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Champions Return

Top-most of those cherished moments will be when Rohit Sharma walked hand-in-hand with Virat Kohli to the crowd near the stands as if saying thanks on their behalf as they retire from the game’s shortest format…reports Asian Lite News

Cheered on by thousands of fans assembled inside the Wankhede Stadium and by the huge crowd that had turned the Marine Drive into a sea of people, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) felicitated the Champions as they returned home with the trophy. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two elder statesmen of the Indian team, articulated the feelings of players to the scores of fans across the country when they told the huge gathering how happy and proud they were feeling after bringing the trophy back home.

“This trophy is for the entire nation, along with all the players that have represented the country,” said India captain Rohit Sharma as he along with his teammates was accorded grand felicitations by a jam-packed Wankhede Stadium at a function organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday. The BCCI handed over to the team and the support staff a cheque of Rs 125 crore that it had announced as a reward for their victory.

“Since the time we have come to India, it has been wonderful. The reception we have got has been wonderful. The trophy belongs to everyone, to the players, the support staff, the BCCI officials, along with the people who have wanted us to win the World Cup, this trophy belongs to them,” said Rohit as he expressed his emotions and his teammates at the Wankhede Stadium.

The stadium was packed to the rafters since 3 pm as they waited for the team to arrive from Delhi, travel from the Mumbai airport to Nariman Point for a victory parade over an open-top bus along the Marine Drive, crawling through a sea of humanity which delayed the function by a couple of hours.

Neither the players nor the waiting crowd was bothered by the delay despite first being roasted by the afternoon sun and then soaked by a drizzle. While the crowd cheered them on, the players ran into the crowd, danced along with the supporters, cheered each other, and thanked the fans as they expressed their delight at being able to watch the demigods.

“Bringing this World Cup to the country means a lot to us. We got a solid reception, along with BCCI and my teammates, I thank the fans for their support,” said Rohit saying every World Cup triumph is different and the last three that have come during his career were each special in its own way.

“To bring the World Cup to the venue where India won the 2011 ODI World Cup is very special for us. I would not single out some particular players but all of them played their role in this victory,” said Rohit, who hailed his teammates Suryakumar Yadav, for his sensational catch off David Miller in the final at Bridgetown, Barbados, and Hardik Pandya for bowling that final over that sealed victory for India. Rohit’s praise for Hardik at the Wankhede was special considering the kind of things they had to face after the allrounder from Gujarat had replaced the local boy as captain of the IPL side Mumbai Indians.

Bumrah, once in a generation player, says Kohli

While Rohit Sharma had words of praise for Surya and Hardik, Virat Kohli, who like Rohit has announced his retirement from T20I cricket, expressed some special words for Jasprit Bumrah for how the pacer extricated the Indian team from difficult situations on several occasions during the World Cup.

He agreed that Bumrah should be declared a “national treasure” for the way he saved the team from difficult situations during the World Cup. Bumrah was declared the Player of the Tournament for his heroics and received a special round of applause from the crowd as Kohli urged them on.

“At one time I also felt that ‘man is it going to slip away again’. But what happened in those five overs, two of which were bowled by Jasprit Bumrah was truly, truly special. What I would like everyone is to applaud a guy who brought us back into games, again and again in this tournament,” said Kohli.

“We want him to continue playing for India as long as he can. He is once in a generation player,” said Kohli of Bumrah. He also made a special mention of head coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff for helping and guiding the team to triumph.

Bumrah on his part said that having his toddler son along with him at the Kensington Oval made it special for him, laughing off suggestions that he may have to encounter a petition signed by a billion people urging him not to quit the game.

While there were numerous moments for the fans to score in their memory for eternity, three would find a place in everyone’s favourite moments of the evening.

Top-most of those cherished moments will be when Rohit Sharma walked hand-in-hand with Virat Kohli to the crowd near the stands as if saying thanks on their behalf as they retire from the game’s shortest format.

The second moment that will stay forever in people’s minds will be Hardik Pandya getting cheered vociferously at the same ground where Mumbaikars booed him as captain of Mumbai Indians. And then there was the iconic moment of all the players dancing together as they went on a lap of honour around the stadium, reminding people of the similar scenes at the same venue in 2011 when Kohli was among those who lifted Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulder around the ground.

On Thursday, there were no such scenes even though the two oldest members of the team and the most loved ones were retiring from this format of the game. However, there was no doubt in the minds of the gathered about the yeomen service both of them have rendered to the country

ALSO READ: ‘God Has its Own Plan’

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Moments Outshine Careers: Dravid

Dravid, who was under the scanner for losing two consecutive ICC finals, the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup against Australia last year, delivered in his last assignment to break the more than decade-long title drought for India…reports Asian Lite News

After India beat South Africa to lift the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados, ending their 11-year wait for an ICC trophy, outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid delivered an inspiring yet emotional speech in the dressing room.

 Dravid praised his players and their fighting spirit, which was on display during the final against South Africa, and said players may forget their career stats, but “moments like this will stay with them forever.”

“I am really short of words, but all I wanted to say is thank you to everyone for making me a part of what is an incredible memory. All of you will remember these moments. It’s not about the runs and wickets; you will never remember your career but you will remember moments like this. I could not be more proud of you guys, to comeback the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team, the resilience…,” said Dravid in a video posted by BCCI on X.

Dravid, who was under the scanner for losing two consecutive ICC finals, the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup against Australia last year, delivered in his last assignment to break the more than decade-long title drought for India.

The legendary cricketer took over from Ravi Shastri in November 2021. His initial term was for two years, but he was handed a six-month extension as BCCI wanted him to continue until the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.

The 51-year-old further thanked Rohit Sharma for making him to stay with the team after his contract was set to expire after the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“Ro (Rohit Sharma) thank you for making that call for me in November and asking me to continue. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with each and every one of you. Also to Ro, I know as a captain and coach there was a lot of time we had a chat, we had to discuss… we had to agree and to disagree at times, but thank you so very much. It’s brilliant to know each one of you as a person,” said Dravid.

Under Dravid’s leadership, India reached the finals of both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup last year, but the elusive trophy remained out of their grasp.

“There have been disappointments over the years where we have come close; we have never been able to cross the line. But what this bunch of boys has done, what all of you have done, what everyone in the support staff has done, the hard work that we have put in, the sacrifices that we have made… I think the whole country is really proud of each and every one of you and what you have achieved,” he added.

“There are so many sacrifices that each and every one of you make to see your family here enjoying… Just think of all the sacrifices that each one of them has made since the time you were kids for you to be here in this dressing room. Your parents, your wives, your children, your brother, coaches, so many people have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard with you to enjoy this memory at this moment,” Dravid continued.

As a player, Dravid never secured a World Cup trophy. During his captaincy, India was eliminated in the first round of the 2007 ODI World Cup. But after 17 years he did it as a coach. “Really proud to have been a part of this memory with you guys… Just t be a part of this, I could not be more grateful. I am thankful for the respect… kindness, and efforts that each and every one of you has shown to me and my coaching staff.

“It’s your moment guys… Remember, it’s not about any individual, it’s about a team. We won this as a team. We did everything that we did in the last month as a team. Its about all of us, not about any individual,” he concluded.

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Kohli Exits T20 on High Note

Kohli’s 76-run knock led India to a seven-run win over South Africa, marking his T20I retirement as India’s second-highest scorer…reports Asian Lite News

The T20 World Cup 2024 final’s ‘Player of the Match’ Virat Kohli certainly bowed out on a high from the T20I format of the game. He ended his international career in the format with the most runs of any player at Men’s T20 World Cups (1,292 runs) between 2012 and 2024, in 33 innings across 35 matches.

 After delivering a match-winning knock for his team of 76 runs against South Africa in the final which led India to a seven-run victory, Kohli hung his boot from the T20I format ending his T20I career as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the format, through 4188 runs in 125 games at an average of 48.69 and strike rate of 137.04.

As he stepped back from representing India in T20 internationals, it’s a fine time to look back at some of his superlative performances in T20 World Cups.

78 not out vs Pakistan, 2012

In a memorable match in Colombo during the Super Eights, Kohli scored an unbeaten 78 off 61 balls, forming a vital third-wicket partnership with Yuvraj Singh to secure an eight-wicket win for India. Kohli’s all-round skills shone as he also contributed with the ball, taking 1/21, earning him the Player of the Match award.

72 not out vs South Africa, 2014

The 2014 semifinal against South Africa was a stage set for Kohli. Chasing a target of 173, he hit 72 off 43 balls, including five fours and two sixes, steering India to the final. Despite India finishing as runners-up, Kohli was named Player of the Tournament, having scored the most runs with 319 to his credit.

82 not out vs Australia, 2016

In Mohali, Kohli once again showcased his mastery in run-chases. With India needing 161 but teetering at 49/3, Kohli anchored the innings. As the chase reached a critical point, India required 39 from the final 18 balls. Kohli delivered, hitting 32 off 11 balls, leading India to a Super 10 stage win.

82 not out vs Pakistan, 2022

In a thrilling Super 12 match at the MCG, Kohli proved he never knows when he’s beaten. With India struggling at 31/4 while chasing a target of 160, Kohli partnered with Hardik Pandya to orchestrate an unlikely victory on the final ball. His unbeaten 82 off 53 balls captivated the crowd and secured a memorable win for India.

76 vs South Africa, 2024

Kohli saved his best for last, signing off with a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. Despite an ambivalent form earlier in the tournament, he stepped up to hit 76 off 59 balls, earning yet another Player of the Match award.

His knock was instrumental in India clinching the T20 World Cup title by seven runs, marking a fitting end to his illustrious T20I career.

ALSO READ: ‘End of an Era’

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‘End of an Era’

After the match concluded, Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket, followed later by captain Rohit bidding farewell to the format during the post-match press conference….reports Asian Lite News

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has paid heartfelt tribute to two stalwarts of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, on their T20Is retirement after the historic seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final on Saturday.

 After the conclusion of the match, Kohli announced that it was his final T20I game and was later joined by captain Rohit, who also bid adieu to the format in the post-match press conference.

“An Era Comes To An End in T20Is! The Aura Will Stay Forever! 2 Legends of the game. Thank you, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” BCCI wrote on X.     

Both Kohli and Rohit had blistering T20I careers for India and the former represented the country in each of the T20 World Cups so far after making his debut against South Africa in 2007.

Kohli’s T20 journey began in June 2010. Over 14 years, he featured in 125 T20Is, amassing 4188 runs, which included one century and 38 half-centuries. His relentless dedication and passion for the game made him the second-highest run-getter in T20Is, just behind his teammate Rohit Sharma.

On the other hand, Rohit’s illustrious T20I career ended as the format’s highest scorer, amassing 4231 runs in 159 matches. He also holds the record for the most centuries in T20 internationals, with five to his name. His T20I journey began with the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, where he was a key player in India’s first title win. Now, as captain, he has led India to their second title, further cementing his legacy.

Meanwhile, left-arm spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja said he is retiring from T20Is after winning Men’s T20 World Cup title at the Kensington Oval on Saturday. Jadeja was a member of the playing eleven when India beat South Africa by seven runs to win its second T20 World Cup title after beating South Africa by seven runs.

He now follows Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli into retiring from T20Is after achieving elusive trophy glory in Barbados, where India became the first team to win the title as an unbeaten side. Jadeja had missed 2022 edition of the tournament due to a knee injury, and wrote on Instagram he will continue representing the country in ODIs & Tests.

“With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to T20 internationals. Like a steadfast horse galloping with pride, I’ve always given my best for my country and will continue to do so in other formats.”

“Winning the T20 World Cup was a dream come true, a pinnacle of my T20 International career. Thank you for the memories, the cheers, and the unwavering support. Jai hind Ravindrasinh Jadeja,” he said.

Since his debut in 2009 against Sri Lanka, Jadeja played 74 T20Is for India, making 515 runs at an average of 21.45 and strike-rate of 127.16, apart from taking 28 catches on the field and earning a reputation of being a swift fielder at point region. With the ball, he picked 54 wickets at an average of 29.85 and economy rate of 7.13.

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India Lifts Second T20 WC Title After 17 Years

India now join West Indies and England as two-time winners of the Men’s T20 World Cup, and give a winning farewell to head coach Rahul Dravid.

South Africa needed 30 runs off 30 balls to win the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup. But Hardik Pandya’s 3-20 and Jasprit Bumrah’s 2-18 helped an unbeaten India to come back and clinch their second title in the shortest format with a seven-run win at the Kensington Oval on Saturday.

Talismanic batter Virat Kohli stepped up to end his lean run with a 59-ball 76 to help India post a competitive 176/7, the highest total in a Men’s T20 World Cup final. His 72-run stand for the fourth wicket with Axar Patel, who made 47 off 31 balls, and a 57-run partnership with Shivam Dube, who hit a 16-ball 27, helped India go past 175-run mark, as they got 42 runs off the last three overs.

In reply, South Africa were very much in sight to chase down the total. But Hardik taking out Heinrich Klaasen propelled India to come back into the match and emerge victorious to end a long 11-year global trophy drought as they restricted South Africa to 169/8.

India now join West Indies and England as two-time winners of the Men’s T20 World Cup, and give a winning farewell to head coach Rahul Dravid. With the ultimate glory achieved, it made way for emotional scenes – hugs, handshakes and tears welling up in the Indian camp, with ‘chak de india’ and ‘lehra do’ blaring from the loudspeakers.

(Photo X@ICC)

It also meant Virat Kohli signed off from playing T20Is for India on a high with the World Cup trophy and the Player of the Match award in the final. When it mattered the most for India, Kohli stood up to be the hero of India’s innings with his crucial knock laced with six fours and two sixes.

Kohli got India going with three boundaries – drive through point, whip through square leg, and straight drive – on overpitched deliveries from Marco Jansen, as 15 runs came off the opening over. Rohit Sharma got going with a cut and reverse-sweep fetching him consecutive deliveries off Keshav Maharaj.

But Maharaj bounced back as he had Rohit sweeping aerially to square leg to fall for nine, followed by dismissing Rishabh Pant for a two-ball duck when the top-edge on his sweep off a full and wide ball ballooned off the toe-end to keeper Quinton de Kock.

Kagiso Rabada struck in the fifth over when Suryakumar Yadav moved across to whip a back-of-a-length ball, but fine leg advanced to his left and took a spectacular catch to fall for just three, as India were reduced to 34/3 in 4.3 overs.

With Kohli taking up the busy strike rotation role in rebuilding India’s innings, pinch-hitter Axar took up attacking mantle by clipping Rabada for four, clearing deep mid-wicket to get a six off Markram, slog-sweeping Maharaj for a maximum over the same region and hitting a flat six down on one knee to just clear long-on for a six off Tabraiz Shamsi.

Axar brought up India’s hundred in 13.1 overs by hammering Rabada for a six down the ground. But a ball and wide later, South Africa produced a moment of magic when Kohli missed a delivery and the ball went behind to de Kock, who ran-out Axar, who turned back and ran slowly, with a direct hit and send him back for 47.

(Photo X@ICC)

With Kohli still finding fielders and not getting timing to hit boundaries, Dube got in to loft Jansen for six and then slog-sweep Shamsi for four more. After Kohli got his first fifty of the tournament in 48 balls with a single off Nortje, Dube ended the 17th over with a slice past backward point for four.

Kohli got his first six of the competition by slogging Rabada over long-on for six and then pulled the pacer for four more, as 16 runs came off 18th over. Kohli clipped and slogged Jansen for four and six respectively, before the pacer dragged his length back and had the batter holing out to long-on.

Hardik Pandya came in and top-edged a pull off Jansen over keeper’s head for four, as 17 runs came off the 19th over. Dube struck Nortje down the ground past a diving mid-on for four, before the pacer bounced back by taking out him and Ravindra Jadeja on the last three balls of the innings to take India to a competitive total.

Player of the Tournament Bumrah gave India the perfect start to their defence of 177 by castling Reeza Hendricks with an outswinger in the second over. Arshdeep Singh struck in the next over as Aiden Markram chased a wide wobble-seam delivery and Pant dived to his right to complete the catch.

Quinton de Kock guided Bumrah in the gap between slip and short third man for four, before he and Tristan Stubbs took a boundary each off Axar Patel in the fifth over. De Kock ended the power-play with a four cut off Kuldeep Yadav as South Africa made 42/2 in the six-over phase.

Stubbs nailed his slog-sweep off Axar for four, before smashing an off-drive off Kuldeep for picking another boundary. De Kock brought up the half-century of his partnership with a booming slog-sweep off Kuldeep sailing over the solar-panelled stadium roof for six.

Stubbs stayed low to sweep a short ball from Axar for four, before moving across to sweep again off the spinner. But he missed the delivery and was bowled around his legs to be out for 31 as India broke the 58-run third-wicket stand in the ninth over.

Heinrich Klaasen began by slapping a short and wide ball from Hardik Pandya for six, before going on backfoot to club Ravindra Jadeja down the ground for another maximum. The shot of the innings came from Klaasen when he stood still and deep in the crease to loft Kuldeep over extra cover for six.

De Kock welcomed Arshdeep with a flicked four, but an attempt to pull resulted in the batter giving a catch to fine leg in the 13th over. Miller got into the act by cutting Kuldeep through four and rocking back at the crease to pull over mid-wicket for six.

Klaasen again stayed deep in the crease to whack Axar down the ground for four and followed it up with muscling consecutive leg-side sixes, before bringing out lofted drive over extra cover for another boundary as 24 runs came off the 15th over.

Klaasen got his fifty in 23 balls, but the turning point of the match came when he nicked behind to Pant while chasing a wide delivery from Pandya to fall for 52 off 27 deliveries. With pressure building in, Bumrah came to castle Jansen through the gate to end his day with 2-18.

After Arshdeep gave away four runs in the 19th over, the equation came down to 16 needed off the last over. Miller went for a loft off Hardik, but it came off the toe-end and Suryakumar, at long-off, ran to lob the ball in the air and came back on the field to take the catch and have him out for 17-ball 21. Hardik had Rabada holing out in the deep as India held their nerve to win the title and spark jubilant plus emotional scenes in Barbados and at home.

Brief Scores: India 176/7 (Virat Kohli 76, Axar Patel 47; Keshav Maharaj 2-23, Anrich Nortje 2-26) beat South Africa 169/8 (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Quinton de Kock 39; Hardik Pandya 3-20, Jasprit Bumrah 2-18) by seven runs

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India Begins T20 Super Eights with Win

Now, India have their remaining matches against Bangladesh (June 22) and Australia (June 24) and they will have to perform well in these to secure a berth in semifinals…reports Asian Lite News

An explosive half-century from Suryakumar Yadav and top-class bowling spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were the highlights as India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs to start off their ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights clash with a victory at Barbados on Thursday.

Now, India have their remaining matches against Bangladesh (June 22) and Australia (June 24) and they will have to perform well in these to secure a berth in semifinals.

In the run-chase of 182 runs, Rahmanullah Gurbaz started off well by smoking Arshdeep Singh for a four and a six in the first over. However, in the next over, Jasprit Bumrah got Gurbaz caught by Rishabh Pant behind the wicket for just 11 runs in eight balls. Afghanistan was 13/1 in 1.2 overs.

Axar Patel removed the other opener, Ibrahim Zadran as well, who was caught by skipper Rohit Sharma at extra cover for just eight runs in 11 balls. Afghanistan was 23/2 in 3.4 overs.

In the next over, Hazratullah Zazai was deceived by one of the cutters from Bumrah, handing a catch to Ravindra Jadeja at the point region for just two runs. Afghanistan was 23/3 in 4.1 overs.

At the end of the powerplay in six overs, Afghanistan was 35/3, with Gulbadin Naib (7*) and Azmatullah Omarzai (5*) unbeaten.

With the help of a boundary by Gulbadin Naib on a delivery by Kuldeep, Afghanistan reached their 50-run mark in 8.1 overs.

Halfway through the innings, Afghanistan was 66/3, with Naib (17*) and Omarzai (25*) unbeaten.

Just as Afghanistan was building a partnership, Indian spinners pulled things back in their favour as Kuldeep removed Naib for 17 in 21 balls, with a four and six, while Jadeja dismissed Omarzai for 26 in 20 balls, with two fours and a six. Axar took a fine catch to remove Omarzai. Afghanistan sunk to 71/5 in 11.1 overs.

Najibullah Zadran and Mohammed Nabi took Afghanistan to the 100-run mark in 14.4 overs. They were left with 81 runs to get in the final five overs.

Bumrah got his second wicket, removing Najibullah for 19 in 17 deliveries after he sliced the ball straight into the hands of Arshdeep at point region. Afghanistan was 102/6 in 15.2 overs.

Nabi tried to infuse some life into the game by smashing Kuldeep Yadav for a six and attempting another, during which he was caught by Jadeja near the boundary for 14 in 14 balls. Afghanistan was 114/7 in 16.3 overs.

Jadeja just could not kept out of action as he plucked yet another catch, this time of Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan to dismiss him for just two runs. Arshdeep got the wicket. Afghanistan was 121/8 in 17.4 overs.

Arshdeep was on a hat-trick as on the very next ball, he got Naveen ul Haq for a golden duck, caught by Rishabh. Afghanistan was 121/9 in 17.5 overs. However, he could not get that hat trick.

Afghanistan ended their innings at 124 all out, with Noor getting out on the final ball to Arshdeep after being caught by Rohit.

Bumrah (3/7) and Arshdeep (3/36) were the top bowlers for India. Kuldeep got two while Axar and Jadeja got one each.

Earlier, a fine half-century by Suryakumar Yadav and his 60-run partnership with Hardik Pandya helped India reach 181/8 in their 20 overs against Afghanistan in the ICC T20 World Cup Super Eights Game at Barbados on Thursday.

India needs to defend 182 runs to start off Super 8s with a win.

After electing to bat first, India was off to a poor start as skipper Rohit Sharma struggled his way towards eight runs before being caught by Rashid Khan at mid-on after 13 deliveries. India was 11/1 in 2.5 overs.

Rishabh Pant was next up on crease and immediately pushed up the run-rate with an array of clean strokes, including his signature sweeps. He dispatched Mohammed Nabi for three successive fours in the sixth over.

India ended the powerplay on high, scoring 47/1, with Rishabh (19*) and Virat (17*) unbeaten.

India reached the 50-run mark in 6.4 overs.

Pant’s promising knock was cut short by Rashid Khan, who removed him for just 20 runs in 11 balls, with four boundaries. India was 54/2 in seven overs.

Afghanistan also managed to get a big wicket of Virat, who chipped a Rashid delivery to long-off, where it found the safe hands of Nabi. Virat was gone for 24 in 24 balls, with a six. India was 62/3 in 8.3 overs.

Halfway through the innings, India was 79/3, with Suryakumar Yadav (9*) and Shivam Dube (10*) unbeaten.

In the next over, Suryakumar attacked Rashid with a four and six, but the bowler had the last laugh as Dube was removed for 10 runs in seven balls. India was 90/4 in 10.5 overs.

Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar took on Afghan bowlers with more aggression and better body language, bringing up the 100-run mark in 12.2 overs. While Hardik took some time to settle, Suryakumar launched an all-out attack against pace bowling all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, smashing him for two fours and a six.

At 15 overs, India was 126/4, with Suryakumar (41*) and Hardik (13*) unbeaten. In the 16th over, Hardik smashed Noor Ahmed for a four and six.

Suryakumar was playing on another surface altogether, reaching his half-century in just 27 balls, with five fours and three sixes, smashing a four and six to Farooqi. However, on the next ball, he was caught by Nabi. He was dismissed for 53 in 28 balls, with five fours and three sixes. India was 150/5 in 17 overs.

Hardik’s fine knock came to an end after being caught for 32 in 24 balls by Omarzai. Naveen ul Haq got the wicket. Pandya’s knock had three fours and two sixes. India was 159/6 in 18 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja’s stay at the crease was also short as he could make only seven runs in five balls before perishing to Farooqi with a catch from Gulbadin Naib at short third man. India was 165/7 in 18.4 overs.

India ended their innings with a solid score as Axar chipped in with some useful boundaries, taking Men in Blue to 181/8, with Axar (12) run out on the final ball.

Farooqi (3/33) and Rashid (3/26) were the top bowlers for Afghanistan. Naveen got one wicket.

Brief Scores: India: 181/8 (Suryakumar Yadav 53, Hardik Pandya 32, Rashid Khan 3/26) beat Afghanistan: 124 (Azmatullah Omarzai 26, Najibullah Zadran 19, Jasprit Bumrah 3/7). (ANI)

ALSO READ: India Preps for Giant-Slayer Afghanistan

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Super 8 Stage Set for T20 World Cup

The Super 8 stage will start with the USA taking on South Africa at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua at 8 pm (IST) on Wednesday….reports Asian Lite News

The groups and fixtures for the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 have been confirmed on Monday with both co-hosts West Indies and USA making it through to the second stage that will see the eight teams battle for a place in the semifinals.

At the end of the group stage, India and first-timers USA qualified from Group A, Australia and England made it from Group B; two-time winners West Indies and Afghanistan qualified from Group C while South Africa and Bangladesh advanced from Group D.

The eight teams have now been divided into two groups with Group A comprising India, Australia, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and first-timers USA, England, West Indies and South Africa making up Group B.

Interestingly both co-hosts landed in the same group.

Four of the Super 8 qualifiers — India, England, West Indies and Australia have won the World Cup previously. Super 8 matches will be played across four West Indies venues: Antigua and Barbuda (four matches), Barbados (three matches), Saint Lucia (three matches) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (two matches).

The Super 8 stage will start with the USA taking on South Africa at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua at 8 pm (IST) on Wednesday.

India will open their campaign in the Super 8 stage against neighbours Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados at 8 pm on Thursday. Many experts believe this is a potential banana-skin contest for the 2007 Champions as Afghanistan have once again surprised everyone with their superb performance in the T20 World Cup after their storming run in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

In their other Super 8 stage matches, Rohit Sharma’s India will take on Bangladesh at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on June 22 and will wind up their engagements in this stage against former winners Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, on June 24.

The top two teams from each of the two Super 8 groups will qualify for the semifinals, which will be played on June 27 (as per IST). The final will be played at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, at 8 pm IST on June 29.

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Proteas Triumph in New York T20 Drama

No team had ever successfully defended a total as low as 113/6 in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history, but South Africa’s attack pulled off a Manhattan miracle…reports Asian Lite News

Spinner Keshav Maharaj claimed two wickets while defending 10 runs in the final over as South Africa came up with a brilliant bowling effort to defend the lowest score in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to beat Bangladesh by four runs in a Group D match at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium here on Monday.

With Bangladesh needing 11 runs to chase a target of 114 successfully, Maharaj bagged the wickets of Mahmudullah (20) and Jaker Ali (8) as Bangladesh were restricted to 109/7 in 20 overs. This is South Africa’s third win in as many matches and has virtually sealed a place in the Super 8 stage.

No team had ever successfully defended a total as low as 113/6 in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history, but South Africa’s attack pulled off a Manhattan miracle. After Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller had rescued the Proteas with a 79-run stand, Pacers Kagiso Rabada (2/19) and Anrich Nortje (2/17) played crucial roles in limiting the Bangladesh batting line-up.

Towhid Hridoy almost played a winning hand with his sparkling 37 (34), but it all came down to a dramatic final over by Keshav Maharaj. After dismissing Jaker Ali (8 from 9), Maharaj was inches away from conceding the final runs, with Mahmudullah caught on the fence for 20 (27) with Bangladesh needing six to win from the final two balls.

And new batter Taskin Ahmed wasn’t able to find the maximum off the closing ball of the innings as South Africa made it three wins from three to top Group D.

The Bangladesh top order scrapped through a testing opening period in their chase, reaching the end of the Powerplay on 29/1, with opener Tanzid Hasan (9 from 9) the only batter dismissed – caught behind off Kagiso Rabada.

But South Africa’s leading bowlers hit back through the middle overs to set up a nailbiter.

Keshav Maharaj struck with his very first ball to get Litton Das for 9 from 13, and Anrich Nortje did damage to remove Najmul Hossain Shanto (14 from 23) and Shakib Al Hasan (3 from 4).

A superb knock of 37 from 34 balls by Towhid Hridoy gave the Tigers a terrific chance, only for the match to take another swing in momentum when he was trapped lbw by Rabada to leave Bangladesh five down with 20 runs still required at exactly a run a ball.

The game went down to the final over, bowled by the spinner Maharaj, who picked up two wickets and got away with a pair of full tosses from the two final balls of the innings as South Africa somehow escaped with a four-run margin of victory.

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first against Bangladesh at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

An excellent partnership between Heinrich Klaasen (46 from 44) and David Miller (29 from 38) helped the Proteas recover to 113/6 after losing four early wickets. It was the Tigers who enjoyed the better of the opening stages, even after Quinton de Kock banged ten runs from the first three balls of the innings.

Tanzim Hazan Sakib did much of the damage in the Powerplay, removing Reeza Hendricks (0 from 1), De Kock (18 from 11), and Tristan Stubbs (0 from 5), with Taskin Ahmed also getting in on the act to clean up captain Aiden Markram (4 from 8). And that flurry of early wickets left South Africa on 25/4 at the end of the opening six overs, but with Klassen and Miller still out in the middle and eyeing another rescue job.

The pair put on a solid recovery partnership worth 79 at a run-a-ball, lifting South Africa to triple figures. Both set batters fell in the death overs as they looked to accelerate, but 113/6 could well prove tricky on a surface that offered plenty for the bowlers.

Brief scores:

South Africa 113/6 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 46, David Miller 29; Tanzim Hasan Sakib 3-18, Taskin Ahmed 2-19) beat Bangladesh 109/7 in 20 overs (Towhid Hridoy 37, Mahmudullah 20; Keshav Maharaj 3-27, Anrich Nortje 2-17, Kagiso Rabada 2-19) by four runs.

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Bumrah’s 3-14 Powers India Over Pakistan

Pakistan’s Naseem and Rauf took 3-21 each, dismissing India for 119. Pant top-scored with 42, but Bumrah’s heroics turned the match for India…reports Asian Lite News

Jasprit Bumrah showed why he’s one of the best bowlers in the world through his sensational spell of 3-14, including 15 dot balls, as India successfully defended 119 to beat Pakistan by six runs in a highly-anticipated Men’s T20 World Cup match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

After fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf took identical figures of 3-21 as Pakistan bowled out India for just 119 in 19 overs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring via 42 off 31 balls, India clawed their way back in, thanks to Bumrah’s heroic spell, starting from him taking out Mohammad Rizwan.

He also got excellent support from Hardik Pandya, who took 2-6 from two overs after conceding 18 in his first two overs. Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel took a wicket each to ensure Pakistan, who were 80/3 at one point, were restricted to 113/7, as India successfully defended their lowest total ever in T20Is in a remarkable low-scoring heist.

Chasing 120, Babar Azam began with a punchy on-drive off Siraj, while Muhammad Rizwan was dropped on seven by long leg off Bumrah. Azam authoritatively pulled Bumrah for four, before the fast-bowler had the last laugh when his back of the length ball got extra bounce and seam movement to take his outside edge to first slip.

Under pressure to tee off, Rizwan danced down the pitch to smack Pandya over long-off for six as Pakistan ended power-play at 35/1. After Rizwan survived a run-out chance off Hardik, Usman Khan broke his edgy run by slapping him over cover for four, followed by the former bringing out inside-out lofted drive off Ravindra Jadeja to pick another boundary.

But India bounced back on the first ball after drinks break as Axar trapped Usman lbw at the crease with a slider coming from wide of the crease, with replays showing it would have crashed into leg stump.

Fakhar Zaman came in to launch Axar down the ground for six and whip Arshdeep for four more, before top-edging a pull to Pant taking an over the shoulder catch off Pandya. Bumrah returned to rattle Rizwan’s stumps, while Pandya bounced out Shadab Khan as Pant sprinted to his left to take the catch.

With boundaries not coming, India continued to increase the pressure and resulted in Iftikhar Ahmed took on a full toss from Bumrah, but holed out to fine leg, who almost collided with square leg, as his spell became the real differentiator between winning and losing for India.

Despite an over-rate penalty forcing India to have an extra fielder in the 30-yard circle, Arshdeep caught inside edge of Imad’s bat on a yorker which Pant caught safely. Despite Arshdeep being hit for two fours by Naseem, India ensured they pulled off a remarkable heist to seal a memorable win over Pakistan.

Earlier, on a tricky pitch where ball stopped on batters occasionally, only three batters reached double figures for India, as Pant top-scored with 42 – a largely charmed life at the crease, where his trademark unorthodox shots got him better returns than orthodox strokes.

At one point, India were comfortably placed at 89/3 in 11 overs, before they dramatically lost the plot. Naseem, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir triggered an epic collapse with their brilliant bowling as India lost their last seven wickets for just 30 runs. In a bid to attack in the middle overs, India lost batters due to poor shots and kept picking out fielders, which meant they couldn’t stitch partnerships in a reckless batting performance.

After 30 minutes of rain delay, and another 29 minutes of rain enforced interruption post the first over, Virat Kohli got going with a creaming cover drive for four. But he chased a wide delivery from Naseem, and picked out point.

In the next over, Rohit Sharma miscued a pick-up shot off Shaheen and was caught by deep square leg. Amir beat a promoted Axar’s outside edge thrice in as many balls, before the batter cut and ramped Shaheen for four and six respectively.

On the other hand, luck favoured Pant heavily – a healthy outside edge went past Iftikhar at slip for four off Amir. Immediately after, a top-edge on his wristy flick was dropped by Usman at cover and Pant’s attempt to drive again took an outside edge flying over Iftikhar for four more, as India ended a dramatic power-play at 50/2.

Axar skipped down the pitch to drive over Iftikhar’s head for four, but in a bid to repeat that shot against Naseem, he completely missed the ball and was castled. Pant again survived on 17 when Usman shelled a chance to catch his top-edge on the slog-sweep off Imad.

But from the 10th over off Haris, things changed dramatically for Pant. He lofted a slower ball over mid-off, fell over to paddle over short fine leg and flicked in the same region to pick a hat-trick of fours, followed by a lovely reverse-sweep off Imad to pick another boundary.

But Pakistan bounced back as Suryakumar Yadav picked out mid-off against Amir and Shivam Dube chipped a simple catch to Naseem off his own bowling. Amir had Pant finally running out of luck when his miscued loft was caught by mid-off moving to his left and Ravindra Jadeja chipped straight to short mid-off on consecutive deliveries.

Pakistan ensured India didn’t get to close their innings well as Rauf got Pandya flicking to deep backward square leg and had Bumrah hit straight to short cover on consecutive balls. Arshdeep’s run-out by Azam ensured India’s innings ended with one over unused, which didn’t become a factor in their stunning victory.

Brief Scores: India 119 in 19 overs (Rishabh Pant 42; Naseem Shah 3-21, Haris Rauf 3-21) beat Pakistan 113/7 in 20 overs (Muhammad Rizwan 31; Jasprit Bumrah 3-14, Hardik Pandya 2-24) by six runs.

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New York Retains T20 Matches, Pitch Concerns Not a Dealbreaker

New York’s untested drop-in pitches, favoring bowlers, face scrutiny after Sri Lanka was bowled out for 77 by South Africa and India dismissed Ireland for 9…reports Asian Lite News

Despite growing fears over the nature of pitches at New York for the T20 World Cup, there have been no such plans over shifting the remaining matches out of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

The untested drop-in pitches at New York, which has favoured bowlers excessively, have come under heavy scrutiny after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 77 by South Africa, followed by India bundling out Ireland for 96.

A report from BBC has said “India have privately voiced their unhappiness with the unpredictable bounce and two-paced nature of the strips amid worries over the safety of their batters.” India are scheduled to play Pakistan in their second Group A game at New York on Sunday.

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) is believed to be analysing data from previously abandoned games to establish how to react should it need to act. However, ICC officials have maintained there are no contingency plans in place to switch any of the New York games to venues in Florida or Texas, both of which have natural turf strips.

“It is understood an unused pitch has been designated for the India v Pakistan showdown, although there is flexibility to alter that decision depending on how other pitches play before that encounter,” said the report from BBC.

The pop-up venue at New York, built for the T20 World Cup, has a total of 10 Tahoma grass pitches, which were grown in Australia and shipped to Florida before being transported via trucks to New York and installed a few weeks in a drop-in arrangement before the tournament began.

Australian curator Damien Hough, who knows the art and science of drop-in pitches due to heading the facility at the Adelaide Oval, was roped in by the ICC for the preparation of pitches at New York.

The outfield is made of Kentucky bluegrass, which were grown at a farm in New Jersey, on top of sand. In India’s game against Ireland on Wednesday, there was uneven bounce – which meant balls either bounced at ankle height or took off sharply towards the wicketkeeper.

Players like Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Paul Stirling, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant took blows on themselves, with Rohit retiring hurt for 52 after taking a blow on his elbow. Other problems with the venue at New York include slow outfield, due to its sand-based nature, and difference of 10m in square boundaries on either sides.

“A clear diagnosis for the problems has not yet been identified. India fans were even cheering runs for Ireland at one point during their eight-wicket win, hoping the length of the game would be extended so they could see more of their team batting in the second innings,” added the report.

It also claimed that concerns have also been raised about the six drop-in pitches laid at the practice facility in nearby Cantiague Park, adding that South Africa’s batters opted for throw downs as opposed to facing their own bowlers, and local net bowlers, because of injury concerns.

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