CRICKET
‘Pakistan ka Sangakkara hai yeh’ – Fans react as Saud Shakeel scores magnificent double century in 1st SL vs PAK Test
Pakistan middle order batter Saud Shakeel set the stage on fire in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. He scored a brilliant double century to rescue Pakistan from 73/4 to achieving a first-innings lead of 149 runs. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first. They put up 312 riding on Dhananjaya de Silva’s 122 off 214 and Angelo Mathews’ 64 off 109.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Naseem Shah returned with three wickets each, while the remaining wicket was scalped by Salman Ali Agha. In reply, Pakistan did not enjoy an ideal start. They kept losing regular wickets and were reduced to 101/5 inside 21 overs. It seemed as if Pakistan would concede a huge first-innings lead to the hosts. However, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha had slightly different ideas.
Pakistan enjoy a first-innings lead of 149 runs
They stitched a solid 177 runs partnership as Ali Agha missed out on a well-deserved century by 17 runs. He scored 83 off 113 balls, including nine fours and a maximum. At the same time, Saud Shakeel went on to survive the entire innings as he remained unbeaten at 208 off 361 balls. Pakistan put up 461, gaining a crucial first-innings lead of 149 runs.
Talking of Sri Lanka’s bowling, Ramesh Mendis remained the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5/136. Prabath Jayasuriya followed him with figures of 3/145. Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha scalped one wicket each as Sri Lanka face a mammoth job in front of them. They need to chase down Pakistan’s lead and then bat long enough to set the visitors a competitive total. They’ll need much more effort from the top order that was completely missing in the first innings.
The two teams will contest in another Test after this. The series decider will be played at the Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground in Colombo between July 24 and 28. This is the first series for both teams in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
Here’s how fans reacted:
https://twitter.com/i_virat_kohli/status/1681274558517596161
He is currently better than Chokli , Chokrit , Zimbgill and Jaiswal in tests format!!!!
— Abdul Manan (@manan_himself) July 18, 2023
Zimbabar crying 😭 pic.twitter.com/ibhTw3Jzw6
— AK🚩 (@Rc18forever) July 18, 2023
https://twitter.com/Freakvillliers/status/1681274422756515840
https://twitter.com/MessixBabar00/status/1681274187116052481
https://twitter.com/MessixBabar00/status/1681274409884045313
Number of double century in test cricket:-
Saud Sakeel. 1
Babar Anzam. 0Another one better than him , 🤣
— Manish_18 (@Kishan_1818) July 18, 2023
Better player than genda vadapav
— Udhaya_msd (@MPudhayaKumar2) July 18, 2023
BGT
Gautam Gambhir Criticized for Treatment of Ravindra Jadeja Despite Stellar All-Rounder Stats
Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian cricketer and current commentator, is under fire for his comments regarding Ravindra Jadeja’s one of India’s premier all-rounders. Fans and analysts have taken issue with Gambhir’s critique, especially in light of Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable achievements that position him among the game’s elite players.
Ravindra Jadeja, the ICC’s No. 1-ranked all-rounder, boasts impressive statistics that surpass even some of cricket’s legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, in certain contexts. His contributions with both bat and ball have been crucial for India in all formats of the game, yet Gambhir’s recent remarks seem to downplay these feats.
Statistically, Jadeja’s consistency is unparalleled. He has maintained high averages and strike rates while excelling in bowling under pressure. Fans argue that comparing his numbers to cricket greats reveals his immense value to Indian cricket. His performances in Test matches, particularly in challenging overseas conditions, have been instrumental in India’s success.
Critics of Gambhir’s stance assert that his remarks undermine Jadeja’s legacy as an all-rounder. Social media platforms were flooded with support for Jadeja, highlighting his match-winning contributions and unmatched versatility. Fans have called for greater recognition of the all-rounder’s achievements, urging commentators like Gambhir to acknowledge his importance.
BGT
India’s WTC Final Chances Hinge on Brisbane Test as Rain Threatens
India’s WTC Final chances are at risk as rain continues to affect the Brisbane Test against Australia. With the ICC World Test Championship qualification at stake, this match plays a pivotal role in deciding India’s pathway to the final. Rain interruptions have hindered Australia’s push to enforce the follow-on, giving India a potential lifeline.
Australia took an early lead in the match, showcasing dominant performances with both bat and ball. However, persistent rainfall has disrupted their plans to finish the game strongly. For India, the inclement weather has provided a much-needed opportunity to recover and aim for a draw, which is crucial for keeping their WTC hopes alive.
Currently, Australia sits comfortably at the top of the WTC standings (India’s WTC Final chances), while India faces mounting pressure to secure crucial points. Analysts have pointed out that India’s first-innings batting collapse has only made their road to the final tougher. A draw in Brisbane would offer India some relief, but subsequent matches will demand consistent victories to secure a spot in the WTC Final.
As rain continues to impact the game, both teams face uncertainty, with the result holding significant implications for the WTC standings. Fans eagerly await the resolution of this rain-affected clash.
CRICKET
Sudurpashchim Royals Enter Playoffs with Thrilling Win Over Pokhara Avengers
Sudurpashchim Royals secured their place in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) playoffs with a dramatic three-wicket victory over Pokhara Avengers. In a high-stakes match, the Royals exhibited remarkable composure under pressure, chasing down a challenging target with just two balls to spare.
Batting first, the Pokhara Avengers set a competitive target of 146 runs. Their innings were powered by crucial contributions from the middle order, ensuring a solid score despite early setbacks. The Royals’ bowlers maintained discipline, with their spinners playing a key role in controlling the Avengers’ scoring rate during the middle overs.
In response, Sudurpashchim Royals faced early challenges as Pokhara’s bowlers picked up quick wickets. However, a resilient partnership in the middle overs stabilized the chase. The match reached a tense climax, with the Royals needing 10 runs off the last over. A decisive six by their lower-order batter turned the tide, securing the Royals’ playoff spot.
This victory highlights the Royals’ ability to handle high-pressure situations, making them strong contenders in the playoff stage. For the Avengers, the loss diminishes their qualification hopes, leaving them in a precarious position on the points table.
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