Opener Abhishek Sharma credits mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy for India's turnaround in their seven-wicket victory against England in the T20 series opener. Chakaravarthy's pivotal over halted England's progress, allowing other bowlers to capitalize. Sharma also praised the team's support and his IPL experience for bolstering his fearless batting.
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Despite his recent struggles with the bat, Virat Kohli's charisma remains undiminished. Kohli was greeted by adoring fans at Bhubaneswar airport after the second ODI against England in Cuttack. A viral video shows Kohli hugging a female fan amid tight security, highlighting his immense popularity.
Devajit Saikia is poised to become the next BCCI secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia the treasurer at the BCCI Special General Meeting. Saikia has been acting as secretary since Jay Shah’s move to the ICC. The election is expected to be unopposed at the Mumbai headquarters. Saikia represents Assam Cricket Association, and Bhatia is a BCCI Apex Council member.
Brian Bennett's career-best 169 and Blessing Muzarabani's 4 for 51 led Zimbabwe to a 49-run victory over Ireland in the first ODI in Harare. Captain Craig Ervine supported with 66. Despite a fightback from George Dockrell and Andy McBrine, Ireland were all out for 250 in 46 overs. Further matches are scheduled for Sunday and Tuesday.
Smriti Mandhana, a prominent figure in Indian women's cricket, has had an exceptional year, emerging as the ICC's Women's ODI Player of the Year. With 747 runs in 13 One-Dayers in 2024, she outperformed top players globally. Her consistent performances, including four centuries, and leading Royal Challengers Bangalore to a title, underscore her growth and maturity.
Ricky Ponting believes Mitchell Starc's exceptional performance in the second Test against India might have been fueled by Yashasvi Jaiswal's playful taunt about his bowling speed in the previous match. Starc's improved consistency and ability to start spells strongly, particularly with the pink ball, contributed to his success, according to Ponting.
Pretoria Capitals kept their playoff hopes alive in SA20 with a dominant win over Joburg Super Kings, thanks to a brilliant bowling performance led by Migale Pretorius' 3 for 22. Pretoria easily chased down JSK's target of 99, powered by Marques Ackerman's 39, achieving victory in just 12 overs. Pretoria Capitals are now fifth on the points table.
Pakistan have been fined for a slow over-rate during their second ODI against New Zealand, having fallen one over short even with time allowances. This marks their second consecutive penalty, having also been fined in the first ODI. In Hamilton, Pakistan lost by 84 runs with notable performances from Mitchell Hay and Ben Sears.
In his final Test, New Zealand's Tim Southee equaled Chris Gayle's record of 98 Test sixes. He achieved this feat with three sixes against England, reaching 23 runs off just 10 balls. This explosive innings propelled him to joint-fourth on the all-time six-hitting list, just shy of Adam Gilchrist's 100 sixes.
India's T20 team aims to replicate their strong opening performance against England in the second match in Chennai. While Mohammed Shami's participation depends on his fitness evaluation, India is bolstered by the form of their pacers and spinners. England needs better contributions from their bowlers to counter India's strengths.
India's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah revealed teammate Mohammed Siraj bowled with a niggle during the third Test against Australia. Despite the injury, Siraj showed fighting spirit, picking up two wickets. Bumrah praised Siraj's commitment and positive attitude, even when not fully fit, emphasising his valuable contribution to the team.