CRICKET
Day 2: Bavuma, Shardul Thakur steal the show
Pujara and Rahane played patiently at the end of day 2 to make sure India don’t lose more than 2 wickets before stumps.
Shardul Thakur bowled a magnificent spell of bowling to pick up 7 wickets against the Proteas.
South Africa was only able to get a lead of only 27 runs in the first innings.
India 1st innings 202 all-out
Rahul 50 Jensen 4-31 Ashwin 46 Olivier 3-64 Agarwal 26 Rabada 3-64
South Africa 1st innings 229 all-out
Petersen 62 Thakur 7-61 Bavuma 51 Shami 2-52 D. Elgar 28
India 2nd innings 85-2
Pujara 35* Jensen 1-18 Agarwal 23 Olivier 1-22
Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen played nicely in the first hour and survived the difficult period in the morning session.
When the score reached 88, Thakur bowled a good back-of-length delivery, which Elgar poked at and got a thick edge straight into the hands of the wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
Petersen batted well but after playing a superb knock of 62 runs, he was caught at the second slip off Shardul’s delivery.
Rassie van der Dussen (1 run off 17 balls) again failed to score big runs as he was also given caught behind on Shardul Thakur’s bowling.
When South Africa was struggling on 102-4, the skipper Temba Bavuma and the new wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne built a much-needed partnership of 60 runs for the 5th wicket.
But when the partnership was looking good, Thakur trapped Verreynne on an outside off-length delivery that came back in sharply and the batter was straightaway given LBW out by the umpire.
The South African skipper, Temba Bavuma scored a crucial half-century to bring his side closer to the first innings total of India.
Thakur grabbed his fifth wicket of the innings by dismissing Bavuma on 51 runs.
Bavuma was caught down the leg side by Rishabh Pant.
Mohammad Shami didn’t waste much time in sending Rabada back into the pavilion for a duck and South Africa was 7 down on just 179 runs.
Maharaj and Jansen put up a brilliant 38 runs partnership for the 8th wicket to go past the first innings total of the Indian team. B
oth Maharaj and Jansen scored 21 runs each.
South Africa was all-out on 229 runs, getting a lead of just 27 runs.
Shardul Thakur’s magnificent 7-wicket haul
The South African batters were prepared for Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah but Shardul Thakur came out of the syllabus for them today.
Thakur claimed a magnificent 7-wicket haul to drag India back into the contest.
This was the first 5 wicket haul of his career and it proved a special one for him.
Thakur’s brilliant spell didn’t allow South Africa to get a big lead in the 1st innings.
His figures of 7-61 in this innings is the best bowling figures by an Indian bowler against South Africa not only in South African conditions but overall in Test cricket.
India lost their in-form batter KL Rahul early on in the second innings as he was dismissed by Jansen after scoring only 8 runs.
Mayank Agarwal started well but he failed to score big and got out on 23 runs.
Both Pujara and Rahane are facing a challenge to save their careers in this match.
It is a great opportunity for both of them to salvage both the match and their careers.
Both played some aggressive cricket today to put the pressure back on the bowlers.
Pujara was looking more comfortable and he is still unbeaten on 35 runs alongside Rahane who is not out on 11 runs.
BIG NEWS
Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
BGT
Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team
Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.
McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.
Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.
Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.
Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.
The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.
BGT
Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket
Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.
Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.
Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.
These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.
As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.
Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.
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