With rain causing a washout in the match between Australia and South Africa in Rawalpindi, the winless England and Afghanistan face off in a crucial Group B match in Lahore. The winner of their game stays alive in the race to semis, while the loser gets eliminated.
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Congress MP Vijay Vasanth has urged Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to bestow the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award upon recently retired cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin, who announced his retirement after the third India vs Australia Test, boasts an impressive career with 765 international wickets.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald praised Rishabh Pant's adaptability with the bat during the fifth Test at SCG. Pant showcased contrasting approaches in two innings, impressing McDonald with his strategic play. The SCG pitch offered a fair contest between bat and ball, deviating from its usual batting-friendly nature, making the match thrilling and competitive.
Mohammed Shami showcased his form with a three-wicket spell for Bengal in the Vijay Hazare Trophy preliminary quarterfinal against Haryana. Despite being slightly expensive, 3 for 61, Shami's performance boosts his prospects for a comeback to the Indian team, having been absent since the 2023 ODI World Cup because of injury and subsequent flare-up issues during rehab.
India captain Rohit Sharma emphasizes that Jasprit Bumrah, India's top fast bowler, requires no interference due to his clarity and confidence in his abilities. With 21 wickets in the ongoing BGT series, Bumrah's performance has been exceptional, easing the workload on other bowlers and making a significant impact on the team’s success.
Pakistan reached the tri-series final after defeating South Africa by six wickets in Karachi, with centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. Rizwan's unbeaten 122 and Salman's 134 helped Pakistan chase 353, their highest in ODI. South Africa set a target of 352-5, aided by Matthew Breetzke's 83. Pakistan will face New Zealand next.
Tom Banton's 55-ball 105 and Andre Fletcher's 96 off 50 balls propelled MI Emirates to a commanding total of 228 for 2 in the ILT20 match in Abu Dhabi. Their bowlers then dismantled the Desert Vipers, securing a comprehensive victory with ease.
The World Test Championship may see reforms in its points system, including bonus points for decisive victories and rewarding wins in away games. These changes aim to address perceived unfairness and increase competitiveness. Discussions will take place in April to finalise the new points system, set to commence from the next cycle beginning in June.
The BCCI has set new regulations for IPL teams' practice sessions to preserve pitch quality and ensure balanced training opportunities. Teams can have seven practice sessions, including two practice matches with specific guidelines. Restrictions are placed on practicing on the main square near match days to maintain the ground condition.
Jammu & Kashmir cricket team registered a surprising five-wicket victory over Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match. Subsequently, JKCA filed an official complaint with the BCCI regarding poor umpiring decisions. Such issues, including a questionable lbw ruling and an ignored edge by Shreyas Iyer, left the team dismayed.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri attributes Sam Konstas' on-field aggression to youthful exuberance during his Test debut against India. Shastri advises Konstas to focus on scoring runs and believes the upcoming Sri Lanka tour will aid his growth. Ricky Ponting notes Konstas must adjust his aggressive play to succeed as a Test opener.