India’s strong T20I performance is highlighted in the latest ICC rankings, with three batters and three bowlers securing spots in the Top 10. Abhishek Sharma leads the batting chart, while Varun Chakravarthy spearheads the bowling attack. Hardik Pandya remains the top all-rounder, showcasing India’s strength across all departments.
Jitesh Sharma highlighted the adaptability needed for T20 finishers, noting the uncertainty they face compared to top-order batters. He argued that traditional matchup theories are outdated, as modern batters innovate against all bowlers. Sharma emphasised the responsibility finishers bear, especially during team collapses, requiring instinctive planning adjustments in today’s dynamic T20 landscape.
World Champion D. Gukesh faced a tough day at the FIDE Grand Swiss, losing to Nikolas Theodorou after a defeat a day prior to 16-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra. Theodorou, now a ‘Chigorin Club’ member, capitalised on Gukesh’s ambitious play with White pieces, exploiting a miscalculated threefold repetition claim.
There could be a toss-up between Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy for the specialist spinner’s role, while the part-time left-arm spin of Abhishek Sharma could come in handy. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are likely to share new-ball duties while Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have been made to work on their bowling in the…
Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma will most likely walk out to open in India’s first match in the Asia Cup on Wednesday. It won’t be the first time the duo will open — they have been doing this since their U-14 days. Beyond being opening partners, they have been childhood friends and understand each other’s…
Dewald Brevis became the costliest player in SA20 history, fetching R16.5 million from Pretoria Capitals after a fierce bidding war. Aiden Markram, a two-time SA20 champion, was acquired by Durban’s Super Giants for R14 million. Veteran Imran Tahir joined Joburg Super Kings, while notable players like Andile Phehlukwayo and Mustafizur Rahman went unsold.
Afghanistan started their Asia Cup campaign strongly, defeating Hong Kong by 94 runs. Sediqullah Atal’s unbeaten 73 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s quickfire 53 propelled Afghanistan to 188/6. Hong Kong’s chase crumbled under the pressure of Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and Gulbadin Naib, ultimately restricting them to just 94/9.
India’s U23 football team triumphed over Brunei 6-0 in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, led by Vibin Mohanan’s hat-trick. Despite the victory and finishing with six points, qualification hinges on other match results. Celebrations were muted amidst reports of explosions in Doha, allegedly targeting Hamas leaders by Israeli forces.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s explosive fifty off just 20 balls propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total against Hong Kong in their Asia Cup opener. Omarzai’s record-breaking innings, surpassing Mohammad Nabi’s previous best, helped Afghanistan score 78 runs in the final five overs. Poor fielding from Hong Kong, including multiple dropped catches, further aided Afghanistan’s late-innings surge.
