Author: Zartash

Punjab Kings 145 for 5 (Curran 63*, Avesh 2-28, Chahal 2-31) wiped out Rajasthan Royals 144 for 9 by five wickets. T20s and leagues such as the IPL can see rapid changes in form. This nonstop action has the potential to turn the tide too. Rajasthan Royals (RR) became the second IPL team to do so, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru.  Yet, unlike RCB, who have won five consecutive matches, RR has now lost four in a row. After winning three in a row, their prospects of finishing in the top two have reduced. The latest defeat occurred in Guwahati. Sam…

Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s speed leader, has gone home from the Indian Premier League. This breathtaking news shocked his fans. But as the reason was revealed, his fans got a sigh of relief. Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of IPL after suffering a lower leg soft tissue infection.  The 28-year-old consulted a specialist upon landing in South Africa [on Sunday evening]. Now he is under strict supervision by the CSA medical staff. His preparations for the forthcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States are anticipated to be unaffected. Yeah, it’s true! He is South Africa’s…

England Test captain and our favorite, Ben Stokes, will make his first Durham appearance in two years.  He’s going to face Ashes rival Nathan Lyon, later this week. Ben has withdrawn from next month’s T20 World Cup. And he is focused on his red ball game—a return to all-rounder responsibilities after spending most of the previous year as a specialist hitter. Just after the completion of England’s Test tour of India, the 32-year-old all-rounder took a one-year vacation. He misses the first five games of his country’s return to the top division. But he is now ready for his comeback.…

The West Indies confirmed their 15-man squad for the current ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This tournament will be co-hosted by the Caribbean nations and the USA. For good cause, Rovman Powell is likely to captain the West Indies in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Shamar Joseph did his best in his Test debut series against Australia earlier this year. And is now poised to mark his T20I debut. After being picked in the West Indies T20 WC squad. Meanwhile, Shimron Hetmyer made a comeback after missing the T20I series against Australia. Well, he has been in…

England Women use artificial intelligence (AI) to inform selection utilizing a system. Head coach Jon Lewis says it proved crucial in last year’s drawn Ashes series. Lewis was first exposed to the technology, provided by the London-based company PSi. While coaching UP Warriorz in the inaugural WPL last year. He has since spoken with the likes of England Rugby Union coach Steve Borthwick, about this system.  Bear in mind that this AI is also used by English rugby league side Wigan Warriors and English Football League One side Wigan Athletic. That further allows the coaching staff to simulate various match-ups…

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants India to play all their matches in Lahore for the Champions Trophy next year. This Champions Trophy is a big cricket tournament with many teams. Pakistan is supposed to hold it in 2025. The report says PCB is thinking about hosting it in mid-February. Lahore is picked because it’s close to the Wagah Border, where India and Pakistan meet. The report also says Lahore will have the final match. Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Lahore are the places where the matches will happen. However, PCB chose Lahore for India because it’s easier for planning and security.…

In a really exciting game in Scarborough, The Blaze beat the Northern Diamonds for their first win of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy season. Bethan Gammon’s big hit from the No. 7 spot was super important for their win. The Blaze didn’t give up even though they had to chase a tough score of 189. They faced challenges but still won. Leah Dobson and Kirstie Gordon played well for the Diamonds, but The Blaze’s teamwork was key. Even though The Blaze lost earlier games, they stayed strong and worked together. This win shows how good they can be in this…

The IPL 2024 final is almost approaching, and CSK’s bowling unit is having serious problems. The way that player absences and injuries have further reduced the team’s bowling reserves worries head coach Stephen Fleming.   Due to Deepak Chahar’s injury and the absence of Matheesha Pathirana and Tushar Deshpande, Chennai Super Kings is lacking depth. The fact that Mustafizur Rahman left to serve overseas only makes their problems worse. In this tumultuous scenario, CSK’s bowling resources are exhausted. They need tactical adjustments and possibly reinforcements. CSK has to overcome the difficult challenge of keeping their composure. And competitive edge in the…

Australia’s T20 International team is being led by Mitchell Marsh as they get ready for the upcoming World Cup. Marsh, though, hasn’t had an easy time advancing to the squad leader role.  Since suffering a right hamstring injury while competing in the IPL with the Delhi Capitals, Marsh has been sidelined. Nick Jones, the squad’s physiotherapist in Perth, has been keeping a careful eye on Marsh’s recuperation.     Marsh feels confident in his progress even though his return to the field was delayed by early setbacks. Australia’s first World Cup match, against Oman, is scheduled for June 6 in Barbados.   His…

Pakistan’s lineup for the upcoming Twenty20 International series against England and Ireland is an interesting mix of talent and experience. Hasan Ali’s return after departures like Usama Mir and Zaman Khan, indicated a big change within the squad.   Plus, the inclusion of players, such as Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf, gives the squad’s makeup some suspense. This choice is a reflection of the selectors’ calculated strategy. It aims to balance established performances with up-and-coming potential.   “Rizwan, Haris, Irfan, and Azam are being assessed,” Wahab Riaz, Pakistan’s Selector said. “There is a significant improvement in their fitness. They’re part of the…

To ensure the best performance of the team, the Pakistan cricket selectors have been seriously planning a strategy for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Their main focus is on assembling a strong opening duo in such a way that they can play the vital roles of Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan.  At a recent press conference in Lahore, selector Wahab Riaz emphasized the importance of finding a perfect partner for Babar or Rizwan. He cites Saim Ayub’s outstanding potential. The selectors also discussed the team’s struggles in the middle overs.   As we are well aware Gary Kirsten’s…

Surprisingly, Hardik Pandya was renamed vice-captain of the Indian T20 World Cup squad. That was announced by the BCCI on Tuesday, 30 April. After this announcement, legendary India cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar revealed the few gods and bads of the WC squad. He feels there is no reason to get overly worried about Hardik Pandya’s bowling form going into the T20 World Cup. He stated the all-rounder would be a “different player” in national colors.  Despite the ordinary form of Hardik Pandya for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL. The MI captain has scored 197 runs. And took just four wickets…

Defending champions England won its second T20 World Cup title by defeating India in the semi-finals. And Pakistan in the final. On Tuesday, Jos Buttler’s England side announced their 15-man preliminary squad for the showpiece event. Fit-again pacer Jofra Archer and rookie all-rounder Tom Hartley have featured in the 15-member preliminary T20 World Cup squad. The England Cricket Board also announced the return of T20 World Cup-bound players in the Indian Premier League on Tuesday. The apex board released its statement for England’s upcoming T20 series against Pakistan. That will be underway on May 22 at Headingley. “Selected players, currently…

Afghanistan named their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA in June this year. Rashid Khan will lead an experienced 15-man Afghanistan squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, the ACB announced on Tuesday. Of the 15 players, eight are currently involved in the IPL. Afghanistan have made a few additions to their squad compared to the 2022 edition, with Karim Janat, Mohammad Ishaq, and Noor Ahmad all named in the side. However, Hashmatullah Shahidi, who led Afghanistan in last year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, wasn’t part…

In a major announcement, the (PCB) named two well-known players to captain their country’s squad in various forms. Pakistan’s ODI and T20I squads will be coached by former South Africa coach Gary Kirsten.  The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie as its new Test head coach. Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood will assist both head coaches. “They’re both very famous coaches, and their arrival gives you 100% confirmation of their trust in our team’s potential,” the PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, said. The Pakitan setup now has access to a wealth of effective coaching experience…

West Indies all-around talent Hayley Matthews showed her incredible bat and ball skills once more. During the squad’s second Twenty20 International in Karachi. Her side dominated the series with a 2-0 lead because of an outstanding all-around performance by Matthews.  Because of her heroic contributions to the win, she became recognized as one of the top players in women’s cricket. Because of how much Matthews advanced the ball early in the game, she had a big impact.  She effectively ended Pakistan’s innings. And restricted them to a low score with figures of 3 for 25. Her ability to take huge…

Devon Conway has been named in New Zealand’s provisional 15-man 2024 T20 World Cup squad. The New Zealand squad, led by experienced player Kane Williamson, is made up of both established players and promising athletes.  Conway’s presence in the lineup improves New Zealand’s batting order. Plus, it instils confidence in the group’s ability to contend at the greatest level. In every format, he is among the world’s greatest hitters. Veterans like Tim Southee and Trent Boult, who have extensive experience playing for their country cricket, join Williamson, adding depth and resilience to the team.   Conway’s comeback to form and health…

The big question is whether India will travel for the tournament. That will be held in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup.  Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are the three venues proposed by the PCB in the initial draft schedule of the 2025 Champions Trophy. They sent recently to the ICC. The tournament is scheduled for mid-February as the PCB rushes to improve venues. These venues will hold the first ICC event in Pakistan in almost 30 years. Pakistan are defending champions having won what was thought to be the last edition of the Champions Trophy in 2017. But, in…

Rajasthan Royals and the LSG played a fierce game that had significant implications for both teams in the league. After setting a goal of 197 runs, the Lucknow Super Giants tried to defend their score against the powerful Rajasthan Royals batting order.  Quinton de Kock’s boundaries early in the Lucknow innings gave the squad optimism. Trent Boult broke de Kock’s stumps in the first over alone, demonstrating the Rajasthan Royals’ rapid response. At the same time, Sandeep Sharma followed suit in the second over. He dismissed Marcus Stoinis and sent Lucknow reeling at 11 for 2.  In their 197-run chase,…

With a brilliant partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root, Yorkshire’s batting power was on full show in the Vitality County Championship match at Headingley. The basis for Yorkshire’s stunning first-innings total was laid by the pair’s 201-run fourth-wicket stand. With just 135 deliveries, Brook, in particular, showed his aggressive stroke play. He scored an undefeated 126 runs.   Strong strokes from all over the ground defined his batting. Since he confronted the Derbyshire bowlers with assurance and conviction. However, Root was the captain of England throughout the Test matches. Steadied the innings with a cool-headed 119 runs off 190 balls.  …