Cricket Highlights, 06 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (1st ODI)

Cricket Highlights, 06 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (1st ODI)

Cricket Highlights, 06 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (1st ODI)

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (1st ODI)

 

Afghanistan defeated hosts Bangladesh by 17 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series with the DLS method.

 

Rain interrupted the Tigers’ innings twice at the Zahoor Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday (July 5). After Afghanistan scored 83 runs, rain struck again. The visiting team won by D/L method as the rain didn’t let the match be completed. They lost 2 wickets to score 83 runs in 21.4 overs. According to the D/L method, the Afghans were ahead by 16 runs whilst the rain interrupted the game for the final time.

 

Batting first after losing the toss, Bangladesh was able to score 169 runs for 9 wickets after 43 overs in the rain-interrupted match. The visiting team got a target of 164 runs in 43 overs due to the D/L system. Chasing the target, two Afghan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran picked up 54 runs in the opening pair.  

 

Then World’s best all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan broke Afghanistan’s opening pair. He sent back the wicket-keeper batsman Gurbaz for the team’s 54 runs. The Afghan batsman was caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto off Shakib for 22 runs off 45 balls.

 

Then Taskin Ahmed took the second wicket of the visitors. He dismissed Rahmat Shah for 8 runs. Rahmat was out for the team’s 70 runs. Then when 13 more runs were added to the scoreboard, it started to drizzle. The game did not roll on the field gain. In the end, the visiting team won by 17 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the series.  

 

Zadran left the field for the Afghans after playing an unbeaten innings of 41 runs off 58 balls. There, he hit 5 boundaries. Besides, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained unbeaten by scoring 9 runs.

 

Earlier, Bangladesh’s batting lineup was cornered by the Afghan bowling canon. Team captain Tamim Iqbal scored 13 individual runs off Fazalhaq Farooqi and returned to the dugout. Another opener Litton Das returned to the team’s 65 runs. He scored 26 runs off 35 balls with 2 fours and 1 six before being dismissed by Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

 

Najmul could not increase the innings even after going down to bat at No. 3. Mohammad Nabi got him caught by a short fine leg fielder and he scored 12 runs. Rain struck the match after the first ball of the 16th over. At that time, the game stopped for a while. The Tigers accumulated 84 runs for the loss of 3 wickets before the rain started.

 

After that, the Tigers lost two more wickets to score 112 runs. After losing the third wicket for 72 runs, Shakib and Towhid Hridoy put on a partnership of 38 runs. But Shakib was caught off Azmatullah Omarzai at the cover while driving. Shakib scored 14 runs off 35 balls.  

 

Mushfiq could not survive after Shakib’s departure. He returned to the pavilion after scoring only 1 run. Afif Hossain got lbw off Rashid Khan for 4 runs. And Mehidy Hasan Miraz who scored 5 runs got out with a lbw by Fazalhaq. The rain came again during 34.3 overs. As a result, the 50-over game match was reduced to 43 overs.

 

After the rain, Bangladesh managed to score only 25 runs. Taskin scored 7 runs and was dismissed by Mujeeb. Hridoy scored 51 runs off 69 balls and returned to the pavilion after being victimized by Farooqi. In the end, Hasan Mahmud scored 8 runs and Mustafizur Rahman scored 3 runs and remained unbeaten.  

 

For Afghanistan, Fazalhaq Farooqi took the highest number of 3 wickets with 24 runs in 8.4 overs with 1 maiden. Besides, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 2 wickets and Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai took 1 wicket each.

 

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Scoreboard

 

Bangladesh – 169/9 (43.0)

Afghanistan83/2 (21.4)

Result – Afghanistan won by 17 runs (DLS Method)

Player of the match – Fazalhaq Farooqi

 

Cricket Highlights, 06 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (1st ODI) Fazalhaq Farooqi

 

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Playing Xis

Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Litton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Afif Hossain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Hasan Mahmud.

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Azmatullah Omarzai.

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ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 Cricket Prediction | Match 9: Sri Lanka vs West Indies

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 Cricket Prediction | Match 9: Sri Lanka vs West Indies

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 Cricket Prediction | Match 9: Sri Lanka vs West Indies

Match Details

Match

Sri Lanka vs West Indies,  Match 9 | ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023

Date

07/07/2023 (Friday)

Time

12:00 (GMT+5) / 12:30 (GMT+5.5) / 13:00 (GMT+6)

Format

ODI 

Venue

Harare Sports Club, Harare


Sri Lanka vs West Indies at a Glance

  • Sri Lanka has qualified for the ICC World Cup after winning 5 of their last 5 games.
  • Due to their recent 3 losses, West Indies have already been eliminated.
  • Out of their last 5 encounters with Sri Lanka, West Indies has triumphed 3 times.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies Team Preview

Sri Lanka

The World Cup will be held later this year, and Sri Lanka has already qualified for it in excellent form. They will be relieved to have completed the qualification process, and they will now work to advance in the Asia Cup, where they are the defending champions. 

 

The batting unit chased down the target of 166 with 9 wickets remaining, making very easy work of the score. A 103-run opening stand was put on by the starters. The Sri Lankans won handily thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 101 runs.

West Indies

Since they did not make it to the ICC World Cup 2023, the West Indies are in total disarray. They were severely unhappy with their performance because they were unable to win any games during the Super Six stage until the last game. But as they were able to win their first game against Oman, they began to resemble the old West Indies.

 

The batting unit needed to succeed because they performed horribly in the qualifications. With starter Brandon King setting the tone for them by striking a well-made century, they comfortably chased down the score. Shai Hope also contributed, shooting a solid 63 off a 65.


Sri Lanka vs West Indies Team Playing Squads

Sri Lanka Squads

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 Cricket Prediction | Match 9: Sri Lanka vs West Indies 

Sri Lanka

Dasun Shanaka(c), Kusal Mendis(w), Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilshan Madushanka, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana 

West Indies Squads

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 Cricket Prediction | Match 9: Sri Lanka vs West Indies 

West Indies

Shai Hope(w/c), Johnson Charles, Kyle Mayers, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Kevin Sinclair, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, Brandon King, Akeal Hosein


Sri Lanka vs West Indies Team Form in Last 5 Matches

Sri Lanka – W W W W W

West Indies – W L T L W


Sri Lanka vs West Indies outfield report

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 Cricket Prediction | Match 9: Sri Lanka vs West Indies

ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 Cricket Prediction | Match 9: Sri Lanka vs West Indies[/caption]

The team that wins the toss will attempt to win the toss and bowl first given the characteristics of the ground and the pitch.

The likelihood of rain appears to be fairly high and the weather appears to be quite cloudy. The temperature range between the maximum and minimum will be between 25°C and 12°C.

Given how many games have already been played there, the field’s reputation for generating low-scoring pitches will not alter.


Sri Lanka vs West Indies Final Prediction

Winning the toss

  • Sri Lanka

Player of the Match

  • Sri Lanka – Pathum Nissanka

Most sixes

  • Sri Lanka – Pathum Nissanka
  • West Indies – Brandon King

Most wickets

Most runs

    • Sri Lanka – Pathum Nissanka
  • West Indies – Brandon King

Team Scores Batting First

  • Sri Lanka – 300+
  • West Indies – 280+

 

 

According to our prediction, Sri Lanka will win this match.

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Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Birmingham Bears vs Essex

Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Birmingham Bears vs Essex

Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Birmingham Bears vs Essex

Match Details

Match

Birmingham Bears vs Essex, North Group | Vitality Blast 2023

Date

06/07/2023 (Thursday)

Time

22:30 (GMT+5) / 23:00 (GMT+5.5) / 23:30 (GMT+6)

Format

T20

Venue

Edgbaston, Birmingham


Birmingham Bears vs Essex at a glance

  • Birmingham Bears have won their previous seven matches and have been in excellent form.
  • Birmingham Bears play at home, where they have had an excellent record over the years.
  • Essex has never defeated the Birmingham Bears in a T20 match.

Birmingham Bears vs Essex Team Preview

Birmingham Bears

The North Group was won by Birmingham Bears, who were undefeated in the league stage, winning 11 of their 14 games. The squad experienced a winning streak in the latter stages of the competition, compiling a run of seven straight victories that sent them to the quarterfinal.

 

Birmingham Bears have been on a winning streak and would like to keep the mix that has helped them win seven consecutive matches. Chris Woakes has been dropped from the squad after being named to England’s Ashes squad.

Essex 

Essex, on the other side, experienced hot and cold winds and finished as the fourth South Group team to qualify. In 14 games, Essex only managed to win 8 of them. They made a respectable start to the tournament but ran out of steam as it got more competitive, dropping 4 straight games. In their final league game, they faced a must-win situation against Surrey and came out on top, chasing a target of 196 with 3 wickets to spare.

 

Dan Lawrence will not be available because he has been named to replace Ollie Pope in England’s squad for the third Ashes Test in Leeds. The remainder of the team should remain unchanged.


Birmingham Bears vs Essex Team Playing Squads

Birmingham Bears Squads

Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Birmingham Bears vs Essex

 Birmingham Bears

Alex Davies (c & wk), Glenn Maxwell, Robert Yates, Sam Hain, Chris Benjamin, Dan Mousley, Jacob Bethell, Jake Lintott, Henry Brookes, Hasan Ali/Oliver Hannon-Dalby, and Dominic Drakes.

Essex Squads

Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Birmingham Bears vs Essex

 Essex

Simon Harmer (c), Adam Rossington (wk), Feroze Khushi, Michael-Kyle Pepper, Robin Das, Matthew Critchley, Paul Walter, Daniel Sams, Shane Snater, Sam Cook, and Aaron Beard.


Birmingham Bears vs Essex Team Form in Last 5 Matches

Birmingham Bears – W W W W W

Essex – W L L L L


Birmingham Bears vs Essex outfield report

Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Birmingham Bears vs Essex

Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Birmingham Bears vs Essex

The chasing teams have had some success in the Vitality Blast, and the captain who wins the toss would like to bowl first.

The sky will be cloudy, and there will be a 20% chance of rain. Temperatures will vary from 12 to 21 degrees.

The wicket at Edgbaston in Birmingham will be loaded with runs. The bowlers will not have much to work with, and large runs are likely to be scored in the contest.


Birmingham Bears vs Essex Final Prediction

Winning the toss

  • Birmingham Bears

Player of the Match

Most sixes

  • Birmingham Bears – Robert Yates
  • Essex – Michael-Kyle Pepper

Most wickets

  • Birmingham Bears – Dan Mousley
  • Essex – Matthew Critchley

Most runs

  • Birmingham Bears – Robert Yates
  • Essex – Michael-Kyle Pepper

Team Scores Batting First

  • Birmingham Bears – 180+
  • Essex – 170+

 

 

According to our prediction, Birmingham Bears will win this match.

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Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023 Cricket Prediction | 2nd T20I: Namibia vs Uganda

Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023 Cricket Prediction | 2nd T20I: Namibia vs Uganda

Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023 Cricket Prediction | 2nd T20I: Namibia vs Uganda

Match Details

Match

Namibia vs Uganda,  2nd T20I | Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023

Date

06/07/2023 (Thursday)

Time

17:00 (GMT+5) / 17:30 (GMT+5.5) / 18:00 (GMT+6)

Format

T20

Venue

United Cricket Club Ground, Windhoek


Namibia vs Uganda at a Glance

  • The player who stood out for Uganda in the most recent game was Alpesh Ramjani.
  • Michael van Lingen is the Namibian player to watch out for.
  • Namibia has won three times in the last five games between them.

Namibia vs Uganda Team Preview

Namibia

Namibia outperformed Uganda by a score of 26 runs in the previous game. They scored a whopping 191 runs after opening the batting and lost 6 wickets. They intend to make the ratio 2-0 and will enter this encounter with a high level of confidence. 

In the batting department, Michael van Lingen scored 68 off 40 in the most recent game, while Gerhard Erasmus, Niko Davin, Jan Frylinck, and Zane Green also played a fair amount of innings. The squad will therefore require some extended innings from them in this game as well.

Uganda

Uganda’s performance in the previous game was poor as they ended their innings at 165 runs for the loss of four wickets. In addition to a strong start, they must quicken the game. They will go into this encounter with confidence.

The most reliable player for Uganda in both departments was Alpesh Ramjani. He scored 55 runs off 34 balls while also taking 3 wickets with the ball. In addition, Ronald Lutaaya performed effectively at the plate in the previous game. No updated injuries.


Namibia vs Uganda Team Playing Squads

Namibia Squads

Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023 Cricket Prediction | 2nd T20I: Namibia vs Uganda 

Namibia

Gerhard Erasmus (c), Zane Green (wk), Nikolaas Davin, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Gerhard Janse van Rensburg, Bernard Scholtz, Jan Frylinck, Ben Shikongo, Michael van Lingen, Jack Brussell 

Uganda Squads

Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023 Cricket Prediction | 2nd T20I: Namibia vs Uganda 

Uganda

Brian Masaba (c), Cyrus Kakuru (wk), Ronald Lutaaya, Alpesh Ramjani, Pascal Murungi, Dinesh Nakrani, Juma Miyagi, Kenneth Waiswa, Bilal Hassan, Simon Ssesazi, Henry Ssenyondo


Namibia vs Uganda Team Form in Last 5 Matches

Namibia – W W W W _

Uganda – L W W L W


Namibia vs Uganda outfield report

Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023 Cricket Prediction | 2nd T20I: Namibia vs Uganda

Uganda tour of Namibia, 2023 Cricket Prediction | 2nd T20I: Namibia vs Uganda

Both captains now want to win the toss, bat first, and put up a big score on the board, according to the most recent game.

The forecast calls for no precipitation and a temperature of about 13 °C. The humidity level is 40%, and the wind speed is a tranquil 3 km/h. The game won’t be interrupted because it will be sunny outside.

It is believed that the pitch at Windhoek’s United Cricket Club Ground would offer a flat playing surface that will be advantageous to the batters. 


Namibia vs Uganda Final Prediction

Winning the toss

  • Namibia

Player of the Match

  • Namibia – Michael van Lingen

Most sixes

  • Namibia – Michael van Lingen
  • Uganda – Alpesh Ramjani

Most wickets

  • Namibia – Jan Frylinck
  • Uganda – Alpesh Ramjani

Most runs

    • Namibia – Michael van Lingen
  • Uganda – Alpesh Ramjani

Team Scores Batting First

  • Namibia – 170+
  • Uganda – 160+

According to our prediction, Namibia will win this match.

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India prepares with Week-Long Training Camp ahead of Dominica Test

India prepares with Week-Long Training Camp ahead of Dominica Test

India prepares with Week-Long Training Camp ahead of Dominica Test

As preparations for the West Indies tour intensify, the BCCI has unveiled its plans, including a condensed training camp for the Indian team. In Bridgetown, Barbados, the players will convene at the renowned Kensington Oval ground for a week-long camp ahead of the Test series kickoff in Dominica on July 12th. However, due to limited availability of flights, the team will arrive in batches, with Georgetown, Guyana, serving as the initial point of entry. The players will gather in groups around July 1-2 and stay until approximately July 8-9, fostering camaraderie and honing their skills before the series.

 

During the camp in Barbados, the team management has requested a couple of practice games, which may not necessarily be first-class matches. The BCCI is coordinating with Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Cricket Barbados to arrange these activities The decision to hold the camp in Barbados instead of Roseau, the capital of Dominica, was based on the facilities available. The facilities in Roseau were not highly rated, prompting the team management to choose the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

 

Adding to the intrigue, it’s worth noting that the Indian team’s upcoming visit to Dominica holds significance, as their last encounter on the island dates back to 2011. Surprisingly, only Virat Kohli from the current squad has experienced playing there, leaving the rest unfamiliar with the island’s cricketing atmosphere. The 2011 Test match raised eyebrows when the Indian team opted not to chase a target of 180 runs within 47 overs, resulting in a draw after reaching a modest 94 for 3 in 32 overs. The memory of that match lingers, adding an extra layer of anticipation to their return to Dominica.

 

in contrast, the West Indies team has opted for their camp in Antigua. The players will train at the esteemed High-Performance Centre located at Coolidge Cricket Ground before heading to Dominica. Following the first Test, they will fly to Trinidad for the second Test, set to take place from July 20th to 24th. Subsequently, the teams will return to Barbados to commence the 43-day white ball leg of the tour.

 

Mukesh Kumar, the talented pacer from Bengal, received well-deserved praise from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) for his maiden national call-up. With 22 wickets, he played a significant role in Bengal’s journey to the final of the 2022-2023 Ranji season. Mukesh’s consistent performances have earned him recognition, boasting an impressive tally of 149 scalps in 38 first-class matches. With the tour of West Indies just around the corner, the Indian team is gearing up for a challenging series. The training camp in Barbados will provide them with an opportunity to fine-tune their skills and acclimatize to the conditions. The inclusion of local players in the practice games will add to the competitive edge and help the team prepare effectively.

 

For the West Indies team, the camp in Antigua will serve as a crucial period of preparation before they face the Indian side in the Test series. Both teams will be looking to make a strong start and gain momentum early on. The upcoming tour promises exciting cricketing action, with the Indian team aiming to make a mark in the West Indies. Fans will eagerly await the performances of their favorite players and hope for an entertaining and closely contested series.

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Australia Clinches Second Test by 43 Runs, Takes 2-0 Lead in Series

Australia Clinches Second Test by 43 Runs, Takes 2-0 Lead in Series

Australia Clinches Second Test by 43 Runs, Takes 2-0 Lead in Series

Australia has tightened their grip on the Ashes series after a fiery and controversial victory over England in the second Test at Lord’s. The result gives Australia a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series, putting them in a favorable position to retain the Ashes.

 

England captain Ben Stokes played a remarkable innings, scoring a magnificent 155 runs. However, controversy arose when Jonny Bairstow was given out stumped in a contentious decision. Bairstow was deemed to have strayed out of his crease after ducking a bouncer from Cameron Green. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey quickly reacted by throwing the ball onto the stumps, resulting in Bairstow’s dismissal. Despite his belief that he had regained his ground, Bairstow was adjudged stumped by the third umpire, Marais Erasmus.

 

The incident sparked fury among the usually composed Lord’s crowd, who expressed their outrage with chants of “Same old Aussies, always cheating” throughout the remainder of the match. The controversial dismissal further intensified the already heated atmosphere of the encounter.

 

England’s pursuit of a challenging target of 371 runs faltered as they were eventually bowled out for 327. Australia captain Pat Cummins played a crucial role in leading the Australian bowling attack, claiming three wickets for 69 runs.

 

The match showcased missed opportunities for England, particularly in their first innings when they had the advantage of winning the toss and playing under overcast conditions. Despite a strong start at 188-1, England’s batsmen, including Ben Duckett who fell short of a century on 98, failed to capitalize on their positions and succumbed to Australia’s trap of setting up hooking shots.

 

Australia’s first innings total of 416 was largely built on the batting prowess of Steve Smith, who scored a century with 110 runs. England’s first innings total of 325 showed promise but ultimately fell short. Stuart Broad emerged as England’s key bowler, claiming four wickets for 65 runs during Australia’s second innings, which ended with a total of 279 runs.

 

The significance of Australia’s victory is heightened by the historical context of the Ashes. Only once in history has a team managed to win a Test series from a 2-0 deficit, achieved by the Australia team led by the legendary Don Bradman in the 1936/37 Ashes series.

 

With Australia now leading the series 2-0, the pressure is mounting on England to mount a comeback in the remaining matches. They will need to address their batting inconsistencies and make the most of advantageous situations if they hope to regain momentum and challenge Australia’s dominance.

 

As the series progresses, cricket fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the next chapters of this intense rivalry between England and Australia, with the Ashes hanging in the balance. The upcoming matches promise more excitement, drama, and the potential for remarkable performances that define the history of this iconic cricketing contest.

 

In summary, Australia’s triumph in the second Ashes Test has put them in a commanding position, while England faces an uphill battle to salvage the series. The controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow added fuel to an already intense encounter, captivating the crowd at Lord’s. Both teams now prepare for the upcoming matches, where the stakes are higher than ever as they compete for cricket’s most prestigious trophy, the Ashes.

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England Sticks to Familiar Squad, No Surprises for Headingley Test

England Sticks to Familiar Squad, No Surprises for Headingley Test

England Sticks to Familiar Squad, No Surprises for Headingley Test

England has announced their 15-player squad for the crucial third Ashes Test against Australia in Leeds, and they have opted to stick with many of their regular players rather than making sweeping changes. However, there are concerns about the fitness of two key players as they undergo monitoring in the lead-up to the match.

 

Top-order batter Ollie Pope will undergo scans on his troublesome shoulder, which he injured during England’s loss to Australia in the second Test at Lord’s. The selectors are hoping that the 25-year-old will be fit to face the tourists in the upcoming Test at Headingley. If Pope is unable to play, it is likely that Dan Lawrence will be included in the XI. Lawrence, who last played a Test in March last year, seems to be the only viable option to replace Pope, as back-up keeper Ben Foakes continues to be overlooked.

 

Meanwhile, the availability of experienced spinner Moeen Ali is also in doubt due to a finger problem. England is hoping to regain the services of the veteran all-rounder, who was covered by Rehan Ahmed in the Lord’s Test. However, Ahmed has been dropped from the squad for the Headingley Test, indicating a positive sign for Moeen’s fitness.

 

The third Test is crucial for England, as they aim to bounce back from the 2-0 deficit in the five-Test series. Australia has won the opening two matches, and for England to regain the urn, they must secure victories in the remaining three contests. It would be a remarkable achievement for England to come from 2-0 down and claim an Ashes series victory, a feat accomplished by only one team in history.

 

In terms of the squad composition, if Pope is unavailable, Lawrence is the likely replacement in the batting lineup. Despite veteran Jonny Bairstow’s underwhelming performance as the wicketkeeper in the second Test, he is expected to retain his position for the third Test. England will also consider the inclusion of seamers Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, as they are the only two pacers in the squad who have not yet featured in the series.

 

The selection decisions highlight England’s desire for stability and continuity, sticking with familiar faces rather than making wholesale changes. While this approach can be viewed as a show of faith in the current players, it also raises questions about the depth of talent and the effectiveness of the current strategy.

 

The success of England in the upcoming Test will largely depend on the fitness and form of key players such as Pope, Moeen, and the contributions from the rest of the squad. They will need to regroup and find ways to counter Australia’s dominance in the series so far. It will be a challenging task, but the unpredictable nature of Test cricket leaves room for surprises and comebacks.

 

The Ashes series has always been a fierce and closely fought battle between England and Australia, and the third Test promises to be no different. The stakes are high for both teams, with Australia looking to maintain their dominance and England desperate to turn the tide in their favor.

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West Indies Miss Out on Qualifying for 2023 ODI World Cup

West Indies Miss Out on Qualifying for 2023 ODI World Cup

West Indies Miss Out on Qualifying for 2023 ODI World Cup

The West Indies cricket team’s hopes of qualifying for the 2023 ODI World Cup have been shattered after a disappointing loss to Scotland in the Super Six stage of the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe. This means that for the first time in the history of the tournament, the West Indies will not be participating in the prestigious event.

 

The West Indies, who were champions in the first two World Cups held in 1975 and 1979 and runners-up in 1983, have had a remarkable legacy in the tournament. However, their recent performances in the limited-overs format have been underwhelming, leading to their exclusion from the upcoming edition.

 

Due to their ninth-place finish in the ODI Super League, the West Indies were required to participate in the World Cup Qualifiers. Only the top eight teams in the Super League gain direct entry to the ten-team World Cup. Placed in Group A alongside Zimbabwe, Netherlands, USA, and Nepal, the West Indies began their Qualifiers campaign with victories against the USA and Nepal. However, losses to Zimbabwe and Netherlands hampered their progress.

 

While the West Indies managed to qualify for the Super Six stage, they carried no points forward, unlike Zimbabwe with four points and Netherlands with two. In Group B, Sri Lanka and Scotland secured their places in the Super Six with four and two points respectively, while Oman had no points to carry forward.

 

With Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka winning their first Super Six matches, their points tally increased to six each, leaving the West Indies in a precarious situation. They needed to win all three of their remaining games against Scotland, Sri Lanka, and Oman to have a chance of catching up to the leading teams. Unfortunately, their defeat to Scotland dashed their hopes, as the maximum points they can now achieve is four, falling short of the top-two finish required for World Cup qualification.

 

This setback for the West Indies is indicative of their recent struggles in the limited-overs format. They narrowly made it to the 2019 ODI World Cup in England through the World Cup Qualifiers, where they advanced to the final in a rain-affected match against Scotland. Additionally, they failed to progress to the Super 12 stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, winning only one match against Zimbabwe while losing to Scotland and Ireland in their group matches.

 

The decline of the West Indies in limited-overs cricket raises questions about the team’s performance and future prospects. It highlights the need for introspection and strategic planning to regain their former glory. The absence of the West Indies in the upcoming World Cup will undoubtedly be felt, as their vibrant brand of cricket has always been a treat for fans worldwide.

 

As cricket enthusiasts look forward to the 13th edition of the ODI World Cup in India, the absence of the West Indies will serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of the sport and the need for teams to continuously evolve and adapt to remain at the pinnacle of the game.

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Sri Lanka Secures World Cup Spot with Dominant Victory Against Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka Secures World Cup Spot with Dominant Victory Against Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka Secures World Cup Spot with Dominant Victory Against Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory over Zimbabwe in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers secured their spot in the highly anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023, to be held in India later this year. Sri Lanka’s performance against Zimbabwe was nothing short of exceptional as they dominated the game, registering a resounding nine-wicket win.

 

This triumph propelled them to the top of the Super Six table and ensured their place among the top two teams at the end of this stage, thus confirming their qualification for the World Cup. Throughout the tournament, Sri Lanka has been formidable, not allowing any opposition to post a total exceeding 200 runs.

 

With a commanding partnership, the Sri Lankan openers steered their team beyond the 100-run milestone in just the 19th over. Despite Ngarava managing to dismiss Karunaratne, Zimbabwe’s hopes were dashed as Sri Lanka effortlessly pursued the target, reaching it comfortably in the 34th over. Nissanka’s exceptional innings not only propelled his team to victory but also marked his second ODI century, solidifying his reputation as an emerging talent in the cricketing world.

 

In the earlier stages of the match, the boisterous Zimbabwean crowd was silenced when their team lost crucial wickets during the powerplay overs, courtesy of Dilshan Madushanka’s impressive bowling. The highlight for Nepal came when they managed to dismiss Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine, who edged one behind the stumps in the seventh over. There was a chance to claim the dangerous Sean Williams as well, but an easy opportunity was spilled by Matheesha Pathirana at fine leg, giving Williams a reprieve.

 

Williams and Sikandar Raza absorbed the pressure and gradually accelerated the scoring rate. Raza, in particular, played some exquisite shots after a cautious start. By the 18th over, the Zimbabwean batsmen were comfortably scoring at a rate of five runs per over.

 

The performances of Sri Lanka and Nepal in their respective matches highlight the intensity and competitiveness of the Qualifier tournament. Sri Lanka’s consistent dominance throughout the Super Six stage, coupled with their strong bowling attack and the impressive batting display by Nissanka and Karunaratne, showcased their potential as a formidable team in the upcoming World Cup.

 

Nepal’s victory over UAE symbolizes their fighting spirit and never-give-up attitude. Overcoming a precarious situation and displaying exceptional resilience, they kept their hopes alive in the tournament. The contributions of Airee, Lamichhane, and KC were instrumental in Nepal’s success, and their performance serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers in the nation.

 

As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 draws closer, both Sri Lanka and Nepal will aim to build on their recent successes. Sri Lanka will be eager to carry forward their dominant form, while Nepal will look to continue their spirited fight and make a mark on the world stage. With the tournament inching closer, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the exhilarating contests that lie ahead.

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