CRICKET
Kohli underlines his greatness as India down Pakistan
Virat Kohli snatched the victory from the jaws of Pakistan with his sensational knock.
India was struggling at 31-4 and Pakistani pacers were on top but Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya brought India back into the game with their brilliant 113-run partnership.
King Kohli probably delivered the best T20I knock of his career
Pakistan 20 overs 159-8 |
Masood 52*(42) Pandya 3-30 |
Iftikhar 51 (32) Arshdeep 3-31 |
India 20 overs 160-6 |
V. Kohli 82*(53) H. Rauf 2-36 |
Pandya 40 (37) Nawaz 2-42 |
India won the toss and elected to field first on a pitch that was offering good swing to the pacers.
Indian bowlers made full use of the swing and dismissed both Babar and Rizwan within the first 4 overs.
Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmad rebuild the innings and added 76 runs for the third wicket.
Iftikhar Ahmed scored an exceptional half-century off just 32 balls before getting LBW in Shami’s over.
Pakistan lost some quick wickets after Iftikhar’s dismissal but Shan Masood (52 off 42) stood calm on the other end and helped his side reach a fighting total of 159 runs.
Indian top-order destroyed by Pakistani pacers
Defending 160 runs, Pakistani fast bowlers were outstanding with the new ball.
Naseem Shah dismissed KL Rahul in the second over while Haris Rauf took 2 big wickets of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav.
India scored just 31 runs and lost their three main batters within the powerplay.
Axar Patel was promoted up the order but he got run-out on just 2 runs.
The match-changing partnership
India was struggling at 45-4 in the first 10 overs and the required run rate was over 12 but Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya added a match-winning partnership for the 5th wicket.
Both of them kept scoring runs and kept India alive in the match. 48 runs were required off the last 3 overs and it was looking like to mountain to climb.
Virat Kohli then showed his aggressive side and hit 17 and 15 runs in the next two overs against Shaheen and Haris respectively.
The last over drama
16 was needed off the last over and Hardik got out on the very first ball. But Virat stayed calm in the dramatic last over against Nawaz.
On the 4th ball of the over, Virat smashed a six off a no-ball and then ran 3 on the free hit to make the equation 2 off 2.
Nawaz created more drama by dismissing Dinesh Karthik but a wide on the next ball spoiled things for Pakistan.
Just a single was required off the last ball and Ashwin hit the ball over mid-on to get India over the line.
Pakistan will still be thinking about how they managed to lose this match after such a wonderful start with the ball.
Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 82 runs off just 53 balls.
He smashed 6 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 154.72.
Hardik Pandya also scored 40 runs off 37 balls.
This exceptional knock will be remembered for ages as the most iconic knock of Virat Kohli in T20 Internationals.
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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