Cricket
CRICKET - 01 Oct, 2023
Can India win the 2023 World Cup?Let’s talk to a crystal gazer to find that out. You need to listen to Greenstone Lobo, a popular astrologer who had predicted correctly the outcome of the 2011, 2015, and 2019 World Cups. Here is a free-wheeling chat with the ‘Scientific’ Astrologer.Bipin: Since when are you doing World Cup predictions and how do you know that your methods are correct?Greenstone: Since 1996 World Cup, I have been analysing World Cups. When I got them wrong I looked for reasons and found that the inclusion of planets which were beyond Saturn – like Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, one would get better answers. After researching 4 World Cups, I arrived at the year when the next World-Cup winning captain was born – 1981. I went all the way to Ranchi and met the mother of M.S. Dhoni and got his exact birth details. With this info, I was able to predict in my column in a leading Mumbai newspaper that India would go on to win the 2011 World Cup. Bipin: So what factors helped countries win the 2015 and 2019 World Cups?Greenstone: The greatest achievers and captains in sports are born in patches. The 1981 patch was phenomenal and produced two World Cup captains – 2011 won by MSD and 2015 won by Michael Clarke. I just had to identify these patches like these. Bipin: How do you identify them?Greenstone - I look at clues from other sports and connect them to planetary positions. The 2018 football World Cup was won by 1986-born – Hugo Lloris. The biggest tennis great was 1981 born Roger Federer who was overtaken by 1986 born Rafael Nadal. All 1986 born have the planets Uranus and Neptune in the strongest positions at 25 and 12 degrees respectively. Bipin: So, how do you think it will play out this time? Greenstone – let's look at other sports again – A 1986 born is always succeeded by a 1987 born! The record of Rafael Nadal was better by the 1987-born Novak Djokovic, the 2022 football World Cup was won by a 1987-born Lionel Messi. So, now what is your guess for the Cricket World Cup in 2023? Bipin: India? Greenstone – Yes, you got it! My biggest astrological favourite to win this time is 1987-born Rohit Sharma going on to win the biggest prize in Cricket. Bipin: So, no competitors then? Not really – We need to be aware of 1990-born Captains – Jos Buttler of England, Temba Bavuma of South Africa and Babar Azam of Pakistan, who could have been born earlier than what his official records suggest. Bipin: What! No Australia?Greenstone: I’m categorically ruling out Australia from winning this World Cup. Pat Cummins, a 1993 born cannot win THIS world Cup. Even New Zealand doesn’t have a chance to win this time! Bipin: So what about the player of the series, best bowler etc.?Greenstone: Expect most of the best performances to come to India – the ones who are coming off from injuries will do really well – KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah etc. SKY and Hardik Pandya will rock too. The major trophies will come from these 1992-1994-born players.
CRICKET - 28 Sep, 2023
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The squads for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India have been locked in ahead of the tournament opener between England and New Zealand on 5 October.India will be looking to become the fourth consecutive host nation to win the tournament, a run which began when they lifted the trophy themselves in 2011. Their 15-man squad will be captained by Rohit Sharma.Defending champions England, welcome back Ben Stokes, who has come out of ODI retirement as his side look to retain the trophy, while Kane Williamson will be hoping to win his fitness battle having been named to lead 2019 runners-up New Zealand.Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Reyaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah Zurmati, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil, Ikram Ali Khil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan Arman, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad Lakanwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman Rahmani, Naveen ul Haq Murid.Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.Bangladesh squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto (vc), Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.England squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.India squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav.Netherlands squad: Scott Edwards (c), Max O'Dowd, Bas de Leede, Vikram Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Paul van Meekeren, Colin Ackermann, Roelof van der Merwe, Logan van Beek, Aryan Dutt, Ryan Klein, Wesley Barresi, Saqib Zulfiqar, Shariz Ahmad, Sybrand Engelbrecht.New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams.Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
Cricket News: Mahela Jayawardene likely to join World Cup squad in Delhi
BIPIN DANISri Lanka's consultant coach Mahela Jayawardene will join the World Cup squad soon, it is learnt. According to the sources in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the 46-year-old Mahela did not attend the religious ceremony on the day of team departure and did not travel with the team and is not in Guwahati where Dasun Shanaka's Lanka team is playing the first warm up match against Bangladesh at Barsapara Stadium on Friday."He will certainly be there for the World Cup matches", one of the sources revealed. Sri Lanka's first match (and tournament's 4th) in the World Cup is against South Africa in Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 7. Mahela's contribution to the Lanka team in the Asia Cup is not known. Mahela's trip to the World Cup in India is approved by the sports minister, along with the other 12-member support staffs. The support staff list approved by the sports minister is as under :Mahinda Halangoda (Team Manager), Chris Silverwood (Head Coach), Mahela Jayawardene (Consultant Coach), Naveed Nawaz (Assistant Coach), Piyal Wijetunga (Spin Bowling Coach), Dharshana Gamage (Fast Bowling Coach), Anton Roux (Fielding Coach), Grant Luden (Trainer), Chris Clark (Physio), Shirantha Niroshana (Analyst), Rohan Priyadarshana (Masseur), Dr. P. Kiriella (Team Doctor), and Pramodya Wickramsinghe (Tour Selector). The sports minister has also ensured that this approval is used for applying for visa only for the tournament and as a single entry. The above approval for players and the support staffs is granted subject to the condition that a security bond of specific amount is signed between the participants and the SLC. "It is a normal practice adopted for all sports federations", a sports ministry source revealed. The manager will also be required to submit his tour report within 10 days of returning home. The sports ministry took the recommendations of the chairman of the National Sports Council.
Maheesh Theekshana sent for injury rehab, to join World Cup squad later
BIPIN DANISri Lanka's World Cup squad which reached Guwahati today (Wednesday) is without its ace-spinner Maheesh Theekshana.“The 23-year-old right-arm off-spinner had not boarded the flight", a top Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) official confirmed."He did not attend the religious ceremony (conducted on Tuesday) either,” the source further added."At present, his participation in the World Cup is not in doubt but now he has been sent to the rehabilitation centre at the High Performance Unit. His fitness is being monitored by physio Thihan Chandramohan,” the source said.The spinner had been ruled out of the final of the men's Asia Cup against India because of a hamstring injury he picked up during Sri Lanka's last-ball win against Pakistan.According to multiple sources, there was a difference of opinion between the physio and the radiologist.It was assumed to be a Grade 3 injury but it did not have a big tear, though the MRI scan was indicating it, according to the medical team.He is therefore included in the squad and likely to join the team during a later stage of the tournament. The 15-member team which reached Guwahati has Chamika Karunaratne as a traveling reserve.
PTC appoints Shariq Ali as a Director of Sindh Tape-Ball Cricket
Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Pakistan Tape-Ball Cricket (PTC) has appointed Shariq Ali to the position of Director for Sindh Region, as he has over 15 years of experience gained through leading organizations including QBBA, PMMAF, SJJA & Chain of Life Fitness.President PTC, Amir Mahboob said: “We are delighted to secure a Region Director Sindh’s caliber and experience to lead Sindh Tap-ball Cricket (STC) through the next phase of growth. His experience across different sports and the industries in which we compete will be of great benefit to STC”President of International Tape Ball Cricket Aamir Siddiqui (USA) expressed his best wishes for Shariq Ali and the development of Tape Ball cricket in Pakistan. Commenting on his appointment, Shariq Ali said “I am looking forward to taking on the leadership role at STC and working with the team at STC to ensure a bright future for the Tape-Ball Cricket in the region.
Bermuda host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier
Sports Bulletin ReportBermuda: The journey to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA continues, this time, Bermuda opens doors to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier from 30 September to 7 October 2023.Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands and Panama will battle it out in a double round-robin format, over six days to earn a place in the 2024 edition of the Men’s T20 World Cup – the biggest one yet, featuring 20 teams in total.Fara Gorsi, ICC Regional Development Manager – Americas said: "It is exciting to have the regional final that will determine the region’s last spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This is obviously a special World Cup for us in the Americas, as it will be hosted in our region jointly by the USA & the West Indies”.“All four teams have proved to be competitive, and we look forward to a high standard event. The ever-progressing hosts, Bermuda Cricket Board, have worked tirelessly to ensure they deliver a world-class final tournament for the region. A huge thank you and acknowledgement of Calvin Blankendal and his team.”Calvin Blankendal, CEO of the Bermuda Cricket Board said: “Bermuda is delighted to have the opportunity to host the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier in the island. “We are excited to host our first ICC tournament since 2019. We are certain that the event will be second to none, with passion and love for the game that you won’t find easily anywhere else. “We also believe it is a great opportunity for us to get back to the biggest stage as we aim to participate in the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024”.Participating teams:Bermuda: Delray Rawlins, Kamau Leverock, Terryne Fray, Charles Trott, Dominic Sabir, Sinclair Smith, Zeko Burgess, Derrick Brangman, Tre Manders, Jarryd Richardson, Malachi Jones, Macquille Walker, Allan Douglas. II, Cejay Outerbridge, Josclyn Pitcher.Canada: Aaron Johnson, Dilpreet Bajwa, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jeremy Gordon, Kaleem Sana-Ur-Rehman, Nicholas Kirton, Nikhil Dutta, Pargat Singh, Navneet Dhaliwal,Saad Bin Zafar, Shahid Ahmadzai, Shreyas Movva, Srimantha Wijeyeratne, Ammar KhalidCayman Islands: Ramon Anthony Sealy, Paul Okerio Manning, Yeron Sacha Duran De Alwis-Seneviratne, Troy Clinton Taylor, Akshay Reddy Naidoo, Kevon Adrian Bazil, Paul Anthony Chin, Mohan Manivannan, Conroy Fabian Wright, Brian Kerr Corbin, Patrick Albert Heron, Alessandro Alifaroh Morris, Romeo Orlando Careco Dunka, Alistair Fitzwarren Ifill, Christopher Samuel Raj BalrajPanama: Yusuf Ebrahim Akalwaya, Anilkumar Nathubhai Ahir, Khengar Bhai Ratilal Ahir, Mahmud Bhana Jasat, Mohmad Sohel Umer Patel, Nikunj Mukesh Bhai Ahir, Abdullah Bham Jasat, Rahul Dipakbhai Ahir, Sohilkumar Girisbhai Ahir, Laxman Ramakant Gaonkar, Ibrahim Ismail Ranguni Bhana, Jay Kumar Chetanbhai Ahir, Mahmad Musaji Data, Abdullah Afzal Bhoola Bhoola, Faizan Liyakat Patel.
Asian Games: Bangladesh Women beat Pakistan Women by five wickets
Sports Bulletin ReportHangzhou (China): Bangladesh women beat Pakistan women by five wickets to secure the bronze medal in the 19th Asian Games women’s cricket event at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou on Monday.Pakistan, who had won gold medal in the 2010 and 2014 editions, finished on fourth spot in the event.Later in the day, Sri Lanka and India will compete for the gold in the match scheduled at 1400 local time.After being put into bat, Pakistan managed to score 64 for nine in 20 overs. All-rounder Aliya Riaz top-scored for her side with 17 from 18 balls, hitting two fours. Captain Nida Dar (14, 18b, 1x4), Sadaf Shamas (13, 26b, 1x4) and Natalia Pervaiz (11, 24b) were the other batters to enter double figures.For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter took three wickets for 16, while Sanjida Akter bagged two wickets.In reply, Bangladesh lost five wickets and it took them 18.2 overs to achieve the modest target. Shorna top-scored for her side with an unbeaten 14 runs off 33 balls.For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Nashra Sundhu was the top wicket-taker, taking three wickets for 10 runs from four overs.Scores in brief:Bangladesh beat Pakistan by five wicketsPakistan 64-9, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 17; Shorna Akter 3-16, Sanjida Akter 2-11)Bangladesh 65-5, 18.2 overs (Shorna Akter 14 not out; Nashra Sundhu 3-10)
Asian Games: Sri Lanka Women beat Pakistan Women by six wickets
Sports Bulletin ReportHangzhou (China): Sri Lanka women beat Pakistan women by six wickets in the second semifinal of the 19th Asian Games women’s cricket event at the Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Field in Hangzhou on Sunday.Pakistan, who had won gold medal in the 2010 and 2014 editions, will now take on Bangladesh for the bronze medal game at the same venue tomorrow at 0900 local time.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and India will compete for the gold medal match scheduled tomorrow at 1400 local time.After being put into bat, Pakistan managed to score 75 for nine in 20 overs. Opening batter Shawaal Zulfiqar (16, 27b, 1x4), Muneeba Ali (13, 16b, 1x6) and Omaima Sohail (10, 17b, 1x6) were the only batters to enter double figures.For Sri Lanka, Udeshika Prabodhani bagged three wickets for 21, while Kavisha Dilhari took two wickets.In reply, Pakistan kept the Sri Lanka batters in check and dismissed four batters in process. Sri Lanka eventually achieved the target in the 17th over.Harshitha Samarawickrama (23, 41b, 1x4) top-scored for the winning team.For Pakistan, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal and Umm-e-Hani grabbed a wicket each.Scores in brief:Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by six wicketsPakistan 75-9, 20 overs (Shawaal Zulfiqar 16, Muneeba Ali 13, Omaima Sohail 10; Udeshika Prabodhani 3-21, Kavisha Dilhari 2-15)Sri Lanka 77-4, 16.3 overs (Harshitha Samarawickrama 23)
CRICKET - 22 Sep, 2023
Aamir Ali JanjuaDubai (UAE): The 13th edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will see the winners of the 10-team tournament earn US$4 million, along with the trophy that they will lift at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 19 November.The runners-up will receive US$2 million, while the losing semi-finalists will get $800,000 each from the total prize pot of US$10 million. The 48-match event will be played across 10 venues from 5 October. The biggest Cricket World Cup ever will see prizes for each league match won. Teams will play each other once in a round-robin format, with the top four making it to the semi-finals.The winners of each match in the group stage will receive US$40,000 and the six teams that do not qualify for the semi-finals will receive a payment of US$100,000.
CRICKET - 22 Sep, 2023
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): 16 teams are set to compete for the silverware across 41 matches from 13 January to 4 February, comprising the 11 best-placed Full Member teams at the last edition and five teams who earned their World Cup spot through regional qualification pathways - Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Scotland and USA.Five historic venues located in Colombo will stage the 15th edition of the celebrated event; the P. Sara Oval, Colombo Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Singhalese Sports Club and the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, the arena chosen to host both Semi Finals on 30 January and 1 February, and the Final on 4 February.The action starts on 13 January with three fixtures taking place on opening day. Hosts Sri Lanka take on Zimbabwe at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, while 2022 finalists England play Scotland at Colombo Cricket Club and New Zealand face off against Nepal at the P. Sara Oval.In the group listings, holders India are joined by Bangladesh, Ireland and USA in Group A. Group B consists of England, South Africa, West Indies and Scotland. Group C features Australia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Namibia while Group D is made up of Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand and Nepal.ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has a long-standing history of introducing global audiences to future stars of the sport.“Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson and Angelo Mathews are some of the names that made their entrance onto the world stage at this event, and we are certain to see this tradition continue as the drama unfolds across the 41 tournament fixtures.“We are thrilled to see the competition return to Sri Lanka for the first time since 2006, in what promises to be a festival of cricket with no shortage of entertainment, and we are proud to offer fans the chance to witness the action for free once more.”Tournament Director, Samantha Dodanwela said: “Sri Lanka Cricket is delighted to be welcoming this prestigious event back to Sri Lanka after 18 years. “Sri Lanka is renowned for its passionate, cricket-loving fans, and we are looking forward to giving them the opportunity to watch some of the most promising young cricketers in the world over 23 days of competition.The landmark event has been the springboard for some of the most recognisable stars of the global game. Through the history of the event, India are the most decorated with five U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup titles, Australia have won the event three times, Pakistan twice, while England, Bangladesh, South Africa and West Indies have each been crowned once.
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