As Team India is set to clash with Afghanistan in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, former spinner Harbhajan Singh praised the side's performances in the group stage. He also added that Hardik Panyda's ball show and Rishabh Pant scoring runs at number three are the biggest positives from the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign so far. Rohit Sharm-led India remained unbeaten in the group-stage matches. Rohit and Co. defeated Ireland, Pakistan and the USA before their last T20 World Cup 2024 group stage match against Canada was cancelled due to a wet outfield. "The biggest positive is that Hardik Pandya took the wicket. He was the fourth bowler in this tournament. But if you look at his wicket tally, he has done much better than what was expected of him," Harbhajan said on 'Star Sports'. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024 | "You guys are a great inspiration", says Dravid to Canadian players Hardik Pandya coming off a poor run in the IPL 2024 has bagged seven wickets. Rishabh Pant after recovering from injuries has been consistently scoring runs for India with a strike rate of 124.67 in the T20 World Cup 2024. "Along with him, Rishabh Pant played at number 3. His role was completely changed. Before this World Cup, we were saying that Sanju Samson will play in the team because he has made big runs. "To make Rishabh Pant play at number three is a big positive. Left-Right combination is formed when Rishabh Pant plays at number three," Harbhajan said on Pant's promotion up the order. Team India will lock horns with Afghanistan in the Super 8 match on June 20 in Barbados. Having played the T20 World Cup 2024 group stage matches in the USA, Harbhajan Singh said that the side has what it takes to adapt to the new conditions. "There are a lot of positives. Of course, there are challenges and difficulties. But the challenges come in front of those who are brave. This team is a team of brave players. "They fought well and played very well. Because of this, they topped the group," he said. (With PTI Inputs)
17 June,2024 03:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTeam India's head coach Rahul Dravid heaped praises on the Canadian team after their final game of the T20 World Cup 2024 was washed out in Florida due to a wet outfield. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 matches, as India gears up to play against Afghanistan in Barbados, the Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a video of Dravid interacting with the Canadian players and staff members in the dressing room. On Saturday, Dravid received a signed jersey from Canada coach Pubudu Dassanayake. The Indian head coach commended the Canadian team for their efforts in the tournament and for emerging as an inspiration to young players. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan captain Babar Azam opens up losses against India, USA "Guys, just thanks a lot. Personally, just want to acknowledge and appreciate the fantastic contributions that you guys have made to this tournament. You guys honestly are a great inspiration to all of us, to show us that we love the game truly. The kind of sacrifices you guys are willing to make to play this tournament, to qualify, to come here, to make this tournament what it is. Congratulations. Well done to all of you," Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI on X. A special interaction despite a washout in Florida 🤝✈️ Next Stop: Barbados 🏖️#TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/0KtT5nlR1l — BCCI (@BCCI) June 17, 2024 "All I will say is that you know, keep taking it forward. You guys are inspiring. Not only other people, but I'm sure you're inspiring young boys and girls in your own countries to be able to play the sport. So, the results honestly do not matter. The fact that you're being an inspiration, I think, is great for the world," he added. Team India arrived in Barbados for their upcoming clash against Afghanistan. Later, star all-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his desire to enjoy the fineness of the venue. "We are in Barbados, looking forward to going to the beach, having some really good sun and at the same point of time beautiful clear blue water. There is no better place to play such a wonderful tournament at the same point of time with wonderful people," Hardik said. India T20 World Cup 2024 squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Reserves: Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Avesh Khan. (With ANI Inputs)
17 June,2024 02:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPakistan captain Babar Azam regrets the mistakes he made against India and the USA in the early group stage matches of the T20 World Cup 2024. The "Green Shirts" ended their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign after securing a win over Ireland by three wickets. The skipper played an unbeaten knock of 32 runs while chasing 107 runs against Ireland. "I think with the bowling, conditions suited our bowlers. But in batting, we made a few mistakes in the matches against the USA and India. When you lose wickets, the pressure is on you", said Babar in the post-match presentation ceremony. Babar admitted the fact that they failed to tick the boxes throughout the mega event. "We couldn't finish off close games, and as a team we weren't good", he admitted. Pakistan lost their first two Group A matches against India and the USA before beating Canada and Ireland. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024 | "The decision is of the PCB": Babar opens up on his future as captain However, Babar was happy that his team ended the T20 World Cup 2024 with a victory. "Yes we finished well. We took early wickets with the ball. But with the bat, we didn't finish well. We lost back-to-back wickets, but got over the line in the end." Following the early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, Babar said that after returning home the side will conduct discussions about the areas they lacked. "Let's see, what the team needs, I'll be okay with it. We have a good bunch of players, we've to go home, chat and see where we lacked, and then come back," he added. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was later adjudged as player of the match, said they did not play the right brand of cricket in the tournament. "We haven't played the kind of cricket our country demands, have a few areas to improve on. It's tough (the result)", said Afridi. Ireland captain Paul Stirling said they never really got the team balance right. "It's getting that balance right. T20 we probably haven't got that this time around. It's been a difficult couple of weeks. We'll go back, regroup and see if we can come back stronger", he noted. (With PTI Inputs)
17 June,2024 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPakistan has been knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024. Following this, struggling skipper Babar Azam said he has not decided anything regarding quitting captaincy and the decision regarding the matter will be taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Pakistan under his captaincy lost the matches against debutants USA and arch-rivals India to exit the T20 World Cup 2024 even before the Super Eights. "When I go back, we will discuss all the things that happened here. And if I have to leave the captaincy, this decision, I will tell you openly. I will not announce anything behind the scenes. Whatever happens, will happen in front of you," Babar said after Pakistan ended their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. Babar said it was the Pakistan Cricket Board which reinstated him and whether he continues or not, will be their call. "I have not thought about it. The decision is of the PCB," he said, asserting that he never asked for a leadership role. "About the captaincy when I had left it (after ODI World Cup), I thought that I shouldn't be doing it now, that's why I left it and I announced it myself. Then when they gave it back to me, it was the decision of the PCB." Pakistan's Babar Azam was visibly annoyed after repeatedly asking questions on his future. Later, he told the media that one person cannot be blamed for the team's loss. Also Read: The Super Eight conundrum at World Cup "...everyone is sad. As a team, we did not play. I told you that we did not lose this because of one person," he told a probing scribe. "We are losing as a team. I am not saying this because of one person. You are pointing out that because of the captain, I cannot play in every player's place. There are 11 players and each of them has a role. "I think we as a team have not been able to apply, follow and finish things. We have to settle down and accept that we didn't play well as a team." Imad Wasim, in a media interaction, had spoken about how Pakistan is not changing its archaic style at a time when the world order in the shortest format had undergone a sea change. Babar partially agreed with Imad's assertion. "I think eight-nine players are the same who have been playing for four years. They should not fear. All of them are the same players. They are being backed. They are being given opportunities," he said. Babar admitted that Pakistan needs to improved their batting performances. "You need to assess the conditions, what's the demand here. If you follow that then - tell me how many matches have been played here and there's been outstanding batting? "There's been a struggle, but you need to be proactive about what's required here. I think it's about game awareness and common sense, which is what is required here." Babar joined the chorus of criticism against the standard of pitches in the tournament's USA leg, which concluded on Saturday. While drop-in pitches in New York copped a lot of flak, inadequate covers for the full ground in Florida also didn't go down well with teams. "I was expecting someone to ask this question (on US tracks). As far as pitches are concerned...In New York, you saw that the game was played on toss. I think the timing was a little too early. "Because when you win a toss, every second team opted to bowl. And bowlers got help...you didn't have the idea of bounce because there was no consistent bounce. Sometimes the ball went too high, sometimes it stayed down." (With PTI Inputs)
17 June,2024 01:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The T20 World Cup 2024 is around the halfway mark this season with teams scrambling to make the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Bewildering one and all, heavyweights like Pakistan and New Zealand have failed to secure spots in the next stage, Sri Lanka suffered a premature elimination, and England's advancement hinges on assistance from Australia. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, another Test-playing nation, faces a crucial match against a resurgent Nepal to secure passage to the next round. What could be the underlying reasons for these outcomes? Nepal came agonisingly close to securing their maiden international victory against a Test-playing nation, narrowly losing to South Africa in their T20 World Cup 2024 encounter. Criticism has often been levelled at the limited number of teams competing in Cricket World Cups over the years. The ICC-organised flagship events have employed various formats, with many questioning their perceived exclusivity. The 2023 ODI World Cup, for example, featured just ten participating teams, limiting opportunities for Associate nations to leave their mark. Nevertheless, the performances of teams like the Netherlands have underscored their growing capabilities. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: India vs Pakistan charms American turf this time In contrast, the T20 World Cup 2024 has expanded to include 20 teams, allowing several supposed 'minnows' the chance to compete alongside the world's best, revitalising the World Cup as a comprehensive celebration of cricket. Sceptics initially anticipated that Associate teams would struggle in the group stage, with traditional powerhouses dominating proceedings. However, this notion has been dramatically dispelled, particularly by co-hosts United States, who have advanced to the Super Eights in their debut appearance at this global showcase. The United States clinched a thrilling victory over Pakistan in a Super Over and gave India a scare before narrowly succumbing to them. Their spirited displays throughout the tournament have unequivocally proved their mettle on the grand stage. Similarly, Nepal pushed South Africa to the brink and came close to securing a historic victory before falling short by a solitary run. Elsewhere, Canada, who suffered defeat at the hands of neighbours the United States, rebounded to overcome Ireland, another 'Full Member' nation. Consequently, several Test-playing teams have failed to pass the group stage test of this thrilling new World Cup. Eleven out of the twelve recognized Test-playing nations have participated in this edition, with Zimbabwe suffering an unexpected exit during the Qualifiers. Among these eleven, only five teams (India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, and Afghanistan) have secured spots in the Super Eights. Two teams (England and Bangladesh) are currently battling for advancement, while four teams (Pakistan, New Zealand, Ireland, and Sri Lanka) have been eliminated.
17 June,2024 11:30 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentStar Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews admitted Saturday that “we’ve let the entire nation down” as the former champions suffered a first round exit at the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka play their final Group D game on Sunday against the Netherlands after losing to Bangladesh and South Africa. “I think first of all we’ve let the entire nation down and we are really sorry because we’ve also let ourselves down. We never expected this. We came across a lot of challenges but those are not something to sort of worry about, but it’s unfortunate that we didn’t make the second round,” said former skipper Mathews. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 June,2024 07:06 AM IST | Saint Lucia | AFPAfter England secured a 41-run win over Namibia in a truncated affair and seeing Australia beat Scotland to enter the Super Eight stage, wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow hit back at the critics for questioning his place in the side, saying there’s a reason behind him playing international cricket for a long time. Under pressure due to scoring just 64 runs in his last four T20Is, Bairstow smashed 31 off 18 balls while sharing a 56-run stand with Harry Brook for the third wicket as England made 122-5 in their ten overs. “Look, people are allowed to have opinions, and it’s part and parcel of it. It’s not the first time that people have had a go at me, is it? So, you take it on the chin, and you crack on. “At the end of the day, there’s a reason why I’ve played for so long, and there’s a reason why I’m in the team. So maybe sometimes the opinions and the views that come through certain people’s eyes are incorrect and maybe need to look at themselves,” said Bairstow in the post-match press conference. Bairstow is still one of the few players who plays all three formats of international cricket. He said: “I’d like to be keeping wickets and batting in Tests. That’s what I’ve wanted to do. I haven’t spent much time thinking about it. Games are coming thick and fast. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 June,2024 07:06 AM IST | Antigua | IANSSmriti Mandhana’s resolute hundred and a disciplined bowling effort, led by spinners Deepti Sharma and Asha Shobana, piloted India to a huge 143-run win over South Africa in the first women’s ODI here on Sunday. India now lead the three-match series 1-0, and the second game will be played here on June 19. Mandhana’s sixth ODI century (117, 127 balls , 12x4s, 1x6) formed the fulcrum of India’s competitive 265 for eight on a sluggish Chinnaswamy pitch. Then the Indian bowlers worked their magic around the South African batters to bowl out the visitors for 122 as debutante leg-spinner Asha (4-21) led the show with a frugal spell and was well-supported by offie Deepti (2-10). Pacer Renuka Singh (1-30) gave India the perfect start, dismissing the in-form South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt in the first over itself. Wolvaardt had no answer for an excellent nip-backer from Renuka that clipped the top of her off-stump. The Indians soon fetched the wickets of Tazmine Brits and Anneke Bosch as the tourists slumped to 33 for three. The experienced Marizane Kapp (24, 39 balls), who hammered Renuka for successive four and six, tried to revive the innings with Sune Luus who fought well with a 33. But their fourth wicket alliance of 39 runs consumed 68 balls as the asking rate climbed over seven which never really came down thereafter. Asha ended that struggle when the leg-spinner had Kapp caught at covers by Harmanpreet Kaur. At five down for 74, South Africa were always facing the climb up the hill. Earlier, India’s script for victory was written by Mandhana. Mandhana stitched two significant partnerships with Deepti (37, 48 balls, 3x4s) and Pooja Vastrakar (31 not out) to take India out of trouble after the hosts found themselves at 99 for five at one stage. Brief scoresIndia 265-8 in 50 overs (S Mandhana 117, D Sharma 37, P Vastrakar 31*; A Khaka 3-47, M Klaas 2-51) beat South Africa 122 all out in 37.4 overs (S Luus 33; A Sobhana 4-21, D Sharma 2-10) by 143 runs This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 June,2024 07:06 AM IST | Bangalore | PTIAustralia did their arch-rivals England a massive favour with a five-wicket win over a gritty Scotland as the Richie Berrington-led side crashed out of the T20 World Cup Super Eight stage race here. With England hammering Namibia earlier in the day in a rain-truncated game, all that Jos Buttler’s side needed was Australia’s win over Scotland to a get a lifeline. Tight battle Australia scored 186-5 while chasing 181 in 19.4 overs after Scotland fought right until the end to keep their hopes alive. After putting on a formidable total on board, Scotland had even reduced an edgy Australia to 60-3 at one stage but their most successful batters in this World Cup—Travis Head (68) and Marcus Stoinis (59)—delivered again. Mitchell Marsh “We spoke about sticking to our plans. Scotland are a good team, they have improved a lot and we certainly wanted to respect them,” Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh said. “We just wanted to stay consistent and if we fail, we fail our way. Whenever our team is challenged, it brings the best out of us. Today we were challenged and it was a good experience and a good game of cricket. We start fresh now,” he added. With Australia’s chase appearing to be falling apart, the in-from Head and Stoinis joined forces to bring them back in the game. Head, Stoinis shine Head smacked four sixes and five fours to top score with 68 off a mere 49 balls but Stoinis was more aggressive, cracking nine fours and two sixes to make a quickfire 59 from a mere 29 balls. Brief scoresScotland 180-5 in 20 overs (B McMullen 60, R Berrington 42*; G Maxwell 2-44) lost to Australia 186-5 in 19.4 overs (T Head 68, M Stoinis 59; M Watt 2-34) by five wickets This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 June,2024 07:06 AM IST | Gros Islet | PTIPakistan’s pace battery, led by Shaheen Afridi, fired in unison to restrict Ireland to 106 for nine in the inconsequential T20 World Cup game here on Sunday. In a sensational display of seam and swing, the pace trio of Afridi (3-22), Mohammad Amir (2-11) and Haris Rauf (1-17) exploited the conditions well to reduce them to 32 for six in Powerplay. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim (3-8) then used his guile to claim three late wickets as Pakistan produced a dominating bowling show. Top-scorer Gareth Delany stuck three maximums and a four during his 19-ball 31, while Mark Adair (15) and George Dockrell (11) also reached double digit figures. The No. 10 Joshua Little (22 not out) then threw his bat to take Ireland across the 100-run mark. Ireland had a nightmarish start as Afridi and Amir left them tottering at four for three in the second over. The left-arm pacer Afridi struck twice in three balls, removing Andrew Balbirnie (0) and Lorcan Tucker (2) in the opening over. Amir then had Ireland skipper Paul Stirling (1) caught behind to leave the top order in disarray. Brief scoresIreland 106-9 in 20 overs (G Delaney 31; I Wasim 3-8, S Afridi 3-22, M Amir 2-11) v Pakistan (scores incomplete) This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 June,2024 07:05 AM IST | Lauderhill | PTIVirat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in this Indian set-up because of their ability to play defining knocks when it matters the most and Sanjay Manjrekar wouldn’t mind a few underwhelming group league scores from the two megastars if they can make a difference in the semi-final or final of the T20 World Cup. While Kohli has failed to reach double digits in all three completed games, skipper Rohit was in good nick during his fifty against Ireland, but didn’t score many against Pakistan and USA in the subsequent matches. “Ideally, if you have gone for people like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, then you have gone for experience. You want to take your experienced players in World Cup to deliver when it really matters,” Manjrekar said. Sanjay Manjrekar The former India player added, “So, I don’t mind if certain players are out of form. Coming into the knockouts, if they play a defining innings in a semi-final or the final to win the title, that’s the kind of expectation you must have from your senior players. “If a youngster comes to the fore, that’s a bonus like it happened in 1992 with Pakistan, with Inzamam-ul-Haq. It’s the seniors who have to make the major contribution and that is why I guess selectors go for experience in T20 World Cup or World Cups generally.” Also Read: ICC's Big American Dream: Too many loose ends, over-dependence on Indian market Manjrekar, who has played 37 Tests and 74 ODIs, is one of the most respected cricket analysts and when asked about the legendary duo’s future in T20Is post World Cup, he felt that it could be answered by the players themselves or the national chairman of selectors. “I think it’s a question best asked to chairman of selectors what their plans are and the two individuals can tell what their plans are and how the selection committee is going to be thinking and I think there’s fair bit left in the tournament before they start thinking on those lines,” the Mumbaikar said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 June,2024 07:05 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
