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Tag: Sikandar Raza

  • Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe’s charge as Afghanistan collapses for 157 on Day 1 of the second Test

    Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe’s charge as Afghanistan collapses for 157 on Day 1 of the second Test

    The second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Bulawayo began with Zimbabwe asserting dominance on a day filled with bowling brilliance. After electing to field first, Zimbabwe’s bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, bundling Afghanistan out for a below-par 157 on Day 1. The visiting batters struggled to find rhythm, with none managing a score beyond 25. Tight lines and relentless pressure ensured wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Afghanistan reeling. Zimbabwe’s openers then safely navigated the tricky final three overs, reaching 6/0 at stumps and trailing by 151 runs.

    Zimbabwe’s bowlers led by Sikandar Raza dominate Afghanistan

    The Zimbabwean bowling attack delivered a masterclass in discipline and execution. Richard Ngarava was unplayable with figures of 1/18 in 12 overs, suffocating the Afghan batters with his precision. Blessing Muzarabani provided crucial breakthroughs, claiming 2/56, including the key scalp of Shahidullah. Sikandar Raza’s off-spin (3/30) was the standout, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order with turn and subtle variations. Newman Nyamhuri (3/42) shone in the later stages, expertly cleaning up the tail. The collective effort restricted Afghanistan to a mere 157, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked in tandem to exploit every lapse in concentration from the opposition.

    Afghanistan’s batting woes continue

    Afghanistan’s innings was marred by an inability to build meaningful partnerships. Openers Abdul Malik (17) and Riaz Hassan (12) made starts but couldn’t convert them, while Rahmat Shah (19) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (13) fell to soft dismissals. Afsar Zazai and Shahidullah tried to stabilize the innings with brief contributions, but none could withstand Zimbabwe’s relentless attack. Rashid Khan’s counterattacking 25 off 20 balls provided a late spark, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the innings. Frequent collapses and lack of application underlined Afghanistan’s struggles as they were bowled out in just 44.3 overs, squandering any chance of a competitive total.

    Also READ: ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Bulawayo Weather Forecast For All 5 Days | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024-25

    Zimbabwe’s steady start in reply

    Zimbabwe’s openers, Joylord Gumbie (4 not out) and Ben Curran (1 not out), showed composure under the fading light, ensuring no early setbacks in their reply. Facing three probing overs from Afghanistan’s bowlers, they carefully negotiated deliveries from Rashid, Fareed Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai. Though runs came slowly, the duo’s focus was on preserving wickets. Zimbabwe’s batting depth, with experienced campaigners like Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza waiting in the wings, sets them up for a dominant position on Day 2. The hosts will look to capitalize on this solid start and pile on the runs to take full control of the match.

    Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2025, 2nd Test: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Bulawayo Test stats and Records



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  • ZIM vs AFG 2024, 2nd T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

    ZIM vs AFG 2024, 2nd T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

    The second T20I between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan is set to take place at the Harare Sports Club, the same venue as the first match, on Friday (December 13).

    In the opening game, Zimbabwe secured a 4-wicket victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The win was powered by an exceptional bowling display from Richard Ngarava and a stellar batting performance by Brian Bennett, who was named Player of the Match. With this upcoming game, Zimbabwe will aim to clinch the series, but Afghanistan, a team known for its resilience, will be determined to stage a strong comeback.

    Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25, 2nd T20I

    • Date and Time: December 13: 11:30 am GMT /1:30 pm Local/ 5:00 pm IST
    • Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

    Harare Sports Club Pitch Report:

    The Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe offers a well-balanced pitch that caters to both batters and bowlers. On sunny days, the wicket dries rapidly, creating favourable conditions for batters to score heavily early in the match. As the game advances, the surface begins to aid spinners, boosting their impact. Conversely, overcast conditions tilt the advantage towards seam bowlers, as the added moisture in the air and on the pitch enhances ball movement, posing considerable difficulties for batters

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Picks:

    • Wicketkeeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
    • Batters: Hazratullah Zazai, Dion Myers, Brian Bennett
    • All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai
    • Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Richard Ngarava, Naveen-ul-Haq

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

    Choice 1: Rashid Khan (c), Sikandar Raza (vc)
    Choice 2: Brian Bennett (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vc)

    Also WATCH: Naveen-ul-Haq’s disastrous 13 ball over costs Afghanistan in the first T20I against Zimbabwe

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Backups:

    Ryan Burl, Blessing Muzarabani, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sediqullah Atal

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 13, 11:30 am GMT):

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Team for today’s match (Screengrab: Dream11)

    Squads:

    Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Gulbadin Naib, Darwish Rasooli, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, Zubaid Akbari

    Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Wessly Madhevere, Tashinga Musekiwa, Wellington Masakadza, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu, Faraz Akram, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Newman Nyamhuri, Tinotenda Maposa

    Also READ: Twitter reactions – Zimbabwe stuns Afghanistan in a last-ball thriller to win the 1st T20I

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  • ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

    ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

    The opening T20I of Afghanistan‘s tour of Zimbabwe for the 2024-25 season is set to commence on December 11 at the Harare Sports Club. This three-match T20I series will see all games played at the same venue.

    Zimbabwe heads into the series following a 2-1 loss to Pakistan in their recent three-match T20I series, while Afghanistan last competed in a T20I series against Ireland in March 2024, securing a 2-1 victory.

    Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25, 1st T20I:

    • Date and Time: December 11: 11:30 am GMT / 1:30 pm local/ 5:00 pm IST
    • Venue: Harare Sports Club, Harare

    Harare Sports Club Pitch Report:

    The Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe features a well-balanced pitch that supports both batting and bowling strategies. On sunny days, the wicket dries out quickly, providing batters with a strong opportunity to score runs early in the match. As the game progresses, spinners find more assistance from the surface, enhancing their effectiveness. However, when the skies turn overcast, the conditions favor seam bowlers. The added moisture in the air and on the pitch increases ball movement, presenting significant challenges for batters.

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Picks:

    • Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
    • Batters: Hazratullah Zazai, Dion Myers, Brian Bennett
    • All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Azmatullah Omarzai
    • Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Naveen Ul Haq, Blessing Muzarabani

    Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024: Afghanistan’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Zimbabwe

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

    Choice 1: Rashid Khan (c), Sikandar Raza (vc)
    Choice 2: Dion Myers (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vc)

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Prediction Backups:

    Fazal Haq Farooqi, Sediqullah Atal, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Richard Ngarava

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 11, 11:30 am GMT):

    ZIM vs AFG Dream11 Team for today’s match (Screengrab: Dream11)

    Squads:

    Zimbabwe: Sikandar Raza (c), Faraz Akram, Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Wessly Madhevere, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri

    Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Darwish Rasooli, Zubaid Akbari, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Nangyal Kharoti, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq.

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  • Twitter reactions: Pakistan takes 1-0 lead over Zimbabwe with dominant win in Bulawayo T20I

    Twitter reactions: Pakistan takes 1-0 lead over Zimbabwe with dominant win in Bulawayo T20I

    Pakistan kicked off their T20I series against Zimbabwe with a resounding 57-run victory in Bulawayo. Spearheaded by the exceptional spells of Haris Rauf and Sufiyan Muqeem, the visitors bowled out Zimbabwe for just 108 runs, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Sufiyan Muqeem, with his career-best figures of 3/20, stood out, while Haris Rauf’s precision ensured timely breakthroughs.

    A balanced start for Pakistan after winning the toss

    Pakistan opted to bat first with the intent of setting a formidable target. However, the innings got off to a shaky start as opener Omair Yousuf fell early, managing 16 off 13 deliveries before being undone by a sharp delivery from Richard Ngarava. Despite the early setback, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan brought stability to the innings with a 39-run partnership for the second wicket. Ayub showcased glimpses of his flair with a few elegant strokes but fell for 21, mistiming a pull shot that landed safely in the hands of the long-off fielder, leaving Pakistan in a rebuilding phase.

    Tayyab Tahir’s game-changing innings

    Tayyab Tahir emerged as the star of Pakistan’s batting effort with a composed yet aggressive knock of 39* off 25 balls. Walking in at a precarious moment, Tahir counterattacked with flair, blending timing and power. His ability to find gaps and clear the fielders underlined his batting prowess.

    Tahir’s partnership with Irfan Khan was pivotal in turning the innings around. The duo added 65 runs for the fifth wicket, with Tahir anchoring the stand while maintaining a brisk scoring rate. His shot selection, particularly his ability to dispatch anything loose, proved crucial in Pakistan reaching a competitive total. Irfan Khan played a perfect supporting role alongside Tahir, scoring a quickfire 27 off just 15 balls. His aggressive stroke play not only complemented Tahir but also ensured Pakistan finished the innings on a strong note. Irfan’s contribution, though overshadowed by Tahir, played a vital role in the final surge of runs.

    Zimbabwe’s bright start fades quickly: Sufiyan Muqeem and Haris Rauf shine

    Zimbabwe began their chase with promise, despite losing Brian Bennett early. A solid 59-run partnership between Tadiwanashe Marumani and Sikandar Raza kept the hosts in contention. Marumani, in particular, looked comfortable against the pacers and was instrumental in steadying the innings. However, a poor call for a second run led to Marumani’s run-out, opening the floodgates for a Zimbabwean collapse. Following his departure, Zimbabwe lost wickets in a flurry, with no batter able to withstand Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.

    Sufiyan Muqeem’s left-arm spin was a revelation on the slow surface. His variations, particularly the googly, left Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order clueless. Haris Rauf, with his pace and accuracy, continued to strike at crucial junctures, dismissing key batters like Ryan Burl cheaply Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza stood tall amidst the ruins, scoring a valiant 39 off 28 balls. However, his dismissal—an ill-timed cut shot caught brilliantly at backward point—sealed Zimbabwe’s fate.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:



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  • Best playing XI of unsold players from the IPL 2025 mega auction ft. Prithvi Shaw

    Best playing XI of unsold players from the IPL 2025 mega auction ft. Prithvi Shaw

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction concluded after two action-packed days in Jeddah, where ten franchises engaged in intense bidding wars, showcasing tactical brilliance and making some surprising calls. While many players secured lucrative contracts, a few big names shockingly went unsold, marking what could be the end of their IPL careers. The auction not only highlighted teams’ strategic approaches but also served as a reminder of the fierce competition for limited spots in the league.

    Familiar faces left unsold: IPL 2025 mega auction

    Several IPL regulars, who have been mainstays in recent seasons, failed to attract any bids this year. This surprising outcome has raised questions about their future in the tournament. Factors such as declining form, lack of recent match practice, and high base prices played a significant role in these players being overlooked.

    Among the notable unsold players were seasoned veterans and emerging stars alike, whose inability to adapt to the fast-paced T20 format may have cost them a place. Teams appeared more focused on building balanced squads, prioritizing specialist players over established names with inconsistent performances. For several players, the high base prices they set seemed to work against them. Franchises, especially toward the end of Day 2, were more cautious with their remaining budget, opting to invest in lesser-known talents or younger players with potential. This left several high-profile cricketers without a contract.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Full list of unsold players along with their base price

    IPL 2025: Best playing XI of unsold players from the mega auction

    Despite going unsold, many of these players still possess the skills and experience to form a formidable playing XI. Here’s a hypothetical lineup of the top unsold players from the IPL 2025 mega auction:

    1. Prithvi Shaw

    Role: Opening Batter
    Prithvi Shaw remains a dynamic batter known for his aggressive approach in the powerplay. Despite some inconsistent outings in IPL 2024, he displayed flashes of brilliance that highlighted his ability to dominate bowling attacks. Concerns over his fitness and consistency might have tempered expectations at the auction. However, his overall domestic performances showcase his readiness to reclaim his status as a powerplay enforcer.

    2. David Warner

    Role: Opening Batter (Captain)
    David Warner, one of the IPL’s most successful batters, continues to deliver consistently. His leadership and experience make him a valuable asset, especially for teams seeking stability at the top of the order. Warner’s age might have raised questions, but his ability to anchor innings and adapt to challenging situations ensures he remains relevant in the shortest format.

    3. Yash Dhull

    Role: Top-Order Batter
    Yash Dhull is an emerging talent whose temperament and technique have impressed in domestic cricket. Although his IPL opportunities were limited in 2023 and failed to get a game in the next edition, his potential to play the anchor role in the top order makes him a valuable prospect. Teams often look to groom such players for long-term success, given his ability to handle pressure.

    4. Daryl Mitchell

    Role: All-Rounder
    Daryl Mitchell’s versatility as a middle-order batter and medium-pace bowler makes him a dependable option in T20 cricket. Despite limited match winning performance for his franchise in IPL 2024, his consistent performances in international cricket highlight his ability to adapt to various roles. His knack for handling pressure situations adds to his credentials as a utility player.

    5. Sarfaraz Khan

    Role: Middle-Order Batter
    Sarfaraz Khan has built a reputation as a domestic run machine. Nevertheless, translating that success into the IPL has been challenging. His ability to play spin effectively and anchor innings gives him an edge, though questions about his adaptability in high-pressure T20 scenarios persist.

    6. Sikandar Raza

    Role: All-Rounder
    Sikandar Raza showcased his potential in IPL 2024 with impactful performances. His off-spin and ability to finish games with the bat make him a multifaceted player. While consistency remains a factor, his experience and calm demeanor in crunch situations enhance his value in T20 cricket.

    7. KS Bharat

    Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
    KS Bharat is a steady performer with the bat and a reliable presence behind the stumps. While his batting style is more suited to stabilizing innings, it might not align with the explosive requirements of the IPL. His proficiency as a keeper, nonetheless, makes him a strong backup option in any squad.

    8. Shardul Thakur

    Role: All-Rounder
    Shardul Thakur is a proven match-winner with his knack for picking up crucial wickets and contributing valuable runs down the order. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, coupled with his experience, makes him a highly dependable option for any team.

    9. Jason Behrendorff

    Role: Left-Arm Pacer
    Jason Behrendorff brings variety to any bowling attack with his left-arm pace and ability to swing the ball in the powerplay. Although injuries have occasionally hindered his progress, his IPL 2024 performances showcased his effectiveness, especially with the new ball.

    10. Piyush Chawla

    Role: Leg-Spinner
    Piyush Chawla defied expectations with his consistent wicket-taking ability in IPL 2024. His experience and control in the middle overs make him a reliable spinner. Despite his age, Chawla’s tactical acumen and ability to deliver under pressure remain unparalleled.

    11. Shivam Mavi

    Role: Fast Bowler
    Shivam Mavi’s pace and swing make him a promising prospect, though his IPL career was marred by inconsistency which included no participation in the last two seasons. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and handle the death overs with composure underscores his potential, making him a player to watch for the future.

    Also READ: Complete squads of all 10 teams after the IPL 2025 mega auction

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  • 3 teams who can target Sikandar Raza in the IPL 2025 mega auction

    3 teams who can target Sikandar Raza in the IPL 2025 mega auction

    Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s experienced all-rounder and T20I captain, is among the prominent players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, set to take place on November 24 and 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With a base price of INR 1.25 crores, Raza brings versatility and a wealth of international experience to the table.

    Sikandar Raza in the IPL 2025 Auction

    Raza previously represented Punjab Kings (PBKS) during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Across nine matches, the 38-year-old scored 182 runs, including a match winning half-century. Additionally, he contributed with the ball, taking three wickets, showcasing his ability to influence games in both departments. Known for his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed, Raza is also an effective off-spinner, particularly valuable in subcontinental conditions. His calm temperament and experience in high-pressure situations make him a dependable middle-order option.

    Raza’s skill set makes him an attractive target for franchises seeking a reliable all-rounder who can contribute in multiple phases of the game. His past performances for PBKS have already demonstrated his adaptability and match-winning potential.

    Also READ: IPL 2025: Mohammed Shami returns to GT; David Warner joins Virat Kohli’s RCB in K. Srikkanth’s mock auction

    IPL 2025: 3 teams who can target Sikandar Raza in the mega auction

    1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

    CSK might target Raza to bolster their all-rounder department, particularly as a backup for aging players like Ravindra Jadeja. Raza’s ability to contribute in middle-order batting and his off-spin adds depth to the team. CSK often looks for experienced, versatile players, aligning with Raza’s profile. His calm temperament can prove valuable in handling pressure situations. With spin-friendly conditions at Chepauk, Raza’s bowling can be a strategic asset. His relatively low base price ensures CSK can secure him without major budget concerns.

    2. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

    LSG could target Raza to strengthen their lower middle order and add an all-rounder who can bat and bowl effectively. Raza’s experience on slow pitches suits LSG’s home ground in Lucknow, where spinners play a crucial role. With Nicholas Pooran and other top-order batters handling the early overs, Raza can finish innings or anchor when needed. His off-spin provides an alternative to LSG’s left-arm and leg-spin options. LSG also values overseas players with adaptability, making Raza a perfect fit. His performance for his national side especially in the high-stakes tournament further showcase his ability in high-stakes games.

    3. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

    RR might target Raza to enhance their middle-order stability and provide additional bowling flexibility. RR often relies on dynamic all-rounders who can impact the game with both bat and ball, making Raza a valuable addition. At the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, known for its spin-friendly conditions, Raza’s off-spin could be a game-changer. His ability to counter-attack and finish games in the lower order would complement RR’s aggressive batting philosophy. Additionally, Raza’s leadership experience can benefit a team looking for strategic insights and calmness in pressure scenarios.

    PBKS can use RTM option

    PBKS have retained their Right-to-Match (RTM) option for Raza, which could be a strategic move to bring him back if bidding intensifies. Having already spent two seasons with PBKS, Raza is familiar with the team dynamics and the roles assigned to him. His memorable performances, including a crucial half-century in IPL 2023, make him a trusted option. Given PBKS’s tendency to invest in utility players, they might use the RTM card to secure a cost-effective all-rounder who can adapt to various match situations. Retaining Raza would also ensure continuity in their overseas player lineup.

    Also READ: IPL 2025 Auction: Top 5 uncapped players who catch fetch more than five crore

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  • WATCH: Joshua Little cleans up Sikandar Raza with an absolute beauty in The Hundred Men’s 2024

    WATCH: Joshua Little cleans up Sikandar Raza with an absolute beauty in The Hundred Men’s 2024

    Welsh Fire secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over Manchester Originals in the third match of The Hundred’s Men 2024 at Old Trafford.

    The Originals, led by Phil Salt, experienced a batting collapse, with David Willey and Joshua Little leading the charge for the Welsh’s bowling attack. The Originals were restricted to a meager 86/8, and the Welsh’s batting lineup clinically chased the target in just 57 deliveries.

    David Willey’s destructive spell

    Winning the toss, Welsh elected to field, putting the Originals into bat. Willey immediately made an impact by dismissing Phil Salt with the second delivery of the match. Willey’s destructive spell continued as he quickly took two more wickets, leaving the Originals reeling at 4/3 within just 15 balls.

    Joshua Little takes out Sikandar Raza with a beauty

    With the Originals in deep trouble, Sikandar Raza joined Wayne Madsen in an attempt to stabilize the innings. However, Raza’s stay was cut short by Little.

    On the second delivery of the sixth set, Little bowled a good-length delivery around the off stump that nipped back in, catching Raza off guard. Raza attempted a defensive shot but the ball hit the under edge of the bat and crashed into the stumps, sending Raza back to the pavilion. This left the Originals at a precarious 19/4 after 27 balls.

    Here’s the video:

    Also WATCH: Chris Jordan’s inch-perfect yorker rattles Olly Stone’s stumps in The Hundred Men’s 2024

    Manchester Originals’ struggle and late-stage recovery 

    The wickets kept falling, leaving the team at a precarious 35/6 by the halfway point. Early dismissals of key players like Salt and Laurie Evans added pressure to the batting lineup. The Originals’ batting lineup continued to falter with Usama Mir‘s dismissal on the 54th delivery, exacerbating their troubles.

    Despite the grim situation, Jamie Overton and Scott Currie stepped up in the final stages. Overton’s aggressive play and Currie’s steady support forged a crucial 36-run partnership, adding vital runs to the scoreboard. Their resilience under pressure ensured the Originals reached a total of 86/8 after their 100 deliveries, providing a semblance of hope for their bowling unit.

    Welsh Fire’s commanding chase

    In response, Welsh’s openers, Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Jonny Bairstow, got off to a flying start, quickly amassing 37 runs without loss after 20 deliveries. The Originals managed a breakthrough when Currie dismissed Kohler-Cadmore on the 21st delivery. Nevertheless, with only 39 runs needed from 75 deliveries, the Fire were in a commanding position.

    Paul Walter then removed Bairstow on the 28th delivery, bringing captain Tom Abell to the crease. Abell, along with Joe Clarke, steadily guided the Fire closer to victory. The pair comfortably steered their team to an eight-wicket win, reaching the target with 43 balls to spare.

    Also READ: The Hundred Men’s 2024 – Broadcast and Live Streaming Details | When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK, Caribbean & other countries

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  • “Heavy roller in the innings break did…” – Sikandar Raza after India thrash Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

    “Heavy roller in the innings break did…” – Sikandar Raza after India thrash Zimbabwe by 10 wickets

    Team India, on Saturday (July 13), thrashed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in the fourth T20I to clinch the five-match series with a match remaining.

    For the fourth game in a row, Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bowl first. Zimbabwe started cautiously with their openers adding 63 runs for the first wicket. The hosts then lost four wickets in quick time to find themselves reeling at 96 for 4.

    However, captain Sikandar Raza stood firm at one end and scored 46 runs off 28 balls to help Zimbabwe cross the 150-run mark. The home side eventually finished their innings on 152 for 7. For India, Khaleel Ahmed took 2 wickets while Tushar Deshpande, Abhishek Sharma, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube picked up a wicket each.

    In reply, India chased down the total in less than 16 overs without losing any wickets. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 93 runs from just 53 balls with the help of 13 fours and 2 sixes. On the other hand, Gill played the role of the second fiddle to perfection, scoring 58 from 39 balls.

    Sikandar Raza reacts after heavy loss:

    Speaking after the heavy loss, Sikandar Raza said that the hosts thought the total was good enough on the damp pitch. However, he stated that even a 180-plus total would not have been enough the way Gill and Jaiswal batted. The veteran allrounder also stated that the pitch became easier to bat due to the heavy rolling during the innings break.

    “I think the wicket was a bit damp and we thought 160 was par. But with the way they batted even 180 would have not been enough. We keep growing and learning from each game. I think 8-10 runs more in the last 5 overs,” said Sikandar Raza.

    “There was a bit of kick and bounce, so we had to rein ourselves in at the start of the innings. The heavy roller in the innings break did the trick for them, it became a beautiful wicket and they could play on the up. There is a game tomorrow and even if we lose 3-2 then we can keep our head high,” he added.

    With the fate of the series decided in India’s favor, Zimbabwe will be looking to end the assignment on a winning note by winning the fifth and final game. The last game of the series is scheduled to take place on Sunday.

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  • ‘Gave away 20 extra runs and lost by 23 runs’ – Sikandar Raza analyzes Zimbabwe’s defeat in third T20I against India

    ‘Gave away 20 extra runs and lost by 23 runs’ – Sikandar Raza analyzes Zimbabwe’s defeat in third T20I against India

    Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza was disappointed after a 23-run defeat against India in the third T20I in Harare. The Men in Blue were given multiple lifelines in the first innings, which helped the visitors post 182 runs on the board. The Chevrons have been poor in the field for the entire series and Raza is frustrated with that, especially on a night, when the result could have gone the other way.

    Analyzing that, Raza noted that they gave 20 extra runs and eventually lost by 23. The veteran all-rounder was also not happy with the performance of the top-order batters. Chasing 183 runs, they needed a good start but Zimbabwe were 19/3 at one stage. Despite so, Raza assured that he has full faith in the opening duo of Wessly Madhevere and Tadiwanashe Marumani and will back them to get runs.

    “I think it’s the fielding again, we are proud of our fielding but the wheels came off today, we gave away 20 extra runs and we lost by 23 runs. We still have problems at the top but I have utmost faith in them that they will come good some time. We have tried 15 different partners (openers) in the last year and a half or so,” Raza said in the post-match presentation.

    Also Read – Watch: Ravi Bishnoi’s Jonty Rhodes-like catch leaves Brian Bennett stunned

    Time that our players including myself take up the responsibility: Raza

    Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza wasn’t happy with the effort of the senior players, including his own. The 38-year-old failed to deliver with the bat, which put more pressure on the hosts. He expects other seniors to learn from their mistakes and rectify them in the coming future. The all-rounder also gave clarity over the opener’s problem and stated that they deserve a longer run.

    Also Read – Twitter Reactions: Captain Gill leads by example, another impressive outing for bowlers

    “It’s time that our players including myself take up the responsibility. The youngsters making mistakes is acceptable but the senior players need to step up. You cannot fix a problem by creating another problem, we have picked 3 openers for a reason. The openers that have been picked up should be given a run,” Raza stated.

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  • Zimbabwe vs India 2024: Zimbabwe vs India, 2nd T20I – Who Said What?

    Zimbabwe vs India 2024: Zimbabwe vs India, 2nd T20I – Who Said What?

    It was too easy for team India in the end. After a remarkable win in the first T20I of the series, Zimbabwe were expected to show similar confidence in the second match but nothing went according to the plan for the Sikandar Raza-led side. They dismissed Shubman Gill early but what followed next was carnage. 

    Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad dominated the Chevrons in the middle overs, smashing boundaries for fun. Sharma initially took some time to settle down but once he did, he became difficult to stop. The youngster eventually smashed 100 runs off 47 balls, which included seven boundaries and eight maximums. Gaikwad supported him well and took control after Sharma’s dismissal. 

    The Pune-born cricketer made 77* runs off 47 deliveries to help India finish well. However, it was Rinku Singh who stole the show in the end. He had a point to prove and in the second T20I of the series, Rinku reigned supreme. The 26-year-old smashed 48* runs off 22 deliveries, helping the team in 234 runs.

    When it came to the chase, Zimbabwe struggled. Mukesh Kumar picked up the wickets of Innocent Kaia and Brian Bennett while Avesh Khan sent Dion Myers and Sikandar Raza back to the pavilion. Zimbabwe were on the back foot ever since and eventually lost the match by 100 runs.

    1. Following the footsteps

    Abhishek Sharma idolizes Yuvraj Singh, who’s also his mentor. The youngster has been making a lot of noise in domestic cricket but with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal present, he couldn’t break into the national team. After doing well in IPL 2024, the selectors decided to give him a chance in the Zimbabwe series and Sharma didn’t disappoint. He smashed a terrific century in his second international match and that shows the kind of talent he possesses.

    Also Read – Twitter Reactions: Abhishek Sharma’s maiden T20I ton sees India post humongous total against Zimbabwe

    2. Ruins and Rise

    Despite being one of the favourites to feature in the India team for the T20 World Cup, Rinku Singh was dropped for Shivam Dube. On his return, the swashbuckling batter failed to open his tally, which brought a lot of criticism on his way but Rinku shut them up with a knock of 48* runs off 22 balls. He is once again on the rise and it just might be difficult for anyone to stop him.

    Losing skipper Sikandar Raza said:

    The world champions will eventually play like world champions. Dropping catches today certainly hurt us today. I expected 200 on this wicket today but they got 30 runs more. Coming into this game, I thought it would be a close game but it wasn’t to be, the top-order didn’t play well. He has grown by leaps and bounds, he is very hungry and his graph will keep going up. It’s a task we have been talking about since a long time, today we came out positive and played our shots.

    Winning skipper Shubman Gill said:

    Very happy, great to be back on the winning note back again. With the way Abhishek and Rutu batted, it was not easy especially in the powerplay, with the ball moving around. Yesrerday, it was more about not able to handle the pressure, it’s a young side and it was theiir first international exposure. We have got three matches to go. It’s always good to have more options rather than not having options.

    POTM Abhishek Sharma said:

    I think it was pretty much good performance by me, the defeat we had yesterday we didn’t have it easy for us. I felt today it was my day and I made it count. I feel T20 is about momentum and I took it to the end. Special mention to the coach and team management, I always feel that as a youngster if it’s your day, if you have to express yourself. We were talking after every ball and he said to me that you should take it on. I always believe in my ability, if there’s in my arc and even if it’s the first ball, I will go after it.

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