Daily Archives: July 12, 2023

Cricket Highlights, 12 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (3rd ODI)

Cricket Highlights, 12 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (3rd ODI)

Cricket Highlights, 12 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (3rd ODI)

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (3rd ODI)

Bangladesh has survived getting whitewashed by defeating Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the last ODI of the series thanks to Litton Das’ brilliant fifty after Shoriful Islam’s devastating bowling. However, Afghanistan succeeded in the series by 2-1.

 

After winning the toss and batting first at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Tuesday (July 11), Afghanistan’s innings ended after scoring only 126 runs in 45.2 overs. Chasing an easy target, the Tigers reached the port of victory after losing 3 wickets having 26.3 overs in hand.

 

However, the Tigers did not get off to a good start chasing the target. Mohammad Naim returned to the dressing room for 2 runs of the team. Despite facing 8 balls, the opener could not open the personal run book. Najmul Hossain Shanto walked back to the dressing room with the team’s 28 runs. He returned with 11 runs off 15 balls. Both of the lefty batters were bowled by Fazalhaq Farooqi.  

 

After that, Shakib Al Hasan and Litton started responding well to the Afghan bowlers by resisting the third-wicket pair. 61 runs came in the pair of the two. When the team was just 38 runs away from victory, Shakib failed to make a proper bat-ball connection while trying to play a pull shot off Mohammad Nabi. Hashmatullah Shahidi took the catch when the ball floated in the air. With the help of 5 fours, Shakib made 39 runs from 39 balls.

 

But before returning to the pavilion, the world’s best all-rounder Shakib had set a unique record. He has reached the milestone of 14 thousand runs in three formats in international cricket. Earlier, Shakib held the record of taking 600 wickets across three formats with the ball. Now he has 674 wickets to his name.

 

By doing this, Shakib invented another new record. He is the only all-rounder in the world to get 600+ wickets with 14 thousand runs in three formats.  

Litton, however, completed the rest of the work with Towhid Hridoy. On the way to bring victory to the team, he scored 3 fours and 2 sixes in 57 balls to pick up the tenth fifty of his career. In the end, Litton remained unbeaten with 53 runs off 60 balls. Hridoy was unbeaten with 22 runs off 19 balls.

 

Earlier, Afghanistan was able to score only 126 runs after losing all wickets in 45.2 overs on Shoriful’s bowling prowess. He gave the hosts a breakthrough on the first ball of the third over of the innings. His length ball was pitched to mid-wicket with a light outswing and went outside the off stump. Ibrahim Zadran (1) was trying to go at it. The ball hit the edge of the bat and fell into the hands of Mushfiqur Rahim behind the wicket.

 

Afghanistan’s first wicket fell by 3 runs. However, Shoriful did not stop there. He hit twice in the same over. The left-handed pacer sent Afgans’ one-down batter Rahmat Shah (0) back to the dressing room on the fifth ball of the over. As a result, the visitors lost two wickets for the team’s 3 runs. Then Rahmanullah Gurbaz (6) was caught behind the wicket by another pacer Taskin Ahmed after the team scored 14 runs. 

 

In the 9th over of the innings, Nabi was trapped lbw by a great good length ball from Shoriful. He got out after playing 9 balls and scoring 1 run. Shakib took the fifth wicket of the Afghans at the team’s 32 runs. This time Najibullah Zadran (10) fell into the LBW trap.

 

Hashmatullah was playing by holding one edge. Taijul Islam broke his resistance. The Afghan skipper lost his leg stump while playing a reverse shot. He scored 22 runs off 54 balls. 6 Afghan batsmen returned to the pavilion after scoring 53 runs for the team.  

 

Azmatullah Omarzai took the responsibility of pulling the team out of this extreme disaster. He played safely from one end till the end of the innings. Azmatullah played the highest innings of 56 runs for the team. The rest of the batsmen could not survive the bowling cannon of the Tigers.

 

Shoriful Islam snapped up the highest number of 4 wickets at the cost of 21 runs. Besides, Taskin Ahmed and Taijul Islam took 2 wickets each. Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 1 wicket each.

 

Earlier, Bangladesh lost the first match of the series due to the D/L method by 17 runs. And the Tigers lost the series against the Afghans for the first time after losing the second match by a big margin of 142 runs. Next Friday (July 14), these two teams will face each other in a two-match T20 series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

 

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Scoreboard

 

Afghanistan – 126/10 (45.2)

Bangladesh – 129/3 (23.3)

Result – Bangladesh won by 7 wickets

Player of the match – Shoriful Islam

Player of the series – Fazalhaq Farooqi

 

 
Cricket Highlights, 12 July: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan (3rd ODI) Fazalhaq Farooqi
 

Bangladesh vs Afghanistan Playing Xis

Bangladesh

Litton Das (c), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shakib Al Hasan, Afif Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, and Shoriful Islam.

Afghanistan

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Abdul Rahman.

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Sri Lanka Extends Unbeaten Run in CWC23 Qualifier

Sri Lanka Extends Unbeaten Run in CWC23 Qualifier

Sri Lanka Extends Unbeaten Run in CWC23 Qualifier

Sri Lanka’s cricket team showcased their exceptional skills and continued their unbeaten streak in the CWC23 Qualifier by securing a magnificent victory against the West Indies. This resounding win not only solidified their position in the tournament but also highlighted the team’s remarkable performance and dominance.

 

Dominant Spinners Dismantle West Indies

Sri Lanka’s triumph can be attributed to the outstanding display of their spinners, who proved to be the game-changers against the West Indies. Led by the talented Maheesh Theekshana, the spinners left the West Indies top-order clueless and struggling to find an answer. The likes of Brandon King, Shamarh Brooks, and skipper Shai Hope fell prey to Theekshana’s deceptive spin, leaving their team in a precarious situation.

 

The duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Hemantha complemented Theekshana’s brilliance by removing the dangerous batters Johnson Charles and Nicholas Pooran. The West Indies team found themselves bamboozled once again as Sahan Arachchige dismissed Kyle Mayers, followed by Hemantha claiming his second wicket by trapping Roston Chase lbw.

 

A Herculean Rebuild Task

After the early setbacks, the West Indies faced a daunting task of rebuilding their innings with Keacy Carty and Romario Shepherd at the crease. By the 30-over mark, West Indies had reached a struggling score of 127/7, requiring a massive effort to post a respectable total.

 

Carty, demonstrating tremendous resilience, joined forces with Shepherd, and the duo slowly but steadily propelled their team past the 150-run mark. Carty’s determined approach led him to a well-deserved half-century, even as wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Eventually, Carty became the last wicket to fall, valiantly contributing 87 runs to help West Indies reach a total of 243. Theekshana’s splendid bowling figures of 4/34 were the standout performance for Sri Lanka.

 

Sri Lanka’s Assured Chase

Chasing a target of 243, Sri Lanka’s openers, Nissanka and Karunaratne, exhibited composure and skill right from the start. The target did not seem insurmountable for a team of Sri Lanka’s caliber, and the openers ensured a steady foundation for their innings. Karunaratne played the role of the perfect support to Nissanka’s aggression, as the duo comfortably crossed the 100-run milestone. Nissanka celebrated his 10th ODI fifty during this partnership.

 

However, West Indies faltered in the field, offering reprieves to the openers through dropped catches. The Lankan batsmen capitalized on these opportunities, displaying freedom and accumulating a remarkable 190 runs an opening stand that set a new record in the CWC23 Qualifier.

 

Steady Finish Amid Minor Hiccups

As Sri Lanka appeared poised to secure victory with all 10 wickets intact, Kevin Sinclair provided the West Indies with a breakthrough by dismissing Nissanka. Nevertheless, the opener had already achieved a significant milestone by registering his third ODI hundred merely three overs earlier.

 

Akeal Hosein further dampened Sri Lanka’s progress by dismissing Karunaratne for 83. However, Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama stepped up to the occasion, steering Sri Lanka across the finish line without encountering any further obstacles. Their partnership ensured a successful chase, securing an eight-wicket triumph for Sri Lanka.

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Leeds Day 2 Promising an Exciting Thriller

Leeds Day 2 Promising an Exciting Thriller

Leeds Day 2 Promising an Exciting Thriller

The third Ashes Test at Headingley between England and Australia has unfolded with captivating moments, promising an exciting thriller for cricket enthusiasts. Day 2 witnessed a gripping battle as England’s bowlers showcased their skill, reducing Australia to 116/4. Despite the loss of early wickets, the Australian team managed to extend their lead to a commendable 142 runs. In this article, we delve into the highlights, key performances, and critical turning points of the match, presenting an in-depth analysis that captures the essence of this enthralling encounter.

 

England’s Resilience and Australia’s Dominance

The second day of the Test began with England resuming their innings at 68/3, trailing Australia by 195 runs. The hosts faced early setbacks as Pat Cummins, Australia’s formidable pace bowler, claimed the crucial wicket of Joe Root without adding a single run to his overnight score. England’s middle order, led by Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali, initiated a resilient fightback, aiming to rebuild their innings.

 

Stokes, known for his explosive batting, adjusted his approach after the fall of wickets and began scoring rapidly. His aggressive stroke play, including a flurry of boundaries, provided England with much-needed momentum. Moeen Ali contributed with a valuable partnership before falling victim to Cummins’ relentless short-ball tactic. However, England’s determination remained evident as Mark Wood showcased his power-hitting ability, injecting quick runs into the team’s total.

 

Australia’s Key Performances and Setbacks

Australia’s bowlers displayed exceptional skills throughout the match, making significant breakthroughs to keep England in check. Continuing his reign of dominance, Stuart Broad, England’s formidable pace bowler, once again claimed victory over Australian opener David Warner, securing his 17th dismissal of Warner in Test cricket. Moeen Ali’s spin proved pivotal as he claimed his 200th Test wicket, capturing the prized scalp of Steve Smith. The dismissal of Usman Khawaja further dented Australia’s progress, but Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh provided stability with an unbeaten partnership.

 

Thrilling Moments and Turning Points

The match was filled with thrilling moments and crucial turning points that intensified the battle between the two teams. Moeen Ali’s survival against an LBW decision after a successful review added to the excitement. The partnership between Khawaja and Labuschagne showcased resilience, but Labuschagne’s dismissal exposed the fragility of Australia’s middle order.

 

In the final moments of the morning session, Cummins’ short-ball strategy paid off once again, claiming the wicket of Ali. England’s innings suffered another setback when Chris Woakes fell to Mitchell Starc on the stroke of lunch, leaving the team struggling at 142/7. However, Mark Wood’s explosive start in the second session injected a sense of urgency and provided hope for England’s fightback.

 

The Significance of Every Run

In a closely contested Test match like this, every run holds immense significance. Both teams realized the importance of maximizing their totals while limiting the opposition’s lead. Stokes, after a cautious start, accelerated his scoring rate and played some extraordinary shots, demonstrating his resilience and skill. His innings of 80 was pivotal in narrowing the first-innings deficit to a mere 26 runs.

 

The third Ashes Test at Headingley witnessed England’s resilience, highlighted by Ben Stokes’ explosive batting, and Australia’s dominance, led by Pat Cummins’ exceptional bowling. The result of this captivating Test match hangs in the balance, promising an exciting thriller as both teams strive for victory.

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Babar Staying Calm for the India World Cup Clash

Babar Staying Calm for the India World Cup Clash

Babar Staying Calm for the India World Cup Clash

As the anticipation builds for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, all eyes are eagerly awaiting the clash between Pakistan and India. The rivalry between these two cricketing giants has always captured the imagination of fans worldwide, and the upcoming match promises to be a spectacle like no other. Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, recognizes the significance of this game, but he emphasizes that every match in the tournament holds equal importance. In this article, we delve into the mindset of Babar and his team, exploring their preparations, ambitions, and the challenges they face in their quest for World Cup glory.

 

The Pursuit of Consistency and Excellence

Babar Azam understands that a successful campaign in the World Cup requires consistent performances throughout the entire tournament. While the clash against India garners immense attention, Babar stresses the importance of maintaining focus on all the teams they will face. Pakistan’s goal is not limited to defeating one opponent; they aim to triumph over all competitors. Babar asserts that their plan revolves around delivering exceptional performances against every team and securing victories against each one.

 

Adapting to Varied Conditions

The World Cup will take Pakistan to five different cities, exposing them to various playing conditions. Babar emphasizes the need for adaptability, as thriving in diverse environments is a crucial challenge in international cricket. The team’s preparation includes acclimatizing themselves to different conditions, which they perceive as opportunities rather than obstacles. Babar’s ambition as both a player and captain is to excel in every country, dominate the game, and secure victories for Pakistan.

 

Immediate Goals in the World Test Championship

While the World Cup looms large on the horizon, Babar Azam’s team has more immediate objectives in the form of the ICC World Test Championship. When they face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series, they hope to make a strong start to the new championship cycle. Reflecting on their previous campaign, where they narrowly missed out on qualification for the final, Babar highlights the importance of learning from their past experiences. The team has identified areas for improvement and seeks to enhance their performance by 5-10 percent in the upcoming championship.

 

Harnessing the Expertise of Mickey Arthur

The presence of Mickey Arthur, the former coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team, in the Pakistan camp as team director, is seen as a valuable asset. Babar believes that Arthur’s knowledge of the conditions in Sri Lanka and his experience with the side will provide valuable insights and aid their preparations for the upcoming series. Having worked closely with the Sri Lankan team for a significant period, Arthur’s input is expected to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s strategy and planning.

 

In conclusion, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, recognizes the importance of the clash against India in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. However, he underscores the need for consistency and exceptional performances against all opponents throughout the tournament. With their focus on adapting to varied conditions and making a strong start in the World Test Championship, Pakistan aims to achieve success on multiple fronts.

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WI’s Secret Weapons Revealed for First Test Against India

WI’s Secret Weapons Revealed for First Test Against India

WI's Secret Weapons Revealed for First Test Against India

The West Indies cricket team has recently announced its 13-man squad for the highly anticipated first Test against India in Dominica. The team, led by Captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Vice Captain Jermaine Blackwood, comprises a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. With the inclusion of uncapped talents Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze, as well as the return of Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warrican, the West Indies aim to unleash their secret weapons and make a strong statement on the field.

 

A New Era Begins

The selection of Kirk McKenzie and Alick Athanaze in the West Indies squad is a testament to their outstanding performance during the recent ‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh. Both players exhibited remarkable skills, achieved impressive scores, and demonstrated great maturity in their approach to batting. Recognizing their potential, the West Indies selectors believe that McKenzie and Athanaze deserve this opportunity to showcase their abilities at the highest level of the game.

 

Reinforcements for the Bowling Attack

The return of Rahkeem Cornwall and Jomel Warrican strengthens the West Indies’ spin bowling department. Gudakesh Motie’s unavailability due to rehabilitation has created an opening for these experienced campaigners. Having previously played at the Test match level, both Cornwall and Warrican possess the skills required to excel in their respective roles. Their inclusion ensures that the West Indies have a well-rounded bowling attack to challenge the formidable Indian batting lineup.

 

Notable Absences

Although Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers are key members of the West Indies setup, they were not considered for the first Test against India. While Seales has shown promising progress in his rehabilitation from surgery, the team management believes that he needs more time before making a comeback. Similarly, Mayers, despite his significant contributions in the past, is currently dealing with some minor injuries. The team’s cautious approach aims to prioritize the players’ long-term fitness and prevent any unnecessary risks.

 

Setting the Stage for Success

The West Indies team understands the challenges that lie ahead in the series against India. As they embark on a new cycle of the ICC Test Match Championship, their primary goal is to continuously improve and climb the rankings. The upcoming Test series presents an opportunity for the West Indies to prove themselves on the international stage and establish a strong foundation for future success.

 

Final Preparations and Travel Plans

Before heading to Dominica, the West Indies squad will undergo a pre-series camp at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. This camp provides the players with an ideal environment to fine-tune their skills, build camaraderie, and align their strategies for the upcoming Test match. The team management recognizes the importance of thorough preparation and aims to ensure that every player is ready to give their best on the field.

 

With a blend of youth and experience, the West Indies team aims to use their secret weapons to outplay their opponents. The stage is set, the players are ready, and cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the first ball to be bowled in Dominica.

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Shahidi’s Confidence Sets the Stage for Series Triumph

Shahidi’s Confidence Sets the Stage for Series Triumph

Shahidi's Confidence Sets the Stage for Series Triumph

In the realm of cricket, there are moments of anticipation and excitement that capture the essence of competition. Such a moment unfolded when Afghanistan’s skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi, expressed his unwavering confidence in leading his team to a historic ODI series victory over Bangladesh. With a resounding triumph in the series opener at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Shahidi’s words reverberate with determination and optimism, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

 

A Roaring Start

The Afghan team’s victory in the opening match, secured by a 17-run margin through the application of the D/L method, showcased their formidable prowess. They demonstrated an exceptional blend of tenacious bowling and measured batting, adapting astutely to the rain-interrupted game. This triumph has propelled them to the precipice of an unprecedented series win, igniting a surge of confidence within their ranks.



Embracing the Challenge

Hashmatullah Shahidi exudes conviction when he asserts that his team stands ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. Acknowledging the difficulty of playing in Bangladesh against a resilient home side, Shahidi remains undeterred, drawing strength from the morale-boosting victory in the series opener. The dressing room resonates with unwavering confidence, fostering an environment primed for success.

 

Absence of Tamim Iqbal: An Advantage for Afghanistan

While the absence of Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh’s stalwart batsman, following his retirement announcement and subsequent reversal, is undoubtedly a blow to the home side, Shahidi sees it as an advantageous opportunity for Afghanistan. Tamim’s experience and leadership qualities have been instrumental for Bangladesh, making his absence a significant advantage for the Afghan team. They recognize the void left by his departure and intend to capitalize on this opportunity to clinch the series.

 

The Battle on the Wicket

Shahidi’s astute observations extend beyond the team dynamics, encompassing the unpredictable nature of the pitch itself. Reflecting on the divergent conditions experienced in the series opener, where the wicket played unusually compared to its typical characteristics, Shahidi emphasizes that adaptability and skill will be the key determinants of success. Irrespective of the wicket’s behavior, he asserts that the team’s focus remains steadfast on playing good cricket.

 

Looking Ahead

As the series unfolds, Shahidi’s strategic mindset shines through his measured approach. Rather than dwelling on external factors beyond their control, he emphasizes the importance of executing their game plan meticulously. With an unwavering focus on playing good cricket, Afghanistan aims to continue their stellar performance and clinch the series triumph.

 

Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Potential Contribution

Despite Fazalhaq Farooqi’s inability to complete his quota in the first game due to cramps, Shahidi remains optimistic about the bowler’s availability for the second match. Recognizing the impact of the hot weather on Farooqi’s physical condition, Shahidi expresses confidence that his teammate will recover in time to contribute to the team’s efforts. Farooqi’s presence adds depth and strength to the Afghan bowling attack, bolstering their chances of securing victory in the upcoming encounter.

 

In conclusion, Hashmatullah Shahidi’s unwavering confidence and strong leadership set the stage for Afghanistan’s quest for a historic ODI series win over Bangladesh. The team’s resounding victory in the series opener, combined with their indomitable spirit and adaptability, signifies their readiness to face any challenge.

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