by Pakistan yesterday as the hosts won by 10-wickets to level the series. In the 3rd T20I, Brook and Duckett helped England post a mammoth score of 221 after Will Jacks who was on debut gave the much needed impetus during the powerplay. Pakistan on the other hand lost four wickets inside the powerplay and their hopes for a win were crippled pretty early. Mark Wood and Recce Topely kept the top-order of Pakistan in check.

One positive for the Pakistani fans was the form of Shan Masood whose selection for the T20 World Cup did raise a few eyebrows. The southpaw went on to add 62 alongside Khushdil who fell to Rashid. Shan Masood in particular looked fluent with his stroke play as he stayed unbeaten with a score of 66 off 40 balls but Pakistan fell well short of the target. The England attack looked baffled and clueless less than 24 hours ago and skittled out the top four of Pakistan inside the first six overs. Mark Wood removed skipper Babar Azam with the fastest delivery of the series as Rizwan followed his skipper soon after as he under-edged one on to sticks.

England pressed the accelerator from ball one but lost Salt early on but Will Jacks didn't budge and hit 8 boundaries inside the powerplay with England scoring 57 runs in the first 6 for the loss of one wicket. Pakistan did try altering the combinations but it didn't work out as Jacks looked in exceptional form while Dawid Malan stuck to his game plan of taking his time to settle down. Usman Qadir brought life into the Pakistani innings when he removed Will Jacks and Dawid Malan in quick succession. Despite scoring at a decent rate during the powerplay, England had their eyes set on a higher score after the humiliating loss they suffered yesterday.

Ben Duckett, who has been in exceptional form this tournament announced his arrival to the middle with a boundary off the first ball. His partner in crime Harry Brook impressed and was another indication that he belongs to this level. Pace and spin both were taken to the raptors as they managed to stitch together a 139 run partnership for the 4th wicket. In the absence of a few regular names, Duckett has stepped up seamlessly to give a facelift to their struggling middle order ever since Eoin Morgan retired. England just didn't lift the foot off the pedal on a venue that has been a belter to bat upon over the last two days as they posted a daunting total of 221 which eventually proved too much for Pakistan.

Brief Scores: England 221/3 (Brook 81*, Duckett 70*; Qadir 2-48) won against Pakistan 158/8 (Masood 66*; Wood 3-25) by 63 runs

Also read: India win shortened 2nd T20I to level the series against Australia

2022-09-24 12:34

India win shortened 2nd T20I to level the series against Australia

(Cricket news) India defeated Australia by 6 wickets with 4 balls to spare in an 8 over game. The start of the match was delayed due to the wet surface and it was cut down to 8 overs a side with 2 over powerplay. Both the teams made a couple of changes as India brought in Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant for Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav while Australia replaced Nathan Ellis and Josh Inglis with Daniel Sams and Sean Abbott. India decided to go with an extra batter as they needed only 5 bowling options. The crowd at Nagpur despite the delay was absolutely buzzing as they witnessed international cricket after 3 long years. Both the captains and the other players gave a special mention to the crowd that was anything but quiet right from the beginning.

After losing the toss Australia were put into bat first. The approach changed for the 8 over game and rightly so as all the batters looked for boundaries immediately. Aaron Finch started off with a 31 off just 15 balls including 4 fours and 1 six. Axar Patel was India's best bowler as he picked up 2/13 in his two overs. The all-rounder is continuing to impress in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja and has definitely cemented his place in the playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah on his return looked fully fit and rapid as he dismissed a set Aaron Finch with a rocket yorker. Matthew Wade picked up exactly where he left off at Mohali by scoring an unbeaten 43 off just 20 balls. The gloveman's explosive innings included 4 boundaries and 3 maximums as it took Australia to a good total of 90.

Chasing 91, India got off to a great start but then Adam Zampa spun his webs by picking up 3 wickets to get Australia back in the game. Pat Cummins, who had a good day with the ball, got rid of the dangerous Hardik Pandya. Rohit Sharma was the player of the match as he scored an incredible 20 ball 46 hitting 4 fours and 4 sumptuous sixes. Dinesh Karthik finished the game with 2 boundaries in the last over as India chased down the total with 4 balls to spare. An 8 over game is very dependent on luck especially at the toss but India did play some good cricket in the match. The two teams are now all set for the decider in Hyderabad which will add to their experience before the T20 World Cup.

Also read: Jhulan Goswami prepares for a dream farewell game at Lord's

2022-09-24 11:06

I don't practice too much but like to be specific: Dinesh Karthik

Nagpur, Sep 24 (Cricket News) Specific practice and not 'too much of it' helps Dinesh Karthik come up with the big hits in extreme pressure situations.

One such case was on Friday night when he smashed a six and four to seal the game for India after nine runs were needed off the last six balls.

Asked about his process, the designated finisher in the team said creating scenarios in the nets helps him perform in the middle.

"Over a period of time, I've been practising for this, I've been doing it for RCB now and I'm happy doing it here. So it's a consistent routine for a period of time.

"I do a lot of scenario practices and also Rahul (Dravid) bhai and Vikram (Rathour) bhai has been accommodating of how I want to practice, what are the kinds of shots I want to practice.

"I have been very specific with it. I don't practice too much but I like to keep it as specific as possible," said Karthik after India levelled the series against Australia.

In the first game, Karthik came to bat after Axar Patel while on Friday he was sent ahead of the left-arm spinner.

"I think it's something that we are trying, there are times when there could be a couple of overs where an Axar Patel could target a spinner and take them on.

"So that is the kind of logic at that stage and having a left hander and leg spinner bowling is a good matchup. So we try and use that option sometimes.

"So that's one of the reasons why we try and do it depending on how the game is unravelling at that point of time," said the 37-year-old.

Karthik played ahead of Rishabh Pant in the opener but a truncated game allowed the management to accommodate both in the playing eleven for the second T20.

"Today we required four bowlers to finish off the 8 overs as each bowled two but we actually had five options. So when you have five options, that's the luxury of having a world class all rounder in Hardik Pandya," said Karthik.

"When Hardik Pandya is there in the 11, then 11 gets balanced very well, an extra batsmen or extra bowler can play, that's the luxury you have and that's what makes him so special." The wicketkeeper batter was all praise for his skipper Rohit Sharma who hit an unbeaten 46 off 20 balls in the run chase. The game was reduced to 8-over a side contest due to a wet outfield.

"It was terrific batting from Rohit Sharma. On that pitch, against new ball bowlers to play such shots is not easy. It shows why he is such a great player, not only in Indian cricket but also in world cricket.

"His ability to play fast bowling is second to none in his world and that's what makes him really special as a batsman," he said.

While Pandya has been sensational form ever since he returned from a injury, Axar has also slipped into his role of a spin all-rounder after being included in the squad in place of an injured Ravindra Jadeja.

"There are very few players like him (Pandya) who are able to balance the side out and that's where I think India have been blessed and touchwood if he does well it's always great for Indian cricket," Karthik said.

"I think Axar Patel is also coming good with the bat at different points of time, will help India because that helps the balance of the team.

"All are aware of Rishabh Pant's quality as a batter. He would have been very useful in this game. Yes, he couldn't back right up to the end but we all know what quality he brings to the table. So I think I think India definitely made the right choice by playing Rishabh."

Also Read : Six-hitting Rohit guides India to series-levelling win in 2nd T20I

News Source : PTI

2022-09-24 11:02

Six-hitting Rohit guides India to series-levelling win in 2nd T20I

Nagpur, Sep 23 (Cricket News) Rohit Sharma displayed his six-hitting prowess with an unbeaten 46 after Axar Patel snapped two wickets in a fiery spell as India notched up a series-levelling six-wicket win over Australia in the rain hit second T20I here on Friday.

The India skipper smashed four sixes and as many fours as he single-handedly helped India chase down a target of 91 with four balls to spare in a match which was reduced to eight-overs-a-side due to a wet outfield.

Earlier, Matthew Wade smacked an unbeaten 20-ball 43 to fire Australia to 90 for five.

Wade hit four boundaries and three towering sixes -- all maximums in the final over off Harshal Patel (0/32) -- while skipper Aaron Finch hit 31 off 15 after Rohit invited Australia to bat in a match that was delayed by two-and-half hours.

Chasing the target, Rohit made his intention clear as he went on a six-hitting spree, unleashing three monstrous hits off Josh Hazlewood in the opening over to give India's chase a flying start.

The India opener then deposited Pat Cummins' (1/23 in 2 overs) slower delivery into the stands before lifting Adam Zampa (3/16 in 2 overs) over long-off for another maximum.

But the spinner came back to disturb the stumps of KL Rahul (10), who looked to go for a slog-sweep.

Virat Kohli (11) then picked up a boundary off Daniel Sams, before smacking one over Zampa's head for another four.

However, the spinner won the battle of wits as his quicker delivery beat the Indian and disloged the stumps.

Zampa dealt a double blow as he trapped Suryakumar Yadav (0) in the very next ball as India slipped to 55 for 3 in 4.3 overs.

Unfazed by the fall of wickets, Rohit continued to go strong as he chipped one over cover and then pulled one wide of short fine as Sean Abbott conceded 11 runs.

Hardik Pandya scored a four off Cummins but he couldn't stay long as he holed out to Finch in the seventh over.

Designated finisher Dinesh Karthik then played his part to perfection, knocking off the remaining runs with a six and a four off Sams.

Earlier, Australia looked to put up a show for the capacity crowd at the VCA stadium but Axar Patel (2/13 in 2 overs) snapped two wickets in an impressive spell to leave them at 31 for 3.

Jasprit Bumrah (1/23 in 2 overs), who has been out of action since the end of England tour due to back injury, produced a sensational yorker to get rid of the dangerous Finch during his spell.

However, Wade ensured the visitors ended things in a flourish as he along with Steve Smith (8) added 44 runs in the final 18 balls.

Harshal had another forgettable evening as he conceded 32 without a wicket in his two overs.

The two teams will now move to Hyderabad for the series-deciding third T20I on Sunday.

Also Read : Cuttack to host Legends League Cricket (LLC) final

News Source : PTI

2022-09-23 19:37

Disappointing start for Indian golfers at Women’s Irish Open

Dromoland Castle, Sep 23 (Golf News) The Indian quartet of Vani Kapoor, Tvesa Malik, Amandreep Drall and Diksha Dagar endured a disappointing start at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open golf tournament.

Vani, who has shown sparks of good form this season, and Diksha, who indicated a return to form, shot even par 72 each and were the best among the Indians at Tied-67th.

Tvesa, who has struggled this year, was 1-over 73 in T-78, and Amandeep shot 74 and was T-93.

Vani had two birdies on 15th and 16th and she dropped a couple of shot on the second and 14th. Diksha, on the other hand, had two birdies and three bogeys on the front side of the Dromoland Castle course and she had one birdie and no bogeys on the back nine as she totalled 72.

Alexandra Swayne and Lina Boqvist fired opening rounds of 7-under 65 to sit at the top of the leader board on the first day. The duo enjoyed the better of the conditions at Dromoland Castle with sunshine all afternoon following the morning’s rainfall.

For LET rookie Swayne, who began her round on the 10th tee, her only bogey of the day came at the 12th before she rolled in four birdies. Further birdies on the second, fifth, seventh and ninth holes ensured the U.S. Virgin Islands native carded a round of seven-under-par on day one.

It was a similar story for Sweden’s Boqvist who also started on the 10th tee and rolled in five birdies on her front nine including four consecutively from 15 to 18.

The 31-year-old then dropped her only shot of the day on the second hole before making additional birdies on the third, sixth and seventh holes.

Three players are in a tie for third place on six-under-par with England’s Annabel Dimmock, Czechia’s Klara Spilkova and France’s Anne-Lise Caudal all shooting rounds of 66.

It was an interesting start to the day for Dimmock who made a double bogey on her first hole but that was soon forgotten with a pair of eagle twos on the 12th and 15th holes.

Seven players are in a tie for sixth place on five-under-par including home favourite and Solheim Cup star Leona Maguire.

The cut will applied at the end of the second round with the top 60 professionals and ties making it through to the weekend.

Also Read : Aditi to lead Indian charge in Women's Indian Open golf

News Source : PTI

2022-09-23 19:27

Duleep Trophy Final: Jaiswal scores double hundred to bring West back in game

Coimbatore, Sep 23 (Cricket News) Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed his way to a double hundred in just about two-and-half sessions as West Zone took control of proceedings despite South's 57-run first innings lead on the third day of the Duleep Trophy final here.

At the end of third day's play, West Zone were 376 for 3, courtesy Jaiswal's unbeaten 209 off 244 balls that had 23 boundaries and three sixes.

West now have a lead of 319 runs and even if they declare at lunch on Day four, they will have five full sessions to force an outright victory although the track is getting easier for batting with no considerable wear and tear.

For South, it will be about batting out in the fourth innings and winning the trophy by virtue of first innings lead.

Jaiswal had a 169-run third wicket stand with Shreyas Iyer (71) and another 58 for the unbroken fourth wicket with Sarfaraz Khan (30 batting).

It was a day that will be best remembered for the duel between two powerhouse performers in this year's domestic cricket -- left-handed opener Jaiswal and left-arm spinner Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore.

While Jaiswal had failed in the first innings, he came out with a lot more positive intent in the second essay after South were dismissed for 327 with an addition of only nine runs to their overnight score of 318/7.

Once West came out, Jaiswal was severe on South pacers Basil Thampi (0/67 in 9 overs) and CV Stephen (0/27 in 6 overs) as he and Priyank Panchal (40) added 110 runs at little under five per over for the opening stand.

South skipper Hanuma Vihari missed the trick when he introduced Sai Kishore (27-5-100-2) only as second change after the opening stand yielded 80 plus runs.

Panchal was caught off Sai Kishore's bowling and Ajinkya Rahane was then trapped leg before by the off-spinner Gowtham (33-1-139-1).

But the joy of two wickets was short-lived once Jaiswal started using his feet to good effect with two spinners in their combined 60 overs went for 239 runs, which was nearly four runs per over.

He got good support from Iyer, who did make amends and hit four fours and two sixes before getting dismissed while going for a glory shot off Sai Kishore's bowling. Iyer, thus missed a half-century in the first innings and didn't show enough patience to score a hundred in the second.

Jaiswal hit off-spinner Gowtham with the turn for a six and didn't let Sai Kishore settle to one line as he repeatedly came down the track to disturb his line. He also had a six off seamer Stephen's bowling.

There were many boundaries between cover and extra-cover region and one such shot off Gowtham brought up his double hundred.

It was like a release of emotions as he let out a war-cry as he got a standing ovation from the West dressing room.

Brief Scores: West 270 and 376/3 (Yashasvi Jaiswal 209 batting, Shreyas Iyer 71, R Sai Kishore 2/100, K Gowtham 1/139). South Zone 327 (Baba Indrajith 118, Jaydev Unadkat 4/52).

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News Source : PTI

2022-09-23 16:44

Farewell To Cricket: Indian women gear up for memorable Lord's dance for legendary Jhulan

London, Sep 23 (Cricket News) Jhulan Goswami, a name synonymous with 'fast bowling' in women's cricket, will walk into her cricketing sunset at the Lord's on Saturday and the Indian team will strive to make it a memorable swansong for her by completing a historic ODI series clean sweep on English soil, here.

Playing one game at Lord's is an ultimate dream for a cricketer.

Scoring a hundred or taking a five-for is a different high but bidding adieu to the game following an illustrious career at the 'Mecca of Cricket' is only reserved for a few chosen ones.

Sunil Gavaskar (although he played his last first-class game there) didn't get that opportunity. Neither did a Sachin Tendulkar or a Brian Lara or a Glenn McGrath got that opportunity to step down the stairs of the hallowed Long Room on their final playing day.

Even Goswami's colleague for nearly 20 years, Mithali Raj, couldn't retire from a cricket field.

But call it destiny or design, Goswami's last hurrah is happening at Lord's.

There couldn't have been a more iconic setting as the strapping 5 feet 11 inch lady walks her way through that Long Room where the MCC's 'suits' will stand up and give her a 'Guard of Honour' and she will enter the ground with her teammates.

A series already won with an unassailable 2-0 lead, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team would leave no stone unturned to make it a fitting farewell for one of the 'poster girls' of Indian cricket.

Having lost the T20I series, India did extremely well against a depleted England side in the two games where they dominated while chasing as well as while setting the target.

If the biggest gain is skipper Harmanpreet getting her touch and free-flowing self back with innings of 74 not out and 143 not out, the worry has been Shafali Verma's patchy form throughout the tour.

Harleen Deol has done well to establish herself as a dependable middle-order batter but with Goswami's retirement, the seam attack comprising Meghna Singh, Renuka Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar would need to step-up a lot more.

As far as England is concerned, the absence of skipper Heather Knight (due to injury) and star all-rounder Nat Sciver (mental health break) impacted the team's balance hugely.

Goswami -- Impact then and now ====================== The last time Indian women won an ODI series in England was way back in 1999 when Goswami hadn't made her international debut.

So as she appears for her 204th and last game, Indian team's revered "Jhulu Di" would know that she is a contented soul.

May be an ICC silverware (she had two shots at that in 2005 and 2017 when India played final) would have looked nice but sometimes some things are not meant to be.

When she makes her bowling mark for one last time, and strides up that Lord's slope to add to his 353 international wickets (across formats), she might remember a lot of things.

From a small town Chakdah in remote West Bengal to winning 'ICC Woman Cricketer of The Year' and shouldering the Indian pace attack for 20 years, you can only doff your hat to her.

It wasn't an easy journey to take the first local train to Kolkata and start with routines at North Kolkata's Shradhhananda Park (a small non-descript ground).

Even after her India debut, when she would go back home, from Chakdah station, she would be seen sitting in an open Van Rickshaw.

When she had first played for India, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh were not even born and Jemimah Rodrigues was perhaps in her nappies.

Harmanpreet was still a dreamy-eyed Moga girl, who wanted to play cricket.

When she is retiring, Harmanpreet is her captain and Shafali, Jemimah, Richa and Yastika Bhatia are her teammates.

And yes, the IPL for women is about to start, women cricketers have central contracts and most of them are driving Mercedes, BMWs and Audis, with the kind of money that has come in.

She has been a bridge between the struggles of travelling in second class compartments, living in dormitories and youth hostels with common washrooms to business class travels and stay at swanky five-stars with proper central contracts and financial security.

In between, a lot of water has flown through both Hooghly and Thames as she went on her journey undeterred.

The delivery to Meg Lanning in the semi-final of the 2017 World Cup will be one such piece of cricketing action that you would want.

As India aim for a 3-0 clean sweep after a couple of dominant shows, one can assure that there will be no let up in her intensity.

There won't be another Jhulan Goswami.

Teams (from): India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Sabbineni Meghana, Deepti Sharma, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Renuka Thakur, Meghna Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Harleen Deol, Dayalan Hemalatha, Simran Dil Bahadur, Jhulan Goswami, Taniyaa Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues.

England: Amy Jones (c and wk), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Eclestone, Freya Kemp, Issy Wong and Danni Wyatt.

Match starts at 3.30pm IST.

Also Read : Not winning a WC title remains retiring Jhulan Goswami's only regret

News Source : PTI

2022-09-23 14:14

Babar and Rizwan power past England in the 2nd T20I

(Cricket news) Babar Azam scored his second T20I hundred as he made 110* off 66 which included 11 fours and 5 sixes, it came in a record stand with Mohammad Rizwan who also contributed with a well made 88* off 51( 5 fours and 4 sixes). Pakistan prevailed in a high-scoring encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi in the second T20I to square the series against England. In the first innings, Moeen Ali made a 23-ball fifty as they posted an imposing target of 199 . But the hosts did not break a sweat winning with three deliveries to spare thanks to the record breaking opening stand of Babar and Rizwan. Pakistan became the first team to achieve success in a 200 plus run chase with all their wickets intact.

Pakistan got off to the best possible start in the chase as the openers made a half-century stand inside the powerplay. By the time the power play ended, Babar struck five fours while Rizwan had scored two fours and one six as Pakistan raced to 59/0. In comparison to England at the same stage of the innings, Pakistan were seven runs ahead and had all their wickets intact. Rizwan got lucky when Salt failed to grab the ball after Adil Rashid balled a beautiful googly which got a thick outside off Rizwan’s bat. The Pakistani opener went on to bring up a 30-ball fifty for his 18th T20I half-century. After the power play both the batters dealt in sixes, making most of the conditions that had improved for the batters in the second innings, as they raced down to 151/0 after 15 overs, bringing down the equation to 48 off 30.

It was the beginning of the Babar as he only took 22 deliveries to go from 50-100, hitting four sixes and three fours, becoming the first Pakistan player to score two centuries in T20Is. Pakistan needed 20 off the last two overs and they coasted to the target with 10 wickets in hand. Alex Hales and Phil Salt gave England a good start, they got a boundary every other over in the powerplay. They managed to get a quick-fire 42-run stand, however, Hales was bowled by Shahnawaz Dahani when he attempted a pull while Dawid Malan was bowled around his legs. England ended the first six overs with a score of 48/2.

On a wicket that was on the slower side, especially in the first innings Pakistan tried to strangle the England batters with spin at both ends. But Duckett brought out the sweeps, reverse-sweep and scoop to ensure regular boundaries. Salt slowed down by not adding to his boundary count as he eventually fell to Haris Rauf who cleaned up after a 27-ball 30. Duckett then fell to Nawaz when he deflected a sweep onto the stumps ending a fine 22-ball knock for 43 runs. Harry Brook brought some parity in the England innings when they collected 85 runs in the middle overs while they scored 66 runs in the last five overs. Hasnain was the most expensive Pakistani bowler conceding 51 runs as Moeen finished off the innings with two sixes to get to his sixth T20I fifty.

Brief scores: England 199/5 in 20 overs (Moeen Ali 55*, Ben Duckett 43; Haris Rauf 2-30) lost to Pakistan 203/0 in 19.3 overs (Babar Azam 110*, Mohammad Rizwan 88*) by 10 wickets.

Also read: Bumrah set to return as India look to bounce back against Australia

2022-09-23 12:46

Thakur, Sen star in India 'A' win over New Zealand 'A' in first ODI

Chennai, Sep 22 (Cricket News) A superb performance by medium-pacers Shardul Thakur (4 for 32) and Kuldeep Sen (3 for 30) helped set up a seven-wicket win for India 'A' against New Zealand 'A' in the first unofficial ODI here on Thursday.

Sent in to bat by India 'A' captain Sanju Samson, incisive bowling by Thakur and Sen had the visiting team in trouble from the start.

At one stage, the New Zealanders looked in danger of being bundled out for less than 100 but some rearguard action by Michael Rippon (61, 104 balls, 4 fours) and Joe Walker (36, 49 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) helped them post 167 in 40.2 overs.

The Sanju Samson-led team overhauled the target set by the Kiwis in 31.5 overs with the captain (31 not out, 1 four, 3 sixes) and Rajat Patidar (45, 41 balls, 7 fours) finishing the job.

There were also useful contributions from opener Ruturaj Gaikwad (41, 54 balls 3 fours, 2 sixes) and Rahul Tripathi (31, 40 balls, 4 fours).

Earlier, on a pitch offering pace and bounce for the bowlers, Thakur struck the first blow by castling Chad Bowes (10) with NZ 'A' at 14 in the third over. In his next over, he had Dane Cleaver (4) caught by Sen.

Sen got into the act by dismissing Joe Carter (1) and Rachin Ravindra (10) in the space of three balls to leave the Kiwis at 26 for 4.

In his next over, Sen dismissed Tom Bruce for a duck to leave the opposition in shambles at 27 for 5.

Captain Robert O'Donnell and Sean Solia got down to the job of resurrecting the innings and took the score to 51 before the latter was run out by Rishi Dhawan.

O' Donnell batted for 39 balls for his 21 before nicking one to 'keeper Samson. Logan Van Beek (1) fell to Kuldeep Yadav and NZ 'A' slumped to 74 for 8.

Rippon was joined by off-spinner Walker and the duo slowly but surely mounted a fight. Rippon was the more cautious of the two and gathered runs and reached 50 from 82 balls.

No.10 batter Walker hit the first six of the match in the 29th over, slogging Shahbaz Ahmed over mid-wicket.

The duo took the score past 150 and looked good for some more before Rajat Patidar's throw from the cover caught Walker short of his crease. The Rippon-Walker partnership for the ninth wicket yielded 89 runs and gave respectively to the total.

Rippon fell to Thakur for a well-compiled 61 as the Kiwis folded for 167.

In reply, Gaikwad batted in an enterprising manner even as the usually aggressive Prithvi Shaw (17, 24 balls, 1 six) was cautious.

Gaikwad hit a couple of boundaries and a six and kept the scoreboard ticking. Tripathi, who came in after the dismissal of Shaw to Matthew Fisher, got runs without taking too many risks.

Ruturaj missed out on a fifty, falling to a caught and bowled to left-arm spinner Rippon (1 for 28).

Medium-pacer Lorgan Verjus van Beek (1 for 38) bowled Tripathi before Samson and Patidar took over and saw the team home.

Patidar, who has been in good form recently and got a ton in the unofficial Test against New Zealand 'A' played some some attractive shots in his unbeaten 45 (41 balls, 7 fours).

Samson finished the match with a huge six.

Speaking after the game, Thakur, the star performer, said he was surprised to see New Zealand lose five wicket in the PowerPlay. "Because of 9 AM start, there was something in the air which we were able to exploit," he added.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 'A' 167 all out in 40.2 overs (Michael Rippon 61, Joe Walker 36, Robert O'Donnell 22, Shardul Thakur 4 for 32, Kuldeep Sen 3 for 30) lost to India 'A' 170 for 3 in 31.5 overs (Rajat Patidar 45 not out, Ruturaj Gaikwad 41, Rahul Tripathi 31, Sanju Samson 29 not out).

Also Read : Experience of playing IPL in India helped to stay calm, says Tim David

News Source : PTI

2022-09-23 12:31

Bumrah set to return as India look to bounce back against Australia

(Cricket news) After a disappointing loss in the 1st T20I, India will look to comeback and level the series. Jasprit Bumrah is finally fit and ready to go which is a massive boost for the men in Blue. Bumrah alone will not work wonders as the other bowlers also need to step up. The Australian bowlers also need to do a better job. Cameron Green was a revelation as an opener in the last game and he will look to further assert his position. The pitch in Nagpur wouldn't be as friendly as the one in Mohali which means that both the teams could rope in an extra spinner. Rain could play spoilsport as Nagpur has experienced showers in the past few days and the weather during the match is forecasted to be cloudy.

India possible playing XI:

Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

Bench:

Rishabh Pant, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Deepak Hooda, Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav will be making way for Bumrah even though he did take two crucial wickets in Mohali. India need to have an additional spinner in Nagpur and Ravichandran Ashwin is the obvious candidate. Harshal Patel is most likely going to be the one to miss and plus he is also coming back from an injury which means that playing back to back games might not be in his best interest. Dinesh Karthik is also likely to keep his place for this series at least while Rishabh Pant could get an opportunity against South Africa.

Australia possible playing XI:

Aaron Finch (c), Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Bench:

Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Daniel Sams, Kane Richardson

Ashton Agar is the spin bowling option who will definitely come in handy while Glenn Maxwell could get more overs. Cameron Green had a good game with the willow and he can definitely do more with the ball. Adam Zampa had a rare off night at Mohali and he will be looking to come back stronger as will Josh Hazelwood. Without Mitchell Starc, Australia lack a death bowler which is where Cummins needs to step up to the task.

Also read: Is Suryakumar more important than Rohit and Virat in the Indian T20 side?

2022-09-23 11:13

Vietnam friendlies important for players ahead of AFC Asian Cup: Bhutia

New Delhi, Sep 22 (Football News) Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia is excited about India's tour of Vietnam and feels the matches there could help the team in the run-up to the Asian Cup.

The two friendly matches are scheduled on September 24 and September 27.

The Blue Tigers have travelled to Vietnam to play the Hung Thinh Friendly Football Tournament against Singapore and hosts Vietnam.

Twenty years ago, Bhutia was the captain when India won the historic 2002 LG Cup in Vietnam. The current two-match tour, Bhutia said, will be a good opportunity for the Indian team to prepare before the Asian Cup next year.

"I think it's great for our national team that they are going to play some matches there. I think it will be a good tour. Vietnam are a very good team. So are Singapore. It's going to be a useful experience for the players," said Bhutia.

Early this week, the AIFF executive committee endorsed the technical committee's recommendation to extend senior men's team head coach Igor Stimac's contract till the end of the Asian Cup.

The former Blue Tigers striker feels the extension will give the required time to both players and the coach to build the team chemistry.

"It is a very sensible decision taken by the committee because we are not left with too much time before we plunge into the Asian Cup battle. The extension will help coaches and the players feel more comfortable and will give them ample time to build on what they have been doing for the last three to four years.

"So hopefully, I think this match and the preparation for Asia Cup would now be much better," Bhutia said.

At the same time, Bhutia has urged everyone in Indian football community to treat the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup with "utmost priority".

The 16-team championships, where India are placed in Group A with the US, Morocco and Brazil, is almost knocking on India's door and will begin in 20 days from now, on October 11.

"The U-17 World cup is a priority right now and is very important. Everybody is looking forward to some creditable performance from our girls. I think that should be given the top priority as it is starting in the next few weeks," the former captain said.

He added, "The girls have to play some matches against good teams now before the world cup kicks off. It will give them the required motivation." Bhutia also urged all football fans to attend and support the event.

"I think it's a great opportunity for our girls in the U-17 team. The fans should come in numbers in the stadium and support the team," he said.

Bhutia said the six eminent players in the executive committee will bring lots of experience on the table.

"We all should work for the development of Indian football. That is all we are here for. I would like to thank the Supreme Court for giving this honour to all the six players because I believe we can bring a lot of experience and provide the right advice for the improvement of football," he said.

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News Source : PTI

2022-09-23 11:05

Experience of playing IPL in India helped to stay calm, says Tim David

Nagpur, Sep 22 (Cricket News) The experience of playing in Indian conditions during his IPL stint helped him to stay calm under pressure during the opening T20I, said big-hitting Singapore-born Australian Tim David on Thursday.

The 26-year-old made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah against Chennai Super Kings last year. He was then bought by Mumbai Indians and played eight matches for the franchise this year.

"I think having had the experience of playing in India before and playing a fair bit of T20 cricket recently, I felt calm the other night because I knew that we're in a good position to be able to chase those runs," said David during a virtual press conference.

"And the way the pitch was playing so I think to get over the line, you know, that still has to happen. It doesn't just happen straight away. And that was some brilliant performances from our batsman, the chase that score down." David scored a 14-ball 18 on debut and added 62 with Matthew Wade (45) to guide Australia to a four-wicket win in the first T20 on Tuesday.

"Having some good experience playing in India, I think finishing off games and understanding how it can go and how the pitches can play or when it kind of lights up in front of you, so you know, there can be an advantage batting second in Indian conditions.

"That was a good experience - that IPL - to draw on to the other night out there in the middle," added David, who is 6 ft 5 inches tall." David said the experience of sharing the dressing room with Wade in the Hobart Hurricanes helped him during the chase in Mohali.

"I played a fair bit with Maddie (Wade) but I haven't batted with him that much. So it was nice to have a familiar face out there the other night and I think he did most of the heavy lifting," he said.

"So to be stood the other end and watch him finish the game off was great. And that's I guess it's good stuff." Talking about his role in the Australian team, David said: "I think my role on the team here is to be batting in the middle order. So that means that I'm not going to be facing a lot of balls in matches.

"And I'm probably going to try and put the foot down with my batting first or if we're chasing, trying to finish off the game. So I've got to tick off my boxes of trying to play powerful shots, trying to clear the boundary and I think that's a big part of my training.

"So I try and get volume in the nets because, let's say, in a three-match series here I like face 20 balls ...so I've got a lot of my work done in the nets. And be prepared to kind of be on for every ball." "I think it's pretty straightforward. It's very similar to what I've been playing T20 cricket over the last year and 18 months so I guess I'm trying to bring my experiences that I've had so far and just take the game on and help the team win games." Asked if he had ever thought that he would be playing the T20 World Cup for Australia, David said: "To be honest, I didn't give it very much thought. It's just it's kind of evolved naturally to be here at this stage. Yeah, I haven't thought about that too much.

"I just look to win a game which is in front of me and don't put any expectations on that.

"I just try and keep the game very simple. I don't look too far ahead of myself. I'm trying to stay pretty grounded and train harder than that and just improve as much as I can."

Also Read : Ponting's T20 WC face-offs: Bumrah has edge over Afridi, wants both DK, Pant in Indian XI

News Source : PTI

2022-09-22 19:10

ICC chairmanship not in my hands, says Sourav Ganguly

Kolkata, Sep 22 (Cricket News) BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Thursday said the ICC chairmanship is "not in my hands", playing down strong speculation that the former India captain could head to Dubai.

In July, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board approved the process to elect the next chairman of the world body in November. After the meeting in Birmingham, it was decided that with Greg Barclay ending his tenure this year, the election will be decided by a simple majority and the term of the Chair will be for a two-year period between December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2024.

Ganguly's name has been doing the rounds since then. But when asked about it, the elegant batter of yesteryear just had this to say: "ICC chairmanship is not in my hands." The ICC Board has decided that a two-thirds majority is no longer required to be elected as the chairman. According to the latest recommendations, the contestant bagging 51 per cent votes will be elected as the winner.

In a 16-member board, the candidate needs just nine votes from the directors to get elected.

The Indian men's team hasn't been in the best of form of late, and Ganguly acknowledged that not being able to do well in big tournaments is a matter of concern.

"Rohit Sharma has a winning percentage of almost 80. India has lost last three-four matches but before that... He has led in 35-40 matches and lost just five or six.

"I am sure Rohit and Rahul Dravid will be concerned about the team and everything, and they will improve.

"I am not worried about one or two losses, but yes, we have not done well in big tournaments. We will talk about that..

"The team will leave (for T20 World Cup in Australia) two to three weeks, will get time to acclimatise and play practice matches." Regarding Virat Kohli's recent century, he said, "It's very good news that Virat has done well in Asia Cup, and hopefully, he will continue in that vein." The seasoned Jhulan Goswami is retiring from international cricket after playing the third and final ODI against England, and Ganguly called the pacer "an absolute legend".

"Jhulan is an absolute legend... Last three as BCCI president, we have maintained very good relations... she had a fantastic career. She is almost 40.

"Jhulan will leave a mark in women's cricket she is a role model, she should get the highest honour when she finishes at Lord's. She is an absolute champion." It's been a while now, but Ganguly still can't believe that India lost the Commonwealth Games final in Australia.

"Still wonder how we have lost the CWG final, we were cruising, we were winning... The BCCI is putting in a lot of effort for women's cricket. We have won two matches in England.. I am happy with the progress."

Also Read : Absolutely nothing to worry about, Bumrah is ready: Suryakumar Yadav

2022-09-22 18:48

Absolutely nothing to worry about, Bumrah is ready: Suryakumar Yadav

Nagpur, Sep 22 (Cricket News) India batter Suryakumar Yadav on Thursday played down concerns regarding Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, saying there is "absolutely nothing to worry about" and the pace spearhead is ready to return after recovering from his back injury.

Bumrah didn't feature in the opening T20I against Australia with the team management deciding to give the pacer a little more time since he was returning after recovering from a back injury.

The India pacer has been out of action since the end of the England tour and also skipped the Asia Cup due to the injury.

"Actually I am not aware of any such communication, it is not my department, you should not ask me about it (laughs), these are for physios and team management to answer.

"But in the team, the environment is good and all are first-class fit and ready for second T20I," Suryakumar said during a virtual press conference when asked about Bumrah's match fitness and also where Umesh Yadav fit in the scheme of things.

When he was probed further on Bumrah, Suryakumar said: "Absolutely, he is ready, nothing to worry." India, sans Bumrah, put up a shoddy performance as they failed to defend 208 in the series opener, with the pacers going for 150 runs.

However, Suryakumar came out in defence of the bowlers.

"Actually after the last game, we didn't have any discussion but as you have seen last day the match went on long and there was also dew, and you also have to give credit to them, they kept attacking, we are trying our best," he said.

In his comeback match, Harshal Patel conceded 49 runs for no wicket, which included a 22-run 18th over. Asked if Harshal's variations are becoming predictable, Suryakumar said: "He is very deceptive. I don't bat in net sessions much, but as much as I have played him and also Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) bhai is also difficult to decipher...

"But Harshal's slower balls and his different variations are really deceptive and he has just come from an injury, so this much benefit of doubt should be allowed." In batting, India's aggressive approach reaped dividends as KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav took the team across the 200-mark after top order batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed early.

"Assessing the pitch is very important. Everyone is playing their role, they know their responsibility, what they have to do in different situations.

"The openers know their role really well and then it comes down to middle order how we need to set up the game of what they have to do so, and it was set up well by the finishers, everything is going on really well and we will look to do it again and again," he said.

Asked if any particular role has been assigned to him to attack the spinners in middle orders, Suryakumar quipped: "I have hit two sixes against fast bowlers also, so I should get a little credit for that, what say?" "I'm very flexible, no particular role. Actually plan myself for every situation. I am flexible to bat in anywhere, whichever number I'm asked to bat, I know I just have to do my role and I am happy to do it." Suryakumar had scored a 25-ball 46, which was studded with two fours and four sixes, in the opening match.

India skipper Rohit Sharma was quite animated in Mohali, and on one occasion, he was seen grabbing wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik after the India skipper went with his instinct for a DRS call, which saw Glenn Maxwell walking back to the hut in the 12th over.

Asked about the situation, Suryakumar said, "In the field, there is a lot of pressure, so it is important to have some laughter to lighten the situation but the focus is always there on the game.

"In DRS, what happens is sometimes, the sound of an edge doesn't reach the back and Rohit and Dinesh know each other very well, they have been playing for so long, so they engage in banters." Karthik was not quite convinced as he didn't hear anything, but eventually, DRS showed that Umesh Yadav had induced a fine nick off Maxwell's bat.

Also Read : Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast lead Ireland to victory over Scotland

News Source : PTI

2022-09-22 17:05

Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast lead Ireland to victory over Scotland

(Cricket news) Under intensively hot conditions, Ireland’s Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast produced heroic batting performances to inspire Ireland Women to a 19-run victory over Scotland and ensuring a semi-finals berth at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier today. Both players scored rapid-fire half-centuries in a dominant batting performance by the Irish top-order in temperatures tipping mid-40s celsius. Ireland’s bowlers then followed up the batting display with a professional performance, with Jane Maguire (2-19) and Cara Murray (2-27) excelling, while Arlene Kelly (1-19) looked dangerous with her in-swingers.

In a game that Eimear Richardson was presented with her 100th international cap, Ireland captain Laura Delany won the toss elected to bat first. Lewis looked composed from the beginning - hitting three boundaries in the first over - as Ireland started with intent. However, Amy Hunter (3) fell early on, skying one to mid-on, to leave Ireland on 35-1 in the fifth over.

Prendergast entered the fray and found her rhythm quickly, and was dove-tailing quite nicely with Lewis, scoring at roughly a run a ball. As the partnership grew, Lewis was playing with effortless freedom and brought up her fifty off the 28 balls with a boundary in the 10th over. The 62-run partnership was broken in the 12th over when Lewis (66) was trapped lbw, but Delany continued the flow of runs as Ireland moved on to 121-2 after 15 overs.

The extreme heat was causing difficulty for Prendergast, who was visibly struggling. However, she dug deep and hit three boundaries in the 18th over to push Ireland over the 140 mark. She went on to score 55* from 46 balls in an exceptional knock. Delany (29) was selflessly run out late on looking for an extra run, and Ireland finished on 164-3 – their fifth-highest total in T20I cricket. Maguire struck early with two wickets inside the powerplay - Saskia Horley (7) and Ailsa Lister (16) with the latter falling to a sensational diving catch by Prendergast at mid-wicket.

The Bryce sisters, Kathryn and Sarah, stabilised the innings but when Kathryn fell for 18, the Scots were 53-3 in the 8th over. A dangerous 44-run partnership between Sarah Bryce and Lorna Jack was ended by Kelly, before Sarah Bryce (49) hit straight to Prendergast at extra cover. Scotland’s lower-order tried valiantly, but they ultimately fell 19 runs short of their target.

Ireland now plays a semi-final on Friday (opponent not yet confirmed), the winner of which qualifies for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland v Scotland, T20 World Cup Qualifier, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, 21 September 2022

Ireland 164-3 (20 overs; G Lewis 66, O Prendergast 55*; K Bryce 1-27)

Scotland 145-7 (20 overs; S Bryce 49, A Aitken-Drummond 23; J Maguire 2-19)

Ireland won by 19 runs

Also read: Is Suryakumar more important than Rohit and Virat in the Indian T20 side?

2022-09-22 14:04

India eager to give befitting farewell to retiring Jhulan Goswami at Lord's: Harmanpreet

Canterbury, Sep 22 (Cricket News) The series already in the pocket, India women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur wants to give a befitting farewell to veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami by winning the "special" final ODI against England at the iconic Lord's on Saturday.

Goswami, 39, is set to bid adieu to the game after a glorious two decade-long career at the end of the ongoing tour of England, and Harmanpreet feels a series sweep would be the perfect gift to the fast bowler.

"The Lord's game is very special for us because it's Jhulan's retirement and we wanted to enjoy that game without any pressure and I'm really happy that we were able to win today and now we can just have fun in that game," the India skipper said after trouncing hosts England by 88 runs to win a series on their soil after 23 years.

The last time the Indian women won an ODI series in England was in 1999 when they triumphed 2-1.

"It's very important (to win) because that will be her last game. It will be a very emotional moment for all of us and we definitely want to win that game," Harmanpreet said.

"Moreover, after winning the series now we just want to have fun because I know it's the last game for her." The skipper said Goswami has been a true inspiration for all the players, including herself.

"She's someone who has taught us a lot," said Harmanpreet, who made her ODI debut at the 2009 World Cup under Goswami's leadership.

"When I debuted she was a leader and I learned a lot from her and now our young bowlers, like Renuka (Singh) and Meghna Singh, they are also learning from her. They are learning how she bowls and getting that rhythm from her. She's been a great inspiration for all of us and we've learned a lot from her." Harmanpreet, who scored a sensational unbeaten 143 off 111 balls on Wednesday night, said with the series already sealed, India will play freely at Lord's.

"When you win the first game, the second game is always important and we always try to finish that game as a winning side and today (Wednesday) also we were looking at that only because we don't want to carry any extra pressure on ourselves going to Lord's," she said.

The third ODI will be the first time both the sides will play at Lord's since their meeting at the 2017 World Cup final, which England won by nine runs.

Harmanpreet, who took over as full-time captain after veteran Mithali Raj retired earlier this year, said she enjoys the leadership role.

"Was a crucial win today (Wednesday) as everybody stepped up. I always enjoy leadership as I'm always in the game and it feels good. When I was batting, during the first 50 runs, it wasn't all that easy." England stand-in skipper Amy Jones said the ongoing series against India was a good learning experience for their young bowlers.

"Every loss is tough and they got away from us at the end with the bat. Harman batted extremely well. We didn't get close enough, didn't get partnerships. She is very tough to bowl to, and for our young talents, this is a good learning," she said.

"Wherever we bowled, she was finding the boundary. With lot of the senior ones missing, it's about giving opportunities to the youngsters and Lord's is one more step in that direction. Lot to play for as there are points to play for still."

Also Read : IPL to return to its old home and away format in 2023, confirms Ganguly

News Source : PTI

2022-09-22 13:45

IPL to return to its old home and away format in 2023, confirms Ganguly

New Delhi, Sep 22 (Cricket News) The Indian Premier League (IPL) will return to its original, pre-COVID-19, home-and-away format from the 2023 season, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has conveyed to the Board's affiliated state units.

The IPL has been held at only a few venues since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 as the lucrative league unfolded behind close doors across three venues in UAE -- Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

In 2021 too, the tournament was held across four venues -- Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Chennai.

However, with the pandemic under control, the cash-rich league will return to its old format in which each team plays one home and one away match.

"The next season of men's IPL will also go back to the home and away format with all ten teams playing their home matches at their designated venues," read a Ganguly's note to state units.

The note gave them a "snapshot" of the ongoing domestic season.

The BCCI is conducting a full-fledged domestic season for the first time since 2020 and all multi-day tournaments will also return to the traditional home and away format.

Expecting Women's IPL to to start early next year =============================== The BCCI is also working to host the inaugural edition of the much-anticipated Women's IPL early next year.

PTI had last month reported that the tournament is likely to take place in March after the Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa.

"The BCCI is currently working on the much-awaited Women’s IPL. We are expecting to start the first season early next year," Ganguly wrote in the letter dated September 20.

The Women's IPL is expected to raise the standard of women's cricket in India.

Besides the the Women's IPL, the BCCI is also launching a girls under-15 ODI tournament.

"We are glad to introduce a girls U15 One Day tournament from this season. Women's cricket has seen phenomenal growth across the world and our national team has been performing well. This new tournament will create a pathway for our young girls to play at the national and international level," Ganguly wrote.

The inaugural women's under-15 event will be played from December 26 to January 12 across five venues -- Bangalore, Ranchi, Rajkot, Indore, Raipur, Pune.

Also Read : Boom Time: Bumrah mystery amid death bowling woes

News Source : PTi

2022-09-22 12:40

India women seal ODI series vs England after comfortable 88 run win

(Cricket news) India women won the 2nd ODI against England by a mammoth 88 runs to seal the series. It was an incredible performance by the Indian side in the ODIs as they are on course to give a perfect farewell to Jhulan Goswami. The pressure will be off in the next match at the legendary Lord's stadium as the series is already won. England were missing 3 key players but despite that they will be disappointed with their underwhelming performance. The ODI series win was Indian women's first on English soil in 23 years. Amy Jones won the toss and put India into bat first as England made two changes by replacing Isy Wong and Alice Davidson-Richards with Freya Kemp and Lauren Bell. India also made two changes by bringing in Dayalan Hemalatha and Renuka Singh Thakur for Sneh Rana and Meghna Singh.

Batting first, India lost Shafali Verma early but once again Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia took control. Mandhana got out after scoring 40, she completed 3000 ODI runs in the process. The left hander became the fastest Indian women and the 3rd fastest Indian after Virat Kohli Shikhar Dhawan to reach the mark. After losing Bhatia and Mandhana, Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur lead India to a total of 333. Deol scored 58 off 72 balls which was her first ODI half century. Her innings included 5 fours and 2 sixes as she provided perfect support for her captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The Indian skipper led from the front and played a knock for the ages that destroyed the England bowlers. Harmanpreet Kaur scored an unbeaten 143 off 111 balls hitting 18 boundaries and 4 maximums. Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma fired at the end as India put on a mammoth total for England to chase.

England never looked in the chase as the asking rate was constantly rising up. Dani Wyatt with her 65 off 58 was the only batter who looked up for it while Amy Jones and Charlie Dean also played small cameos. India's bowlers bowled really well throughout the innings. Renuka Thakur continued her incredible form as she got 4/57 in her 10 overs. Dayalan Hemalatha picked up 2 wickets while Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma got a scalp each. It was a very convincing performance by India as they started a new era in one day cricket without Mithali Raj. Jhulan Goswami's retirement is also going to leave a big hole but Renuka Singh Thakur is showing great promise of being the perfect replacement.

Also read: You can't tell people 'I am an opener or I am a finisher': Samson

2022-09-22 12:19

Boom Time: Bumrah mystery amid death bowling woes

Nagpur, Sep 22 (Cricket News) Jasprit Bumrah's fitness status will be a matter of attention when an out of sorts Indian team will look at course correction options against Australia in the second T20 International and strive to keep the three-match series alive, here Friday.

Bumrah, who has been out of action since the end of England tour, skipped the Asia Cup due to back injury.

However, to everyone's surprise, the team management didn't play him during the high-scoring first T20I in Mohali, raising doubts whether he has still attained peak fitness or not.

To compound the team's worries, the 'three-and-a-half' pronged pace attack, including Hardik Pandya, conceded 150 runs in 14 overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the seasoned pro, has already been taken to cleaners. He has leaked 49 runs in the three penultimate overs (19th) that he bowled against Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia.

In this backdrop, a fit and fiery Bumrah is a pre-requisite for India as the home bowlers are increasingly being found out on batting belters.

The worst part about the team is that with five more official T20Is left before the opening T20 World Cup game against Pakistan on October 23, the Indian team looks highly unsettled.

If the approach of top three was a problem going into the Asia Cup, the bigger worry has been the bowling which has been exposed in good batting conditions.

Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been India's go-to spinner in all conditions, isn't looking menacing anymore. He has been expensive in the last few games and he will have to find a way to trouble the batters on wickets which doesn't offer much purchase.

However, all-rounder Axar Patel, who was shoed in as a like-for-like replacement of injured Ravindra Jadeja, has once again proved his worth with a three-wicket haul on Tuesday.

India were also sloppy on the field, as they were guilty of dropping three catches, which drew criticism from former head coach Ravi Shastri.

In batting, India's aggressive approach reaped dividends as KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav took the team beyond the 200-mark after top order batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were dismissed early.

Designated finisher Dinesh Karthik didn't get much chance on Tuesday and is likely to be given extended game time with the management looking to keep all options open going into the world cup.

Australia, on the other hand, have looked like a well-oiled machine, despite the absence of key players such as David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh.

All-rounder Cameron Green nicely slipped into the shoes of Warner with a sizzling fifty at the top in only his second T20I, while Steven Smith and debutant Tim David also gave the team the required impetus with crucial cameos.

The experienced Matthew Wade too lived up to the finisher's role with a stellar 45 not out off 21 and India will have to pull up their socks to stop Australia from going on a rampage.

Australia, however, would hope for a more disciplined show from their bowling unit after the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Green bled runs in Mohali.

The wicket at VCA stadium, however, will be different than the Mohali track. It is expected to be on the slower side, which will make bowlers' role more prominent in this game.

With dew setting in the evening, teams will prefer to chase than defend totals.

Squads: Australia: Aaron Finch (C), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Daniel Sams, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa.

India: Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (vc), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandaran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav.

Match starts at 7.30 IST.

Also Read : Harmanpreet powers India women to first series win in England in 23 years

News Source : PTI

2022-09-22 11:17

Harmanpreet powers India women to first series win in England in 23 years

Canterbury, Sep 22 (Cricket News) Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur smashed a scintillating unbeaten ton to power India to a comprehensive 88-run win in the second ODI, that sealed country's first series win against England since 1999.

A vintage Harmanpreet rekindled the memories of 2017 World Cup with a magnificent 143 not out which came off just 111 balls as India put on board a mammoth 333 for 5.

India bundled out England for 245 in 44.5 overs with medium pacer Renuka Singh (4/57) claiming four wickets on Wednesday night.

Danni Wyatt's 58-ball 65 was the lone bright spot, in an otherwise, dismal show by England batters.

The last time Indian women won an ODI series in England was in 1999 when they triumphed 2-1.

Chasing the imposing total, what England needed was a brisk start, but Renuka denied them by dismissing two top-order batter in Emma Lamb (15) and Sophia Dunkley (1).

Tammy Beaumont (6) was run out as the hosts were reduced to 47 for 3 by the end of the eighth over.

Alice Capsey (39) and Wyatt stitched 55 runs for the fourth wicket and then Wyatt shared another 65 runs with skipper Amy Jones (39) before the England's chase fell apart with Renuka cleaning up Wyatt in the 30th over.

Towards the end, Charlie Dean (37) and Kate Cross (14) tried their best but the asking was too tall as India recorded a magnificent win.

Sent into bat, Harmanpreet smashed 18 fours and four sixes en route her 111-ball knock and also enjoyed a fine 112-run stand for the fourth wicket with Harleen Deol (58 off 72 balls).

She also added 50 with Pooja Vastrakar (18) and another 71 runs in four overs with Deepti Sharma (15 not out) for the unbroken sixth wicket stand.

However, it was in the last three overs in which Harmanpreet literally took the game away from England's grasp as the 334-run target in a WODI always looked improbable even though the pitch being a batting belter.

In the last three overs, the Indian team scored 62 runs, courtesy its skipper, who was in imperious touch while reaching her fifth hundred in WODIs.

The innings had Harmanpreet's trademark slog sweeps over cow corner which fetched him a couple of sixes while there were disdainful sixes over cover region.

With the pitch offering little help for bowlers, hitting through the line was very easy and England's bowling attack did suffer a bit with only off-spinner Charlie Dean (1/39) ending with respectable figures.

The worst sufferer was debutant left-arm seamer Freya Kemp, who did decently till the end of her seventh over in which she had conceded only 28 runs.

Such was Harmanpreet's dominance that Deepti Sharma, who still holds the individual record (188) by an Indian batter in WODIs, was more of a spectator during their sixth wicket stand.

Brief Scores: India Women 333/5 in 50 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 143 not out, Harleen Deol 58, Freya Kemp 1/82).

England: 245 all out in 44.2 overs (Danni Wyatt 65; Renuka Singh 4/57).

Also Read : You can't tell people 'I am an opener or I am a finisher': Samson

News Source : PTI

2022-09-21 16:52

Ireland set to play Test match at Lord's in 2023

(Cricket news) Ireland Men’s cricket team is set to return to Lord’s for a Test match against England Men, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced today as part of its home summer programme reveal. The four-day Test match will be played between 1-4 June 2023 in a highly anticipated return four years after the memorable first Test between the two sides at the Home of Cricket. There will also be a three-day warm-up game for Ireland to be played from 26-28 May with details to be announced in due course.

In September, England Men will also host Ireland Men for three ODIs:

20 September: England Men v Ireland Men – 1st ODI (Headingley; starts 12.30pm; D/N match)
23 September: England Men v Ireland Men – 2nd ODI (Trent Bridge; starts 11am)
26 September: England Men v Ireland Men – 3rd ODI (Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol; starts 12.30pm; D/N match)

Andrew Balbirnie, Ireland Men’s captain, said:

“As a player, there’s no doubt that Test cricket is the absolute pinnacle of our sport. We were fortunate to play a Test against England at Lord’s back in 2019 – which was a memorable occasion for players and fans alike - so the news that we will be returning to play at Lord’s next year is very welcome.

“That match against England in 2019 was the last Test we have played, so we are excited to be returning to play the red-ball game next year. It’s one of four Test matches we are scheduled to play in 2023, which is so important for such a relatively young squad. There is no better place to really learn, develop and test your game as in multi-day cricket.”

Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said:

“Without doubt, Lord’s is a very special place for any cricketer to play and we are delighted that Irish cricket will once again be centre stage in a Test at the Home of Cricket. The Test we played there in 2019 was a memorable occasion and, for me, the Ireland team playing against that opposition, in that format, at that venue exemplified everything about our then new Full Member status.

“While the action on the field at the Lord’s Test in 2019 was compelling, I have to say that just as compelling were the fans. We saw a full house for three days, with the vocal and celebratory atmosphere created by the Irish fans making the match truly memorable. Indeed, we learned afterwards that about half of the fans at that match had never been to Lord’s before, while the TV audience was among the highest ECB had for any Test opposition that decade outside of India and the Ashes. We hope to see many returning and new fans lining up for this next Test, supporting the boys in green and showing not just that Test cricket has a vibrant future, but that Ireland is a worthy addition to its ranks.

“Equally as important to our season next year will be the three ODIs in September at three iconic English grounds. Our thanks to the ECB for their support in arranging these fixtures – they make 2023 a very enticing season for Irish fans.”

Also read: Australia complete record run chase to win opening T20I against India

2022-09-21 14:50

Introspection over, time to start afresh and work on shortcomings: Sushila

Bengaluru, Sep 21 (Hockey News) Introspection already done, senior Indian women's hockey team midfielder Sushila Chanu on Wednesday said the need of the hour is to start with a fresh perspective and work on the grey areas that came to light in their last two tournaments.

India finished a disappointing ninth in this year's FIH Women's World Cup in July but bagged their first medal at Commonwealth Games in 16 years by winning a bronze in Birmingham.

The Indian women are currently training at the national camp here ahead of their next big assignment -- the inaugural FIH Nations Cup to be held in Valencia, Spain from December 10 to 17.

"We have had a lot of time here in SAI to introspect on our performances in the previous tournaments -- FIH Women's World Cup and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games," Sushila said in a Hockey India release.

"We are training with a fresh perspective now and with focus on areas in which we fell short during these two outings." In the Nations Cup, a qualifying tournament for 2023-24 FIH Pro League, India are placed in Pool B along side Canada, Japan and South Africa while Ireland, Italy, Korea and Spain are in Pool A.

The 30-year-old player from Manipur is a veteran of 220 international caps and was also captain of the side in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Despite being a stalwart, Sushila knows it would be a big mistake to take her place for granted in the side with a host of young players making their presence felt in the pitch of late.

"There are a bunch of youngsters who are giving their 100 per cent in training every day and it is good to see them push us to do well too. Certainly, as seniors we can't take our place in the team for granted as we also need to show that we are in the reckoning to play big tournaments.

"I feel this internal competition is good for the team and we are moving in the right direction," she said.

Sushila also emphasised on the importance of fitness in modern day hockey.

"Working on fitness and speed has been a priority for us and it remains our main focus in this camp as well.

"Playing with good speed and optimal fitness level was our plus point during the Olympic Games, which helped us in getting good results. Fitness will continue to be the key to our performance when we play back-to-back matches in Nations Cup," she signed off.

Also Read : Tirkey to face UP Hockey's Rakesh Katyal, Jharkhand's Bhola Nath for HI chief's post

News Source : PTI

2022-09-21 13:06

Important to give Bumrah enough time after comeback from injury: Hardik

Mohali, Sep 21 (Cricket News) Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya said the team will not put too much pressure on Jasprit Bumrah and give him ample time to make his comeback from an injury after the pacer was not included in India's playing XI for the first T20I against Australia here. Bumrah was missed badly in the series opener against Australia on Tuesday as the visitors chased down 209 rather comfortably to register a four-wicket win and take the lead in the three-match series. Barring Axar Patel, all Indian bowlers leaked more than 11 runs per over.

Bumrah, who did not play the Asia Cup due to a back injury, has been named in the T20 World Cup squad and the preceding series against Australia and South Africa.

"We all know what he brings to the table and how important he is for us. There will be concerns here and there (about bowling) which is fine. We got to trust our boys. These are the best 15 in the country and that is why they are there in the squad," Hardik said.

"Jasprit not being there obviously makes a big difference. He is coming back after an injury, it is important for him to get enough time to kind of come back and may be not put a lot of pressure on himself." Hardik smashed 71 not out off 30 balls to take India past 200. He has been the team's stand out player ever since his comeback post the IPL.

Talking about his performances of late, he said: "I have gotten a lot of success recently but for me, what is more important is that even on my good days how can I get better? The kind of career graph I have had, I don't make a big deal about my performances whether success or failure.

"I had a good game today (Tuesday night). They could target me in the next game and I need to be one step ahead." Australia went hammer and tongs in the run chase, making a mockery of the Indian attack.

Hardik gave credit to the opposition batters.

"There was no dew. You have to give credit to them the way they batted. They played good cricket. We could not execute our plans with the ball, with our deliveries.

"You can't pin point why we lost. It is a game. It is a bilateral series. We got two more matches and we will try to perform better." He also praised Cameron Green, who smashed 61 off 30 balls on his opening debut and shocked the Indians with his assault.

"Good on him the way he played. We have seen a lot of videos but it is all about executing your plans. He played some good shots and credit where it is due," added Hardik.

Also Read : Women's T20 Asia Cup: India to meet Pakistan on October 7

News Source : PTI

2022-09-21 12:45

Bhuvneshwar's death over bowling is real concern: Gavaskar

New Delhi, Sep 21 (Cricket News) The legendary Sunil Gavaskar feels senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's poor show at the death overs is a "real concern" for India, going into next month's T20 World Cup.

Bhuvneshwar has leaked quite a lot of runs at the death in the last few matches. His 16-run 19th over allowed Australia to pull off a record chase of 209 in the first T20I in Mohali on Tuesday night.

"I don't think there was too much dew. We didn't see the fielders or bowlers trying to use the towel to try and dry their fingers. That's not an excuse. We didn't bowl well. For example, that 19th over... that's a real concern," Gavaskar said on 'Sports Today'.

"Somebody like a Bhuvneshwar Kumar is going for runs every single time, when he is expected. In 18 deliveries he has bowled in three matches against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and now Australia, he has given away 49 runs.

"It is almost three runs per ball. Somebody with his experience and calibre, you expect he will give 35-36 runs in those 18 deliveries. That really is an area of concern." The former skipper said India have not been able to defend good totals but hoped a fit-again Jasprit Bumrah's return will strengthen the bowling department.

Bumrah has been out of action since the limited-overs series against England in July earlier this year as he was recovering from an old back injury.

"What we have seen in last few years is that it has been one of the areas where India have suffered. They have not been able to defend good scores," said Gavaskar.

"Maybe when Bumrah comes in, it might be a completely different situation because he gets wickets at the top. India didn't get those today (Tuesday) as Australia got off to a flying start.

"Having said that, it's only the first match. Don't forget, Australia are world champions. They are expected to do extraordinary things." Former head coach Ravi Shastri also came down heavily on India for their "sloppy standard of fielding" in the first T20I.

Defending 208, Indian fielders dropped as many as three catches, including that of Cameron Green (61 off 30 balls) and Matthew Wade (45 not out off 21 balls).

"If you look at all the top Indian teams over the years, there is youth and experience. I find the youth missing here and hence the fielding," Shastri, who was in the commentary box, said.

"If you look at the last five-six years, I think this side is no match to any of the top sides when it comes to fielding. And that can hit badly in big tournaments.

"It means that as a batting side you have to get that 15-20 runs game after game, because if you look around the field, where is brilliance? There is no Jadeja. Where is that X-factor?" Axar Patel was the first offender as he dropped a regulation catch at deep mid-wicket to give a life to Green when he was on 42. KL Rahul then failed to grab a chance in long-off in the next over.

However, the catch that proved costly was that of Matthew Wade, who was dropped by Harshal Patel on his own bowling in the 18th over when the batter was on 1.

Wade went on to score an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls to take Australia home with four balls to spare.

"What I was disappointed today with was the standard of fielding. I mean, it looks sloppy and I think you need a big upping of the ante when it comes to the fielding if you have to beat big sides in big competitions," Shastri said.

India will next face Australia in the second T20I at Nagpur on Friday.

Also Read : 1st T20I: Australia defeat India by 4 wickets

News Source : PTI

2022-09-21 12:30

Australia complete record run chase to win opening T20I against India

(Cricket news) Australia defeated India in the 1st T20I by 4 wickets and 4 balls to spare. Aaron Finch had won the toss and elected to bowl first due to the dew factor. Cameron Green was asked to open the batting while Daniel Sams was selected as the 3rd seamer. Tim David made his much awaited debut while Josh Inglis also got an opportunity. India went with Dinesh Karthik ahead of Rishabh Pant while Jasprit Bumrah wasn't fit enough to play. Umesh Yadav returned to the Indian T20 side after 3 years while Harshal Patel also came back from his injury.

Batting first India got off to a decent start despite losing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cheaply. KL Rahul scored an incredible 55 off 34 and showed what he is capable off if he plays freely. The Karnataka batter hit 4 fours in 3 sixes in his aggressive innings which got India off to a flyer. Suryakumar Yadav provided excellent support with his 25 ball 46 which included 2 boundaries and 4 maximums. The pair made the most of the powerplay hitting some exquisite strokes along the way but they couldn't manage to stick around for longer when they should have. From then on it was the Hardik Pandya show as the ace all-rounder scored 71 off just 30 balls. Despite not having a consistent partner at the other end he played an excellent knock to get India to a formidable total. His innings included 7 fours and 5 sixes all around the ground which just proves that he is at the peak of his powers. India managed to reach a total of 208/6 which was their highest ever T20I total against Australia.

Australia also got off to a flying start thanks to Finch and Green. The latter was opening in international cricket for the first time and scored 61 off just 30 balls hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. Steve Smith came into bat at number 3 and played a nice little cameo of 35. He hit 3 fours and a six in his 24 ball innings. India managed to pick up a few wickets to slow things down but Matthew Wade finished in exquisite style scoring 45 off 21 balls. Axar Patel was the only Indian bowler who was not expensive as he picked up 3/17. In a high scoring game Axar's bowling was extraordinary and it showed why he deserves to be in this Indian side. Umesh Yadav was expensive in his first over but came back well to pick up 2 wickets. He was only asked to bowl 2 overs and finished with the figures of 2/27. Harshal Patel and Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a day to forget as they leaked way too many runs as did Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal. India's bowling is a big problem and Jasprit Bumrah's return will solve a few problems but not all. The next match at Nagpur will be a must win for team India.

Also read: All state units must honour domestic players not just international ones: Yuvraj

2022-09-20 21:48

I don't judge myself on runs I score, want to keep improving as player: Ruturaj Gaikwad

Chennai, Sep 20 (Cricket News) Seeking to keep growing as a player, India batter Ruturaj Gaikwad on Tuesday said he does not judge himself on the basis of the amount of runs scored by him.

"If you look at my last two years they have been very progressive... you can't judge by the amount of runs I scored because the runs will go up and down. In my first IPL I scored 600 runs and in the next edition I scored 400 but people still say that I didn't have a good IPL.

"I think that's the standard I've set, there will be ups and downs. I just need to make sure that I keep progressing as a human being, as a player and a cricketer. The main goal is to keep on improving whichever team I am with.

"Each and every day you go out for practise sessions you try and improve and try and rectify whatever mistakes you've made," said Gaikwad, who is part of the India 'A' team which will play three unofficial ODIs against New Zealand 'A' at the M A Chidambaram Stadium here from Thursday.

He scored 635 runs for Chennai Super Kings during their title winning run in the 2021 edition of IPL and made people take notice with his graceful batting and ability to hit big shots too. In this year's IPL, he scored 368 runs as the team struggled to make an impact.

The stylish right-hander who scored a ton in the third unofficial Test against New Zealand 'A' said he was looking forward to the opportunity to play in the one-dayers against the visiting Kiwis.

"I have not played much (in recent times) and even the three matches (the first class match) were a great opportunity to play. So it is the same with the one-day series. I am looking forward to a good opportunity to play, spend some time in the middle and enjoy," said the 25-year-old.

About his century in the last 'Test' against New Zealand 'A', Gaikwad said, "I think it was good because I got to spend some time in the middle. I was playing red ball after a long time so it was a bit challenging but happy that I made progress from the last two innings I played when I got out early.

"I am not judging myself by the runs I made. There was a change in the mindset and a change in the thought process I can see that I made progress from the first two innings I played, my game awareness has improved according to what the red ball demands." He further said in red ball cricket, a batter can't be as expressive as in white ball (game) and one has to put the team and situation first.

"In white ball there is only one way to express yourself but in red ball you can't be as expressive as you want because you've to put the team first, put the situation first, you've to respect the bowlers for you've to give that time to yourself," Gaikwad said.

Asked how it was to work VVS Laxman, the India 'A' coach and what he had learnt from him, the Maharashtra batter said the former Test maestro was one who gave him a lot of confidence.

"He has always been a great support... he doesn't go too much into technical aspects. He has been a pillar of support right from the Ireland tour and even now. He is someone who gives a lot of confidence and makes sure that you back your ability," Gaikwad added.

Touching upon 'A' tours, he said they were a great opportunity and a challenge as well and that it gave one a sense of what it was like to play at a higher level.

"I think 'A' tour(s) is more like an international tour for me because in domestic cricket you are familiar with most of the opponents and I've played them throughout my career. But in 'A' tour you've players who you've not played enough against and don't know what their strengths are and it is one step below representing your country.

"I think it makes a huge difference and you get a sense of what it is like to play at a higher level and how to deal with pressure. I think it's a great opportunity and a great challenge as well," he added.

Also Read : Hardik Pandya, Rahul power India to 208/6 in first T20I

News Source : PTi

2022-09-20 18:15

It's not finished for me: Manika Batra vows to return stronger at National Games after CWG failure

Surat, Sep 20 (Table Tennis News) After the highs of the 2018 Commonwealth Games and Asiad, Manika Batra's career took a nosedive following the Birmingham CWG debacle but the ace Indian paddler has vowed to make a strong return at the National Games before heading to the World Championships this month.

Batra was one of India's biggest stars in 2018, clinching four medals including the women's singles and team golds at the CWG. She also went on to bag the mixed doubles bronze at the Asian Games later that year.

However at the Birmingham Games last month, she looked out of sorts and returned empty-handed.

"Of course, I was sad and upset when I lost my matches in CWG but I always tell myself this is not the end of the world," Batra, who is here for the National Games, told reporters during a virtual interaction.

"2018 was really an amazing year for me. This time, I played best before the CWG. I did really well in the World Tours, beat good players," the top-ranked Indian said.

"I think I played my best in CWG but every player has ups and down in their lives. It's not finished for me just because I didn't get a medal at the CWG," she added.

Batra said she has been working hard to rectify her mistakes.

"I've to keep working hard and bounce back. I've worked a lot on my mistakes and my coach has been my sparring partner. We have some big tournaments coming up and next year like the Asian Games." The paddlers will be the first in action here at the PDDU Indoor Stadium ahead of the National Games'ꪪ opening ceremony a week from now as they will be flying off to Chengdu for the World Championships from September 30.

At the Birmingham CWG, the 27-year-old failed to defend her title in the women's singles as she was eliminated in the quarterfinals by the lower-ranked Jian Zeng of Singapore in straight games.

She also made quarterfinal exits in the mixed doubles and women's doubles events. Defending its title, the Indian women's team, led by Batra, also bowed out in the last eight stage.

"I've started training after coming back to India. You should not think that 'abhi khatm ho gaya' (it has ended now), you should never give up and should train immediately and work on your mistakes." "I'm pretty prepared mentally and physically after the CWG debacle. I've focused more on my mental strength which is really important when you are playing a big tournament. I will go there and give my 100 per cent," the Delhi paddler added.

The Indian TT contingent will leave for the Worlds on September 25 and Batra agreed that it would be hectic competing in back-to-back events.

"We have back-to-back tournaments, it will be tiring but I'm mentally prepared for the challenges." Asked whether she's going to change her rubber -- the long pips that she uses, Batraa said: "I am never going to change my pimples (the bump on the rubber). Over time, you get used to it and I love it." She further said the National Games would be a stiff competition for them with a lot of promising youngsters coming up.

"I value every competition, be it National Games, CWG, Asian Games or World Championships. I always give my best.

"I just want to enjoy every match here. I think that's very important to do well. We have a lot of promising youngsters coming up and hopefully it will be a memorable outing for me," Manika concluded.

Also Read : Gujarat men's TT team eyes gold as curtain goes up on 36th National Games

News Source : PTI

2022-09-20 17:39

Tristan Stubbs bags the highest bid in the maiden SA20 auction

(Cricket news) Tristan Stubbs drew the biggest bid in the first ever SA20 auction, with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape shelling out a massive 9.2 million for the 22-year old. Stubbs was at the centre of a bidding war with the MI Cape Town. It marked a whirlwind six-month period for Stubbs, who earned an IPL call-up as a replacement player, after that he turned heads at the CSA T20 Challenge in 2022 where he scored 293 runs at an unbelievable strike-rate of 183.82. Stubbs has gone on to make his South Africa debut and has been named in the Proteas squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Sunrisers and the Pretoria Capitals began the day with the biggest purse and made a big splash on Marco Jansen for 6.1 million while the Capitals signed South African batter Rilee Rossouw with the second-highest bid of 6.9 million after an intense battle with Super Kings and MI Cape Town. The Capitals also signed Wayne Parnell for 5.6 million while Sisanda Magala went to the Sunrisers for R 5.4 million.

The surprise came when hard-hitting West Indian all-rounder Odean Smith, whose base price was 1.75 million, found no takers. Eoin Morgan and James Neesham were other big name players that earned no bids. The big shock came when South Africa's T20I captain Temba Bavuma and Test captain Dean Elgar went unsold as they found no buyers. However, in an accelerated auction, Smith was picked by MI Cape Town, Morgan went to the Royals and Neesham went to the Capitals.

Full Squads:

Durban SuperGiants: Quinton de Kock, Prenelan Subrayen, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Reece Topley, Dwaine Pretorius, Heinrich Klaasen, Keemo Paul, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Abbott, Junior Dala, Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Matthew Breetzke, Christiaan Jonker, Wiaan Mulder, Simon Harmer

Jo'burg Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Gerald Coetzee, Maheesh Theekshana, Romario Shepherd, Harry Brook, Janneman Malan, Reeza Hendricks, Kyle Verreynne, George Garton, Alzarri Joseph, Leus du Plooy, Lewis Gregory, Lizaad Williams, Donavon Ferreira, Nandre Burger, Malusi Siboto, Caleb Seleka

MI Cape Town: Kagiso Rabada, Dewald Brevis, Rashid Khan, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Beuran Hendricks, Duan Jansen, Delano Potgieter, Grant Roelofsen, Wesley Marshall, Olly Stone, Waqar Salamkheil, Ziyaad Abharams, Odean Smith

Paarl Royals: David Miller, Corbin Bosch, Jos Buttler, Obed McCoy, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jason Roy, Dane Vilas, Bjorn Fortuin, Wihan Lubbe, Ferisco Adams, Imraan Manack, Evan Jones, Ramon Simmonds, Mitchell van Buuren, Eoin Morgan, Codi Yusuf

Pretoria Capitals: Anrich Nortje, Migael Pretorius, Rilee Rossouw, Phil Salt, Wayne Parnell, Josh Little, Shaun von Berg, Adil Rashid, Cameron Delport, Will Jacks, Theunis de Bruyn, Marco Marais, Phil Salt, Kusal Mendis, Daryn Dupavillon, Jimmy Neesham, Eathan Bosch, Shane Dadswell

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Aiden Markram, Ottniel Baartman, Marco Jansen, Tristan Stubbs, Sisanda Magala, Junaid Dawood, Mason Crane, JJ Smuts, Jordan Cox, Adam Rossington, Roelof van der Merwe, Marques Ackerman, James Fuller, Tom Abell, Aya Gqamane, Sarel Erwee, Brydon Carse

Also read: India lock horns with Australia for the 1st T20I in Mohali

2022-09-20 16:51

Tirkey to face UP Hockey's Rakesh Katyal, Jharkhand's Bhola Nath for HI chief's post

New Delhi, Sep 20 (Hockey News) Former India captain Dilip Tirkey, who is the frontrunner for Hockey India president's post, will be up against Uttar Pradesh Hockey chief Rakesh Katyal and Hockey Jharkhand's Bhola Nath Singh in the elections of the national federation to be held on October 1.

But there is a twist in the tale as Uttar Pradesh Hockey secretary general RP Singh has requested Katyal to withdraw his nomination and support Tirkey instead.

"We are happy to know that a former player like Dilip Tirkey has filed his nomination for president. I request Mr Rakesh to take back his nomination. I am sure that Mr. Rakesh will think about the development and growth of hockey and take back his nomination," Singh wrote in his letter to Katyal.

"We believe Dilip will take right steps towards the development of hockey and we wish him luck." Katyal, however, said that he is yet to take a call on whether to contest or not.

"I have filed my nomination letter for president's post. Yes, I got a request to withdraw my nomination but I have not made up my mind yet. As of now I am in the race but if things work out between all parties, I might as well withdraw," he told PTI.

The last date for withdrawal of nominations is September 23.

The 44-year-old Tirkey, a player-turned-politician and administrator, is the country's most capped player with 412 international caps.

Hockey Jharkhand president Bhola Nath, a former national-level wrestler, has also thrown his hat in the ring for the president as well as secretary general's positions.

Besides Bhola Nath, Delhi Hockey president Hitesh Sindwani and Hockey Maharashtra vice president Manoj Bhore will also be contesting for the secretary general's post.

Bhola Nath too confirmed that he has filed his nomination for both the positions.

"I have my nomination for both president and secretary general. I have no intention to withdraw as of now," he said.

As per Hockey India Constitution, it is mandatory to have one male and one female nomination for the vice president and joint secretary's positions. Hockey Jammu & Kahmir's Asima Ali and Hockey Karnataka chief SVS Subramanya Gupta are the lone woman and male candidates for the vice president's post.

Veteran sports administrator Sunil Malik of Hockey Haryana is the lone male candidate for the joint secretary's post, while Hockey Rajasthan's Arti Singh will fight it out with Renu of Hockey Haryana for the female joint secretary's position.

Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu president Sekar J Manoharan is the lone candidate for treasurer's post.

Also Read : Pro League will be good test ahead of World Cup: Mandeep

News Source : PTI

2022-09-20 16:40

Saliva ban made permanent as ICC announces changes to playing conditions

Dubai, Sep 20 (Cricket News) The use of saliva to polish the ball was on Tuesday banned permanently as the ICC announced a slew of changes to its Playing Conditions, which will come into effect on October 1.

The game's governing body also changed running out of the non-striker by the bowler from the 'Unfair Play' section to the 'Run out' section.

The changes were announced after the Chief Executives' Committee (CEC) ratified recommendations made by the ICC Cricket Committee, led by former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly.

The ICC had earlier barred use of saliva to shine the ball in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Custodian of cricket laws, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) in March had completely banned its application in its amendments to the 2022 code.

"This prohibition has been in place for over two years in international cricket as a Covid-related temporary measure and it is considered appropriate for the ban to be made permanent," the ICC said in a statement.

Regarding the position of the new batter at the crease when his teammate is caught, the ICC said: "When a batter is out Caught, the new batter will come in at the end the striker was, regardless of whether the batters crossed prior to the catch being taken." The game's governing body also said that "an incoming batter will now be required to be ready to take strike within two minutes in Tests and ODIs, while the current threshold of ninety seconds in T20Is remains unchanged." Regarding run-outs at non-striker's end, the ICC said the playing conditions will follow "the Laws in moving this method of effecting a Run out from the 'Unfair Play' section to the 'Run out' section." Earlier, running out a non-striker for backing up too much was considered unfair but such dismissals have often triggered heated debates on spirit of the game with several players such as off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin advocating for it as a fair mode of dismissal.

Among other changes to the Playing Conditions, the ICC said some part of the striker's bat or person has to remain within the pitch and "should they venture beyond that, the umpire will call and signal Dead ball." "Any ball which would force the batter to leave the pitch will also be called 'No ball'," it said.

The apex body also said, "any unfair and deliberate movement while the bowler is running in to bowl could now result in the umpire awarding five penalty runs to the batting side, in addition to a call of Dead ball." In another change, the practice of bowlers throwing the ball towards striker's end before delivery in an attempt to run-out the batter will not be considered now.

"Previously, a bowler who saw the batter advancing down the wicket before entering their delivery stride, could throw the ball to attempt to Run out the striker. This practice will now be called a Dead ball," he said.

In another major decisions, ICC said the penalty of having one fielder less outside the 30-yard circle in T20s if teams fail to keep up with the scheduled time and are guilty of slow overrate will now be adopted in ODIs as well.

"The in-match penalty introduced in T20Is in January 2022, (whereby the failure of a fielding team to bowl their overs by the scheduled cessation time leads to an additional fielder having to be brought inside the fielding circle for the remaining overs of the innings), will now also be adopted in ODI matches after the completion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League in 2023." "I was pleased with the productive contribution of the Committee members which resulted in key recommendations being made. I thank all members for their valuable input and suggestions," Ganguly said.

Also Read : Amy Hunter and Gaby Lewis guide Ireland to victory over the USA

News Source : PTI

2022-09-20 16:27

Legends League Cricket matches to be broadcasted worldwide

(Cricket news) With the Legends League Cricket (LLC) underway in India, the spectacle of various cricketing legends playing together is set to have a global footprint as the league secures worldwide broadcast across the US, Australia and India. Willow TV in the US and Kayo Sports, Fox Cricket in Australia are the league’s exclusive broadcaster and streaming partners. Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar and Fancode are partners for India and the subcontinent

Along with Star Sports, both Disney+ Hotstar and Fancode are live streaming Cricket’s biggest names from around the world simultaneously in what is a first of its kind broadcast coup. While Disney+ Hotstar enjoys a massive and hardcore cricketing fan base all over India, Fancode is a pioneering platform with more than 50 million users, it offers an unique opportunity for Sky247.net Legends League Cricket to engage with the millennials.

"Having Disney+ Hotstar and Fancode sharing broadcasting rights has never happened before but it feels great that we could do the same as our belief is to reach maximum cricket fans and engage with them and get them closer to the icons of the game. There is a lot of excitement, be it the Cricketers themselves or the fans and we are happy that we are in the centre of this," said Raman Raheja, CEO and Co-founder of Legends League Cricket.

Willow TV, one of the leading sports broadcasters in the United States, is the league's broadcast partner in USA. With cricket gaining traction in the US, this league broadcast will surely provide a massive boost in expanding the popularity of the sport further. Australia has always been one of the giants of the sport with passionate fans all over the country and Kayo Sports, their official broadcast partner together with Fox Cricket, the official digital streaming partner will propel the league and its fan base.

Talking about the significance of this global broadcast opportunity, Raman Raheja added, "The primary objective of this League has been to connect with every Cricket fan and bring forth a nostalgic factor and bring back the excitement among the fans. Huge Indian and Asian populations in US and Australia are there to be tapped along with global footprint, and we are glad that we are able to connect with them and more."

Legends of the game have assembled to play together in the Sky247.net Legends League Cricket that commenced on September 16 and will conclude on October 5, 2022. The league stage matches are currently being played in Lucknow and will be followed by Delhi, Cuttack and Jodhpur.

Also read: India lock horns with Australia for the 1st T20I in Mohali

2022-09-20 16:15

Ireland announce Men's squad for ICC Men's T20 World Cup next month

(Spogo news) Cricket Ireland has today announced a 15-player squad for Ireland Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in Australia starting next month. This will be the first major tournament under Head Coach Heinrich Malan and follows a series win for Ireland against Afghanistan in August at Stormont.

Ireland Men’s T20 World Cup squad:

Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Paul Stirling (vice-captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Conor Olphert, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Coaching and support staff:

Head Coach: Heinrich Malan
Team Operations Manager: Chris Siddell
Coaches: Gary Wilson, Ryan Eagleson, Nathan Hauritz
Physiotherapist: Mark Rausa
Strength & Conditioning: Brendan Connor
Performance Analyst: Scott Irvine
Team Doctor: Anthony Perera
Performance Psychologist: Michael Caulfield
Media Manager: Craig Easdown

Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors said: “It’s an exciting time for Irish cricket as we embark on another major global tournament. Over the last year we have been building a solid core squad, while creating more depth in our T20 cricket. I think fans have started to see the positive strides the players have been making in this format – especially with the series win over Afghanistan - and we hope we can take this momentum into the tournament in Australia.

“Our belief is that this T20 World Cup is not an end point but the beginning of a new era. The age profile of this squad makes our future prospects very exciting, and after a season of eye-catching performances we have seen a greater level of interest in our players by teams in franchise tournaments around the world, which is a positive sign.

“One of the most pleasing aspects of our recent performances is the way the middle order has stepped up – particularly the likes of Harry Tector and George Dockrell. The label ‘finisher’ is often overused, but George’s reinvention, in particular, has been pivotal in recent successes - his experience and calmness under pressure will be indispensable as we move into competitive action.

“One of the most considered decisions we had to make was around our spin bowling options. With George Dockrell and Gareth Delany both having an impact this summer and the variation they bring to the attack, it came down to making a choice between Simi Singh and Andy McBrine. Andy can feel very unfortunate to have missed out this time, but we believe Simi offers more variation on Australian wickets with his ability to take the ball away from both right and left handers.'

“We believe this is one of the strongest T20 squads we have sent to a World Cup and wish the team and coaching staff well for the tournament ahead.”

The squad departs on 29 September 2022 and will travel to Sydney where they will play a three-match warm-up series hosted by partners Randwick Petersham Cricket Club, prior to the event support period starting on 9 October.

FIXTURES

The Lefand Cricket Week warm-up fixtures are:
4 October: Ireland XI v Randwick Petersham XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1pm)
5 October: Ireland XI v SCG XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1pm)
7 October: Ireland XI v NSW XI (T20; Coogee Oval; start time 1pm)

Ireland will then travel to Melbourne to play two official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup warm-up matches, before moving to Hobart for the first round of the tournament proper.

The official fixtures will be:

11 October: Ireland v Namibia (T20; MCG; start time 7pm)
13 October: Ireland v Sri Lanka (T20; Junction Oval; start time 3pm)
17 October: Ireland v Zimbabwe (T20 World Cup Round 1; Hobart; start time 7pm)
19 October: Ireland v Scotland (T20 World Cup Round 1; Hobart; start time 3pm)
21 October: Ireland v West Indies (T20 World Cup Round 1; Hobart; start time 3pm)

Also read: India lock horns with Australia for the 1st T20I in Mohali

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