cricket

Virat Kohli one of the best to ever play cricket: AB de Villiers | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers praised India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli, calling him one of the greatest players in history.In IPL 2024, Kohli is the second-highest run scorer. He played in ten matches and amassed 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49. In the current T20 tournament, he hit 20 sixes and 46 fours.IPL ORANGE CAP | IPL PURPLE CAP | IPL POINTS TABLEWhile speaking on his official YouTube channel, De Villiers said he is fed up with seeing “data-driven pundits” criticizing Kohli’s strike rate.The legendary Indian batsman was praised by the former Proteas cricket player, who called him “incredible” at the IPL.“Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It’s been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I’m frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He’s incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I’ve pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man. When you don’t really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?,” De Villiers said.In the last game between RCB and GT, Kohli made an impression with his blistering 70*. He was a major factor in Bengaluru’s victory and dismissed the recent discussion regarding his strike rate.During the game, ‘chase master’ Virat Kohli achieved a landmark feat during RCB’s clash against GT.Kohli now stands second in the list after his undefeated performance of 70 runs off 44 balls, struck at a strike rate of 159.09. Kohli achieved 24 half-centuries when chasing a target. Dhawan, with 23 scores of fifty or above, is in third position. While chasing a target, David Warner holds the top spot with 35 half-centuries.The 35-year-old also tied David Warner’s record for the most IPL seasons with 500 or more runs. In an IPL season, Warner and Kohli have both scored 500 runs or more seven times.(With ANI inputs)

India’s T20 World Cup Squad Press Conference Live Updates: Ajit Agarkar To Face Tough Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh Questions

Danijones6 months ago01 mins

India T20 World Cup squad selection: Rohit Sharma and Ajit Agarkar in press conference© X (Twitter) India T20 World Cup squad press conference Live Updates: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection committee chief Ajit Agarkar will address the media at 4:00 PM IST on Thursday in a press conference. The captain and chief selector are expected to shed light on the squad selection that the BCCI announced on Tuesday, picking the 15-member roster for the T20 World Cup 2024. Along with the 15-player list, the BCCI also named a reserve list consisting of 4 players. India T20 World Squad Selection Press Conference: Topics mentioned in this article

Watch: ‘If a guy from Kerala has to cement his place in the Indian team…’ – Sanju Samson ahead of India comeback | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago06 mins

Sanju Samson‘s consistency has always kept him in contention to represent India, but stiff competition for places in the Indian batting line-up and Rishbah Pant being the first-choice wicketkeeper meant that Samson was in and out of the national squad. However, he has been given another opportunity, this time alongside Pant, to wear the India jersey with a recall to the T20 World Cup squad.IPL 2024: Results | Points Table Samson is currently leading Rajasthan Royals in the ongoing Indian Premier League season, and it’s his consistent performance in the league, both as a captain and as a batsman, that has earned him a recall ahead of KL Rahul. Speaking on Star Sports show ‘Captains Speak’, the 29-year-old Samson opened up on how he looks at his career graph and the change in approach he has adopted to enhance his chances of cementing a place in the Indian team.WATCH VIDEO “When you are playing cricket in the world’s best (cricket-playing) country, I think India is number one in the whole world (in terms of) the number of players who play and the number of talent we have and the competition we have, a guy from Kerala, if he has to come and cement his place in the national side, he has to do something special,” Samson said.He made his international debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in July 2015 but played his first ODI only six years later in 2021. In nine years since wearing the India jersey for the first, Samson has played only 16 ODIs and 25 T20Is. In 14 ODI innings he has scored 510 runs with a century and three fifties, while in 22 T20I innings he has accummulated 374 runs with one fifty at a strike rate of 133.09.However, Samson has re-invented his game lately, which shows in his current IPL numbers. Under Samson’s captaincy, Rajasthan presently top the points table with a remarkable 8 wins in 9 matches. The skipper ranks 7th in the list of leading run-scorers of IPL 2024, accumulating 385 runs in 9 matches, including four half-centuries. He maintains an impressive strike rate of 161.08 and an average of 77.0. “I just always wanted to be special, always wanted to stand out the way I bat. I just wanted to create my own style of batting. No matter even if it’s the first ball, I want to go out there and hit a six,” said Samson. “So that’s the shift in the mindset, which I had. I just wanted to do something different, like why do we have to wait for 10 balls to hit a six? So I just walk in and if I feel like, I do that the first ball. That was the motive behind development of my power stroke.” The T20 World Cup, slated from June 2 to 29, will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and the USA. India are set to kick off their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York.“I think I put in lots and lots of effort during the Covid time. A lot of people did help me. A lot of things go behind the scenes, which actually I only know and my close people know. So, very happy, things are coming on nice. The grind keeps on going. I am never satisfied. I just want to go on and keep on doing something spectacular for the side I play for,” said Samson. But before he wears the India jersey again at the T20 World Cup, Samson has a job to do for the Royals, who aim to win their second IPL trophy after lifting it in the inaugural edition of the league. Rajasthan are gearing up to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next IPL 2024 match on Thursday in Hyderabad.

‘Tu jaisa hai waisa hi rahiyo’: Rajasthan Royals family congratulates ‘Chintu bro’ for India comeback | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

If you have to pick one player who has never stopped knocking on the doors of BCCI selectors, it has to be Sanju Samson; and the 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has deservingly been rewarded with a place in India’s T20 World Cup squad.IPL 2024 STANDINGS: Points table | Orange Cap | Purple Cap The Rajasthan Royals captain, who has been leading the team by example in this IPL, has been picked in India’s squad as the second wicketkeeper-batsman besides Rishabh Pant, but both Samson and Pant have the batting credentials to be in the playing eleven as pure batsmen as well. Talking about Samson, under whom RR top the points table currently with a staggering 8 wins in 9 matches, the Kerala man sits at No. 7 on the list of top run-getters of IPL 2024 with 385 runs in 9 matches, including four half-centuries, at a strike rate of 161.08 and average of 77.0. Hailing his recall to India colours, RR posted a video on social media where Samson’s teammates are congratulating him for his T20 World Cup selection. “Congratulations my Chintu bro,” said RR leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who incidentally will also make his India comeback at the T20 World Cup. “Tu jaisa hai waisa hi rahiyo (stay the way you are). Enjoy this success. I want you to play for India for another 10 years, as well as for RR. Whatever you are doing, we are so proud of you.”Here’s what Samson’s other RR teammates had to say: The T20 World Cup is scheduled for June 2 to 29 and will be co-hosted by the West Indies and USA. India play their opening match against Ireland on June 5 in New York. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match in IPL 2024 on Thursday in Hyderabad.

Yuzvendra Chahal Makes ‘Copyright Complaint’ Against PBKS Star, Writes To Elon Musk

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

India and Rajasthan Royals spinner Yuzvendra Chahal made a hilarious request to Elon Musk — a billionaire and owner of X, formerly Twitter — on Wednesday. Chahal asked Musk to put a copyright strike on Punjab Kings’ pacer Harshal Patel after the latter celebrated a catch during Chennai Super Kings game in a viral fashion. After completing the catch, Harshal celebrated in a manner that is associated to Chahal’s viral meme. Sharing the picture of Harshal’s celebration, Chahal wrote on X, “Dear @elonmusk paaji, Harshal bhai pe copyright lagana hai.” Dear @elonmusk paaji, Harshal bhai pe copyright lagana hai pic.twitter.com/CUAeZd6uNa — Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) May 1, 2024 The post of Chahal, who has been named in India’s T20 World Cup squad that was announced on April 30, went viral on social media. Talking about the celebration, Kagiso Rabada bowled a short ball outside off stump to Sameer Rizvi, who tried to play an upper cut on it. The ball could not get past the third man where Harshal put a well-timed slide to take the catch. Punjab Kings beat Chennai Super Kings by 7 wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Chasing a target of 163, PBKS reached home in 17.5 overs, thanks to Jonny Bairstow’s 46 off 30 and Rilee Rossouw’s 43 off 23. Earlier, Ruturaj Gaikwad (62 in 48) scored a fighting fifty to help CSK post 162 for 7 in 20 overs after getting an invitation to bat first. Rahul Chahar (2 for 16 in four overs) and Harpreet Brar (2 for 17 in four overs) were the pick of the bowlers for PBKS. Brar was later named the Player of the Match. “It was a good wicket to bowl on, and even Rahul (Chahar) bowled really well. I have been playing since 6 years, so my confidence has been pretty high. Now bowling to these legends of the game feels normal, I just bowl to my strengths. To be honest, I don’t think wickets, my aim is only to bowl lots of dot balls and dot balls create the wickets. When there is spin in the wicket, the bowlers confidence goes up and it is a bit helpful,” said Brar after the game. Topics mentioned in this article

Former India Stars Back Yashasvi Jaiswal To Be Rohit Sharma’s Opening Partner In T20 World Cup 2024

Danijones6 months ago08 mins

Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif have backed young Yashasvi Jaiswal to be captain Rohit Sharma’s opening partner for India in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA from June 1. Kohli has been leading run-charts in the IPL 2024 as an opener for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but him opening with Rohit for India in the T20 World Cup could result in teams having left-arm fast-bowler and left-arm spinner match-up. However, Pathan thinks Jaiswal opening with Rohit will help India tackle this match-up in the T20 World Cup. “It’s a question which has been floating around a lot. It should be Yashasvi Jaiswal – as he being a left-hander, what happens is, a team from a bowling point of view, will start with a left-arm spinner and when that happens, you can actually play these two batters. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli open, as there’s been a lot of talk about it, you can keep them quiet for a certain period of time. “If you do that, the game goes away, especially at the start and this is where a left-handed batter in Yashasvi Jaiswal comes into the picture. He’s aggressive and will take on the threat of left-arm spinner as well. So, I think Yashasvi should open with Rohit Sharma,” said Pathan while replying to an IANS query in the latest episode of ‘Star Sports Press Room’ show. The Rohit-Jaiswal combination though, will also result in Kohli batting at number three, which would mean his struggles against spin in the post power-play phase could resurface. But Kaif believes Kohli’s previous stupendous success for India in ICC tournaments at number three is still a very big factor. “I would see Jaiswal and Rohit opening, as Kohli has to be there at number three. Though he opens in the IPL, Kohli has done well in ICC events at number three. You need someone who has experience at number three and can bat through. With Yashasvi opening and Kohli in the dugout, there will be pressure on the opposition team that Virat is still to come out to bat.” “If he opens and the opposition gets him out, then it will be a big confidence booster for them. Jaiswal will attack from the first ball and Rohit Sharma also attacks in power-play, then it should be this way: Jaiswal, Rohit and Virat Kohli at number three,” he added. Pathan, the Player of the Match in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup final win over Pakistan in Johannesburg, was left disappointed over the non-inclusion of Rinku Singh and Ravi Bishnoi in the 15-member squad. Rinku, an in-form finisher for India in 15 T20I since his debut last year, is placed in the traveling reserves. “I am very disappointed that Rinku Singh is not there. It’s because Rinku Singh was playing a crucial role in finishing the game – he did it for his franchise (Kolkata Knight Riders) last year and when he played for India, he did that role as well.” “Once you have a strike-rate of 170 and have an average close to 60-70, and then not be picked, then you will be very disappointed. Bishnoi, I thought, despite that number six ranking, misses out to a master spinner like Chahal, though he’s got that fielding skill too. So, these were the two things I had in my mind on seeing this team.” At the same time, Pathan reckons India has to play their cricket in feisty fashion if they are to end a more than a decade drought of World Cup victory. “The guys, who have been selected, have to perform when the pressure time comes in. I am not worried about the first half; it’s about when the knockout matches will happen – this is where I want the Indian team to play fearless cricket which in the last two World Cups – 50-over and 20-over in Australia – we missed out on that.” Kaif agreed with Pathan’s views and felt India’s real examination will be to win knockout matches, something which they haven’t been able to do yet. “It’s a very balanced side, but this is not the IPL, where you play 14 league matches and come back to win the trophy even after losing games.” “In the World Cup, you will meet weaker teams in the initial phase of the tournament till you meet teams like Pakistan and England in the semi-finals. You need to win two big matches to win the trophy and are you ready for that big moment? India haven’t done that in the past and that’s the real challenge for Rohit Sharma.” India will begin their Men’s T20 World Cup campaign on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. India, the 2007 Men’s T20 World Cup winners, are in Group A alongside Pakistan, Canada and tournament co-hosts USA. (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

Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2024: Predicted Playing XI Of Both Teams

Danijones6 months ago012 mins

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 49th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday. Having won five games out of nine, CSK are placed third in the IPL 2024 standings. On the other hand, PBKS are currently placed eighth in the IPL 2024 standings with six points on the board after winning three matches out of nine. Ahead of this exciting clash, we look at the predicted XIs of both sides. CSK Predicted XI Ajinkya Rahane In the upcoming match against PBKS, Ajinkya Rahane will open the innings for CSK. Rahane, who has not been able to replicate his IPL 2023 form in the current season, has scored 170 runs in nine matches and will be eager to make a significant score soon. Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain) CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad heads into this match after a magnificent 98-run knock against SRH, showcasing an explosive strike rate of 181.48. Gaikwad will be focused on providing another quick start for his team as he aims to put early pressure on the PBKS bowlers on Wednesday. Daryl Mitchell Daryl Mitchell, known for his ability to strike sixes, will seek to bring stability to CSK’s top order. Despite scoring only 198 runs in eight matches, the Kiwi batter has the potential to make a significant impact and will be keen to make his presence felt in the last few games of the season. Ravindra Jadeja Ravindra Jadeja will look to bolster both the batting and bowling departments for CSK. The accomplished Indian all-rounder has contributed 157 runs in nine matches, boasting an impressive average of 78.50, and has also taken five wickets. Jadeja is expected to make an impact with both bat and ball in the upcoming match. Shivam Dube Shivam Dube is the standout performer for CSK this season. The tall and talented batter scored a quickfire 66 runs off 27 balls against LSG, hitting seven sixes and three boundaries. With a total of 350 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 58.33 and a strike rate of 172.41, Dube will be eager to produce another strong performance against PBKS. MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper) MS Dhoni continues to perform for CSK, consistently defying his age and delighting fans with his batting prowess. Despite spending limited time at the crease, the veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter has made a significant impact whenever he has batted. With 96 runs in nine matches, Dhoni’s remarkable strike rate of 259.46 makes him a serious threat to the best bowlers in IPL. Moeen Ali Moeen Ali adds balance to the CSK batting lineup. While Moeen has scored 30 runs in his solitary innings, he has been influential with the ball having taken two wickets in four matches. The English all-rounder will look to have a bigger say with bat and ball in the upcoming game. Deepak Chahar Indian fast bowler Deepak Chahar will lead the CSK bowling attack. Chahar has taken five wickets in seven matches, showcasing his skill in generating swing and bowling accurate lengths. Additionally, he can prove useful with the bat and is capable of scoring crucial runs lower down the order when needed. Tushar Deshpande Tushar Deshpande will offer variety to the CSK bowling attack. His knack for bewildering batters with pace variations has earned him 10 wickets in nine matches. Deshpande has also been relatively effective in restricting the opposition, boasting an economy rate of 8.66. Mustafizur Rahman Mustafizur Rahman leads the wicket-taking charts for Chennai in IPL 2024 with 14 scalps in eight matches. The Bangladeshi pacer is a crucial member of the CSK fast-bowling unit and will be keen to regain the Purple Cap by adding to his tally of wickets at Chennai. Matheesha Pathirana Matheesha Pathirana, one of the most lethal bowlers in IPL 2024, will look to make early breakthroughs for CSK in the next match. With an impressive economy rate of 7.68, Pathirana has already claimed 13 wickets in just six matches. He will be eager to bamboozle PBKS batters with his pace bowling skills come Wednesday. Impact Sub Shardul Thakur PBKS Predicted XI Sam Curran Sam Curran has taken on plenty of responsibilities for PBKS this season. Handed captaincy duties in the absence of the injured Shikhar Dhawan, Sam Curran has scored 152 runs this season, including one fifty. He’s also accounted for 12 scalps and is crucial to the PBKS lineup. Prabhsimran Singh In the team’s last match, Prabhsimran Singh scored 54 runs in just 20 balls against KKR, hitting five sixes and four boundaries. He boasts a strike rate of 163.74 in IPL 2024 and will try to add to his 208 runs this season when he faces CSK. Rilee Rossouw Although Rilee Rossouw hasn’t put his best foot forward in IPL 2024 yet, the South African deserves another chance to showcase his ability. A star in T20s, Rossouw has scored more than 8000 runs in the format and boasts a strike rate of 143.02. Jonny Bairstow Jonny Bairstow was on fire against KKR, scoring 108 runs off 48 balls, including nine sixes and eight boundaries. Bairstow’s return to form will provide a significant boost to Punjab’s chances of a win against CSK. Shashank Singh Shashank Singh has been a revelation with PBKS this season. The top-scorer for PBKS in IPL 2024, Shashank has remained not out in five of the nine matches and has made 263 runs with an average of 65.75 and a strike rate of 182.64. His best of 68 not out against KKR helped PBKS to a memorable win in IPL 2024. Jitesh Sharma Wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma will be desperate to get runs quickly after enduring an underwhelming campaign so far. However, he is capable of taking any bowling attack to the cleaners as his IPL strike rate of 151.47 suggests and will be hoping to find some form soon. Ashutosh Sharma A revelation if there ever was one, Ashutosh Sharma has been one…

CSK vs SRH, IPL 2024: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tushar Deshpande Guide Chennai Super Kings To Easy Win

Danijones6 months ago07 mins

Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s belligerent 98 was complemented by a clinical bowling display, led by pacer Tushar Deshpande, as Chennai Super Kings defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 78 runs in the Indian Premier League in Chennai on Sunday. Invited to bat, Gaikwad’s valiant 54-ball knock was the driving force which propelled CSK to an imposing 212 for three. He was ably supported by Daryl Mitchell, who returned to form with a crucial 32-ball 52 before Shivam Dube’s 20-ball 39 not out took CSK past the 200 mark. In response, SRH’s ultra-cautious batting approach backfired again as they couldn’t recover from Deshpande’s (4/27 in 3 overs) three-wicket burst with the new ball and the middle-overs squeeze to be all out for 134 in 18.5 overs as CSK snapped their two-game losing streak. Following the win, CSK moved to the third spot with 10 points, same as Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. SRH, who are also on 10 points, slipped to fourth after their fourth loss. Chasing 213 to win, Travis Head (13) and Abhishek Sharma (15) made rapid starts but Deshpande got rid of the former with a slower wide ball and then returned to remove impact sub Anmolpreet Singh with an outswinger on the stumps as the batter went for a golden duck. Abhishek was next caught at deep point as Deshpande broke their back, leaving SRH at 40 for 3 in the fourth over. Nitish Reddy (15) and Aiden Markram (32) tried to steady the ship but Ravindra Jadeja bamboozled the former with a bouncer, while Matheesha Pathirana produced a superb yorker to uproot the middle stump of the South African. At 85-5 in 10.5 overs, Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Samad joined hands but runs were tough to come by as the bowlers executed their plans to perfectly. While Jadeja completed a superb spell of 4-0-22-1, Shardul Thakur kept bowling at wide outside off to frustrate the batters as CSK conceded just two boundaries in nine overs after the powerplay. With an improbable 104 needed off 30 balls, Klaasen, Samad, Pat Cummins and Shahbaz Ahmed all holed out as Mitchell claimed five catches in the outfield during the match. Earlier, Gaikwad missed out on a successive hundred by a whisker but his 107-run stand with Mitchell was the cornerstone of CSK’s innings. It is CSK’s 35th 200-plus total, the most by any side in T20 cricket. Gaikwad was the star of the CSK batting as he hit 10 fours and three sixes in his innings. Opening the innings, Ajinkya Rahane (9) perished early again with Bhuvneshwar Kumar earning his prized wicket in the third over but Gaikwad kept CSK going. The skipper did not back down and attacked the bowlers at will as the hosts ended the powerplay at 50 for one. In no time, the 27-year-old Gaikwad brought up his 17th IPL half-century off just 27 deliveries. Gaikwad and Mitchell batted sensibly as they managed to keep the boundaries coming, with the latter chipping in periodically too after a slow start (12 off 11). With dew setting in the 12th over, the batting duo tried to take advantage of it as Mitchell soon brought up his maiden IPL 50 off 29 deliveries in the 13th over. But the New Zealander failed to get going for too long and perished in the following over to Jaydev Unadkat after depositing a full-toss into the hands of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the deep mid-wicket. In-form Shivam Dube then joined Gaikwad and the two decided to up the ante. SRH skipper Pat Cummins was targeted by the batters, having been dispatched for 49 in his four overs. Gaikwad looked set to back-to-back tons but the heat and humidity of Chennai seemed to affect him as his vigil ended with a tired-looking shot as T Natarajan sent him back in the final over. Crowd-favourite MS Dhoni scored five off two deliveries that included a four, while Dube deposited a full toss in the stands as the final four overs yielded 53 runs. (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

Ramandeep Singh Dismisses Mitchell Starc Injury Concern, Says He’s Available For Selection vs PBKS

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

File photo of Mitchell Starc.© BCCI Mitchell Starc has no injury concern and is “available” for selection, Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Ramandeep Singh said even as the star pacer indulged in just light training sessions ahead of their IPL clash against Punjab Kings. The Australian cricketer, who attracted a record bid, did not have the kind of return to the league after eight years he would have hoped as he has leaked plenty of runs this season and has managed just six wickets. The left-arm quick also reportedly sustained a finger injury on his bowling hand during their match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Starc did not bowl at the nets in their two practice sessions ahead of their match against PBKS, while Sri Lankan pacer Dushmantha Chameera was seen slogging it out, fuelling speculation that the Aussie may be “rested”. But Ramandeep said Starc was available for selection. “Yes, he’s available. It’s got to do with his workload management,” Ramandeep said. “He is a legend. Cricket is a game of time. We can’t judge him from a few matches,” he said. With Starc going through a poor patch, the bowling unit has come under pressure but Ramandeep said, “There has been no discussion on bowling.” “We just discus about execution and plan and how to improve further. We don’t’ judge someone in one or two matches.” With five wins in seven matches, KKR occupy the second spot in the 10-team table and are well placed to finish in top-two. “We are going for one game at a time. We are just focused on Punjab match, not thinking about finishing top two at the moment,” Ramandeep said. He further credited team mentor Gautam Gambhir for their consistent show this season. “Everyone has a lot of clarity. It’s only because of him the team is performing so well. He is backing everyone,” he said. (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

Pakistan Trounce Depleted New Zealand In Second T20I

Danijones7 months ago05 mins

Left-armers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Amir shared five wickets to rock New Zealand for a paltry 90 before Mohammad Rizwan anchored the chase to help Pakistan win the second Twenty20 clash Saturday in Rawalpindi. Shaheen led the attack with 3-13 while Amir, returning to international cricket after nearly four years, finished with 2-13 as the visitors were bowled out in 18.1 overs after being sent in to bat. Rizwan finished with 45 not out off 34 balls with a six and four boundaries to ensure Pakistan chased down a modest target in 12.1 overs for a seven wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The first match, also in Rawalpindi, was washed out after just two deliveries on Thursday. New Zealand did fight back with wickets of Saim Ayub (four), Babar Azam (14) and debutant Usman Khan (seven) but Muhammad Irfan Khan (run-a-ball 18) partnered Rizwan in an unfinished 36-run stand to seal victory. Ayub hit a boundary off the first ball of the innings before giving a return catch to pacer Ben Lister off the next while Azam was stumped off rival skipper Michael Bracewell and Usman bowled by spinner Ish Sodhi. Azam credited his bowling for the kickstart. “It’s crucial to set the tone in first six overs at this ground,” said Azam of the Pindi stadium which saw a packed 16,000 week-end crowd. “The way Naseem, Shaheen and Amir bowled was outstanding and helped us get early wickets.” Bracewell lamented batting failure. “We didn’t score quite enough runs,” said Bracewell. “We were little bit slow to adapt to the surface and put ourselves under pressure in the end. We got a game tomorrow and we need to learn quickly.” Earlier Amir — returning to international cricket after nearly four years — jolted New Zealand in the opening overs. Amir retired abruptly in 2020 after he was dropped from the team, the second break in his career after he was banned for five years in a spot-fixing scandal in 2010. Spinners Abrar Ahmed (2-15) and Shadab Khan (2-15) doubled the pressure as New Zealand were dismissed for their second lowest total against Pakistan in the game’s shortest format. Mark Chapman (19), Cole McConchie (15), Dean Foxcroft (13) and Tim Seifert (13) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Chapman hit three boundaries in his 16-ball knock. New Zealand’s lowest T20I total against Pakistan is 80, made at Christchurch in 2010. Fast bowler Naseem Shah, also playing his first match since injuring his shoulder in September last year, took 1-27 in four overs. Both teams are preparing for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in June in the United States and the West Indies. New Zealand are missing a host of their top players due to playing in the ongoing Indian Premier League, unavailability and injuries. The remaining matches are in Rawalpindi on Sunday followed by the last two in Lahore on April 25 and 27. (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