Daily Archives: June 29, 2023

Chameera’s four-wicket haul guides Sri Lanka to series victory

Chameera’s four-wicket haul guides Sri Lanka to series victory

Chameera’s four-wicket haul guides Sri Lanka to series victory

Sri Lanka bounced back in style to clinch a resounding victory against Afghanistan in the final match of the series. After a disappointing loss in the first game, the comprehensive nature of their wins in the remaining matches will undoubtedly boost Sri Lanka’s confidence ahead of the upcoming World Cup Qualifier, scheduled to start on June 19.

 

The return of key players played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s success. Dushmantha Chameera, their key ODI bowler, made an impressive comeback after a long injury lay-off, picking up crucial wickets throughout the series. Dimuth Karunaratne, who made his return to the side after an extended absence, recorded back-to-back fifties, showcasing his value to the team. Pathum Nissanka also made a significant contribution, scoring a quickfire half-century in the final match.

 

In the deciding game, it was Sri Lanka’s bowlers who set the stage for the convincing victory. Dushmantha Chameera’s pace and bounce troubled the Afghan batsmen, resulting in him taking four wickets for 63 runs. Lahiru Kumara played a vital role as well, dismissing the openers and finishing with figures of 2 for 29. Wanindu Hasaranga contributed with three wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana took the remaining wicket. Sri Lanka dismantled the Afghan batting lineup, bundling them out for a paltry total of 117 in just 22.2 overs. Mohammad Nabi top-scored for Afghanistan with 23 runs, while six of their batsmen failed to reach double digits.

 

The collapse began early for Afghanistan when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was caught at fine leg off Kumara’s bowling. Chameera then struck twice in the fifth over, claiming the crucial wickets of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Kumara added to Afghanistan’s misery by dismissing Ibrahim Zadran with a dream delivery that jagged in to knock down the stumps. Ibrahim’s dismissal for 22 left Afghanistan reeling at 48 for 4 in the ninth over.

 

Chameera’s second spell proved to be the most eventful, although he was unlucky to get just one wicket from a remarkable over. Mohammad Nabi survived a dropped chance and a close call before eventually falling to Chameera’s bowling. The seamer took the prized wicket of Najibullah Zadran as well, inducing an edge that was safely held at point. Hasaranga, the standout spinner for Sri Lanka, contributed two crucial wickets, including the dismissal of Rashid Khan, who missed a sweep shot and was trapped in front of the stumps.

 

Sri Lanka’s chase of 117 was a straightforward affair, with their top order batsmen displaying aggression and intent. Pathum Nissanka set the tone early on, smashing boundaries on both sides of the wicket and even dispatching Mujeeb Ur Rahman for a towering six. Nissanka’s attacking approach propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding position, with 41 runs on the board after five overs. Although Dimuth Karunaratne had a lucky escape, Sri Lanka continued to dominate the proceedings.

 

Sri Lanka’s commanding victory in the final match will provide them with much-needed confidence as they gear up for the World Cup Qualifier. The return of key players and their strong performances in both batting and bowling departments bode well for the team’s prospects in the upcoming tournament. With momentum on their side, Sri Lanka will look to carry this form into the qualifiers and secure a spot in the prestigious ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

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Head and Smith lead Australia’s dominance on day one of WTC Final

Head and Smith lead Australia’s dominance on day one of WTC Final

Head and Smith lead Australia’s dominance on day one of WTC Final

The first day of the ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and India at The Oval featured impressive batting performances from Travis Head and Steve Smith. The duo forged an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 251 runs, guiding Australia to a commanding position of 327/3 at stumps. Head, in particular, shone brightly as he notched up an impressive century, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a WTC Final. His unbeaten 146 showcased his attacking stroke-play and marked his first Test century outside of Australia. Meanwhile, Smith continued his remarkable record at The Oval with an unbeaten 95.

 

Head’s innings was instrumental in punishing India’s pace-heavy bowling attack during the latter part of the day. Despite a challenging start with the ball swinging and seaming, India’s quicks failed to capitalize fully on the conditions. The missed opportunities cost them dearly as Head and Smith formed a formidable partnership that grew stronger as the day progressed. Head’s innings, which came at a brisk run-a-ball strike rate, posed significant challenges for the Indian bowlers, leaving them searching for answers.

 

India attempted a tactical change by targeting Head with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, aiming to disrupt his rhythm. While this approach caused some difficulties for the Australian batsman, critics, including Nasser Hussain and Ricky Ponting, suggested that the change came too late as Head had already settled at the crease and was in control of the situation.

 

While Head’s century grabbed the spotlight, Smith’s impressive knock further cemented his reputation as a prolific batsman, particularly in England and at The Oval. With his unbeaten 95, Smith continued to build on his outstanding record at the venue, where he boasts an impressive average. The partnership between Head and Smith has laid a solid foundation for Australia, and they will aim to extend their team’s advantage when play resumes on the second day.

 

Before the start of the match, India’s decision not to include the top-ranked Test bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, raised eyebrows. Instead, they opted for an extra pace option in their four-pronged fast bowling attack. Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur troubled the Australian batsmen, particularly during the initial hour of play. Shami and Siraj extracted significant movement off the seam, taking advantage of the overcast conditions in south London. Siraj’s crucial dismissal of Usman Khawaja in the fourth over seemed to vindicate India’s decision to field first after winning the toss.

 

As the match progresses, India will need to reassess their bowling strategy and find ways to break the formidable partnership between Head and Smith. Their pace quartet will look to build on the promising start they had on the opening day and capitalize on any swing and seam movement on offer. Australia, on the other hand, will be determined to consolidate their position and further frustrate the Indian bowlers.

 

The stage is set for an intriguing battle between bat and ball as the World Test Championship Final continues. Both teams will be eager to gain the upper hand and lay a strong foundation for their respective pursuits of the prestigious WTC mace. The performance of Head and Smith has undoubtedly set the tone for what promises to be an enthralling contest between two cricketing powerhouses.

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Broad Delighted to Begin Summer with a Strong Start

Broad Delighted to Begin Summer with a Strong Start

Broad Delighted to Begin Summer with a Strong Start

Stuart Broad showcased his exceptional skill and experience on the opening day of the only Test match between England and Ireland at Lord’s. The veteran pacer’s remarkable performance, which included a five-wicket haul, propelled the hosts to a dominant start to the summer season. Broad’s figures of 5 for 51 played a pivotal role in restricting Ireland to a modest total of 172 runs, setting a strong foundation for England and providing a confidence boost for Broad himself as he looks ahead to the upcoming Ashes series.

 

At the age of 37, Broad demonstrated that he is still at the top of his game and in excellent form. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, describing it as the best rhythm he has experienced so far this summer. His ability to find the right line and length, coupled with his understanding of his own bowling, instills him with the belief that he can consistently deliver strong performances. While confidence may not be a determining factor for him at this stage of his career, he acknowledged that having wickets behind him serves as a welcome morale boost.

 

Broad’s success in this Test match was particularly significant as it marked his 20th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. This accomplishment not only showcased his exceptional bowling skills but also solidified his status as one of England’s all-time great fast bowlers. Additionally, the fact that this milestone was achieved at Lord’s, England’s renowned cricket venue, made it even more special for Broad. The honor of having his name on the iconic honours board at Lord’s holds immense significance for any cricketer, and Broad expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to join the illustrious list of players who have achieved this feat.

 

England’s performance on the first day extended beyond Broad’s heroics with the ball. Their batting display, led by Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, demonstrated an attacking and positive mindset, which is in line with the team’s approach under the guidance of coach Brendon McCullum and all-rounder Ben Stokes. Crawley’s quickfire half-century and Duckett’s composed innings laid a solid foundation for England, allowing them to finish the day’s play with a commanding position at 152 for 1 in just 25 overs. The positive intent and aggressive approach put pressure on the Irish bowlers and set the stage for an exciting continuation on Day 2.

 

Broad acknowledged that England ticked all the right boxes on the first day, achieving their goals with both bat and ball. Their bowlers delivered a superb performance, dismissing the opposition within a day, as intended when opting to bowl first after winning the toss. Broad also commended the aggressive mindset of Crawley, Duckett, and Ollie Pope, who continued the positive approach while batting. This style of play not only puts the opposition under pressure but also aligns with the team’s philosophy of attacking cricket. Broad expressed hope that England would continue to exhibit this brand of cricket and build on their strong start in the following days of the match.

 

As the Test match progresses, all eyes will be on Stuart Broad as he inches closer to the remarkable milestone of 600 Test wickets. His exceptional skill, coupled with his experience and determination, make him a key asset for England, particularly with the Ashes on the horizon. Broad’s success on the opening day at Lord’s has set a strong foundation for the team and showcased his immense value as a bowler. As the match unfolds, cricket fans around the world eagerly await further displays of his mastery, anticipating more memorable moments in his illustrious career.

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Successful Knee Surgery for MS Dhoni

Successful Knee Surgery for MS Dhoni

Successful Knee Surgery for MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni, the legendary former captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has undergone a successful knee surgery in Mumbai, according to CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan. Dhoni, who recently led CSK to their fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, consulted renowned sports orthopedic surgeon Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who is part of the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) medical panel and has worked with several top Indian cricketers in the past.

 

The surgery, described as an “arthroscopic repair,” was performed at the Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai on Thursday. Following the procedure, Dhoni was discharged from the hospital and has returned to his hometown of Ranchi. He is expected to rest for a few days at home before commencing an extensive rehabilitation program. The surgery was necessary as Dhoni had been playing throughout the IPL season with a heavily strapped left knee, which affected his mobility and batting position.

 

Despite his physical challenges, Dhoni displayed remarkable resilience and led CSK to a memorable victory in the IPL. However, it was evident that he was not at his best while running between the wickets and often batted lower down the order. After the tournament, Dhoni expressed his intention to return for at least one more season, provided his body allowed it.

 

In an interview, Dhoni acknowledged that retiring would be the easier decision to make given his circumstances but stated his desire to work hard and play another IPL season for the fans. The immense love and support he received from CSK fans throughout the tournament have motivated him to give back to them by playing one more season. Dhoni recognized that this would likely be the final phase of his career and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received from the fans.

 

CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan emphasized that the decision regarding Dhoni’s future in the IPL rests entirely with the captain himself. When asked about the possibility of Dhoni not playing in the next season and thereby freeing up a significant amount in the team’s budget for the mini-auction, Viswanathan clarified that the team had not entertained such thoughts and that it would ultimately be Dhoni’s call.

 

The surgery and subsequent rehabilitation will provide Dhoni with ample time to focus on his fitness and prepare for the next IPL season. Fans of CSK will eagerly anticipate his return, as his unique style of play and his connection with the franchise’s supporters have made him an iconic figure in Chennai.

 

As Dhoni enters the twilight of his illustrious career, he remains determined to continue playing the brand of cricket that has endeared him to millions of fans worldwide. His simplicity, unconventional approach, and calm leadership have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers. While the surgery and recovery process will pose challenges, Dhoni’s indomitable spirit and commitment to the game will undoubtedly drive him towards making a successful comeback.

 

The coming months will be crucial for Dhoni as he focuses on regaining his fitness and fine-tuning his skills. CSK fans will eagerly await his return to the field, cherishing every opportunity to witness his trademark helicopter shots, lightning-fast stumpings, and astute captaincy. As Dhoni embarks on the next chapter of his remarkable journey, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will join in hoping for his full recovery and the continuation of his unparalleled contributions to the sport.

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Moeen Ali returns for Ashes after approving Test comeback

Moeen Ali returns for Ashes after approving Test comeback

Moeen Ali returns for Ashes after approving Test comeback

Moeen Ali has made a surprising U-turn on his retirement from Test cricket and has been included in England’s Ashes squad after responding to an urgent call from the team’s management. The unexpected development came following an injury to Jack Leach, who was diagnosed with a lower-back stress fracture after England’s recent victory over Ireland at Lord’s. Moeen confirmed that he had been approached to consider a potential comeback and after discussions with key personnel, he has agreed to return to Test cricket and has been added to the squad for the first two Ashes Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s.

 

The decision to recall Moeen Ali was influenced by his extensive experience and all-round abilities, which are expected to benefit England’s Ashes campaign. Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, and Rob Key, the captain, coach, and managing director respectively, engaged in discussions with Moeen, ultimately leading to his return to the Test arena. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) made the announcement, expressing their well-wishes to Moeen and the rest of the squad for the upcoming Ashes campaign.

 

While Moeen’s return fills the void left by Leach’s injury, other candidates, including Rehan Ahmed, Will Jacks, and Liam Dawson, were also considered for the role. Ahmed and Jacks had previously achieved five-wicket hauls in Test matches in Pakistan, while Dawson provided a like-for-like replacement as a left-arm spinner.

 

Since announcing his retirement from Test cricket in September 2021, Moeen has not participated in any first-class matches. He cited difficulty getting into the right mindset during England’s series against India as a contributing factor to his decision. However, Moeen has remained active in other formats of the game, securing victory in the T20 World Cup with England and two IPL titles with the Chennai Super Kings. He has also represented various franchises worldwide alongside his international commitments. Recently, he captained Warwickshire’s Vitality Blast side.

 

Under the leadership of McCullum and Stokes, Moeen’s inclination to return to Test cricket grew stronger. Last summer, he expressed his desire to play under the new regime, believing that his aggressive style of play would align well with their approach. Although he contemplated a comeback for England’s tour to Pakistan in December, discussions with McCullum and the prospect of prolonged time away from his family during a busy winter of white-ball cricket influenced his decision not to participate.

 

The England squad will assemble in Birmingham with three days of training ahead of the Ashes series opener at Edgbaston on June 16. Edgbaston holds significance for Moeen as his home ground, although he has not played a red-ball match there since the first Test of the 2019 Ashes. During that match, he took 3 wickets for 172 runs before being dropped from the team.

 

Moeen’s inclusion in the playing XI is not guaranteed at this stage, and if selected, he is likely to bat at No. 8. However, spinners traditionally play a peripheral role at Edgbaston, as evidenced by the low number of wickets taken by spinners in County Championship matches at the venue this season. Additionally, Stokes’ ability to bowl remains uncertain, which might influence England to opt for an all-seam attack supplemented by Joe Root’s offbreaks.

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