Page 23 - Cricket

Biggest challenges for IND in women's T20 WC will be AUS, SL: Harbhajan

India's World Cup-winning spinner Harbhajan Singh said the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will face a tough challenge from Australia and Sri Lanka in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The global showpiece gets underway in the UAE from Thursday, and India are placed in Group A alongside Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand. "I think India needs to be very careful when playing against Australia. Looking at this group, India has Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. But one match that I think will be a little tough is the India-Australia match," Harbhajan told Star Sports. "Australia is a good team, even though these matches are being played in Dubai, on subcontinent pitches that might not suit them as much as their home conditions. But Australia, no matter where they play, are hard to beat. So, the biggest challenge for India may be Australia," he said. Harbhajan's fears were not entirely misplaced as the Australia have beaten India 23 times in 32 T20Is with the 'Women i

West Indies award 9 cricketers with historic multi-year contracts

In a historic first, nine West Indies cricketers, including ODI vice-captain Alzarri Joseph, pace sensation Shamar Joseph, women's T20I skipper Hayley Matthews and her deputy Shemaine Campbelle, were awarded multi-year contracts for the next two years, the CWI announced. The Cricket West Indies offered contracts to 15 men's cricketers and with six among them received multi-year deals based on their performances during the 2023-2024 evaluation period. Of the 15 senior women's players, three were awarded multi-year contracts. The announcement comes amid growing participation of the West Indies cricketers in lucrative franchise leagues across the globe, which has long undermined the stability of the national teams. The talent drain to global T20 leagues has considerably weakened West Indies' international squads, prompting the CWI to offer multi-year contracts as a strategy to provide financial security and retain players longer for national duty. The development follows a four-year

Women's T20 WC: India need top guns firing in unison against New Zealand

A stellar effort by senior stars would be mandatory when India take on New Zealand in their opening Group A match of the women's T20 World Cup here on Friday, aiming for a strong start in their quest to wipe off the memories of past near-misses. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who in all likelihood, will be appearing in her last T20 World Cup, has been witness to several near misses and disappointing moments from close quarters, including India's capitulation to Australia in the final at Melbourne in 2020. As a has been in the past, this Indian line-up is rich in talent and, arguably, only Australia have a similarly well-oiled unit. But the reigning champions have six titles in their cabinet, and India's is still dust-laden. So, what pegs India back in global events? It seems more a case of mental fragility at clutch moments, and the Women in Blue tried to address that during a preparatory camp at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) with a few counselling sessions. But such external meas

Sarfaraz Khan's wait for a longer spell with Team India in Tests continues

Sarfaraz and Dhruv Jurel were included in the squad for the Bangladesh series but were told that they have to wait for their opportunities as of now

South Africa cricket team crush Ireland by 139 runs in ODI series opener

Mark Adair took four more wickets for Ireland but it wasn't enough this time as South Africa won the opening cricket match of their ODI series by 139 runs. South Africa scored 271-9 thanks to opener Ryan Rickelton's 91 runs in 102 balls with three sixes and seven fours and 79 from Tristan Stubbs after winning the toss and choosing to bat in the first of three one-day internationals. Rickelton and Stubbs put on a 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket as they helped the Proteas recover from an early innings collapse. Lizaad Williams then tore through Ireland's top-order, taking three wickets in an eight-over opening spell as they Irish slumped to be five down inside the first 15-overs. Williams ended with 4-32, his best ODI figures from his five matches played, with Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin taking a further two wickets apiece as Ireland was bowled out for 132 in 31.5 overs in reply. George Dockrell top-scored for the Irish with 21 off 32 balls. Earlier, Adair claimed 4-5

Women's T20 WC: ICC launches AI tool to shield players from 'toxic content'

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a social media moderation tool at the Women's T20 World Cup to "protect the cricket community from toxic content" and create a safer and inclusive online environment for players and fans. The tournament gets underway in Sharjah on Thursday with the final slated in Dubai on October 20. This AI-powered tool, in collaboration with GoBubble, monitors toxic content like hate speech and harassment across official and player social media channels, aiming to protect mental health and foster a positive atmosphere. ICC head of digital, Finn Bradshaw said: "We are dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all participants and fans of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, it's been great to see so many of the players and teams embrace our new initiative. Over 60 players have already opted in for the social media protection service. South Africa's Sinalo Jafta said: There is nothing worse than opening up your phone after a l

Women's T20 WC 2024: When you play for India, there are no excuses - Smriti

The Indian women's cricket team will be looking to lift their maiden world title this year when the 9th edition of the tournament kicks off on October 3.

Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Who will come out on top in player rankings?

Performing in a tournament like this has its own perks. It contributes significantly to what the player rankings will be after the tournament ends.

Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Sri Lanka full schedule, live time, streaming

The Lankans have never managed to make it past the group stages of the tournament before and will aim to qualify for the playoffs this year.

Babar Azam steps down as Pakistan cricket team's white-ball captain

Babar Azam led Pakistan for 43 One Day Internationals out of which he won 26 and lost 15 matches. His T20I record as Pakistan skipper saw him win 48 matches out of the total 85 while the 29-year-old l

CSK fast bowler Tushar Deshpande undergoes ankle surgery in London

India and Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande underwent an ankle surgery in London after missing the second round of the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy. The right-arm pacer informed about his surgery in a social media post on Tuesday. He was left out of Mumbai's 30-man probable list for the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. This post comes as an update about my ankle surgery which was done yesterday and went very well, he said. It is a great relief as I was dealing with it for quite a long time. I am very grateful to my family, friends and all my fans for the well wishes, love and trust they have shown towards me. Here on, I start my journey to recover better than before and comeback stronger, added Deshpande, who made his international debut during India's tour of Zimbabwe in July. Deshpande claimed 15 wickets in five matches as Mumbai clinched their record-extending 43rd title win in the Ranji Trophy during the 2023-24 season. The defending champions will take on Baroda in an away game

Bangladesh to give Shakib enough time to decide on retirement: Abdur Razzak

Bangladesh selector and former player Abdur Razzak on Wednesday said the selection committee will give veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan enough time to decide when he wants to call time on his international career. The 37-year-old Shakib, considered one of the greatest all-rounders to come out of Bangladesh, has struggled for form and fitness of late and didn't make much of an impact during the opening Test against India in Chennai. "Someone is waiting to take his place. Definitely, there are some players, but I would say that it is Shakib's call, Razzak told PTI in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Legends League Cricket here. "Whenever he feels he (has played) enough, we will welcome him. (But there is) nothing much to say (right now), because a player like him, he was (in the) last 15 years (the) No. 1 all-rounder in the world, so I can't say that he is not good anymore so we don't want him," he said. "We always want him, but at the same time, you have to leave a

Never played under a more supportive captain than Rohit Sharma: Akash Deep

Akash Deep, the latest addition to India's ever-growing pace battery, on Wednesday credited skipper Rohit Sharma for his seamless transition from domestic to international cricket and said the exceptional work ethics of the legends in the team inspire him to push himself even harder. The 27-year-old made his Test debut against England in Ranchi early this year and made an impression with a three-wicket haul. "When I came here, I witnessed a different level of dedication and hard work from the players who are legends of the game, and considered the gods of cricket like Rohit, Virat bhai," Akash said ahead of the second Test against Bangladesh. "I realised that they have achieved so much and are still working so hard during training. Their thought process is at a different level, this motivates me to work even harder." Akash has gone through a lot in his personal life. Probably those tough days when he lost his father and brother in the space of two months made him mentally resilient

IND vs BAN T20Is: Jitesh could pip Ishan Kishan for 2nd keeper's slot

Jitesh Sharma could well pip Ishan Kishan for second wicketkeeper's slot in the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian T20 team which will play three T20Is against the Bangladesh starting October 6 in Gwalior. The squad is expected to be announced this week. The second and third T20Is will be held in New Delhi and Hyderabad on October 9 and 12 respectively. With Rishabh Pant's focus being 10 Tests this season, Sanju Samson will be India's No 1 glovesman in the shortest format for now with Jitesh from Vidarbha believed to be ahead of Kishan in the race for second keeper's slot. Kishan's selection in Rest of India squad also means that his international comeback could be slightly delayed. With Test series against New Zealand starting October 16 in Bengaluru, top players like Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be rested as a part of workload management programme. Some players could miss out as they will be part of Irani Cup between Rest of India and Mumbai in Lucknow fro

Cricketer Musheer Khan stable after road accident, set to miss Irani Cup

Mumbai all-rounder Musheer Khan, younger brother of India batter Sarfaraz, is "stable" after suffering a road accident on the outskirts of Lucknow but is set to miss cricketing action for a prolonged period starting with the upcoming Irani Cup. The 19-year-old is expected to be out of action for at least three months due to neck injuries he sustained in the accident, effectively ruling him out of Mumbai's matches at the start of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season, starting from October 11. It is learnt that Musheer was en route to Lucknow from Azamgarh, his hometown, for the Irani Cup beginning on October 1. He was accompanied by his father Naushad Khan, who also suffered minor scratches in the accident that took place on the Purvanchal Expressway after his car hit a divider and overturned. Dr. Bhola Singh, Medical Superintendent at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, said in a statement that the cricketer is out of danger. "Cricketer Musheer Khan, injured in a road accident on the Purvanchal

Election of BCCI representatives to ICC focal point of the 93rd AGM

The primary focal point of the BCCI's 93rd Annual General Meeting, to be held here on Sunday, will be to elect two representatives of India to the ICC meetings, as finding a successor to incumbent secretary Jay Shah is not on agenda. The meeting assumes importance because the International Cricket Council has scheduled a conclave in Dubai at the end of the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE. The final of the marquee event is slated for October 20 in Dubai, and Shah will still be in the chair of the BCCI secretary on that date, as he will take over as ICC chairman from December 1. After the tenure of Sourav Ganguly as BCCI president, usually Shah represented India in the ICC parleys and the last such instance was in Colombo earlier this July. The current board president Roger Binny is the Alternate Director who can represent BCCI at the global body's meetings, but he seldom performs that duty. With a year left in his tenure, it remains to be seen whether Binny will continue

Rickelton, Hendricks fire South Africa to T20 win over Ireland in Abu Dhabi

Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks blasted South Africa to an eight-wicket win over Ireland in a Twenty20 here. Rickelton's career-best 75 and Hendricks' 16th fifty powered South Africa to 178-2 in the 18th over in reply to Ireland's 171-8 on Friday. Ireland looked like it would pass 180 but lost three wickets in its last over as medium-pacer Patrick Kruger finished with a career-best 4-27 in his fifth T20. Rickelton's previous best score in six T20s was 27, and he passed that after consecutive sixes off medium-pacer Fionn Hand. Rickelton then took Matthew Humphreys over cow corner and smoked Ben White over deep midwicket. He reached his maiden T20 fifty off 30 balls. White went for another couple of sixes in the 11th over and South Africa's run rate passed 10. Hendricks reached his fifty off 31 balls by hitting Hand for six over deep square leg and was out in the next over, pinned in front by Craig Young for 51 off 33. Rickelton was caught in the following over, the 14th, for 76

England takes ODI series into the decider with 186-run win vs AUS at Lord's

Australia endured another uncomfortable experience at the home of cricket. Playing at Lord's for the first time since a heated Ashes Test last year when they were accused in crowd chants of cheating, the Australians were steamrollered in a 186-run loss to England in the fourth match of their ODI series on Friday. "In the end, they thoroughly outplayed us today," Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. The series is tied at 2-2 heading into the decider in Bristol on Sunday. In a match reduced to 39 overs per side because of wet weather, England powered to 312-5 thanks to 87 from stand-in captain Harry Brook and an unbeaten 62 from Liam Livingstone, who hit 28 runs off the final over by Mitchell Starc. Australia was bowled out for 126 in 24.4 overs, losing its 10 wickets for 58 runs having been 68-0 early in its chase. Australia's cricket team the world champion in the 50-over format rarely gets beaten as heavily as this. After winning 14 straight games, the tourists have now los

ECB's financial projections for 'The Hundred' not realistic: Lalit Modi

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)'s financial projections on the profitability of its pet project 'The Hundred' is largely "disconnected from reality" reckoned Lalit Modi, who conceptualised the vastly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Modi had little doubt that The Hundred will never be able to attain the international audience like the mega-hit IPL. The ECB is looking at potential Indian investors with deep pockets, preferably owners of IPL teams, who have stakes in other global leagues. But the former IPL commissioner's series of tweets with charted numbers showed that none of The Hundred franchises can be valued at anything between GBP 5 million to 25 million, let alone USD 1 billion. The ECB's financial projections for The Hundred, particularly beyond 2026, appear overly optimistic and disconnected from reality. The International TV rights figures make little sense, given the global competition from other cricket leagues like the IPL. It's unlikely The .

IND front-runners in UAE conditions, but don't underestimate AUS: Jonassen

Five-time winner Jess Jonassen knows what it takes to lift the Women's T20 World Cup, and the veteran Australian spinner rated India as the front-runner at the upcoming edition of tournament to be played on spin-friendly, low and slow UAE pitches. The 31-year-old left-arm spinner played a key part Australia's title triumphs in 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023, and feels with little knowledge of the conditions, it will be challenging for Australia to defend the title but it will be a mistake to underestimate her country. "India are well and truly the front-runner because of the depth and versatility that they have. They have better knowledge of UAE conditions. We have never played there, but Australia know how to play in big tournaments and can't be underestimated," Jonassen told a select group of journalists during the ABC International Development's five-day cricket commentary and mojo program at Australian High Commission here. "We have played in different sub-continent pitches and