Pakistan targets right T20 combination against understrength New Zealand | Cricket

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round performance helps England to whitewash Pakistan in T20I series

Chelmsford [UK], : Nat Sciver-Brunt’s outstanding all-round performance guided England Women to victory over Pakistan Women by a huge margin of 178 runs in the third and final T20I of the series at the County Ground in Chelmsford on Wednesday. Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round performance helps England to whitewash Pakistan in T20I series With this victory, the English side whitewashed the Women in Green 2-0 in the three-match T20I series. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! Chasing a mammoth total of 303 runs, the Nida Dar-led side was bundled out for a mere total of just 124 runs in 29.1 overs. The Pakistan team seemed struggling with the bat from the start of the second innings as they lost the wicket of the opener Sadaf Shamas when the team score was just 4. At the score of 14, the other opener, Sidra Ameen was sent back to the pavilion after scoring just 10 runs. After the two quick wickets, Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar tried to stitch a partnership but both players were able to add just 21 runs to the total as the visitors lost the wicket of Zafar in the seventh over. The team completed its fifty in the 11th over with Muneeba and Najiha Alvi unbeaten on the crease. Both batters put on a partnership of 39 runs before Alvi was dismissed after scoring just 6 runs when the team score was 74 in the 16th over. Inside the 22 runs, the Pakistan team lost two wickets. Muneeba was dismissed after sc boring 47 runs with the help of seven boundaries when the team’s score was 95, and they lost the other wicket at the score of 96 when Fatima Sana was sent back to the dressing room without opening her account. Three more players, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, and team;s skipper Nida Mir were sent back without scoring a single run for their side. Aliya Riaz scored some runs for her side but she didn’t get any support from the other end. She scored 36 runs with the help of six fours before going back. The pick of the bowlers for the hosts was left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone who snapped three wickets in her spell of 4.1 overs where she conceded just 15 runs. Two wickets were bagged by Lauren Bell and Sciver-Brunt, and one wicket each were taken by Kate Cross and Charollete Dean in their respective spells Opting to bat first, Tammy Beaumont was deceived by a delivery that nipped back in on her at the last moment and was bowled by Fatima Sana. Beaumont, restricted to only 11 runs from her first 21 balls, looked to the unorthodox and attempted to scoop her 22nd but was bowled by Fatima. Captain Heather Knight came out to bat and she got immediately off the mark with four, albeit from an inside-edged drive that the England skipper was fortunate to see scoot safely past her stumps. In the span of two overs, England lost Maia Bouchier and Knight for 12. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danielle Wyatt then handled the charge for England and took the host beyond the 100-run mark in the 20th over. Pakistan captain Nida Dar continued with the ball and she bagged the wicket of well-set batter Danielle Wyatt for 44. Wyatt tried to take on Dar, but her innings came to an end as she was caught in the deep close to the midwicket boundary by Ameen. Sciver-Brunt picked up the gap through midwicket off the front foot for four to bring up a stylish half-century from 58 balls and her 21st half-century in ODI cricket. In the 48th over of the game, Sciver-Brunt raised her bat for her ninth ODI hundred – her third against Pakistan. Alice Capsey and Sciver-Brunt’s partnership stand of 87 runs off 77 balls helped England post 302/5 in 50 overs. Brief score: Pakistan 124 all out in 29.1 overs vs England 302/5 . This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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T20 World Cup: Pakistan didn't play well in all three departments, says Babar Azam | Cricket News

T20 World Cup: Pakistan didn’t play well in all three departments, says Babar Azam | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: In their T20 World Cup opening match in Dallas on Thursday, Pakistan lost to the USA in the Super Over. Captain Babar Azam later acknowledged that his team did not play at its best in all three areas of the game.Pakistan had a difficult start, losing three wickets in the powerplay to finish at 30 for 3. The innings was then stabilized by a 72-run partnership off 48 balls between Babar Azam and Shadab Khan.In spite of their best efforts, the USA held Pakistan to 159/7 before matching the total and winning the Super Over to cause a significant upset.T20 WORLD CUP: SCHEDULE | POINTS TABLEBabar said that Pakistan was unsatisfactory with their batting towards the end of the match, having failed miserably in the Powerplay and bowling slowly in the middle overs. Then, in the middle overs, they failed to take wickets with spin because they did not carry out their early plans to bowl quickly.“To be honest, whenever you lose a game, you are always upset. We did not play well in all three departments. For six overs, I think we did not capitalise properly, but later on, after the 10th over we got momentum, but again we lost too many wickets and then your momentum is gone. So, I think as a batting unit we need to step it up in the middle and in the end,” Babar said after the match.After losing three wickets in the Powerplay, Babar helped his team recover by scoring 44 from 43 balls. He acknowledged that the game changed when Pakistan lost consecutive wickets.“The first six overs, the ball was holding and was swinging. But later on, I didn’t feel it was a different wicket. It settled down a bit. Because of the early start – the matches are starting at 10.30 am – the fast bowlers will get a little help. There was some juice in the pitch early morning. So, they utilised that and executed their plan. It was difficult in the beginning, but we covered it.“I think when we lost the wickets back-to-back, that was the turning point. But as a professional, you have to step up against such a team in the batting… in the middle order. This condition is not an excuse…they played well, but I think we played badly,” he added.Mohammad Amir conceded eighteen runs in the Super Over, which the USA won with a boundary off the last ball of the normal overs. Pakistan lost several unnecessary extras due to wides and a series of overthrows.The Pakistan captain credited USA’s batters Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh for their aggressive running between the wickets. “He (Amir) is an experienced bowler, he knows how to bowl and we are just trying to field the ball. But I think the US batsmen were a bit smart, when the ball was coming to the keeper he was running. So, I think that was a plus point for the batters in the Super Over.”Pakistan will next take on bitter rivals India on Sunday in New York. Babar also stated that even though they lost to the United States, they would not be changing their ball-based death-over tactics for that crucial encounter.“The plan is simple: We try to hit yorkers and we are not changing any plans because the ball is reversing and our bowlers are very accurate, so our play will not be any different,” he concluded.(With IANS inputs)

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Rajasthan consolidate top spot on points table after hard-fought win over Punjab Kings – India TV

Rajasthan consolidate top spot on points table after hard-fought win over Punjab Kings – India TV

Image Source : AP Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan Royals (RR) have consolidated their place at the top of the points table after a hard-fought win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Saturday (April 13). Having elected to field first, Rajasthan’s bowling attack applied unrelenting pressure on Punjab’s batting line-up and it paid dividends for them. Rajasthan were able to get breakthroughs at regular intervals and that never allowed the hosts to fly away with the run rate at any stage. Some decent contributions by Jitesh Sharma (29 off 24 balls), Liam Livingstone (21 off 14 balls) and Ashutosh Sharma (31 off 16 balls) helped Punjab post a respectable 147 on the board. While all the Rajasthan bowlers chipped in with handy contributions, left-arm orthodox bowler Keshav Maharaj was the pick of all the bowlers. The South African bagged two wickets and gave away just 23 runs in four overs. In reply, Rajasthan got off to a decent start as Tanush Kotian and Yashasvi Jaiswal put together a 50-run stand before Kotian departed in the ninth over. Jaiswal was the next batter to be dismissed. The southpaw perished after scoring 39 off 28 balls and Rajasthan’s chase got derailed a bit after he fell. The visitors got reduced from 82/2 to 136/6 in 18.3 overs but Shimron Hetmyer didn’t let the game slip out of Rajasthan’s hands. Hetmyer scored 27 off 10 balls and remained unbeaten right till the end to take Rajasthan over the line by three wickets to spare. IPL 2024 Points Table Ranking Teams Matches Wins  Losses Points NRR (Net run rate) 1. Rajasthan Royals 6 5 1 10 0.767 2. Kolkata Knight Riders 4 3 1 6 1.528 3. Lucknow Super Giants 4 3 1 6 0.775 4. Chennai Super Kings 5 3 2 6 0.666 5. Sunrisers Hyderabad 5 3 2 6 0.344 6. Gujarat Titans 6 3 3 6 -0.637 7. Mumbai Indians 5 2 3 4 -0.073 8. Punjab Kings 6 2 4 4 -0.218 9. Delhi Capitals 6 2 4 4 -0.975 10. Royal Challengers Bengaluru 6 1 5 2 -1.124    

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Bahrain vs Kuwait Today Match Prediction & Live Odds - Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2023

Bahrain vs Kuwait Today Match Prediction & Live Odds – Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2023

Get to Know Who will win BAH vs KUW Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2023 match and toss Prediction with Head to Head stats, Playing 11, pitch report, Betting Rates, Live score & winning percentage. MATCH: Bahrain vs KuwaitDATE: Sep 16, 2023TIME: 23:00 IST / 17:30 GMTVENUE: West End Park Intl. Cricket Stadium – Doha, Qatar  TOURNAMENT: Gulf Cricket Championship BHR vs KUW Betting Tips Abdul Majid was accurate and dangerous against Qatar and he is our tip for Bahrain’s top wicket taker in this game.Mohammed Aslam’s slow left-arm spin worked well on this pitch on Friday and we expect him to be Kuwait’s top wicket taker against Bahrain.Ravija Sandaruwan has made seven scores of 50+ in T20Is and the right-hander is our pick for Kuwait’s highest run scorer on Saturday. Bahrain vs Kuwait TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Euro Sports Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the K9WIn Cricket Exchange India and website. Bahrain vs Kuwait Match Prediction & Betting Tips, Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2023Bahrain will take on Kuwait at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha. This T20I gets underway at 20:30 local time on Saturday 16th September, 2023. BAH vs KUW West End Park International Cricket Stadium, Doha Pitch ReportThis pitch can be a little two-paced and we saw no score over 143 on Friday. However, we expect a bit more pace in the wicket in this match. Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Bahrain vs Kuwait , Gulf Cricket T20I Championship 2023

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'To my boys, my team, my champs...': Shah Rukh Khan's million-dollar praise for KKR | Cricket News

‘To my boys, my team, my champs…’: Shah Rukh Khan’s million-dollar praise for KKR | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Wednesday congratulated the “stars” of his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), for their outstanding performance in the IPL 2024 final, where they clinched the championship trophy for the third time.KKR triumphed in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a dominating eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a completely one-sided final on Sunday.As the principal owner of the team, Shah Rukh also expressed his gratitude to the fans who patiently waited 10 long years for this win. “Love you all and don’t let the dancing stop! Also, so happy and thankful for each and every KKR fan and I hope all around the world youngsters learn that tough times don’t last…” he wrote in a lengthy post on his social media handles. The 58-year-old actor expressed his gratitude to the KKR coaching staff and management in his post. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Gautam Gambhir, the team’s mentor, Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach, and Chandrakant Pandit, the head coach.“To my boys… my team… my champs… ‘these blessed candles of the night’… My Stars…of KKR. I cannot do a lot of things and you cannot do them all either…but together we manage most of them. That’s what @KKRiders stood for.“Simply being together. Beyond the ability and guidance of @GautamGambhir….the earnestness of Chandu, the love of @abhisheknayar1 & leadership of @ShreyasIyer15… the dedication of @rtendo27, Bharat Arun, @1crowey & @Numb3z.”KKR is a team that’s not built on hierarchy but “pure respect for collaboration”, he said.“GG (Gambhir) said if u can’t support a single vision as a team… u are leading to a division in the team. Each player understood that. Young and old. The Trophy is not a testament of having the best players in the team… but a proof of each player being the best for the team. Boys you are all made of Star stuff!! Finally Tough and Happy teams do! Korbo…Lorbo…Jeetbo….Always. See u all at the stadia in 2025,” Shah Rukh wrote.Shah Rukh, who was hospitalized last week in Ahmedabad due to a heat stroke following his attendance at an IPL match of his team at the Narendra Modi Stadium, was overjoyed when KKR emerged victorious in IPL 2024.During the final match at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, the actor wore a mask for most of the game but removed it when the team was on the brink of securing the coveted title, displaying his excitement.Accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan and children Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam, Shah Rukh was present at the final match.KKR, co-owned by Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, clinched its first IPL title in 2012, followed by another win in 2014.(With PTI inputs)

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Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians Today Match Prediction & Live Odds - IPL 2024

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians Today Match Prediction & Live Odds – IPL 2024

Get to Know Who will win Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, IPL 2024 Match and toss Prediction with Head to Head stats, Playing 11, CBTFJSK Tips, Live score & winning percentage. MATCH: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai IndiansDATE: Mar 27, 2024TIME: 19:30 IST / 14:00 GMTVENUE: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium – Hyderabad, India TOURNAMENT: IPL 2024 Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians Betting Tips Heinrich Klaasen hit 63 runs from 29 balls in Match 3 and we are backing the South African to be Sunrisers Hyderabad’s highest run scorer against Mumbai Indians. T Natarajan has already taken three wickets in the tournament and the left-arm medium fast bowler is our pick for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s top wicket taker in this game.Rohit Sharma caught the eye with 43 runs from 29 balls at the top of the order against Gujarat Titans and the former skipper is our tip for Mumbai Indians’ highest run scorer against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Jasprit Bumrah produced figures of 3/14 in Sunday evening’s match and the pacer is a strong choice for Mumbai Indians’ top wicket taker in this match.As one of the most exciting batters in world cricket, we recommend selecting Heinrich Klaasen to hit the most sixes in this clash. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians T20 Match Prediction & Betting Tips, IPL 2024 Match 8 of the 2024 Indian Premier League sees Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Mumbai Indians on Wednesday evening at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Both teams lost their opening fixtures with Sunrisers losing by 4 runs to Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians losing to Gujarat Titans by 6 runs. Read on as we preview this game. The match gets underway at 19:30 local time in Hyderabad.  Although Sunrisers Hyderabad were beaten in their first game of the 2024 IPL, there were plenty of encouraging moments for the side who finished bottom of the table last year. However, this looks like being another very tough fixture against Mumbai Indians. It was a very entertaining game between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in Match 5 although ultimately Hardik Pandya could not lead his side to victory over the team he left at the end of last season. But any team with Hardik, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are going to be a threat and we expect them to win this fixture. SRH vs MI Match Toss PredictionThe last two IPL matches at this venue were won by the team chasing so we predict that both captains will want to field first ahead of this game on Wednesday. SRH vs MI Pitch ReportThe average score when batting first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the IPL is under 160 but with totals increasing over recent seasons we expect a par first innings total to be around 180. Hyderabad Weather ReportClear skies are forecast throughout this game on Wednesday evening in Hyderabad. It will be very warm as well with the temperature unlikely to drop below 29 degrees. Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians, Indian Premier League 2024

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'Will send team to Pakistan only if...': BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla on India's Champions Trophy participation | Cricket News

‘Will send team to Pakistan only if…’: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla on India’s Champions Trophy participation | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has clarified that the Indian team’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy next year, scheduled to be held in Pakistan from February to March 2025, is contingent upon receiving approval from the central government.The statement comes amidst speculation regarding India’s potential absence from the tournament.Tensions between India and Pakistan have significantly impacted cricketing relations between the two nations since 2008, following the Asia Cup. Bilateral series between India and Pakistan have been suspended since December 2012-January 2013, with ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup serving as the primary platforms for their cricketing encounters.The decision to send the Indian team to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy hinges on various factors, including the prevailing diplomatic and security situation between the two countries. Given the history of strained relations and security concerns, any decision regarding India’s participation will be subject to careful consideration and consultation with relevant authorities.Speaking to the ANI, Shukla said, “In the case of the Champion Trophy, we will do whatever the Government of India will tell us to do. We send our team only when the Government of India gives us permission. So we will go according to the decision of the Indian government.” Pakistan resorted to a hybrid strategy during the hosting of the Asia Cup last year due to logistical and security challenges, notably hosting all of India’s matches, including potential encounters against Pakistan, in Sri Lanka. This decision was made in the interest of ensuring the smooth conduct of the tournament while accommodating security concerns and diplomatic sensitivities.Contrastingly, when it came to the possibility of adopting a similar hybrid approach for the ODI World Cup hosted by India the previous year, Pakistan did not seriously consider such a strategy.Instead, they participated in the tournament in India, playing all their matches at various venues across the country. Despite initial discussions regarding the feasibility of a hybrid approach, Pakistan ultimately competed in the tournament in India, albeit facing challenges in the group stages and being eliminated early on.It’s worth noting that Pakistan holds the distinction of being the defending champions of the ICC Champions Trophy, with their triumph in the last edition held in 2017. As they gear up for future tournaments, Pakistan will undoubtedly aim to replicate their past success on the global stage.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has designated Lahore as the only location for India matches for the Champions Trophy that Pakistan has been awarded for the next year, as ESPNcricinfo reported earlier in May.According to ESPNcricinfo, PCB has locked three locations–Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi–to host the two-week Champions Trophy. India’s draft schedule calls for them to play all of their games at Lahore, which is also the location of the final.It is said that the idea of putting India in a single place was put forward to avoid potentially significant logistical and security issues related to their travel. Additionally, it gives Indian fans a comparatively easier choice to visit because it is headquartered in Lahore, which is near the Wagah border crossing between the two countries.PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said earlier that the board had sent a draft schedule of the tournament, likely to be staged in mid-February next year, to the ICC. Discussions on it involving the eight participating members will take place, with the major sticking point likely to be whether the India team travels or not.(With ANI inputs)

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How will surface at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore play for final match? – India TV

How will surface at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore play for final match? – India TV

Image Source : GETTY Babar Azam and Haris Rauf. Pakistan host New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as the depleted New Zealand side look to carry on their brilliant run against power-packed Pakistan.  Despite missing several first-choice players, New Zealand have shocked everyone as they have an unassailable lead of 2-1 and now look to avoid a tied series. The two teams will expect the final game to go well at the Gaddafi Stadium. Gaddafi Stadium pitch report The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is generally a good track for batting. The players have been able to hit the ball well and there have been decent scores at the venue. In the previous T20I between these two sides at this Stadium, Pakistan almost chased down 179 only to fall short by four runs at the end.  There have been 28 games played in the shortest format with 17 going in favour of the batting first sides, while 11 going in favour of the chasing sides. The average first innings score here is 162. Gaddafi Stadium – The Numbers Game STATS – T20 Total Matches – 28 Matches won batting first – 17 Matches won bowling first – 11 Average 1st innings Score – 162 Average 2nd innings Score – 145 Highest total recorded – 209/3 (20 Ovs) By ENG vs PAK Lowest total recorded – 94/10 (15.3 Ovs) By NZ vs PAK Highest score chased – 176/8 (19.4 Ovs) By PAK vs ZIM Lowest score defended – 126/7 (20 Ovs) By PAKW vs BANW Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam(c), Usman Khan(w), Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Usama Mir, Mohammad Amir, Zaman Khan, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan New Zealand Squad: Tim Robinson, Tom Blundell(w), Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell(c), Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, William ORourke, Tim Seifert, Cole McConchie, Zakary Foulkes, Ben Lister

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Auckland Aces vs Central Stags Today Match Prediction & Live Odds - Super Smash 2024

Auckland Aces vs Central Stags Today Match Prediction & Live Odds – Super Smash 2024

Get to Know Who will win AA vs CS, Super Smash 2024 Match and toss Prediction with Head to Head stats, Playing 11, CBTFJSK Tips, Live score & winning percentage. MATCH: Auckland Aces vs Central Stags DATE: Jan 16, 2024TIME: 08:30 IST / 3:00 GMTVENUE: Eden Park Outer Oval – Auckland, New Zealand TOURNAMENT: Super Smash 2024 Auckland Aces vs Central Stags Betting Tips Will Young scored a century against Otago. He is a batter who has been in decent form of late so can be backed as Stags to batter.Danru Ferns has been fantastic for Auckland, taking 13 wickets in the tournament. He can be backed as Auckland’s top bowler.Eden Park is a small venue and plenty of sixes are hit here. Back total sixes in the match to be over 12.5. Auckland Aces vs Central Stags TV channels: The fans can watch the match live on Hotstar Live Streaming: Live streaming of the match will be available on the FAFA191 Cricket Exchange India and website. AA vs CS T20 Match Prediction & Betting Tips, Super Smash 2024 Auckland Aces will be up against Central Stags in the 25th match of the Super Smash 2023-2024. The match will be played at Eden park, Auckland and will start at 8:30 AM IST on January 16 Auckland Aces have picked up great form as we move into the business end of the tournament. Auckland have moved to top of the points table and are unbeaten in the last four games. The team defeated Otago Volts in the last game after chasing the target of 139 in the 18th over. Meanwhile, Central Stags also come into the game after two back to back wins. They are placed third on the points table after three wins, three defeats and as two no-results. They defeated Wellington by 6 wickets in the last game after chasing 148 in the 17th over.  AA vs CS Match Toss PredictionThe conditions will be good for batting so the captains will be keen to bat first and put runs on the board. AA vs CS Pitch ReportThe pitch won’t have much help for the bowlers and the batters should enjoy their time out there in the middle. The boundaries in Auckland are very short so we can be in for a high scoring game. Auckland Weather ReportThere is no threat of rain and the sky will be very much clear. The temperature will range between 24 and 21 degrees. Read on for team previews, betting tips, latest odds, and match prediction for Auckland Aces vs Central Stags, Super Smash 2024

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IPL | Maxwell opens up about why he got himself dropped

IPL | Maxwell opens up about why he got himself dropped

This is an age when sportspersons are shielded from even the mildest of criticism. In this context, Glenn Maxwell must be praised for volunteering to face the media and answer tough questions. It came as a surprise when Maxwell walked into the room in the post-match press conference here on Monday. The Australian played no part in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the run-fest. And with 32 runs in six IPL games, he has been woefully out of form. Maxwell made an admirably honest admission when asked if he missed the match due to an injury. “I went to Faf (du Plessis) and the coaches after the last game and said I felt it was probably time we tried someone else. I have been in this situation in the past where you can keep playing and get yourself deeper into a hole. I think now is actually a good time for me to give myself a bit of a mental and physical break; get my body right. If I’m required to get in during the tournament, I can hopefully get back into a really solid mental and physical space where I can still have an impact,” Maxwell stated. THE GIST Maxwell has only scored 32 runs in six IPL games this season The Australian says he has not put a timeline on the duration of his break, but he will hope to get back to form in time for the T20 World Cup The hard-hitting batter went through a similar bad run of form in 2020 when he played for Kings XI Punjab Maxwell made just 108 runs in 11 innings — in a season best forgotten The 35-year-old adds that the physical and mental toll of a tough IPL 2024 wore him down “We have had a pretty big deficiency straight after the PowerPlay, which has been my area of strength over the last couple of seasons. I felt like I wasn’t contributing in a positive way with the bat, and with the results and the position we find ourselves on the table, I think it’s a good time to give someone else an opportunity to show their wares. Hopefully, someone can make that spot their own,” Maxwell added. Fickle nature of T20s The 35-year-old did not put a timeline on the duration of his break, but he will hope to get back to form in time for 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which commences in a little over a month. Maxwell was unable to pinpoint exactly what went wrong this season, putting it down to the fickle nature of T20 cricket. “T20 cricket can be like that sometimes — it’s a pretty fickle game. Even if you look at the first game, I ran one off the middle of the bat to the ’keeper. I picked up the length really well, saw a scoring opportunity, but opened the face a little bit too much. When you are going well, that goes wide of the gloves, you get a boundary, you are four off one, and you are away for the tournament. Glenn Maxwell being a team man and acknowledging he’s not at his best at the moment! 🫡 Come back stronger, Maxi. 🤝#PlayBold#ನಮ್ಮRCB#IPL2024pic.twitter.com/qbaILus9hK — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 16, 2024 “I probably just haven’t got away — it’s as simple as that. In the first few games, I feel I made reasonably good decisions, but I was still finding ways to get out. It can happen in T20 cricket and when it snowballs like that, you can go searching and try too hard and forget the basics of the game,” Maxwell said. The hard-hitting batter went through a similar bad run of form in 2020, when he played for Kings XI Punjab. Maxwell scored only 108 runs in 11 innings — in a season best forgotten. In later interviews, Maxwell stated that KXIP team management did not utilise his full potential by keeping him low down the order. Different scenario Asked if the RCB team management could do more to support him, Maxwell said: “That was probably a different scenario. Back then the thing that was hurting me was that I was bowling really well. So I was actually playing more as a spinner who was used at the back end with the bat. We had K.L. Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, who were the two leading run-scorers in the competition at that time, so there wasn’t a lot of balls left in the game for me. So I wasn’t able to get any match rhythm. And when I was, it was only for a few balls here and there. “So I said the same thing to the KXIP management that we can have an overseas bowler in my place. But we didn’t have an off-spinner as well. So I sort of played as an overseas off-spinner who could bat a little bit,” Maxwell said. “The management here at RCB has been outstanding. We’ve been working together on taking a fair bit of ownership and the off-field leadership staff is trying to help out as much as they can. Glenn Maxwell. | Photo Credit: MOORTHY RV Unfortunately, runs just haven’t come the way they should have when you are in really good form. I don’t think I’ve had a better six months in cricket leading into this tournament. So it’s frustrating when it ends up like this. But if I can get my body and my mind right, there’s no reason I can’t finish the tournament well if I do get another opportunity,” Maxwell said. Maxwell afforded a laugh when asked if he would have liked to put off his break by one more game. After all, Monday’s encounter produced a record number of runs — SRH piled up 287 for three, and RCB responded with 262 for seven. “I did notice during the PowerPlay that the pitch was not as slow and two-paced as it has been in the first few games….

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