Australia vs Namibia Highlights: Adam Zampa's record-setting spell propels Australia into T20 World Cup Super Eights | Cricket News

Australia vs Namibia Highlights: Adam Zampa’s record-setting spell propels Australia into T20 World Cup Super Eights | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Adam Zampa‘s mesmerizing spell of four wickets for a mere 12 runs in his allotted four overs propelled the undefeated Australian side into the Super Eights stage of the Twenty20 World Cup with a resounding nine-wicket triumph over Namibia in Antigua on Tuesday. Australia secured their Super 8 berth with one Group B encounter still remaining.T20 World Cup Schedule | Points TableThe leg spinner, continuing his scintillating form from the previous victory against the defending champions England, played a pivotal role in skittling out the Namibian batting lineup for a paltry 72 runs in 17 overs, marking the lowest total Australia have ever restricted an opponent to in T20 international cricket.As it happened: Australia vs NamibiaIn response, the swashbuckling David Warner set the tone with a blistering 20 off just eight deliveries before Travis Head took charge, smashing an unbeaten 34 from 17 balls to guide the 2021 champions to a comprehensive victory within six overs at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, effectively extinguishing Namibia’s faint hopes of advancing to the next stage.Namibia’s skipper Gerhard Erasmus emerged as the top-scorer for the African nation, displaying grit and determination in his valiant knock of 36 before falling prey to a well-disguised Marcus Stoinis delivery, which he mistimed straight into the hands of Glenn Maxwell at midwicket. Zampa etched his name in the record books as the first Australian male cricketer to reach the milestone of 100 wickets in the shortest format of international cricket with his final scalp, a classic dismissal that saw him clean bowl Bernard Scholtz through the gate.“Just trying to do my thing, mate,” remarked a modest Zampa, who was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match accolade. “We’re happy, it’s the first step in trying to take the trophy home but a long way to go.”Australia will conclude their Group B fixture against Scotland in St Lucia on Saturday, while Namibia will remain in Antigua to lock horns with England on the same day.(With inputs from Reuters)

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'They may not need me': David Warner on playing 2025 Champions Trophy | Cricket News

‘They may not need me’: David Warner on playing 2025 Champions Trophy | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: The experienced Australian batsman David Warner is determined to end his international career on a high note, stating that the Australian team will adopt a “fearless” approach during the T20I World Cup in their pursuit of creating history.While Warner has announced his retirement from the longer formats, he has not completely ruled out the possibility of returning for the 2025 Champions Trophy if the Australian team requires an opening batsman.However, he believes that the team may not need his services for that particular event.The T20 World Cup, which has been expanded to include 20 teams, will be hosted by the West Indies and the United States in June. All of Australia’s matches will take place in the Caribbean. The tournament presents a unique opportunity for Australia to achieve a remarkable feat in cricket.The 37-year-old Warner is among a select group of four players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head, who have the chance to become the first team in history to simultaneously hold three International Cricket Council trophies, having already won the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup in the past year.“Being part of that potential history, you only sit back and reflect on those things when you’re completely done and dusted,” Warner, who is in Trinidad, said as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald. “I did an interview with the ICC recently asking me about it and all the tournaments I’ve been a part of, and I can’t remember them all, but it’s been great,” he added.However, he continues to hint that it may not be the end, referencing the ICC’s revived Champions Trophy, a mini-World Cup scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year.“They may not need me,” he added with a laugh.Warner was forced to miss the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season due to an injury to his left hand. Despite this setback, he showcased his readiness by scoring an impressive 54 runs off just 21 deliveries in a practice game against Namibia held in Trinidad last week.Warner, however, will not be participating in any matches until Australia’s opening encounter against Oman, which is scheduled to take place in Barbados on Thursday.Warner’s journey towards bidding farewell to the grand stage has been quite remarkable. In November, Australia emerged victorious against India in India to clinch the ODI World Cup title. Later, in January, he bid adieu to traditional cricket during the Sydney Test match. It is highly anticipated that he will make his final appearance in T20 internationals while playing in the Caribbean.Regardless of when the star batsman decides to hang up his boots, one thing is certain: Warner will undoubtedly give his all and go out with a bang, no matter which team he faces in his final moments on the cricket field.“We’ve always played fearless and I think that’s why we’ve been so successful over the last few years. We don’t care about our spot in a team, we just care about doing the best that we can, and making sure that whatever we’re doing, we’re trying to be that match winner,” he said.“And the fortunate thing is that we’ve got so many of them. One might come off one day, the next day someone else will come off. So we just know that one person in that top six, if they can get anywhere between 60 to 80 runs at a good strike rate, we know we’re always going to post a good total. It’s the same with the new ball. If Starcy [Mitchell Starc] is swinging the ball, we’ll get early wickets, and that brings the spinners into the game,” he added.Warner is confident that Australia’s resounding triumph against India in the World Cup late last year, coupled with their impressive showing versus South Africa in the semi-final, has provided them with a psychological advantage over their competitors.“If you look at the way that we performed with our backs up against the wall after the first couple of games [losing badly to India and South Africa], you just never count us out,” he said.(With ANI inputs)

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In the history of the T20 World Cup, only Virat Kohli has... | Cricket News

In the history of the T20 World Cup, only Virat Kohli has… | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: When you talk about achievements or awards in any ICC tournaments, Virat Kohli‘s name has to be there and the talismanic Indian batsman stands out as the only player to have won two “Player of the Tournament” in the history of the T20 World Cup, in 2014 and 2016 editions.His ability to consistently deliver match-winning knocks under immense pressure is truly awe-inspiring.Kohli’s hunger for success, coupled with his impeccable technique and mental fortitude, has earned him a place among the cricketing greats.Shahid Afridi, the flamboyant all-rounder from Pakistan, etched his name in history by claiming the award in 2007. His explosive batting and crafty leg-spin bowling made him a formidable force on the field. Afridi’s ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a match with his audacious strokeplay and clever variations was a sight to behold. Tillakaratne Dilshan, the Sri Lankan batting maestro, was the recipient of the award in 2009. His innovative “Dilscoop” shot and aggressive batting approach left bowlers perplexed and spectators enthralled. Dilshan’s ability to adapt to different situations and his consistency at the top of the order made him a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s success.Kevin Pietersen, the swashbuckling English batsman, claimed the award in 2010. His ability to dominate any bowling attack with his array of audacious shots and sheer power made him a nightmare for opposition teams. Pietersen’s fearless approach and ability to rise to the occasion in crunch situations set him apart from his contemporaries.Shane Watson, the Australian all-rounder, was the deserving winner in 2012. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him an invaluable asset to his team. Watson’s power-hitting and incisive bowling spells often turned the tide in Australia’s favor, making him a true match-winner.David Warner, the swashbuckling Australian opener, etched his name in the annals of T20 World Cup history by claiming the award in 2021. His blistering batting displays, coupled with his exceptional running between the wickets, made him a force to be reckoned with. Warner’s ability to set the tone for his team with his aggressive intent was a sight to behold.Sam Curran, the young English all-rounder, emerged as the surprise winner in 2022. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball, coupled with his composure under pressure, made him a standout performer. Curran’s versatility and maturity beyond his years bode well for his future in the game.

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Not Virat Kohli, Adam Gilchrist surprises with his pick for top run-getter in T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Not Virat Kohli, Adam Gilchrist surprises with his pick for top run-getter in T20 World Cup | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: As the cricket world gears up for the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to commence on June 2 in the USA and West Indies, discussions among former players and pundits often revolve around predicting the tournament’s standout performers. Former India captain Virat Kohli frequently tops the list of players expected to dominate the run-scoring charts and capture the spotlight.Interestingly, the legendary Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has offered a surprising perspective on the matter. Deviating from the popular opinion surrounding Kohli’s anticipated success, Gilchrist has chosen David Warner to finish as the highest run-scorer of the tournament.On the Club Prairie Fire Podcast, Adam Gilchrist mentioned that the Australian opener will have one last dance before retiring after the World Cup. Meanwhile, on the same podcast, former England captain Michael Vaughan predicted that Virat Kohli will score the most runs in the tournament.When selecting the player likely to finish as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, Gilchrist chose Kuldeep Yadav, whereas Vaughan opted for Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa.Kohli has ended the Indian Premier League season 2024 with the Orange Cap for most runs in the season, becoming the only Indian to have won this honour twice.Kohli scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75, with a century and five fifties. His best score was 113* and his strike rate stood at 154.69, the highest it has ever been for Virat in a single IPL season.He also smashed 38 sixes this season, joint-most by him in a single season, tying with his tally of 38 sixes in the 2016 season, when he scored 973 runs in 16 matches with four tons and seven fifties.

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'World Cup a lot different to IPL and franchise cricket': Jake Fraser-McGurk opens up on Australian squad snub | Cricket News

‘World Cup a lot different to IPL and franchise cricket’: Jake Fraser-McGurk opens up on Australian squad snub | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Australian batting sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk, hailing from Victoria, has taken his exclusion from Australia’s T20 World Cup squad in stride. Despite his impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he amassed 259 runs in six matches at an astonishing strike-rate of 233.33, the 22-year-old believes he hasn’t done enough to warrant a place in the national team yet. Speaking on “The Willow Talk” podcast, Fraser-McGurk expressed his perspective on the situation, stating, “There’s two ways you can look at it. You can look at it through, ‘This is what I’ve done to prove my case,’ and then there’s also, ‘Look, a month-and-a-half ago I wasn’t even in the picture.’” The uncapped T20 international player remained unfazed by his omission, acknowledging the difference between IPL and World Cup cricket.“It didn’t really bother me a hell of a lot because I wasn’t in this position to sort of …. feel like I’ve earned that yet. World Cup cricket is a lot different to IPL and franchise cricket,” added the 22-year-old batsman.While some Australian cricket writers have criticized Fraser-McGurk’s exclusion, citing fitness and form concerns among the selected players, the young batter recognizes the challenges of breaking into a top order that features the likes of David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh. He also acknowledged the depth in the middle order, with players such as Tim David and Cameron Green cementing their positions.“I can’t really see myself batting (at) five or six because we’re pretty set there with Timmy David, Cam Green and those sort of blokes. That’s the way I think about it,” he added.Fraser-McGurk’s journey has been remarkable, from playing domestic cricket in South Australia and living near the Adelaide airport to rubbing shoulders with the elite in the IPL. He credits his Delhi teammate, David Warner, for taking him under his wing and introducing him to a world of luxury, including dinners at lavish mansions and rides in Ferraris. “Me and Davey having a joy ride. I love that sort of stuff. he said. Everyone knows him here (in India),” stated Fraser-McGurk.(Inputs from Reuters)

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David Warner opens up on getting blocked by SRH on social media: ‘It was bizarre, it did hurt’

David Warner opens up on getting blocked by SRH on social media: ‘It was bizarre, it did hurt’

Australia opener David Warner feels it was bizarre when Sunrisers Hyderabad blocked him from social media after releasing him from the squad. Warner led the Hyderabad-based franchise to their lone IPL title in 2016 and was their most successful captain. The left-handed batter was sacked as SRH captain midway in IPL 2022 after his relations with the franchise went sour. Kane Williamson took over the captaincy charge midseason, but they finished the season with three wins in 14 games. David Warner left Sunrisers Hyderabad after IPL 2021.(IPL/Twitter) Warner won Orange Cap twice while playing for Sunrisers as he ended his association with them after scoring 4,014 runs. He led them to 35 wins in 67 matches as captain. Last year, Warner got to know, he was blocked by SRH on social media when he was trying to tag them on his Instagram story. In a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Warner talked about his tainted relationship with SRH, however, he didn’t reveal anything about his exit but admitted he was hurt when they blocked him. “It did (hurt) because it was a sense of like hurt for fans. The fans are the most important relationship you could have. With the engagement with the fans that I had, with the team had was very good,” Warner said. The swashbuckling opener said that engaging with fans is most important to him, and it felt bizarre when SRH blocked him from social media, but he still stays connected with the fans. “Not sure why I was blocked. But, I did engage with a lot of fans on the social media side for SRH. I did feel it was my duty to engage with the fans, making sure they keep coming back. That’s what is most important. But from the blocking point of view, I don’t know. I have been sitting on it for about 5 years. It was bizarre. At the end of the day, I still got fans who come onto my page and talk to everyone. So it’s great,” he added. Meanwhile, Warner is going through a lean patch in IPL this season and scored just 167 runs in 7 matches for Delhi Capitals and has scored just one half-century. Capitals have been inconsistent so far, winning five and losing six of their last 11 games. While winning the remaining three games is a must for Pant’s men, even that will only take them to 16 points which might not be enough to qualify for the last four stage of the tournament.

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Owning a house in India? David Warner opens up on his special love for the country, cricket-crazy fans | Cricket News

Owning a house in India? David Warner opens up on his special love for the country, cricket-crazy fans | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Renowned Australian opener David Warner has always had a special place in his heart for India.An IPL title winner with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, Warner, over the years, has been showered with immense love from the fans across the country.The 37-year-old too has been kind in sharing his love and appreciation for the fans over social media and meet-ups with fans.And it won’t be exaggerating to say that the Australian, to an extent, is more popular in the country than some of the local stars.Warner, recently opened up on the love he has received in the country and said that it has been overwhelming. Amid such popularity, there have also been jokes around Warner owning a place here.Putting all the speculations to a rest, Warner in an interview to Ashwin said, he indeed looked for a place some time back and would like to spend more time in the country.“I don’t (have a house in India). I did look at some stages. I get a lot of people asking me if I want a house here. One day, maybe when I finish my cricket, I would like to come here and spend some time. Lifestyle is good. I am a people’s person. I go to the malls with my girls and I embrace everything,” Warner said in the latest episode of R Ashwin’s YouTube show.“People say I am mad for going out without security and all that. But, at the end of the day, people have a lot of respect. I think people come and ask for photos, yes. But when you are out without your kids and embracing the culture, I think people understand and keep their distance. Sometimes though, in some smaller villages, it can get a little difficult. We do take security with us. But it’s great, I love it. You walk down the street in India and there’s always a game of cricket on,” he added.Warner’s feud-filled exit from Sunrisers, despite winning a title for them, was also a major talking point in his IPL career.From his exit to him being blocked by the franchise, Warner also spilled the beans on his relationship with the franchise.“It did (hurt) because it was a sense of hurt for fans. The fans are the most important relationship you could have. With the engagement with the fans that I had, with the team I had was very good,” Warner said.“Not sure why I was blocked. But, I did engage with a lot of fans on the social media side for SRH. I did feel it was my duty to engage with the fans, making sure they keep coming back. That’s what is most important. But from the blocking point of view, I don’t know. I have been sitting on it for about 5 years. It was bizarre. At the end of the day, I still got fans who come onto my page and talk to everyone. So it’s great,” he added.

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

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

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)

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