Indians may be excited to host Donald Trump on his maiden two-day visit to India. But no one gets away with messing with God of Cricket when in India, albeit inadvertently. Not even the President of the United States.
On the first leg of his maiden visit to India, Trump addressed a crowd of thousands in Ahmedabad’s Motera cricket stadium at the “Namaste Trump” rally held in the POTUS’s honour.
Both heads of states PM Narendra Modi and Trump addressed the cheering crowd at the stadium. But while Modi kept his words short and handed the stage over to the guest of honour, it was Trump’s speech, or rather, his accent when he pronounced Desi words, that caught a lot of ears.
Within minutes of his speech, which was liberally filled with Indian references such as DDLJ, Sholay, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, among others, videos of his mispronunciations went viral. And the worst of it came when he names Sachin Tendulkar. While Sachin is one of the easier Indian names when it comes to pronunciation, it seemed to be too much for Trump who pronounced the cricketer’s name as “Soo-chin Tendulkaar” during his address.
“This is the country where your people cheer on the biggest cricketers, from Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, the best in the world”, Trump said in praise of the star Indian cricketers.
Even ICC joined and trolled Trump for his action. As Trump mis-pounced one of the Indian favorite cricketer’s name social media gets into troll Trump for his action. Other netizens also took Twitter to troll the POTUS with many surmising that Trump was probably not a cricket fan after all. While Twitter likes to have it’s fun, it’s not really our place to make fun of people for incorrect pronunciations, especially when Indians themselves often face the brunt of such discrimination when speaking at world forums.
Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma who recently recovered from ankle injury, seems to ruled out from the second test match. India already lose the first test match against New Zealand and in need to win the second test match to equal the series. It’s a massive blow for India who tries to equal the series.
Ishant Sharma did bowl for a while two days out from the match on Thursday (February 27). He however, was absent from training on the eve of the match. According to a source, Ishant had informed the team management of pain in the same ankle after bowling for nearly 20 minutes in the nets on Thursday. He was sent for tests on Friday (February 28), results for which are still awaited, but there are indications that the injury flare-up could rule Ishant out for a long time, putting even his IPL participation with Delhi Capitals into doubt.
Ishant sharma
Umesh Yadav set in
It seems Umesh Yadav has been replaced for Ishant as head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun were spotted having a lengthy chat with Umesh on the sidelines of the nets session. Where the Indian seemers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were absent either. The two however, had bowled lengthy spells the previous morning at the Hagley Oval nets.
Umesh Yadav
Ishant’s 300 test wicket-postponed
As Ishant Sharma has been ruled out from the second test match his upcoming achievement of 300 wickets in test match has been postponed. The Indian team not surprisingly is learnt to have left the decision to rule Ishant out till as late as possible. But it looks very likely now that he will sit it out as they don’t want to take the risk of playing him and then losing a specialist bowler midway through the game.
Ashwin “OUT’ Jadeja “IN”
After losing the test in Wellington India decide to drag in Jadeja instead for Ashwin to perform in batting too. Ashwin who don’t shine well in the first test match has been ruled out of the second test match against New Zealand.
This is the first test match for Umesh in New Zealand and has of late played most of his Tests on home soil. Umesh had a rather successful home summer, where he played mostly in place of the injured Bumrah, with 23 wickets at 13.65 in 4 Tests. He last appeared in an away Test at the Perth Stadium in December 2018, when India played four fast bowlers.
Toss : Pakistan Women won the toss and opt to bowl
Captain’s talk
Heather Knight: We are going to bat first. The wicket looks a bit slowm so we would like to put the runs on the board and defend it later. They (Pakistan) proved a lot the last time we played against them. We are playing the same team.
Bismah Maroof: We are bowling first. I think it’s a good wicket, the ball was coming nicely under lights in the last game, so we will bowl first. We need to put them under pressure and stick on our strengths. Last game gave us a lot of belief. One change for us.
England Women (Playing XI): Amy Ellen Jones(w), Danielle Wyatt, Natalie Sciver, Heather Knight(c), Fran Wilson, Katherine Brunt, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Glenn
England’s Batting
Jones disappoint every one- again
Previously England women’s won Thailand by a difference of 98 runs steps in seeking for their second victory. Wyatt and Jones are at the crease, Wyatt is on strike. Baig opens the attack against England. Baig in the first over shocked England by dismissing Jones who went pavilion for duck in the previous match and for 2 run in this match. Natalie Sciver gets to ground and paired with Wyatt.
After 10 overs
Wyatt strike an impressive triple four in the next over, but soon return to pavilion in Aiman Anwer’s over with a score of 16 runs from 13 balls. England’s Heather Knight gets in ground to save England from scoring low. At the end of power play England scored 48 runs for two wicket loss. Knight paired with Sciver and dragged England to a score of 74 runs for two wicket lose from 10 overs.
England’s batting
Pakistan’s poor fielding
Sciver lose her wicket to Aliya Riaz’s wide out ball, when she tried to hit hard by getting out from crease letting keeper to stump her. Fran Wilson gets in crease and pair with England’s skipper and provide the needed partnership. Pakistan players dropped catch for Wilson in Aliya Riaz’s over and for Knight’s in Nida Dar’s over shows their poor fielding.
Knight’s half century
In the last ball of 15th over Knight scored her fifty in Baig’s over while England’s score reached 124. There’s an another drop for Knight’s wicket in Aiman Anwer’s over but in the 5th ball of the same over Aiman uproot Wilson’s wicket when she scored 22 runs from 19 balls. In the 18th over England lose two wickets including England’s skipper. Nida Dar in her last over picked England skipper Knight and puts an end to her impressive strike when she scored 62 runs from 47 balls. England ends up scoring 158 runs for seven wicket lose.
Knight’s impressive strike
Pakistan Batting
Shrubsole’s revenge
After the victory over West Indies Pakistan get into their second game in the tournament of the T20I World cup. Muneeba Ali and Javeria Khan gets in crease, Muneeba Ali is on strike. Shrubsole opens the attack against Pakistan. Muneeba Ali hit an impressive four in the Shrubsole’s second over but in the very next ball Shrubsole got her revenge by dismissing her. The best comeback you could’ve hoped for after being hit for a four Muneeba Ali returned pavilion with a score of 10 runs.
Bismah Maroof get to the crease and paired with Javeria Khan. In the Sciver’s over Javeria Khan hit two consecutive boundary and impressed every one where Maroof remained without scoring any after facing five balls. Maroof lose her wicket to Brunt after striking a boundary in her over. Muneeba Ali and Maroof lost their wicket in the same over where they hit an Boundary.
After the power play Pakistan scored 35 runs for two wicket loss whereas England scored 48 runs for the same two wicket loss. Soon Javeria too lose her wicket to Glenn’s delivery for 16 runs from 15 balls. Pakistan struggled to face England’s bowling and lose wicket in an regular interval results in scoring 51 runs for five wicket loss after 10 overs.
England’s celebration after picking 5 wicket for 51 runs
Aliya Riaz-last hope that lost
Aliya Riaz paired with Sidra Nawaz paired and expect to drag Pakistan from losing. Aliya Riaz hit an impressive six in Sciver’s over and build belief that she would drag Pakistan towards victory. The 49 run partnership has been broken successfully by Ecclestone’s Stump-to-stump ball at a speed of 82kph.
Aliya Riaz
Shrubsole’s achievement in T20I
In the very next over Shrubsole scatters Pakistan dream towards a descent score by uprooting Aliya Riaz’s wicket when she scored 41 runs from 33 balls. And also bagged her 100th T20I wickets by uprooting Baig’s wicket in bowled and caught style. With couple of balls left in hand England fold up Pakistan for 116 runs and registered their second victory in Women’s T20I World cup tournament.
Shrubsole picked 100 wickets in T20I format
Player of the match
Heather Knight(England)
Batting : 62 from 47 balls.
Heather Knight : Really pleased with the effort. Thought the bowlers were brilliant. The spinners especially were clinical. Happy to get one more win on the board. I am enjoying batting up the order. I think it was a bit slower tonight. I tried to be there till the end. We knew 150-plus was going to be a good score. We have to prepare well for the next game. It’s about keeping the form going and momentum is a really big thing in T20s.
Heather Knight player of the match
Captain’s view
Heather Knight: There are areas where we can improve. Nat is in outstanding form. The wicket was on the slower side and we got a score that was more than par. Fielding and bowling performance was pretty good. You are gonna lose wickets in T20 cricket. With the depth in our batting line-up, it’s fine to lose wickets. We wanna be positive, go hard and get those big scores. That’s how we are gonna win. It’s about winning the game at the end of the day. Sometimes, you have to scrape wins, it’s all about winning and qualifying for the semifinal.
Javeria Khan: She (Bismah Maroof) got hit on the thumb and has gone for an X-ray. It was more about fielding (where we lost the game). The fielders will have to step up. That was the real difference (between the two sides). If you give them (England) anything loose, they’ll punish. It all comes down to mental toughness. This is a young bunch, we have to stand up to the occasion. We will make more plans and come back stronger. We weren’t able to execute our shots well under pressure.
Toss : South Africa Women won the toss and opt to bat
Captain’s talk
Sornnarin Tippoch: We wanted to bowl first. It looks a good surface but we are a good bowling side, so we wanted to bowl first. We have been bowling well and fielding well, but today we want to show how good we’re with the bat.
Dane van Niekerk: We are gonna have a bat, we just want to get runs on the board. It’s a beautiful surface. We thought getting runs on the board and defending would be the best thing as they’re a good bowling side. Marizanne Kapp is out due to illness, it’s just a precautionary measure. We want to be consistent as a team, we strive for that everyday in our training. I think it’s going to be a really good game of cricket.
South Africa Women : Lizelle Lee, Dane van Niekerk(c), Sune Luus, Mignon du Preez, Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Trisha Chetty(w), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Padunglerd’s quick wicket
South Africa after their stunning victory over England gets into their second match of the tournament. Lee and van Niekerk gets in crease, while Lee is on strike. Boochatham opens the attack for Thailand. Lee start the match with couple of boundaries in the first over, a well expected start from South Africa Women’s team. But soon van Niekerk lose her wicket to Padunglerd’s full toss ball. Thailand gets in joy after uprooting South Africa’s opener in a single digit score.
Thailand’s poor bowling and fielding performance
Sune Luus joins hand with Lee who strikes in an glorious way and lead South Africa to score 37 runs for a wicket down at the end of power play. With a boundary in Sutthiruang’s ball Lee shift South Africa’s score to 50.
Lee hits the first six of the match in Kamchomphu’s over and a catch dropped for Lee in the same over. Lee chips the tossed up delivery right back at the bowler who gets her right hand to it, but fails to latch onto it. Hardly had any time to react on that occasion, was a tough chance for Kamchomphu to pick the catch.
Sutthiruang when released a waist high no ball Sune Luus redirect it towards a beautiful six. Thailand women’s also missed a run out opportunity in the free hit delivered to Luus. The luck favoured for Luus as she survived for the second time in this match.
Sune Luus scored 61* from 41 balls
Lee’s maiden ton in T20I
Lee brings up her 12th T20I fifty with a six in Sutthiruang ‘s over. After 10 over Thailand scored 80 runs for a wicket loss where Lee stand strong by scoring 55 runs from 36 balls.
In Boochatham’s over Lee scored 17 runs with a pair of boundary and a six. In Laomi’s over Lee hit a boundary that brings the 100 run stand. Lee continued to strike aggressively and reached her maiden T20I ton in the Laomi’s over. The fine innings of Lee comes to an end for 101 runs from 60 balls when Laomi picks her wicket in the next ball after the impressive ton from the veteran.
Lizelle Lee scored 101 runs
History scripted by South Africa women’s team
The long expected break through has been provided by Laomi but it won’t lag South Africa from scoring as they were ahead in runs. South Africa reached 150 runs when Luus strike continuous boundary in Tippoch ‘s over. Sune Luus continued her strike and reached her half century with a six in Boochatham’s ball.
South Africa scored 20 runs in 18th over bowled by Tippoch, a very expensive over from Thailand. Finally South Africa scored 195 runs for three wicket loss and registered the highest score in women’s T20I World cup history.
Perfect innings from South Africa. They won the toss and opted to bat, a big total will boost their NRR and their batters have done a fine job. Dane van Niekerk went early but Lizelle Lee and Sune Luus put on a show as the pair added a 131-run stand for the second wicket. Lee recorded only the second hundred in T20Is for South Africa while Luus made the most of her opportunity batting at number three. Tryon provided the final flourish to the innings and South Africa finished with a mammoth 195. Thailand are already out of this game and it is only about damage control.
Thailand openers – luck favored?
Thailand women’s team have to chase this highest score to register their maiden victory in World cup tournament. Chantam and Boochatham gets in the crease, Chantam is on strike. N Mlaba opens the attack against Thailand. Chantam’s catch has been dropped in the first ball of the match that’s a lucky escape for the opener. In the next over Boochatham’s wicket has been again dropped that seems the luck favored towards Thailand team.
South Africa’s team Hat-trick
In the Ismail’s second over a team hat trick is made when South Africa picked three wicket in three consecutive balls. Boochatham who survived the first over lose her wicket to the quick hit from South Africa’s wicket keeper. In the very next over Koncharoenkailose dismissed for a golden duck by bowled out from Ismail. Again the same wicket format execute this time its Chaiwai who return pavilion for duck. Three wicket in three balls with two golden duck from South Africa.
South Africa’s team hat-trick
Catch from a Superwoman – Wolvaardt
Thailand team stands helpless after they loose their three wickets for 14 runs in four overs. Thailand lose their another player Tippoch after the power play ends where Thailand scored only 15 runs. That’s an impressive catch from Laura Wolvaardt to dismiss Thailand’s captain Tippoch for one run. With four wickets down Thailand stared at a huge defeat!
Onnicha Kamchomphu and Boochatham joined hands, Thailand is in need for some miracle to happen to chase this massive score after losing four wickets. Where Kamchomphu hit a consecutive boundaries in Ayabonga Khaka’s over and everyone expect Kamchomphu would save Thailand from a huge defeat.
Good knock from Kamchomphu comes to an end when Sune Luus dismissed her for 26 runs from 21 balls. After Kamchomphu none of the Thailand’s player had a chance to stand against South Africa bowlers.
Sune Luus picked three wicket in total and helped South Africa to fold-up Thailand for 82 runs. South Africa women’s won Thailand women’s team by 113 runs!!! That’s huge
Two wins from two matches for South Africa 🙌
They beat Thailand by 113 runs, with Ismail and Luus both taking three wickets each. #SAvTHA | #T20WorldCup
Lizelle Lee : It was one of those days where everything went my way. We struggled a little bit in the powerplay but me and Luus had a partnership and that set us up. It (her attacking approach) hasn’t paid off in the last few games and happy that it came off today. It gives me confidence for the next few games. That (the partnership with Luus) was amazing, we haven’t batted together for a while and it was good to bat together. We are taking every game as a semifinal and looking forward to the Pakistan game.
Lizelle Lee – Player of the match.
Captain’s view
Dane van Niekerk | South Africa captain: To be honest no (asked if they ticked all the boxes). The box that we wanted to tick was the win. I have to give credit to Lizelle for the century and Luus for putting up the partnership. Our fielding let us down a bit today. I don’t think we were at our 100 percent. (The dropped catches) Is definitely a worry and we speak about it a lot. I don’t mind one or two but when it happens consistently it becomes a worry. She (Chloe Tyron) is fine and gave me the thumbs up.
Sornnarin Tippoch | Thailand captain: All credit to Lizelle, she hit the ball hard but we also did not bowl the right line and length. It was a big score but we tried to go out there and play with courage.
The 61 year old former Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev who recently gave an emotional speech on the U19 World cup finals clash turns his view towards MS Dhoni. The IPL 2020 will see the return of Dhoni to cricketing action, as the wicket-keeper is on a break since playing in the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup where India lost to New Zealand.
Kapil Dev also suggest that he should play a few matches to be considered for selection in India’s T20 World Cup squad. He was dropped from the BCCI’s list of centrally contracted players in January.
“It’s not just Dhoni who is playing the IPL. I am a person who looks for a young player who we can be proud of in the next 10 years. I think Dhoni has already done so much for the country,” Kapil said during the fifth edition of HCL Grant event in Noida on Thursday.
“As his fan, yes (would like to see him playing the T20 World Cup) but as a cricketer I think it all depends on the management. He hasn’t played for one year. He should play more matches to be in the team. There shouldn’t be different parameters for different players,” the 1983 World Cup winning skipper said.
“He is on his last leg. I am his fan so I would love to see him but in IPL I am looking for the next generation.”
Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni
Dhoni’s return in IPL
Dhoni will start his preparations for the upcoming edition of the cash-rich league from March 3 in Chennai along with Suresh Raina.
Speaking to IANS, CSK CEO KS Viswanathan had said: “Dhoni will reach Chennai on March 2 and will start training the next day at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Raina will also be training with him, but there will be no international player as of now.”
Dhoni’s new “role”
But before he gets down to action for CSK, a video has surfaced in which he is seen driving a pitch roller inside the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi. In the video that has gone viral on social media, the 38-year-old can be seen driving the roller on a practice pitch. Dhoni has been regularly seen at JSCA Stadium and was even seen training with the Jharkhand Ranji Trophy players a little while back.
Kapil also comment on Jasprit Bumrah’s form in the ongoing tour of New Zealand, saying the speedster needs just a good wicket-taking spell to get his mojo back.
When you go through an injury it takes time for the body. For a person who has proved it at the big stage, it doesn’t take very long to come back,” he said of Bumrah, who returned from a back injury and went wicket-less for the first time in an ODI series.
“As batsman we say you need one innings to comeback to form, and for a bowler you need one good spell to be back. He needs couple of wickets to comeback.”
KL Rahul ignored in first test against New Zealand
On speaking about KL Rahul who has been ignored in the first test match against New Zealand where India lost by 10 wickets.
“Only team management can answer that. What we see is totally different. When the selectors sit they have lot of things to look into,” said Kapil.
“Yes, in our time it used to be ‘man in form he should play’ but this is a new breed of cricketers and they have their own rules.”
He also comment that India should learn from the mistakes and put effort in the second test match to equal the series.
“Haven’t we won on bouncy wickets before? In Perth or Melbourne or Durban. We have done this before, so I am not concerned if you say you can scare somebody with the short ball,” he said.
“They are professional, they understand the game and they will come out much harder in the next Test. If not then give all the praise to the New Zealand team.”
Kapil’s comment on Indian women’s cricket team
Kapil Dev also comment on Indian women’s cricket team for making it to the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
“They (Indian women) are playing well. The age has come up where we start looking at the women’s performance also,” he said.
“I would like to give a lot of respect to the BCCI for giving opportunity to girls and all the facilities which the girls require. Our girls are handled much better now than 15 years back.”
The 48 year old leg spinner Pravin Tambe has earlier played in the Indian Premier League for the Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Tambe becomes the oldest player to be sold at the auctions in December when two-time champions KKR bought his services at his base price of Rs 20 lakh.
Tambe has already played 33 IPL matches in four seasons between 2013 and 2016. He has featured for three different franchises – Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad during his IPL stint. The bowler, in his IPL career, has taken 28 wickets, 15 of which came in 2014, when he played for Rajasthan Royals. After being bought by KKR for the 2020 season, Tambe had said that he still feels like a 20-year-old.
Pravin Tambe
Tambe’s talk on IPL 2020
“I still play with a mindset like I am a 20-year-old young,” he had told news agency PTI in December. “I will bring all my experience and energy to the team. And that positivity. I know that I can bring that, even if I’m with them not playing. I will like to do well in whatever role given to me be it in fielding or bowling. It’s not to prove anything. If that was the case, I could not have played so long. I’m really excited to play for them,” he had added.
Reason for disqualification
Tambe will not be participating in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League after being disqualified. IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed the news to Hindustan Times.
“Tambe had initially announced his retirement. But he then came out of his retirement, after which he took part in the Mumbai League. He then went and played in Dubai in T10 League without informing anyone. We have disqualified him from the IPL as he is a current player and he did not take permission from the board.
We have conveyed the decision to Kolkata Knight Riders and they will be allowed a replacement for the disqualified player,” Patel told Hindustan Times over phone.
Tambe became ineligible to feature in the IPL because he had featured in a foreign league (The T10 league in Dubai and Sharjah) without officially announcing his retirement.
Recently, Harbhajan Singh, who hasn’t worn the Indian blue since 2016 — but is yet to retire — was the only Indian name in the draft for The Hundred — a new league format in England. However, the off-spinner took his name off the list right before the draft in favour of continuing to play for CSK in the IPL. Yuvraj Singh, on the other hand, featured in the Canada Global T20 League after announcing his retirement from all forms of the game.
Indian skipper virat kohli slips down to the second position in the ICC test batsman ranking. Virat Kohli’s poor performance in the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington is the cause for this. Kohli only scored 2 and 19 runs in the two innings of the first test against New Zealand. This poor performance drags Kohli to 906 points. Steve Smith, whose last Test match was in January against New Zealand, now tops the Test batting charts with 911 points.
Kohli’s slump meant Smith was back on top for the eighth time after first occupying the top position in June 2015. The last batsman, apart from Smith and Kohli, to be number one is New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, for an eight-day period in December 2015.
Virat Kohli scored 21 runs in 1st test against New Zealand
Other Indian batsmen
Cheteshwar Pujara also dropped two places to ninth while Ajinkya Rahane, who scored 46 and 19 in Wellington, gained a place to go eighth. Mayank Agarwal, who scored 92 runs over his two innings, including a half-century in the second, jumped two places and to achieve a career-highest 10th spot.
ICC test Ranking-Batting
Bowlers position
Tim Southee moved up eight places to sixth spot after picking up nine wickets against India. Trent Boult also jumped up four spots to 13th in the rankings after his impressive show against India. Ishant Sharma, who picked up a five-wicket haul for India, moved up a place to 17th with his career-highest points. Ishant Sharma is just three wickets away from joining the 300 test wicket club by Indian bowlers. Kapil Dev with 434 wickets and Zaheer Khan with 311 wickets already reached this achievement.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who took three wickets for 99 in the first innings against New Zealand, slipped a place to ninth but remained the only Indian featuring in the top 10 with 765 points
The all-rounders’ list features Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin at the third and fifth positions respectively. While Jadeja didn’t play the first Test, Ashwin scored 0 and 4 in the two innings to lose a place.
ICC test ranking-Bowlers
World Test champions
The defeat in Wellington was India’s first defeat in the World Test Championship. Second-placed Australia, whose next assignment in the longest format of the game is a two-match series in Bangladesh in June, will have a chance then to close the gap on the top of the table. In the ICC World Test Championship, India continues to be placed at the top with 360 points, followed by Australia (296).
New Zealand is on 120 after gaining 60 points for the Wellington victory. It had won 60 points in a 1-1 draw against Sri Lanka.
Toss : Australia Women won the toss and opt to bat
Captain’s talk
Salma Khatun, Bangladesh skipper: We are okay to field first and excited to play Australia for the first time. We didn’t field well in the last game and we hope to correct that today. One change for us.
Meg Lanning, Australia skipper: We are gonna have bat today. It’s generally a good batting wicket here and gives us a chance to start well with the bat. We don’t know them (Bangladesh) that well, but they played well against India the other night. So, we have done a lot of research but it’s about putting it out in the park. As prepared as we can be, it’s about delivering. Perry is good and she is good to go. Sutherland and Wareham come in today and um…not sure who is out. (*chuckles*)
Australia Women (Playing XI): Alyssa Healy(w), Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning(c), Rachael Haynes, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Jess Jonassen, Nicola Carey, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutted
Australia’s aggressive strike
The defending champion Australia get down to play their third match in the Women’s T20I World cup. Healy and Mooney are at the crease, Healy is on strike. Jahanara Alam opens the attack. Healy who return pavilion for a golden duck in the match against Sri Lanka has to prove herself in this match.
Healy without any delay strike the very first ball of the match towards boundary. Where everyone expected a defense strike in the first ball. With a triple boundaries in the first over Healy showed her form. This duo almost converts every ball of the match to score. Bangladesh bowlers struggled to pick a wicket as this duo strikes aggressively.
Healy and Mooney
Healy reached half century in just 26 balls
Healy with her 71 meter maximum six lifts Australia to cross 50 runs in total. Healy looks to have found her mojo today. At the end of power play Australia scored 53 runs without a wicket loss. Healy with two consecutive sixes in Khadija’s over reached the half-century in just 26 balls. This is the second fifty of the tournament for Healy. Almost the run rate remains nearly 9 per over till the power play ends.
After the power play ends Mooney too starts to strike big shots which leads Australia to score 96 runs in first 10 overs without a wicket loss. Mooney with a boundary in Jahanara Alam’s over lifts Australia towards a total of 100 runs, that’s a ton for Australia without loosing a wicket!!!.
Alyssa Healy scored 83 runs in total
Highest ever opening partnership for Australia in T20Is.
The 100 run standing partnership continuous to strike in an aggressive way that Bangladesh bowlers struggled to face them. Mooney in Rumana Ahmed’s over, driven away to sweeper cover and brings up her fifty with a single. Healy and Mooney partnership reached 121 runs which is the highest ever opening partnership for Australia in T20Is.
After 15 over Australia scored 129 runs without losing any wicket. Fianlly Salma Khatun puts an end to Healy’s terrific innings after dismissing her for 83 runs from just 53 balls. This opening duo gathered 150 runs for their first wicket and placed Australia in an advanced position.
Mooney’s impressive strike
Though Healy gets down, Ashleigh Gardner paired with Mooney and contribute 22 runs and boost the Australian’s score. Gardner strikes Salma Khatun ‘s over in an impressive way and scored 14 runs in that particular over. Mooney stand undefeated in ground with a score of 81 runs from 58 balls. Ashleigh Gardner scored 22 runs in just 9 balls and pumped Australia to score 189 runs.
Ashleigh Gardner scored 22 runs from 9 balls
Australian Innings Over view
It’s been a stunning display by Australia. They had a slow start to this tournament but they surely brought their A+ game to the fore today. Healy and Mooney put a record opening partnership of 151 runs to get Australia off to a dream start. They both took Bangladesh bowlers to the cleaners who looked rattled by the blitzkrieg of Aussie openers. Healy departed for 83 but Mooney carried on and finished the innings on a high with a magnificent 81 to power Australia to formidable 189. Bangladesh would be gutted with their effort in the field as they dropped a lot of straight forward chances. They have a mountain to climb to grab the victory.
A massive target to chase
Bangladesh have to chase down a massive target of 190 runs to register their first victory in this tournament. Shamima Sultana and Murshida Khatun get down to crease, Shamima Sultana is on strike. Perry opens the attack against Bangladesh. Bangladesh have to maintain a strong partnership in order to chase this massive score. Schutt in her second over scattered Bangladesh’s dream of victory by uprooting Murshida Khatun for 8 runs and Shamima Sultana for 13 runs.
Shamima Sultana got bowled out for 13 runs
Annabel’s maiden wicket in T20I World cup 2020
Bangladesh lost two of its opener to the Australian right-arm fast medium bowler Schutt, its a huge blow for the Bangladesh. Annabel Sutherland picks up her maiden wicket in T20I World cup 2020 by dismissing Sanjida Islam in her first over by a short delivery. After power play Bangladesh scored 27 runs for three wicket lose where Australia scored 53 runs for no wicket lose.
Sutherland’s celebration after picking her maiden wicket in WT20IWC 2020
Bangladesh in need of “miracle” to happen
After 10 overs Bangladesh scored 45 runs for three wicket lose where Fargana Hoque and Nigar Sultana stands in crease. Bangladesh have to execute a miraculous performance in order to chase down this target after losing three wickets. Carey puts an end to the Nigar Sultana’s performance when she scored 19 off 32 balls. And the 51 runs partnership has been broken atlast.
Fargana Hoque and Nigar Sultana partnership of 51 runs
With a need of 104 from 24 balls, the victory seems opened the door for Australian team. Fargana Hoque and Rumana Ahmed stands helpless in ground as their openers failed to provide a strong base. An impossible target of 90 runs to achieve from 6 balls, the victory lies in the hand of Australia. The long struggle of Bangladesh comes to an end as Australia won Bangladesh by 86 runs.
Player of the match
Alyssa Healy(Australia)
Batting : 83 runs from 53 balls(10×4,3×6)
Alyssa Healy : That’s something we identified and worked on especially (hitting straight against spinners )in the powerplay and the plan worked today. The sub-continent teams are trying to bowl as slow and we have practised a lot in the nets yesterday. Tonight with the breeze we have identified the short boundaries and Beth and I worked out which areas to target. Not easy to field under lights and we have done okay today.
Alyssa Healy player of the match
Captain’s view
Meg Lanning | Australia captain: It was a good all-round performance. Alyssa and Beth set the tone for us, right from the first ball. The attacking nature from them was good. Good all-round performance, something we needed. We wanted to go out there and be attacking. We were timid in the first two matches. As I said, they set the tone and everyone followed. As far as I know, everyone’s okay. World Cups is all about big games and we want to be part of them. New Zealand are playing good cricket, so we need to play well. The performance today was more about how we play and how we have played in the last 18 months. We again need to do better against New Zealand.
Salma Khatun | Bangladesh captain: Australia is a very good team. We didn’t bowl in the right areas. 190 was a big target. Their bowlers bowled well. I’m looking forward to the matches against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Toss: New Zealand Women won the toss and opt to bowl
Harmanpreet Kaur: We wanted to bat only. We have two changes today. Smriti and Radha come in for Arundhati and Richa. We are doing well in patches, we need to do well in batting. We will try to give our best today. I did struggle in the last two games but hopefully I can do well here.
Sophie Devine: We are going to bowl first. It’s a fresh wicket, we would like to make most of the conditions. Couple of changes for us. I thought Sri Lanka put us under the pump early on, we gotta be on the money against India. It’s about sticking to your strengths and not get carried away. Hoping to continue my form.
Squad
New Zealand Women: Sophie Devine(c), Rachel Priest(w), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katey Martin, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Anna Peterson, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair
India Women : Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Taniya Bhatia(w), Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Deepti Sharma, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad
Mandhana flatters to deceive
Smriti Mandhana return to the squad after her recovery from viral fever. India already won two matches that played already and looks for the hat-trick victory. Shafali Verma who is in glorious form accompanied by Mandhana gets in crease. Tahuhu opens the attack for New Zealand. India expect a fabulous performance from this duo. But Tahuhu in her second over dismissed Mandhana and provide the New Zealand’s well needed wicket. Mandhana flatters to deceive in her comeback game for India
Taniya Bhatia gets in and joins hand with Verma as this duo opened and performed well in the India vs Bangladesh match. This duo starts to strike in an aggressive way where Shafali Verma strike two consecutive sixes in Anna Peterson’s over. At the end of power play India scored 49 runs for a wicket lose.
Shafali Verma scored 46 runs
Struggled middle order
Bhatia struggle to face ball as she placed lots of dot balls. The long struggle of Bhatia(23 runs off 25 balls) comes to an end when she got dismissed by Rosemary Mair. Bhatia and Verma lead India to score 68 run with 51 runs partnership. Shafali stands strong from the beginning and paired with the all rounder Jemimah Rodrigues.
Soon Rosemary Mair sent Rodrigues to pavilion when she scored 10 runs from 9 balls. Shafali Verma stands alone as the remaining players failed to pair with her to provide the partnership which is very much needed by India. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur(1 run from 5 balls) too return pavilion with out scoring much.
Rosemary Mair picks 2 wicket
Verma missed her half century
India gets in struggle when Amelia Kerr picked Verma’s wicket while Verma is just 4 runs away from her half century. Though India started well in the beginning, it seems collapsed when the middle order players failed to show up. India crossed 100 runs in the 15th over for 5 wicket loss.
New Zealand bowlers perfect spell collapsed India
Handy contributions from Shikha and Radha
In the very next over Veda return to pavilion when Amelia Kerr dismissed her with a review. Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav dragged India towards a score of 133. Radha Yadav hits a massive six in the last over and dismissed in the last ball while try to cover a single.
Over-view
India have smashed, nudged, strangled and somehow scraped their way to 133 – a total that is yet to be hunted down in this World Cup. Shafali Verma carried on from where she left off in the last game and held the fort despite lack of rhythm at the other end. India yet again chopped and changed their batting order which didn’t really produce the desired outcome with Taniya, despite her 25-ball 23, consuming as many as six dots in the powerplay. The arrival of Jemimah and HarmanPreet didn’t really add any value to Shafali’s confidence as both the experienced batters got out in the space of 2 overs. Some handy contributions from the pair of Radha and Shikha, also thanks to some shabby fielding from the White Ferns, helped India get this total.
Priest disappoint New Zealand
In order to continue the winning streak New Zealand have to chase down 134 runs. Priest and Devine are at the crease, Priest is on strike. Deepti Sharma opens the attack against New Zealand. Priest hits couple of boundaries in the first over from Deepti Sharma. But its the game changer Shikha Pandey who bowls the second over and without any disappointment uproot the wicket of Priest(12 runs from 9 balls).
Shikha Pandey picks Rachel Priest’s wicket
Indian bowlers restrict New Zealand from scoring
New Zealand struggled to score and also lose Bates for 6 runs to Deepti Sharma’s slower ball. After the power play New Zealand scored 30 runs for two wicket lose whereas India scored 49 runs for a wicket lose. Poonam Yadav after providing three runs in the first over, dismissed Devine in the first ball of her second over. Indian bowlers restrict New Zealand from scoring. As a result New Zealand scored 46 runs for three wicket loss after 10 overs.
Maddy Green’s well settled partnership with Katey Martin
Maddy Green and Katey Martin paired and starts to strike steady. New Zealand scored 19 runs in two overs when Maddy Green striked aggressively with boundaries, the most expected by New Zealand. This pumped up the New Zealand’s score and results in 63 runs required from 42 balls.
With a need of 44 runs from 21 balls, Hayley Jensen gets in ground and paired with Amelia Kerr. The two left-arm spinners have bowled out, leaving the last three to Poonam, Shikha and Deepti. New Zealand need couple of big overs and it should be now. Deepti Sharma bowled and spelled 6 runs in total.
The game saviour – Shikha Pandey
The most crucial over was bowled by Poonam Yadav New Zealand seeks opportunity and strike 18 runs thar includes 4 boundaries. With a need of 16 for 6 balls Shikha Pandey to bowl the final over. The pressure builds over the players of both the team. With an unexpected return catch dropped by Pandey New Zealand advanced towards the victory. With a boundary in the fifth ball of the last over New Zealand is in need of 5 runs from last delivery. The terrific match comes to an end after a leg bye run in the last ball. Finally India win by three runs, and entered into semi-final. Amelia Kerr runs into emotion with tears after her struggle to win failed.
Shikha Pandey saved the game
INDIA WIN A THRILLER!
New Zealand make a fight of it, but Shikha Pandey holds her cool in the final over to take her team to the #T20WorldCup semi-final!#INDvNZ | #T20WorldCup
I was happy with the performance and wanted to give a good start at the powerplay. I waited for the loose balls which is my strength and it paid off today. I practised a lot with the boys and I want to thank my dad and all the boys at the practice who helped me train well in batting.
Shafali Verma consecutive player of the match award
Captains view
Harmanpreet Kaur | India captain: It is a great feeling when your team is performing like that. We did the same mistakes, we got a good start in the first 10 overs and we didn’t carry the momentum. We did bowl well in patches and some times we were not up to the mark and have to focus on those areas. She is giving us good starts and I hope she continues doing that as quick runs at the top is really important to us.
Sophie Devine | New Zealand captain: We thought we did a fantastic job, with how Shafali came out at the top, to restrict them to 133 on a reasonably good wicket was a great effort. We adapted to the conditions as we expected it to be a bit more pacier and bouncier, it wasn’t. Adjusting our lines and lengths and again our spinners came on board and really tied them down. I think the way the team nearly closed out the game today was fantastic. Green and Martin spent time in the middle and then Kerr did a brilliant job of getting us that close. That’s all you can ask for. We can take a lot of positives from this game. Our bowling on how we came back and how we almost finished the game. We cannot dwell too much as we have a game on Saturaday.
Hayley Matthews and Lee-Ann Kirby are at the crease, Hayley Matthews is on strike. Baig opens the attack against West Indies. Baig dismissed Hayley Matthewsin by LBW in the very first ball and makes the match interesting. Stafanie Taylor joins hand with Lee-Ann Kirby to play a steady game as they lose one of their opener for golden duck. This duo start settle by gathering runs in an stable form. But Baig again with her bowling spell in the 4th over picked Lee-Ann Kirby’s wicket and break the partnership.
Post power play West Indies scored only 28 runs for two wicket loss. Nida Dar dismissed Dottin in the sixth over, where West Indies lose three wicket for a total of 28 runs. Captain Stafanie Taylor and wicket keeper Shemaine Campbelle paired, now the responsibility lies over them.
Diana Baig picks two crucial wicket
Partnership that saved West Indies
This duo paired and starts strike in a well controlled form, Campbelle with a couple of sixes boost the total. The must needed partnership for West Indies as its top order players failed to prove them self. The impressive game from Campbelle comes to an end when Anam Amin dismiss her with the review. This duo added 63 runs in total that helped West Indies to score further. In the very next over Chinelle Henry return pavilion with scoring 4 runs.
Captain Taylor dismissed for 43 runs by Nida Dar when West Indies scored 111 runs with 8 balls remaining. Pakistan packed West Indies for 124 runs where Diana Baig, Aiman Anwer and Nida Dar bagged two wickets for each.
Campbelle and Taylor partnership
Over-view
West Indies finish with 124 on the board. They lost three quick wickets after opting to bat first, Taylor and Campbelle led the rescue act one again – adding 63 runs for the fourth wicket. Both made an identical 43 each to help their team post a score on the board
Notable Opening partnership
Pakistan keen to win this match to register their maiden win in the T20I World cup series 2020. With a descent score to chase down, Muneeba Ali and Javeria Khan get to the crease, Muneeba Ali is on strike. Shamilia Connell opens the attack for West Indies. Without any rush Pakistan played in a controlled form, results in scoring 48 runs without any loss by the end of power play.
Muneeba Ali and Javeria Khan scored 50 runs for the opening partnership and provide the strong base for Pakistan. Javeria Khan lose her wicket to the West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor for 35 runs, while Pakistan scored 58 runs. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof paired with Muneeba Ali and moved the team further.
Bismah Maroof dragged Pakistan towards victory
After 10 overs Pakistan scored 66 runs for a wicket loss and place them self in a comfortable zone. Soon the other opener Muneeba Ali lose her wicket to Afy Fletche when she scored 25 runs. Though Pakistan lose two wickets they seems to be safe with a score of 77 runs in 12 overs.
The required run rate has inched over the 6-run mark. But with 8 wickets in hand Pakistan Women played without any pressure. With 36 required from 36 balls both the team seems to play a serious game. But with Bismah Maroof on Pakistan side it seems simple as Maroof strike a boundary in each over and move Pakistan further in game.
Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar
Finishes off in style
With 6 needed of 18 balls, Pakistan paved the way for the victory. Pakistan skipper with a boundary finishes things off in style. After hitting the winning runs Maroof jogs across to the other end with her arms wide open in joy. Pakistan bagged their first victory in this World cup series.
Bismah Maroof runs in celebration
Player of the match
Javeria Khan(Pakistan)
Javeria Khan : I am really surprised with this award, I think Diana deserved it more than me. But it was a team effort. We have worked on our running between the wickets, our fielding and that paid off today. Initially it wasn’t coming onto the bat nicely, but the wicket became better to bat on eventually. I thought of taking charge early on so that the middle order batsmen could take their time. I’d like to share this award with Diana.
Javeria Khan won player of the match
Captain’s view
Bismah Maroof, Pakistan captain: We wanted this win in order to get the momentum going, very pleased with the effort. We got wickets at crucial time. Diana got us early wickets and that helped us to restrict them below 125. Our openers played really well and we as a team are smart cricketers. Nida stayed with me, rotated the strike well and kept the scoreboard ticking. We are looking forward to do well in the remaining matches.
Stafanie Taylor, West Indies captain: With the type of batters we have we should be scoring more than 150 and we haven’t been doing that. The batters need to show hunger in the first 6 overs and need to rotate the strike. That’s where we’ve been lacking. But we have been losing early wickets, that’s where we have struggled. The bowling has been terrific. The pacers have been really good, but not to take anything away from Pakistan. There’s always room for improvement, we keep saying that. We need to come out and show our prowess in the next match.
Bangladesh Cricket Board(BCB) recently released the squad details for the match between Asia XI and World XI. The two T20I match has been planned to play on next month dated March 21 and 22. Six Indian players name has been listed in the squad for Asia XI.
Players from India
“We have already received four names from India. We haven’t signed contracts but Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammad Shami are supposed to come. They have said KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will play one game each, but that hasn’t been finalised,” Nazmul said.
KL Rahul will take part in only one of the two games while Virat Kohli’s participation still remains under the cloud. BCB wants Kohli to play both the T20I but considering the Indian team Schedule, it remains unconfirmed about Kohli’s participation in the match.
Kohli and Dhawan
India’s upcoming matches
India currently is in New Zealand tour, after a week when New Zealand tour ends India will play a three match ODI series against South Africa begins 12th march in Dharamsala. The second game will be played in Lucknow dated March 15 and last in Kolkata on March 18. After which the expecting IPL will begin on March 29.
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly’s statement
Asked about the Indian players availability for the matches BCCI president Sourav Ganguly last Friday said “they can send four to five”.
“Kohli’s name has been sent but the call on his participation lies with him and he will take it after due consultation with BCCI president Sourav Ganguly”, a BCCI source told.
Confirmed players
“Players like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have finalised with us, from Afghanistan. Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane will play while from Sri Lanka, we will have Lasith Malinga and Thisara Perera,” Hassan said, according to an ESPNCricinfo report.
The BCB president confirmed Banglandesh players Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Mahmudullah and Liton Das would be available.
“Bairstow is definitely coming. Ngidi is coming. Chris Gayle is supposed to play. Faf du Plessis. We will have some of the best players around. We are uncertain about Pakistan since the PSL is will be ongoing. We will invite some of the cricketing greats,” added Hassan.
Regarding Pakistan players
The Pakistan players are unlikely to be available for the two matches, with the final of the Pakistan Super League clashing with the second T20I. “As Pakistan is having the PSL, they are uncertain.”
Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis (c), Nicholas Pooran, Brendan Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Kieron Pollard, Adil Rashid, Sheldon Cottrell, Lungi Ngidi, Andrew Tye, Mitchell McClenaghan.
Toss : Thailand Women won the toss and opt to bowl
Squad
England Women (Playing XI): Amy Ellen Jones(w), Danielle Wyatt, Natalie Sciver, Heather Knight(c), Fran Wilson, Katherine Brunt, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Glenn.
Jones and Wyatt are at the crease, Jones is on strike. Boochatham opens the attack for Thailand. Superb start for Thai girls as Boochatham dismissed Jones in the second ball of the match for duck. England fans shocked when Wyatt too return pavilion for duck in the very next over from Lateh. England lost two wickets for just seven runs.
England lose two wickets at an early stage
Tremendous recovery by England Women
England’s captain Heather Knight gets into crease and pair with Sciver to save England by adding some runs. This duo starts to strike aggressively and Thailand seems to struggle to pick a wicket to break this partnership. At the end of power play England scored 45 runs for two wicket loss. Where Knight scored 14 runs off 12 balls and Sciver scored 24 runs off 22 balls.
Knight and Sciver -Thailand’s nightmare
This duo starts to hit at-least couple of boundaries in each over from Thailand. At the end of 10 overs England scored 74 runs for same two wicket loss. Though England lose wickets at an early stage Sciver and Knight manage to stand strong in field. In the 12th over from Padunglerd, Knight hit a massive six and with a single in the next ball registered her half century from 38 balls.
Thailand bowled in every possible ways in seek of a wicket to break this long standing partnership but every idea seems failure. Sciver raise her fifty in Sutthiruang’s over. Thailand seems stunned as the duo have half century for each and still continuous to strike aggressively. England crossed 150 runs in total by having 17 runs in the 17th over with a couple of boundary and a six.
Knight and sciver
Knight’s maiden century
Not only team score, their partnership crossed 150 plus when Knight stand tall with 95 runs not out and looks for a ton. And reached the ton in the last over which is a maiden century for Knight in this format. With a six in the last over from Knight England reached 176 runs for just two wicket loss.
Heather Knight scores the FIRST century of the 2020 #T20WorldCup 👏
A tremendous recovery by England Women, given the fact the openers failed to trouble the scorers. Thailand Women had a brilliant start to the match, but they would have hardly anticipated what followed next. Knight and Sciver came together and kept pummeling the bowlers to all parts of the park for the rest of the innings. Knight also notched up her maiden T20I century in the process as the pair added 169 runs for the third wicket. Thailand Women have a mountain to climb, so England will be looking forward to bag a big win under their belt.
Daunting score to chase
Thailand with daunting score of 176 to chase down get into crease. With a lot to achieve Chantam and Boochatham get down to the crease, Chantam is on strike. Shrubsole will open the attack for England. In the first over from Shrubsole, Thailand’s Boochatham return for a golden duck. Thailand’s captain Koncharoenkai joins hand with Chantam and in a pressure to provide a strong base for the Thailand.
This duo managed to stand but unable to score much in the power play. After 6 overs Thailand scored 27 runs for a wicket loss and in need to have a massive performance in order to register their maiden victory. But England bowlers showed up with their bowling performance and restrict Thailand from scoring.
Sophie Ecclestone after picking Nattakan Chantam’s wicket
Thailand struggled to score
England bowling stand tall which allowed Thailand to score only 37 runs in first 10 overs of the match. With a lot to score, Thailand seems speechless and starts loosing their confidence. When Chantam return pavilion for 32 runs added strength to England. In the very next over from Sciver Thailand lose 2 wickets including their skipper.
Massive bowling performance from England
Thailand collapsed as they lose three wickets for four runs in 13th over. Thailand had no options to face England’s bowling and start to lose wicket in a regular interval. Anya Shrubsole’s three wicket and Natalie Sciver’s two wicket helps England to foldup Thailand with a huge difference. Finally England women won by 98 runs and registered their maiden win in the Women’s T20I World cup 2020.
England’s stunning bowling
Player of the Match
Heather Knight(England)
Batting: 108 from 66 balls(13×4,4×6)
Heather Knight : It was very important for us to give a performance like this, I thought we batted brilliantly. We needed to stay calm, keep building the score, not panic and put on a partnership to get a score. It was a good pitch, slightly patchy, but was a good batting strip.
Heather Knight received player of the match for scoring 108*
Captain’s view
Heather Knight | England captain: The partnership was the key I think. I caught up and hogged the strike a little bit, and I think that helped us come back into the game.
Sornnarin Tippoch | Thailand captain: It’s a challenging game for us, wasn’t under real pressure but we tried to do our best on the field. We are always trying to improve, and trying to work harder on our batting game, particularly the aggressive brand of cricket required in T20 format.
