CRICKET
T20 World Cup: South African pace sinks India
South Africa have gone a step closer to booking their T20 World Cup semi-final berth.
They recovered from a shaky start to chase down India’s total of 133 in Perth.
This was India’s first loss of the tournament.
The Proteas won by five wickets with two balls to spare, in a pace-dominated contest on a bouncy Optus Stadium deck.
Ngidi on fire
Seamer Lungi Ngidi (4-29 off four) was the star of the first innings, striking twice in his first over to get rid of both openers.
Rohit Sharma (15 off 14) and KL Rahul (9 off 14) were out cheaply during the power play, leaving India at 33-2.
Ngidi dismissed four of India’s top six including superstar Virat Kohli (12 off 11) and the dangerous Hardik Pandya (2 off 3) not long after the fielding restrictions eased.
Kohli struck back-to-back fours in the seventh over but sadly fell when he hit one down fine leg fielder Rabada’s throat three balls later and became Ngidi’s third scalp.
Rabada then took a screamer at the same position, diving forward at the perfect time which saw the end of Deepak Hooda for a third-ball duck off Anrich Nortje.
Suryakumar Yadav (68 off 40) turned the innings on its head to get his team out of a disastrous situation at 49-5 up to 133-9.
Yadav was the only Indian player to deal with South Africa’s searing pace attack, playing some extraordinary shots on his way to a 30-ball half-century.
Left-armer Wayne Parnell (3-15 off four) did the damage late with the prized scalp of Yadav among his victims.
South African start badly
The run chase started in horror fashion for South Africa.
They opener Quinton de Kock (1 off 3) and last game’s century maker Rilee Rossouw (0 off 2) in the space of three balls to Arshdeep Singh in the second over.
De Kock fellow to a sharp KL Rahul catch in the slips before Rossouw departed LBW after a successful review.
Captain Temba Bavuma (10 off 15) looked out of sorts and soon edged a Mohammed Shami delivery to gloveman Dinesh Karthik.
Aiden Markram (52 off 41 balls), who was dropped on 35 rode his luck to post an important half-century before David Miller (59 not out off 46) finished the job.
BIG NEWS
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Loss Against India Shook Team Morale
Pakistan Asia Cup Loss to India Left Players Devastated! Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India in the Asia Cup 2023 profoundly impacted the team, exposing vulnerabilities and sparking internal turmoil. Imam-ul-Haq, a key player, disclosed that the loss shattered team morale, with some players crying and isolating themselves in hotel rooms.
Pakistan Asia Cup loss to India intensified scrutiny, fueling rumors of discord within the squad. Imam acknowledged the psychological toll, explaining how players struggled to recover and maintain confidence in subsequent matches. This setback not only derailed their Asia Cup campaign but also affected their World Cup preparations.
Imam highlighted the immense pressure of high-stakes tournaments, where a single loss can overshadow months of effort and preparation. He described the emotional strain on the players, exacerbated by media speculation about rifts within the team. Such moments underline the mental challenges athletes face while representing their country on a global stage.
The Asia Cup defeat also revealed the importance of strong leadership and mental resilience during challenging times. Imam expressed hope that the team could learn from this experience and rebuild their confidence. He emphasized the need for unity and support within the squad to bounce back stronger.
Pakistan’s journey serves as a stark reminder of cricket’s unpredictability and the fine line between victory and defeat. The players’ emotional response reflected their dedication to the game and the weight of expectations from millions of fans.
BGT
PM Modi Pays Tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin After His Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin retirement! Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Ravichandran Ashwin following his surprising retirement, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket. Ashwin, known for his skill and innovation, redefined spin bowling and established himself as one of the game’s greats.
During his illustrious 14-year career, Ashwin achieved 537 Test wickets and delivered match-winning performances across all formats. Modi highlighted his consistency, especially his ability to perform under pressure and against world-class opposition. The prime minister praised Ashwin’s commitment, which inspired countless young players to dream big and achieve greatness.
Modi reflected on the unwavering support Ashwin received from his family, acknowledging their sacrifices and vital role in his career. He also appreciated Ashwin’s iconic carrom ball, which revolutionized spin bowling and contributed to numerous memorable victories. Ashwin’s jersey number 99, synonymous with his presence on the field, will be dearly missed by fans and teammates alike.
Encouraging Ashwin to stay connected with cricket, Modi expressed hope that his post-retirement journey would continue to impact the sport positively. Ashwin’s retirement signifies the conclusion of an era but leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration for future generations.
The prime minister’s heartfelt tribute emphasized the lasting impression Ashwin made both on and off the field, ensuring his name remains synonymous with greatness.
BIG NEWS
Janakpur Bolts Clinch Victory in Inaugural Nepal Premier League Final
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.
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