Wary of Virat Kohli threat at T20 World Cup, Pakistan's Babar Azam says, we will... | Cricket News

Wary of Virat Kohli threat at T20 World Cup, Pakistan’s Babar Azam says, we will… | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam revealed on Monday that his team is meticulously planning their strategies to counter the formidable presence of star Indian batsman Virat Kohli in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup showdown between the two cricketing giants.The much-anticipated clash is set to ignite passions as it unfolds in the vibrant atmosphere of West Indies/USA later this year.Speaking ahead of his team’s T20I series against Ireland scheduled to commence from March 10, comprising three exhilarating matches to be held in Dublin, Babar emphasised the significance of devising a comprehensive game plan to neutralise Kohli’s impact on the field.The marquee encounter between Pakistan and India, slated for June 9 in New York, promises to be a spectacle for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.Recalling the intensity of their previous T20 Cup encounter in 2022, Babar reminisced about Kohli’s memorable innings, where he orchestrated a remarkable unbeaten knock of 82 runs off just 53 deliveries.Kohli’s masterclass, adorned with six boundaries and four towering sixes, steered India through a nerve-wracking run-chase of 160 runs, rescuing them from a precarious position of 31/4 at one juncture.Speaking at the media conference in Dublin on Monday, Babar said that though the team does not plan against one particular player, but they will be planning against Kohli, who he called as “one of the best players.”“As a team, you always plan against different teams and according to their strengths. We do not plan anything against one player. We plan for all 11 players. We do not know much about the conditions in New York and we will plan accordingly. He [Virat Kohli] is one of the best players and we will plan against him as well,” he said.Kohli’s prowess against Pakistan in T20Is is nothing short of remarkable. Across 10 encounters, he has amassed a staggering total of 488 runs, boasting an impressive average of 81.33 and a blistering strike rate exceeding 123.Kohli’s consistency is evident in his tally of five half-centuries against the arch-rivals, showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition’s bowling attack with finesse.In the T20 WC, India and Pakistan are in Group A along with Ireland, Canada and USA. Pakistan will start its campaign against the USA on June 6.Here is the schedule for Pakistan’s tour to Ireland and England ahead of the T20 World Cup:Ireland series: May 10: First T20I, Dublin; May 12 Second T20I, Dublin; May 14: Third T20I, DublinEngland series: May 22: First T20I, Leeds; May 25: Second T20I, Birmingham; May 28: Third T20I, Cardiff; May 30: Fourth T20I, London.Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (C), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan.(With ANI inputs)

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'It's for MS Dhoni...': Preity Zinta speechless as Punjab Kings home venue turns yellow for CSK legend | Cricket News

‘It’s for MS Dhoni…’: Preity Zinta speechless as Punjab Kings home venue turns yellow for CSK legend | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: There was a sea of yellow at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala as fans wore yellow jerseys to cheer for the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni during the Punjab Kings’ home game on Sunday.And when Shardul Thakur was cleaned up by Harshal Patel, the picturesque Dharamsala stadium seen buzzing with the chants of Dhoni, Dhoni as the talisman made his way to the middle. The crowd hoped for a thrilling display and powerful hits from the legendary cricketer, but their excitement was soon dashed when Dhoni was dismissed for a golden duck as Harshal’s slower yorker deceived Dhoni and knocked over his stumps.This marked the first time in IPL 2024 that Dhoni left the field without scoring.Chennai Super Kings secured a 28-run victory in the match. Following the game, Punjab Kings co-owner Preity Zinta held a question-and-answer session on social media that had an indifferent query from a fan. A fan asked: “Your franchise should conduct some activities to lure home fans more to the stadium because yesterday at Dharmasala is full of ?? yellow. #advice #pzchat”.To this, Preity replied: “It’s for Dhoni and what can I say … everyone loves him.” Chennai Super Kings are third in the points tally with 6 wins in 11 matches. They will next face Gujarat Titans on May 10.

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India

India Star Reveals ‘Lie’ To Rahul Dravid That Led To IPL Selection – Old Video Viral

Sanju Samson has been a top performer for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 till now as the wicket-keeper batter has led by example. The RR skipper has been phenomenal with the bat and his sensational form led to his selection for India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Samson’s journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been an interesting one as he did not get a single game while being part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup but things changed when he moved to RR in 2013. In a video that has once again gone viral on social media. a young Sanju Samson revealed how a ‘lie’ from S Sreesanth to Rahul Dravid ultimately led to his selection for RR. “Being with KKR, I wasn’t getting a look-in. But during a match against RR, when [Rahul] Dravid was leading them, Sreesanth spotted him in the hotel lobby and vouched for me. He told him, ‘There’s this kid from Kerala who smashed six sixes in an over in a local tournament. We should definitely give him a trial,’” Samson revealed in an old video that has resurfaced on social media. Was in KKR but couldn’t get games, Sreeshanth was in RR & when we had a game with RR where Dravid was their skipper, Sreeshanth stopped Dravid in the hotel & told him, this kid is from kerala, he has hit 6 sixes in an over in a local tourney, we should give him a trial & sanju is… pic.twitter.com/PaxWLb1C90 — arfan (@Im__Arfan) May 5, 2024 Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth earlier confirmed this story in an interview with Sportskeeda where he said that he initially lied to Dravid but the current India coach was impressed with Samson’s batting. “Rahul bhai listened to me when I introduced Sanju to him. I lied to him, I said, ‘This kid hit me for six sixes in a local tournament’. Rahul bhai said, ‘Shree, kuch bhi bol, ye kyu bol raha hai?’ (Say anything, but why are you lying like this),” Sreesanth had said. “He didn’t do too well in a few practice games. But when Rahul bhai saw him bat, he was convinced; he came to me and said, ‘Sree, don’t let this Sanju guy go to any other selection; we are signing him. Whether or not he’d get matches, I don’t know, but we would like to sign him,” he added.

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Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad free streaming, latest updates, highlights – India TV

Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad free streaming, latest updates, highlights

MI vs SRH IPL 2024 Live Score: Mumbai Indians look for hard survival against hard-hitting Sunrisers MI vs SRH IPL 2024 Live Score: Mumbai Indians host hard-hitting Sunrisers Hyderabad in match 55 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at the Wankhede Stadium. Placed at the dead bottom of the points table, MI’s season is all but over. There is a slight opening but that seems way too much for the five-time champions to cruise through the playoffs now.  Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad are positioned in a much better place. They are at the 4th spot with six wins in 10 games and another win will be a good sign that they are on track to qualify for the playoffs. While they are wreaking havoc while batting first, chasing down totals has been a problem for them. Can SRH rub all of their troubles?

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BAN-W vs IND-W: Asha Sobhana becomes oldest India debutant in Women’s cricket

BAN-W vs IND-W: Asha Sobhana becomes oldest India debutant in Women’s cricket

Asha Sobhana became the oldest debutant for India in women’s internationals during the fourth T20I against Bangladesh on Monday, May 6 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. At the age of 33 years and 51 days, the leg-spinner got her maiden chance to don the national colours. She broke the record of Seema Pujare, who debuted for India at the age of 31 in an ODI against Sri Lanka back in 2008 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Interestingly, apart from Sobhana and Pujare, no other Indian women’s cricketer made debuts under the age of 30. Having already taken a 3-0 lead in the 5-match series, India made a couple of changes to their playing XI. Even as Titas Sadhu was roped in as a replacement for Renuka Singh Thakur, Sobhana replaced the talented Shreyanka Patil. Sobhana recently earned her maiden India call-up after she performed exceptionally while playing for Smriti Mandhana’s RCB in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024. In one of the games against Alyssa Healy’s UP Warriorz, she picked up a 5-wicket haul. Habiba Islam debuts at 14 Habiba Islam Pinky made her debut at the age of 14. Courtesy: Bangladesh Cricket. Along with Sobhana, right-arm pacer Habiba Islam Pinky made her debut at the age of 14 years and 340 days. Pinky became the second-youngest Bangladeshi to debut in international cricket. Back in 2019, Rabeya Khan wore the national jersey for the first time against Nepal in the South Asian Games. She was 14 years and 268 days back then. Rabeya, 19 now, is currently a part of the Bangladesh squad along with Pinky for the T20I series against India. Habiba Islam Pinky (14 years 340 days) was born after Asha Sobhana Joy (33 years 51 days) started playing domestic cricket. They made their T20I debut in the same match today, against each other. — Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) May 6, 2024 Pinky was not even born when Sobhana started playing domestic cricket. Pakistan’s Ayesha Naseem (15 years and 209 days), Bangladesh’s Nahida Akter (15 years and 212 days) and India’s Shafali Verma (15 years and 239 days) also made their debuts at a young age. Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: May 6, 2024

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Harshit Rana 'taunts BCCI' with unmissable act in LSG vs KKR match after one-match suspension

Harshit Rana ‘taunts BCCI’ with unmissable act in LSG vs KKR match after one-match suspension

Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Harshit has twice been severely punished by the BCCI for his on-field celebrations during the ongoing IPL 2024. He was fined 60 per cent of his match fees for a flying-kiss send-off to Mayank Agarwal during a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad before being handed a 100 per cent fine on his match fee along with a one-match suspension for breach of the IPL Code of Conduct. However, in the match against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday at the Ekana Stadium, Harshit chose not to pull off the same act, but rather “taunted” BCCI with a different gesture. Kolkata Knight Riders bowler Harshit Rana celebrates the wicket of Lucknow Super Giants batter Kurnal Pandya during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 T20 cricket match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders(PTI) Harshit was among the pick of the bowlers for KKR in the match against LSG as he picked three crucial wickets to help the visitors bundle the home team for just 137 in the chase of 236 with 23 balls to spare. During one of his wicket celebrations on Sunday, Harshit celebrated with a finger-on-the-lips gesture. KKR later posted it on social media, which left fans thinking if it was a message directed at the BCCI. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! It is yet not known whether BCCI will take action against Harshit for his new celebration. Earlier on Sunday, before the match against LSG, KKR player Nitish Rana teased Harshit by asking whether he was going to give another ‘flying kiss’ during the tournament. The right-armer smiled sheepishly and then burst into laughter saying that he would not do that again. Harshit faced a stringent punishment from BCCI earlier last week for his animated send-off gesture towards Delhi Capitals batter Abhishek Porel after he dismissed him. While he did stop himself from another flying-kiss act, he gestured with his hand showing the batter the way back to the pavilion. “Rana committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referee’s sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding. The player was earlier penalised under the same level and article of the IPL Code of Conduct,” the IPL said in a statement. News / Cricket News / Harshit Rana ‘taunts BCCI’ with unmissable act in LSG vs KKR match after one-match suspension

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Harmanpreet Kaur becomes second Indian women's player to achieve rare milestone during IND vs BAN 4th T20I – India TV

Harmanpreet Kaur becomes second Indian women’s player to achieve rare milestone during IND vs BAN 4th T20I – India TV

Image Source : GETTY Harmanpreet Kaur. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has achieved a pretty rare milestone during her team’s clash against Bangladesh in the 4th T20I at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Kaur, who made her India debut in March 2009, has become the second-ever Indian women’s player to feature in 300 International matches.  India are taking on Bangladesh in a five-match T20I series as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in October. The Women in Blue have already bagged the series as they have an unassaibale lead of 3-0 going into the fourth game.  The game marks Harmanpreet Kaur’s 300th International game as she joins Mithali Raj as the only two Indians to have played over 300 games. Former skipper Mithali was part of 333 matches across formats in her glittering 23-year career. Kaur is overall the fifth player to feature in over 300 matches in women’s cricket. Most matches played in International cricket: 1 – Mithali Raj: 333 matches 2 – Suzie Bates: 317 matches 3 – Ellyse Perry: 314 matches 4 – Charlotte Edwards: 309 matches 5 – Harmanpreet Kaur: 300 matches In the fourth T20I between the two sides, Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana won the toss and asked the visitors to bat first. The Women in Blue made two changes to their Playing XI. Titas Sadhu and Asha Sobhana come in for Shreyanka Patil and Renuka Singh Thakur.  Notably, this is WPL star Asha’s International debut. At 33 years and 51 days of age, Asha has become the oldest Indian player to make a debut in women’s T20Is. She has shattered this record earlier held by Seema Pujare, who made her T20I debut at the age of 32 years and 50 days. Bangladesh’s Playing XI: Dilara Akter, Murshida Khatun, Rubya Haider, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Ritu Moni, Shorifa Khatun, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Habiba Islam, Marufa Akter India’s Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), S Sajana, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Titas Sadhu, Radha Yadav

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What Is Hybrid Pitch? The Innovation That Is All Set To Make Its IPL Debut

What Is Hybrid Pitch? The Innovation That Is All Set To Make Its IPL Debut

India’s first-ever ‘hybrid pitch’ was unveiled at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in a grand ceremony on Monday. The event was attended by IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal and cricket dignitaries including Paul Taylor, a former England cricketer and SIS’s international cricket director. “The introduction of hybrid pitches is set to revolutionize cricket in India, following their success in iconic venues like Lord’s and The Oval in England,” said Dhumal, who hails from Himachal Pradesh. The hybrid pitch, which combines natural turf with synthetic fibres, promises enhanced durability and consistent playability, reducing the strain on ground staff and maintaining quality playing conditions. With only 5% synthetic fibres, the pitch ensures that the natural characteristics essential for cricket are preserved. Taylor expressed gratitude towards the HPCA for their collaboration on this pioneering project. “With the ICC’s approval, we’re excited to see the positive impact these pitches will have on the sport, starting with installations in Mumbai and Ahmedabad next,” he said. The ‘Universal Machine’, a critical component in installing the hybrid surface, was developed by SISGrass in 2017 and has been instrumental in the rollout of similar pitches across England’s county cricket grounds. This innovation aligns with the ICC’s recent sanctioning of hybrid pitches for T20 and one-day international matches, with plans to expand their use in four-day county championships starting this year. The integration of technologies like SISAir, a root aeration system, further underscores the commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure in India. This system improves the pitch’s health and resilience, benefiting players with better and safer playing conditions. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Topics mentioned in this article

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RCB star Asha Sobhana creates all-time record for India in T20Is – India TV

RCB star Asha Sobhana creates all-time record for India in T20Is – India TV

Image Source : BCCI Asha Sobhana Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Asha Sobhana finally got her chance to make a debut for India in the fourth T20I against Bangladesh. She had received a maiden call-up for the five-match T20I series but was benched in the first three matchs. With India sealing the series with a 3-0 lead, the visitors decided to test their bench strength and accordingly, handed a debut to leg-spinner Asha who was one of the most impressive bowlers in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) earlier this year. Interestingly, even before delivering her first ball at the international level, Asha created an all-time record for India as she became the oldest debutant in the shortest format. The leggie is 33 years and 51 days old as she was handed over her cap by Smriti Mandhana. Asha broke the long-standing record Seema Pujare in this aspect who had made her T20I debut in 2008 at the age of 32 years and 50 days. Overall, she ended up playing 8 ODIs and one T20I in her career. Coming back to Asha Sobhana, her maiden call-up to the Indian team followed after a brilliant show in WPL where she ended as the second highest wicket-taker of the season with 12 scalps to her name. Her role was crucial in RCB lifting the trophy for the first time in its 17-year history, including the IPL. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Women also handed a debut to 14-year-old medium pacer in Habiba Islam in the fourth T20I as they will be hoping that the youngster steps up in her first ever international match. This is also a landmark game for India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur who is playing her 300th international match. Playing XIs for 4th T20Is India Women – Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, D Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, S Sajana, Pooja Vastrakar, Asha Sobhana, Titas Sadhu, Radha Yadav Bangladesh Women – Nigar Sultana Joty (c & wk), Nahida Akter, Dilara Akter Dola, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Murshida Khatun, Rabeya, Marufa Akter, Mst Shorifa Khatun, Habiba Islam Pinky, Mst Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter

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'100-200 zyada lelo par next IPL...': Fan's special request for CSK legend MS Dhoni | Cricket News

‘100-200 zyada lelo par next IPL…’: Fan’s special request for CSK legend MS Dhoni | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: In what is rumoured to be his last Indian Premier League season, the MS Dhoni mania continues to grow along the length and breadth of the country.Whereever Dhoni has gone to play for Chennai Super Kings this season, his fans and supporters have gathered in huge numbers across stadiums to catch a glimpse of their cricketing idol. And to go with that, there have also been requests from fans, asking the 42-year-old to continue playing for another season.The requests have even spread to non-CSK matches, where Dhoni fans have showered love for him in different ways, using placards and slogans. One such unique request came from a fan during the Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders game. Playing their last game of the season, a LSG fan requested skipper KL Rahul to ask Dhoni to play another season. “Rahul bhai, Dhoni sir se kahdo, 100-200 zyada lelo par next IPL season khel lo,” the fan’s placard read. In the 11 matches played in the season thus far, Dhoni has delighted fans with quite a few incredible cameos at the death having hit the ball at a strike rate of over 224. Dhoni has only been dismissed a couple of times this IPL season. With 6 wins and 5 losses in 11 matches, the defending champions currently sit at the 3rd spot on the points table.

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