CRICKET

India’s chances against New Zealand in the WTC

Published

4 years ago

May 21, 2021

admin

India and New Zealand are set to lock horns for the inaugural World Test Championship at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground in Southampton from June 18 to June 22.

India reached the WTC finals after overwhelming Joe Root-led England 3-1 in the February Test series at home.

Meanwhile, New Zealand confirmed their spot after whitewashing a depleted Pakistan team at home.

While the Indian fans are eager to see Virat Kohli’s men give their all in June, they must remember that the English pitches haven’t always got them top results in the recent past.

Apart from the Indian skipper, the rest of the team will have to play out of their skin in England, especially when a green wicket is in play.

This is primarily because Indian batsmen grow up playing the game on turning tracks at home that help them tackle the spinners. But the big pictures changes completely when such players are asked to perform on seaming green pitches.

Such tracks will help the New Zealand pace cartel seam and swing the ball both ways.

Moreover, India has been winless on the Southampton track.

They played and lost both the games and this could jinx them if they aren’t mentally strong.

On the flip side, the Kiwis will feel more at home.

They are better performers than India on green wickets and are likely to live up to their reputation in June.

Arguably, batsman extraordinaire, Rohit Sharma, is the most dependable batsmen in the Indian squad after Kohli.

He averages 40 against the Kiwis in Tests, but his inconsistency overseas doesn’t pose him as a major threat for Williamson and co.

Hence, the Kiwis have an edge over the Indians and could lift the trophy in June.

How India can exploit a green wicket

The odds favour the Kiwis, but the only way Kohli’s men can shock the New Zealand side is by getting their pace combo right.

Team Indian should bank on Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Shami and Jasprit Bumrah to bounce the Kiwis out.

They are India’s finest bowlers at the moment who can trouble the strong batting lineup in New Zealand.

Siraj has changed his bowling drastically ever since he debuted in Australia.

The right-arm pacer has been economical and taking more scalps than usual after the foreign tour.

Even in the 2021 Indian Premier League, Siraj led the pace attack from the front. His combo with Bumrah and Shami can do the trick for the Men in Blue.

Players to look out for

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara are India’s backbone in Tests and sending them back to the hut will be an uphill task for the Kiwis.

Both batters adopt the “watch early, play late” technique to tackle a seaming wicket.

Similarly, Kane Williamson, who was the top scorer in the Pakistan series, is likely to cream the ball all over the park against Indian bowlers.

His calm demeanour has helped the New Zealand cricket team, umpteen times, including helping them reach the World Cup finals in 2019.

BIG NEWS

Janakpur Bolts Clinch Victory in Inaugural Nepal Premier League Final

Published

13 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

Nepal Premier League Final! Janakpur Bolts clinched the inaugural Nepal Premier League title by defeating Sudurpaschim Royals in a thrilling final. The Bolts showcased remarkable resilience, chasing down a target of 187 runs with five wickets in hand at the TU International Cricket Ground.

Sudurpaschim Royals, batting first, set a competitive total of 184 for nine wickets, led by Saif Zaib and Binod Bhandari. Zaib scored a solid 69 runs, while Bhandari added a crucial 41. However, their middle order failed to capitalize on a strong start, succumbing to disciplined bowling from Janakpur’s attack.

Kishor Mahato and Mohammad Mohisin starred with the ball for Janakpur, each claiming three wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi bowled an exceptional spell, conceding just 15 runs, including a maiden over. Their efforts restricted Sudurpaschim from posting a more imposing total.

In response, Janakpur’s Lahiru Milantha led the charge with a stunning 87 runs off 49 balls, including six fours and as many sixes. His innings anchored the chase, despite early pressure from Sudurpaschim’s bowlers. Aasif Sheikh, the Janakpur captain, played a vital supporting role, ensuring a composed finish.

This victory is a milestone for Nepali cricket, highlighting the league’s competitiveness and its potential to elevate local talent. Fans celebrated the intense final, hopeful for the league’s promising future.

CRICKET

Captains Gear Up for NPL Final Showdown

Published

24 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

Captains Share Strategies Ahead of NPL Final

The stage is set for the highly anticipated NPL final between Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts at TU International Cricket Ground. Both captains expressed their excitement and shared their strategies during a pre-match press conference, building anticipation for the thrilling clash in the NPL Final.

Sudurpaschim Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and playing with determination. He assured fans the team was fully prepared to deliver their best performance. Airee highlighted teamwork as the key to their successful journey to the final.

Janakpur Bolts captain Aasif Sheikh reflected on their previous losses to Sudurpaschim but emphasized a strong mental approach for the final. Sheikh urged his players to focus on executing their skills under pressure and remain confident despite the challenges. He also acknowledged the significance of fan support, calling on supporters to cheer positively for both teams.

Both captains praised the contributions of Nepali players in their squads, emphasizing their pivotal role in the tournament’s success. They also encouraged a spirit of sportsmanship and appreciation for the growing standards of Nepali cricket.

The final promises an exhilarating contest as two formidable teams compete for the championship title. Fans can expect a captivating battle between Sudurpaschim’s consistency and Janakpur’s determination. The match is scheduled to start at 12:15 PM, with cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the outcome.

CRICKET

Janakpur Bolts Secure Spot in NPL Final to Face Sudurpaschim Royals

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Janakpur Bolts in the NPL final! Janakpur Bolts defeated Karnali Yaks by two wickets in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Qualifier 2 to secure their spot in the final. Chasing a modest target of 119 runs, Janakpur overcame early setbacks and achieved victory in 19 overs, finishing with eight wickets down.

New Zealand batter Jimmy Neesham played a pivotal role, scoring a rapid 45 runs off just 17 balls. His innings included two fours and five sixes before being dismissed by Bipin Sharma. Contributions from Mayan Yadav (14 runs) and Sher Malla (16 runs not out) also proved crucial in the lower order.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 118 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Gulshan Jha top-scored for Karnali with 25 runs off 20 balls, while Dev Khanal added 24. Janakpur’s bowlers, including Lalit Rajbanshi, Jimmy Neesham, and Muhammad Mohsin, each picked up two wickets to restrict the opposition.

Janakpur’s journey to the final wasn’t without challenges. They suffered a defeat against Sudurpaschim Royals in Qualifier 1, forcing them into this must-win game. Despite an unsteady start, with key players like Aasif Sheikh and Lahiru Milantha departing early, the team showed resilience under pressure.

The final, set for Saturday, will feature Janakpur Bolts facing Sudurpaschim Royals in what promises to be an intense battle. Both teams, having proven their mettle throughout the season, are eager to clinch the prestigious NPL title.