t20 world cup

‘Got to watch out for…’: Ravi Shastri picks these two stars as India’s key to T20 World Cup success | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago05 mins

NEW DELHI: Former head coach Ravi Shastri has identified two debutants, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube, as pivotal to India’s aspirations in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be held in the Caribbean and the USA in June.Both players have been included in India’s 15-member squad for the tournament, with Shastri highlighting their potential to make a significant impact on the team’s performance.Jaiswal showcased his exceptional batting prowess during the ICC World Test Championship series against England, amassing a record tally of runs, thereby earning his place in the T20 squad. Meanwhile, Dube’s explosive batting displays in the ongoing IPL, where he has smashed 26 sixes in 11 matches, underscore his current form and the potential value he brings to the Indian team.As India gears up for the T20 World Cup campaign, the inclusion of Jaiswal and Dube adds depth and firepower to the squad, with Shastri expressing confidence in their ability to deliver match-winning performances on the global stage.“The two gentlemen you’ve got to watch out for, and both are left-handers, both playing their first World Cup,” Shastri told ICC.“One is (Yashasvi) Jaiswal. We know a lot about him, he did extremely well against England, explosive at the top of the order, left-hander, he’s young, he’s fearless and he’ll play shots.”Shastri went on to pick Dube as another player to watch out for from the Indian squad.“But there’s someone in the middle order, please watch out for (him), because he is explosive, he’s devastating and he’s a match-winner. He hits sixes for fun, and when it comes to spin bowling, he can kill you,” Shastri said.“He’ll park a few balls out of Long Island into the small island, he’s that kind of a player. He hits it big, he hits it long, and like I said, against spin, he could kill you.“Even against the fast bowlers, he’s worked out his game, he’s understood the way to play and I think he holds the key at that number five, number six position because if you’re on the doldrums, you want someone to change it in 20-25 balls, he’s the player to go to.”Dube’s impressive performances in IPL 2024 have been characterised by his exceptional strike rate of 170.73, coupled with an impressive batting average of over 40. In 11 IPL matches this year, Dube has amassed a total of 350 runs, showcasing his ability to consistently contribute with the bat at a rapid pace.The left-hander was singled out for huge praise by Shastri, who thinks that Dube’s big-hitting could unlock big totals for India in the competition.“His strike rate, which will be close to 200 most of the time, will help India immensely in going forward, getting those 190s, 200s that are needed in big competitions, especially like the (T20) World Cup.“So enjoy it, watch out for this left-hander — he’s big, he’s strapping, and he hits a long ball.”(With IANS inputs)

‘Rohit Sharma needs to call Agarkar and hand his resignation’: MI star blasted after another flop show in IPL 2024

Danijones6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

Rohit Sharma once again failed to put up a big score as his rough patch continues with another flop show against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League match on Monday. Rohit started the tournament on a high, but in the last six matches, it just went downhill for him with every passing game. The swashbuckling opener hasn’t been able to get going. As a result, he scored just 33 runs in the last five innings. Rohit Sharma registered another single digit score with flop show against SRH.(X) Rohit was dismissed by Pat Cummins for just 4 in the much-win clash against SRH on Monday. Chasing the 174-run target, Rohit opened his account with a boundary on the first ball he faced, but Cummins got the better of him. He tried to flick it but only managed to get an edge on it as Heinrich Klassen grabbed an easy catch behind the stumps. It was the fourth time when Cummins got the better of Rohit in T20Is as the Indian skipper’s struggles against him continued. Rohit Sharma vs Pat Cummins in T20s Innings: 9 Runs: 57 Balls; 41 Dismissals: 4 Avg: 14.25 The former Mumbai Indians captain faced the wrath of cricket fans on social media after his sluggish form continued in the cash-rich. Rohit’s recent form is not a good sign for the Indian team as he will lead the Men in Blue in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Earlier, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and decided to field against SRH at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. Mumbai started the match at the bottom of the points table with 3 wins out of 11 matches. Skipper Pandya struck form before the T20 World Cup, while veteran Piyush Chawla also bagged three wickets as the five-time champions restricted SRH to a below-par 173/8. Pandya hit the right chord with the ball and returned with the figures of 4-0-31-3 while Chawla (4-0-33-3) produced an impactful performance to trouble the SRH batters. Meanwhile, SRH skipper Cummins chipped in with a 17-ball 35 (2x4s, 2x6s) late in the innings to take them past the 150-run mark.

IPL 2024: Ravindra Jadeja’s returns a timely assurance for India

Danijones6 months ago6 months ago06 mins

There was no whirlwind innings, not at least in comparison to what has been passing for absurdly belligerent in this edition of the IPL. Nor did he take the most vital wickets, Tushar Deshpande ticked this box by scalping Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw. Yet in grubby affairs with middling scores, Ravindra Jadeja stands out excelling in doing the mundane—firefighting collapses with balanced batting, wielding tireless control over the ball and throwing himself around to save every run possible. Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja celebrates the wicket of Punjab Kings’ Ashutosh Sharma during the Indian Premier League cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings in Dharamshala(AP) The last facet has long been taken for granted. But this may be a good time to once again point out how significant Jadeja’s latest uptick has been for Chennai Super Kings. Wicket-taking was never his forte. But if economy is a suitable indicator of the difficulty to hit a bowler, Jadeja’s 7.26 sits third among all Indian bowlers with at least 200 balls in this IPL, behind Jasprit Bumrah’s 6.25 and Axar Patel’s 7.26. Taking into consideration that he generally comes on after the end of the first Powerplay, that’s a comforting statistic for any franchise. Perhaps more for India, going into a T20 World Cup pretty low on the allrounder quotient because of Shivam Dube’s relative inexperience and Hardik Pandya’s disappointing returns. The possibility of Axar Patel and Jadeja fielded in the same eleven being next to zero, this has been an assuring preview of what can be expected from Jadeja. None of this should deflect from Jadeja’s actual performance as bowler on Sunday—wheeling away, attacking the stumps to not allow any room to maneuver till Punjab Kings finally gave in. The rub of green probably went Jadeja’s way when Sam Curran reached out for a wide ball but couldn’t clear long-off. But enticing Prabhsimran Singh into a lofted shot with a fuller ball is what makes Jadeja such an unpredictable bowler. Jadeja the economical bowler with stifling lengths is one thing, Jadeja the wicket-taking bowler in addition to stifling lengths becomes a different game altogether. Punjab Kings got to experience that side of Jadeja, ratcheting the pressure with every dot, prising out wickets and making life miserable. India will play day games at the T20 World Cup. Which means dew won’t be a factor on slow pitches in the US and Caribbean. So, when you take that into factor, Jadeja’s performance on Monday becomes all the more indicative of how India could stand to benefit. This still doesn’t cover Jadeja’s batting, which statistically speaking, doesn’t set the stage on fire. CSK’s gamble to send him at No 4 thrice in this IPL too has had mixed returns. But when the chips are down, no one probably does a better salvaging job at No 6 than Jadeja. Jadeja knew what he wanted to do. “The wicket was slow, and it was expected to be slow because it was quite warm,” said Jadeja after CSK’s 28-run win on Monday. “Wanted to build a partnership of 30-40 so that we have a platform for the end. My role is to build a partnership if we lose early wickets.” If taking three wickets on a less responsive surface is a trait any team would kill to possess, scoring a 26-ball 43 in an innings where no one else crossed 32 comes a close second. By reverting to the natural order of things—letting Jadeja thrive in a batting role he knows and relishes best—CSK has not only helped themselves come out of a knot but also given Jadeja much-needed simulation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. There may not be any dazzling array of strokes, or a bagful of wickets, but trust Jadeja to quietly get the job done.

WATCH: Team India’s new T20 jersey launched ahead of World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

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Uganda’s Frank Nsubuga set to become oldest player at this year’s T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Ugandan off-spinner Frank Nsubuga is poised to etch his name in cricketing history as the oldest player to grace the T20 World Cup stage, at a remarkable 43 years of age.The Uganda Cricket Association made headlines on Monday by unveiling their 15-member squad for the prestigious tournament, marking Uganda’s debut in the main round of the competition. Brian Masaba assumes the leadership mantle for the squad, with Riazat Ali Shah appointed as his deputy.Uganda’s journey to the T20 World Cup has been a tale of perseverance and triumph, culminating in their commendable second-place finish in the Africa Qualifiers Regional Final, securing their rightful place among cricketing elites on the global stage.Their campaign kicks off on June 3 in Guyana, where they will lock horns with Afghanistan in a Group C encounter. Joining them in this group are formidable opponents like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the host nation, West Indies.This daunting challenge presents an opportunity for Uganda to showcase their talent and make a mark in the cricketing fraternity, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that defines their journey to the T20 World Cup.Uganda squad: Brian Masaba (c), Riazat Ali Shah (vc), Kenneth Waiswa, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Ronak Patel, Roger Mukasa, Cosmas Kyewuta, Bilal Hassun, Fred Achelam, Robinson Obuya, Simon Ssesazi, Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani and Juma Miyaji.Reserve players: Ronald Lutaaya and Innocent Mwebaze.(With PTI inputs)

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

Danijones6 months ago05 mins

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)

Babar Azam expresses confidence in Gary Kirsten’s appointment, assures team unity ahead of T20 World Cup | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: Pakistan‘s limited overs captain, Babar Azam, shared his positive outlook on the recent appointment of Gary Kirsten as the head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball side, expressing optimism about the potential impact on the team’s performance.“Gary Kirsten is a very experienced coach, and his presence should be beneficial for us all. He is already taking a lot of interest in the planning for the World Cup and discussing strategy with the team management,” Babar stated during a media conference in Lahore.Babar emphasized Kirsten’s active involvement in strategizing for the upcoming World Cup, highlighting his regular communication with the team management and indicating a collaborative approach towards planning and preparation.”Babar assured that Kirsten’s arrival would enhance the team’s coordination and planning, with a clear focus on optimizing the squad’s performance in the global tournament. He dismissed concerns over selection issues, affirming that decisions would prioritize the team’s interests and cohesion,” the captain added.Addressing the integration of young players into the squad, Babar stressed the importance of providing them with ample opportunities to settle into international cricket, reaffirming the team management’s commitment to supporting and nurturing emerging talents ahead of the World Cup.“I think there is little time for rotation now because the World Cup is around the corner, and in the remaining matches. We will try to give the team we want to play with in the World Cup a proper opportunity,” Babar commented.Looking ahead to potential matchups, Babar acknowledged the challenge posed by India’s Virat Kohli but affirmed the team’s comprehensive planning against all opposing players, emphasizing the team’s collective strategy and preparation to counter the strengths of each opponent.“The thing is, we plan against all eleven players of a team, and we don’t know much about how the conditions will be in New York. But yes, he [Kohli] is one of the best players, and we will plan against him as well,” Babar said.Babar also dispelled any rumors of internal rifts within the team, emphasizing unity and mutual support among players. Expressing his excitement for his second stint as Pakistan captain, Babar credited the team’s success to collective effort and emphasized the backing received from the cricket board.(With inputs from PTI)

‘Maaro bhai, dono maarenge…’: Rishabh Pant recalls special IPL moment with Sanju Samson | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago03 mins

NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant recalled an IPL 2017 moment with his former teammate Sanju Samson, who now leads the Rajasthan Royals. During an interaction on Jio Cinema, Pant shared a light-hearted moment from the past where Samson inquired about their game strategy while playing for the Delhi franchise together, against the Gujarat Lions, led by Suresh Raina at the time. Pant revealed their on-field chemistry by quoting what he told Samson, “We had a great chemistry together. Sanju came asked what would be the gameplan. I said, ‘Maaro bhai, dono maarenge (Let’s hit, brother; we’ll both strike).’” The two cricketers, Pant and Samson, have been in the limelight for their consistent performances in the ongoing IPL and have been selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup. There is a possibility of seeing them bat together for the national team, which would be an exciting prospect for cricket fans.ALSO SEE: IPL 2024 SCHEDULELooking ahead, the Delhi Capitals, under Pant’s leadership, are set to clash with Samson’s Rajasthan Royals in the 54th match of the ongoing IPL 2024 season in Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday. This encounter is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure their positions in the league standings. As of now, Rajasthan Royals have slipped to the second spot on the points table after a recent victory by Kolkata Knight Riders over Lucknow Super Giants. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals are placed sixth, having accumulated 10 points from 11 matches. Both teams are eager to improve their standings, and the upcoming match is expected to be a high-stakes battle.

‘If Babar Azam hits three straight sixes, I will…’: Ex-Pakistan cricketer challenges current T20 captain | Cricket News

Danijones6 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has thrown down the gauntlet to current captain Babar Azam. Ali challenges Azam to hit three consecutive sixes straight down the ground against top-tier teams. If Azam succeeds, Ali has vowed to delete his YouTube channel.“If Babar Azam hits three straight sixes against top teams, not against the likes of the USA or Ireland, but against top teams, I will shut down my YouTube channel.If he accepts this challenge, he should say that he accepts it. And if he can’t hit those sixes in the World Cup, then he shouldn’t open the batting,” said Ali.The 29-year-old batsman has recently been reappointed as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. This decision to reinstate Azam as the captain of the T20 side came after Azam had initially stepped down from the role in November, leading to Shaheen Shah Afridi‘s appointment. SEE ALSO: T20 World Cup 2024 ScheduleThe PCB’s selection committee unanimously recommended Azam’s reinstatement, which was approved by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi.In the lead-up to the World Cup, Pakistan, having drawn a T20I series 2-2 against an inexperienced New Zealand, are set to face Ireland and England in the shortest format of the game over the coming weeks.

ICC reassures robust security as T20 World Cup reportedly receives terror threat

Danijones6 months ago05 mins

The T20 World Cup in the Americas has received a terror threat, Trinidad’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has revealed even as the ICC asserted that a ‘comprehensive and robust security plan’ is in place to ‘mitigate any risks’ to the showpiece beginning June 1. The tournament — featuring 20 teams, including India — is scattered across nine venues, six of them in the West Indies. As of now, the threat, according to media reports, is specific to the West Indies, which aside from some preliminary matches, will be hosting the entire Super 8 stage along with the semifinals and the final on June 29. “Unfortunately, the threat of terrorism in its many and varied expressions is an ever-present danger in the world of the 21st century,” Rowley was quoted as saying by ‘Trinidad Daily Express’ here. Rowley did not name any organisation but reports here stated that the Islamic State made the threat through its propaganda channel. The ICC responded to the development with a statement assuring preparedness. “Safety and security of everyone at the event is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place,” a spokesperson of the global body said in a statement issued to PTI. “We work closely with authorities in our host countries and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event.” Rowley said ‘extra effort in national security preparations and response readiness’ will be put in to neutralise the danger. “Given the fact that bad actors can choose to misbehave in any way possible, it makes it virtually impossible to completely seal off all opportunities,” he said. “However, in order to ameliorate these dangers, we at the local and regional levels have remained alert to many threats and singularly or together have our intelligence and other security agencies working to protect the population in countries and at venues throughout the tournament,” he added. The World Cup matches in the West Indies will be held in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago. The US leg will feature games in Florida, New York and Texas. New York will host the marquee India-Pakistan clash on June 9. Cricket West Indies said everything is being done to ensure foolproof security at the mega-event. “We work closely with authorities in the host countries and cities, and continually monitor and evaluate the global landscape to ensure appropriate plans are in place to mitigate any risks identified to our event,” CWI CEO Jonny Graves told ‘Cricbuzz’. “We want to assure all stakeholders that safety and security of everyone at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is our number one priority and we have a comprehensive and robust security plan in place,” he added. Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: May 6, 2024 Tune In