Sports Buzz

Tag: T20

  • IPL 2024: Another South African joins Lucknow Super Giants; this time as assistant coach

    IPL 2024: Another South African joins Lucknow Super Giants; this time as assistant coach

    Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has stepped into a new role as an assistant coach for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. This announcement was made by LSG on Friday, marking a significant addition to their coaching staff.

    Klusener’s journey as a player and coach

    Klusener brings a wealth of experience to the table, having represented South Africa in 49 Tests and 171 ODIs as a fast-bowling all-rounder from 1996 to 2004. His coaching journey includes serving as the coach of the Durban Super Giants (DSG) in the SA20 tournament, which is also owned by the RPSG Group, the same entity operating the LSG franchise. Additionally, Klusener previously held the position of head coach for Afghanistan from September 2019 to December 2021 and has worked as a batting coach for South Africa and Zimbabwe.

    LSG welcome Klusener on board

    In a statement released on their official website, the Super Giants expressed their excitement about Klusener joining the team for the upcoming IPL campaign, expecting significant contributions from his vast experience and expertise.

    “We wish him a fantastic upcoming IPL campaign and are sure he will contribute greatly to the franchise during his time in India,” LSG said in a statement on their official website.

    Also READ: IPL 2024 – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) appoints a new vice captain in place of Krunal Pandya

    Klusener will join the distinguished coaching staff of LSG, which includes head coach Justin Langer, assistant coach Sridharan Sriram, bowling coach Morne Morkel, spin-bowling consultant Pravin Tambe, fielding coach Jonty Rhodes, and strategic consultant MSK Prasad.

    Notably, Klusener played a pivotal role in guiding Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) to their maiden Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title last year, showcasing his coaching prowess.

    Also READ: IPL 2024: Schedule and players list of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

    The Super Giants will play their first IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on March 24, with Klusener’s expertise expected to bolster the team’s campaign.

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  • WPL 2024 [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Thakur shine in RCB’s thumping win over Gujarat Giants

    WPL 2024 [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana, Renuka Thakur shine in RCB’s thumping win over Gujarat Giants

    In the fifth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced off against Gujarat Giants (GG) at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.

    Winning the toss, RCB opted to bowl first, seeking to restrict the opposition’s batting lineup.

    Gujarat Giants Innings:

    Gujarat Giants started their innings with a target of setting a competitive score. However, they managed to put up a total of 107/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite contributions from several batters, including Dayalan Hemalatha‘s notable 31 runs off 25 balls, the team struggled to build substantial partnerships.

    RCB’s bowling attack was led by left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, who claimed three wickets, supported by Renuka Thakur and Georgia Wareham, who picked up two and one wicket respectively. Their disciplined bowling restricted Gujarat’s scoring opportunities.

    RCB Innings

    Chasing a modest target, RCB showcased a dominant batting display. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a fiery knock of 43 runs off 27 balls, supported by Sabbhineni Meghana‘s unbeaten contribution of 36 runs off 28 balls. Ellyse Perry’s quickfire 23 not out off 14 balls ensured the team reached the target comfortably.

    The Giants’ bowling unit struggled to contain the opposition’s batting onslaught, with only Ashleigh Gardner and Tanuja Kanwar managing to pick up the wickets.

    In the end, RCB cruised to victory, reaching the target of 110 runs with ease in just 12.3 overs, securing an emphatic eight-wicket win over GG.

    Also READ: Twitter reactions – Marizanne Kapp, Shafali Verma sizzle as Delhi Capitals steamroll UP Warriorz in WPL 2024

    With this convincing victory, RCB continue their winning streak in the WPL 2024, while GG will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming matches.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Sobhana Asha breaks into tears after getting Player of the Match award – RCB vs UPW, WPL 2024

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



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  • NZ vs AUS: Here’s why Rachin Ravindra not playing today’s match

    NZ vs AUS: Here’s why Rachin Ravindra not playing today’s match

    In the second T20I of the three-match series between New Zealand and Australia, fans were left wondering about the absence of promising talent Rachin Ravindra from the home team’s playing lineup. The decision raised eyebrows among spectators and prompted speculation about the reason behind his exclusion from the crucial encounter.

    Notably, New Zealand lost a last-ball thriller against Australia in Wellington on Wednesday, February 21.

    Reason why Rachin Ravindra missed the second T20I

    Rachin Ravindra, a young and talented cricketer, has been making waves in the cricketing world with his exceptional skills and promising performances. He played a quickfire knock of 68 (35) in the series opener at Wellington’s Sky Stadium. However, his absence from today’s match left many fans puzzled and eager for answers.

    According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Rachin is currently experiencing pain in his left knee, which has sidelined him from today’s game.

    “He will be treated and monitored over the coming days before a decision is made on his availability for the third T20I,” confirmed the Blackcaps.

    Also READ: Twitter reactions – Mitchell Marsh, Tim David sizzle as Australia clinch last-ball thriller against New Zealand in Wellington T20I

    NZ vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Playing XI of both teams

    Australia: Travis Head, Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

    New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Mitchell Santner (c), Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Ben Sears

    As the match begins at the Eden Park in Auckland, fans will keenly await updates on Rachin’s condition and hope to see him back in action soon, contributing to his team’s success on the field.

    Also READ: NZ vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Eden Park Pitch Report, Auckland Weather Forecast, T20 Stats & Records | New Zealand vs Australia 2024

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  • SL vs AFG: Wanindu Hasaranga expresses frustration as umpire Lyndon Hannibal overlooks a crucial no-ball in the Dambulla T20I

    SL vs AFG: Wanindu Hasaranga expresses frustration as umpire Lyndon Hannibal overlooks a crucial no-ball in the Dambulla T20I

    Sri Lanka‘s newly appointed T20I captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, expressed his frustration and disappointment following a controversial non-no-ball call made by umpire Lyndon Hannibal during the third T20I against Afghanistan at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Wednesday (February 21).

    Dramatic turn in the last over in 3rd T20I

    Despite having already secured the T20I series, Sri Lanka faced a challenging chase, requiring 210 runs to win. With 19 needed off the last over, Sri Lanka appeared poised for victory as Kamindu Mendis struck two fours in the first three balls. However, the turning point came on the fourth delivery when a high full toss by Wafadar Momand above the waist height of Mendis was deemed legal by Hannibal, who was positioned at square leg.

    Umpiring controversy shadows Sri Lanka’s finish

    Mendis, despite his request for a review, couldn’t avail it due to the latest ICC playing conditions, which restrict reviews for anything other than potential dismissals. Although Mendis was outside his crease, his crouched position suggested that the ball would have still cleared his waist even if played from the crease. The subsequent delivery was called a wide, leaving Sri Lanka needing 10 off the last two balls. Nevertheless, a dot on the penultimate delivery and a last-ball six reduced the margin of defeat as Sri Lanka finished three runs short at 206/6.

    Also READ: Virat Kohli or Babar Azam? Mohammad Amir & Shaheen Afridi name the player with best cover drive

    Wanindu Hasaranga voices frustration against Umpire

    Hasaranga, visibly upset by Hannibal’s decision, criticized the umpiring error, emphasizing that such mistakes should not happen at the international level. Additionally, Hasaranga expressed dissatisfaction with the review system, suggesting that the third umpire should be able to check all types of no-balls, not just the front-foot ones.

    “That kind of thing shouldn’t happen in an international match. If it had been close [to waist height], that’s not a problem. But a ball that’s going so high… it would have hit the batsman’s head if it had gone a little higher. If you can’t see that, that umpire isn’t suited to international cricket. It would be much better if he did another job,” Hasaranga said.

    “There was a situation where you could review those calls before, but the ICC has got rid of that. Our batsmen tried to review that. If the third umpire is able to check the front-foot no-ball, he should check this kind of no-ball as well. There’s no reason why they can’t. They didn’t do even that, so I’m not sure what was going on in his (the square-leg umpire’s) mind at the time,” the 26-year-old concluded.

    Also READ: Bangladesh names T20I and ODI squads for Sri Lanka series; Shakib al Hasan left out after Najmul Hossain Shanto takes over as new skipper

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  • NZ vs AUS, 1st T20I: Why Steve Smith is not playing today’s game?

    NZ vs AUS, 1st T20I: Why Steve Smith is not playing today’s game?

    Australia‘s star batter, Steve Smith, has been omitted from the playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand, signaling a potential change in strategy for the team. Despite his impressive performances in Test and ODI cricket, Smith’s struggles in the T20 format have led to his exclusion. With a modest average of 25.69 and a strike rate of 125.17 in 65 T20Is, Smith’s place in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup could be in jeopardy.

    Mitchell Marsh’s reaction on Steve Smith’s place in the Australian team

    Australian captain Mitchell Marsh emphasized the team’s focus on winning the series against New Zealand while hinting at experimenting with different combinations. Marsh acknowledged the importance of finding the right balance ahead of the T20 World Cup, suggesting that Smith’s absence in the playing XI is part of the team’s strategy to finalize their best lineup for the tournament.

    “There will be certain guys that probably bat in different positions than they have done in the past, but ultimately we’re here to win the series,” Marsh said in response to a query about Smith’s role vs NZ, as quoted by cricket.com.au.

    Also READ: NZ vs AUS 2024, T20I Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, New Zealand, USA & other countries

    Michael Vaughan has his say on Steve Smith’s role in the T20I side

    Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan weighed in on Smith’s role in the T20 side, emphasizing the importance of utilizing him as an opener for maximum impact. Vaughan suggested that Smith’s ability to capitalize on the field restrictions during the powerplay overs makes him a valuable asset at the top of the order. However, Vaughan expressed doubts about Smith’s effectiveness in the middle order, highlighting the need for players who can accelerate the scoring rate in the latter stages of the innings.

    “I think his only position really is to open, because he has the skill in the game to maximise that first six overs brilliantly. He is a skilful player. But if he is not going to open, I don’t think he should play. If you are going to play him, he bats in the top two, and that is great. He will face 50 balls and get you an 80 or 90,” stated Vaughan in his conversation with the Fox Sports.

    “If he is not going to open, I don’t see him having an impact in the middle order after the powerplay. You need people who can whack it into the stands from (overs) six to 20. He can do that once he is in, but I think he is a better player in the first six (overs) when there are only two men outside the circle,” the ex-England skipper added.

    Also READ: IND vs ENG – Jasprit Bumrah rested for Ranchi Test; here is India’s updated squad

    After an impressive outing in the BBL 2022-23 season for Sydney Sixers, he opened the batting for Australia in the T20I series versus India, scoring a 41-ball 52 in the first outing, followed by 19 in the second.

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  • NZ vs AUS 2024, 1st T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | New Zealand vs Australia 2024

    NZ vs AUS 2024, 1st T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | New Zealand vs Australia 2024

    New Zealand and Australia are gearing up for an electrifying three-match T20I series set to kick off on February 21 at the iconic Sky Stadium in Wellington. With both teams boasting a roster of star players, fans can anticipate an exhilarating battle in the shortest format of the game.

    The Black Caps, led by Mitchell Santner, are eager to showcase their prowess on home soil as they take on their trans-Tasman rivals. Santner, known for his spin bowling and handy contributions with the bat, will be aiming to lead his team to victory against the formidable Australian side.

    On the other hand, Australia will be under the captaincy of star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. With his explosive batting and effective medium-pace bowling, Marsh will be looking to make an impact as he leads his team in the T20I series against Black Caps.

    Australia tour of New Zealand 2024, 1st T20I:

    • Date and Time: February 21; 11:40 am IST/ 06:10 am GMT / 07:10 pm LOCAL
    • Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington

    Sky Stadium Pitch Report:

    Sky Stadium, like most venues in New Zealand, features a drop-in pitch. Similar to the majority of drop-in tracks, it generally favors the batters. However, during the early stages, fast bowlers may find some assistance.

    NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Picks:

    • Wicketkeeper: Josh Inglis
    • Batters: David Warner, Finn Allen, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Phillips
    • All-rounders: Mitchell Santner, Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra
    • Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Tim Southee, Adam Zampa

    NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice Captain:

    Choice 1: Glenn Maxwell (c), Mitchell Santner (vc)
    Choice 2: Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Phillips (vc)

    Also READ: New Zealand vs Australia 2024, T20I Series – Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA & other countries

    NZ vs AUS Dream11 Prediction Backups:

    Devon Conway, Will Young, Travis Head, Tim David

    NZ vs AUS Dream11 Team for today’s match (Feb 21, 06:10 am GMT):

    NZ vs AUS, 1st T20I, Dream11 Team (Screengrab: Dream11)

    Squads:

    New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Josh Clarkson, Ben Sears

    Australia: David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Short, Steven Smith, Spencer Johnson

    Also READ: NZ vs AUS – Captain Mitchell Marsh reveals Australia’s top 3 ahead of T20I series against New Zealand

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  • Twitter reactions: Wanindu Hasaranga powers Sri Lanka to a stellar win over Afghanistan in first T20I

    Twitter reactions: Wanindu Hasaranga powers Sri Lanka to a stellar win over Afghanistan in first T20I

    In a high-octane cricketing battle at Dambulla, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan in the first T20I of the three-match series. The victory also established the hosts’ lead in the series by 1-0. The Islanders outclassed the Afghans in every facet of the game, establishing their firm domination.

    Wanindu Hasaranga leads charge with the willow

    Invited to bat first, Sri Lanka faced early setbacks with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis dismissals. Dhananjaya de Silva showcased a promising start but succumbed after a brief cameo of 24 runs off 17 balls, adding to the side’s predicament. Charith Asalanka‘s departure with just three runs further intensified the team’s struggle.

    Skipper Wanindu Hasaranga elevated himself up the order in a pivotal move, unleashing a spectacular innings that saw him reaching a fifty in a mere 24 balls. Partnering with Sadeera Samarawickrama, who contributed 25 runs before falling victim to a run-out, Hasaranga provided a much-needed resurgence. However, Naveen-ul-Haq‘s dismissal of Hasaranga for 67 runs triggered a collapse, leading to Sri Lanka’s eventual downfall at 160 runs in 19 overs.

    Bowlers shine for the Islanders

    Chasing a target of 161 runs, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set a brisk pace for Afghanistan from the second over of the innings. Despite Gurbaz’s impressive cameo of 13 runs, he departed early, leaving the responsibility to the incoming batters. Gulbadin Naib, taking the crease at number three, could only muster 16 runs off 17 balls. Although Karim Janat contributed a quick 20 off 16 balls, the lack of significant partnerships hindered Afghanistan’s chase. Zadran, fighting bravely till the end, found little support from the rest of the lineup.

    With Afghanistan needing 14 runs in the last two overs, Matheesha Pathirana‘s exceptional 19th over proved to be the turning point, costing just three runs and two crucial wickets, shifting the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour. Conversely, Afghanistan fell five runs short of their target, experiencing a narrow defeat in a closely contested match.

    Also READ: Here’s how Ravichandran Ashwin’s mother shaped him into a champion spinner

    Here is how Twitter reacted:

    https://twitter.com/BSharan_6/status/1758905449817252265

    Also READ: 3 bowlers who troubled ‘birthday boy’ AB de Villiers the most on cricket pitch



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  • Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, T20I series: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

    Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, T20I series: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

    The excitement is palpable as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan gear up to clash in a thrilling T20 International (T20I) series, commencing on February 17 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. With all matches scheduled to be held at this iconic venue, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two formidable teams.

    Ace spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will be leading the Islanders in the shortest format. On the opposing side, Afghanistan will be under the leadership of Ibrahim Zadran, who is poised to steer his team to success in the T20I series.

    The stage is set for a riveting contest between these two cricketing powerhouses, following their recent encounters in the One Day International (ODI) series. Sri Lanka emerged triumphant in the ODI series, delivering a dominant performance that culminated in a clean sweep against their Afghan counterparts.

    Buoyed by their success in the ODI arena, Sri Lanka are determined to maintain their winning momentum and replicate their stellar performance in the upcoming T20I matches. Meanwhile, Afghanistan are eager to stage a comeback and commence the T20I series with a positive start.

    Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2024, T20I series Fixture, Venue and Timing:

    • February 17: First T20I at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla 07:00 pm IST/ 01:30 pm GMT/ 07:00 pm local
    • February 19: Second T20I at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla 07:00 pm IST/ 01:30 pm GMT/ 07:00 pm local
    • February 21: Third T20I at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla 07:00 pm IST/ 01:30 pm GMT/ 07:00 pm local

    Also READ: IND vs ENG – R Ashwin withdraws from Rajkot Test; rushes home to be with his mother

    Squads:

    Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga (c), Kamindu Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dilshan Madushanka, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana

    Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Najibullah Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Karim Janat, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Qais Ahmad, Noor Ahmad, Wafadar Momand, Mohammad Ishaq

    Broadcast and Live streaming details:

    • India: Fancode, Sony Liv, Sony Sports 5
    • Sri Lanka: Ten Cricket, Siyatha TV, Official You Tube Channel of SLC
    • Afghanistan: Ariana TVN, RTA Sports
    • UK: TNT Sports 4

    Also READ: Fastest to 500 Test wickets in terms of balls; Ravichandran Ashwin at No. 2

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  • AUS vs WI: Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford create a unique record in the Perth T20I

    AUS vs WI: Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford create a unique record in the Perth T20I

    The third and final T20I between West Indies and Australia at Perth not only provided cricket enthusiasts with a thrilling encounter but also witnessed an extraordinary display of power-hitting by Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford. The dynamic partnership between the dynamic Caribbean duo played a defining role in powering West Indies to a mammoth total and also etched their names in the record books.

    Power surge after a wobbly start: Russell and Rutherford shine

    After winning the toss and opting to bat, West Indies found themselves in a challenging situation at 79/5. However, it was during this adversity that Rutherford and Russell stepped up, transforming the game with their explosive batting. Rutherford’s contribution of 67 off 40 deliveries and Russell’s thunderous 71 off just 29 balls turned the tide in West Indies’ favour.

    Bowling Barrage: Australia’s struggle against the onslaught

    Despite a decent effort from Australian bowler Xavier Bartlett, who claimed two wickets for 37 runs in his four overs, he, like his teammates, was unable to contain the onslaught from the dynamic duo, and West Indies ultimately posted an imposing total of 220/6 in their allotted 20 overs, setting the stage for an incredible comeback.

    Also READ: 5 Indian wicketkeepers to watch out in the upcoming IPL for T20 World Cup 2024

    Historic T20I feat: Russell and Rutherford rewrite record books

    The dynamic partnership between Russell and Rutherford not only secured West Indies’ dominance but also scripted history. Their sensational fifties marked the first instance in T20I history where both the No.6 and No.7 batters scored half-centuries in the same innings. This rare feat showcased the depth and resilience of West Indies’ batting lineup.

    Another benchmark set by record partnership

    In addition, Russell and Rutherford even etched their names in the record books by sharing the highest 6th wicket partnership in T20Is.

    Highest 6th wicket partnerships in T20Is:

    • 139 – Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford in 2024
    • 115 – Tony Ura and Norman Vanua in 2022
    • 101* – Michael Hussey and Cameron White in 2010
    • 97 – Kusal Perera and Thisara Perer in 2018

    Also READ: BCCI issues strict mandate to players after Manoj Tiwary and Irfan Pathan’s indirect criticism

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  • Batsman fakes himself out in Kuwaiti cricket blunder

    Batsman fakes himself out in Kuwaiti cricket blunder

    During a game against the Kuwaiti national team, SBS batsman Beant Singh got more than what he asked for after a frightening delivery.

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