Author: Waqar Anwar
India is in for a challenge as they gear up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener against Australia on November 22. The match will be held at Optus Stadium in Perth, where a fast and bouncy pitch is set to create conditions similar to those at the famous WACA. Head curator Isaac McDonald promises “really good pace, bounce, and carry” on a pitch prepared to test even the best batters. The Pitch at Optus Stadium: WACA’s Legacy Lives On Optus Stadium, with a 60,000 capacity, hasn’t seen as much crowd enthusiasm for Tests. However, the fast and fiery pitch, designed to…
The upcoming ODI series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka has different meanings for both teams. While New Zealand is preparing for the Champions Trophy in 2025, Sri Lanka is aiming to maintain their recent momentum in ODIs after missing out on the big tournament. Recent ODI Form of Both Teams New Zealand hasn’t played an ODI since December 2023—a long gap for a team preparing for an ICC event. With T20 cricket dominating the calendar and Tests maintaining their classic appeal, ODIs often take a backseat. But 11 months without an ODI means New Zealand will need a bit…
Afghanistan’s iconic allrounder Mohammad Nabi has announced his plan to retire from ODI cricket after the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 39-year-old veteran, Afghanistan’s most capped ODI player, shared this decision after winning the Player-of-the-Series award in Afghanistan’s recent 2-1 victory over Bangladesh in the UAE. Nabi’s Thoughts on Retirement Nabi revealed his retirement plans to the host broadcaster, saying: “Since the last World Cup, I had retirement on my mind. But when Afghanistan qualified for the Champions Trophy, I felt it would be great to play one last big tournament.” He has already informed the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) of…
Introduction: Afghanistan’s Winning Streak Continues Afghanistan’s cricket team is on fire! They just clinched their third consecutive ODI series victory, showing the world they’re ready to take on even bigger challenges. This time, their target was Bangladesh, and Afghanistan sealed the series with a 2-1 win. Their recent performance hints at a promising run-up to the Champions Trophy, with both young and seasoned players making valuable contributions. Key Moments of the Series A Memorable Finish In the third ODI, Azmatullah Omarzai finished in style, smashing a six to secure the victory. Coach Jonathan Trott, with his usual calm demeanor, couldn’t…
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seeking a clear, written statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. The PCB has formally asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to provide a written explanation from India’s side, along with a reason for their refusal. The ICC informed the PCB last Friday that India’s government did not approve the Indian cricket team’s travel to Pakistan for the tournament. However, the PCB wants this refusal in writing, along with specific reasons. The Champions Trophy…
Xavier Bartlett, Australia’s promising fast bowler, is all set to return to international cricket after recovering from a side strain. Bartlett, who missed the start of the season, will lead Australia’s T20I bowling attack in the upcoming series against Pakistan at the Gabba on Thursday. His return adds strength to the team, which will be without their Test players. Bartlett’s upright seam position and ability to generate late swing have made him a key player, and he was the top wicket-taker in last season’s Big Bash League (BBL), helping Brisbane Heat win the title. His recent performances, including four-wicket hauls…
Rodrigues, back in the tournament for her third stint after playing in 2022 for Melbourne Stars, has played four games for Brisbane Heat. In her most recent match, she scored a brilliant 61 from 40 balls, leading her team to victory over Adelaide Strikers. Her previous scores had been 13 and 5, but Rodrigues credited her change in approach to the support and motivation she received from her Heat team-mates. Positive Encouragement from Team-Mates “I didn’t have the best innings in the last two games,” Rodrigues shared. “But after those performances, Grace Harris and Laura Harris texted me. They said,…
Bangladesh Faces Injury Setbacks Ahead of West Indies Test Series Bangladesh will be without two key players, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, for their upcoming two-Test series in the West Indies. Both players have been ruled out due to injuries. No Shakib, Tamim, or Mushfiqur for the First Time in 16 Years With both Shanto and Mushfiqur sidelined, Bangladesh will enter the Test series without Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, or Mushfiqur Rahim for the first time in 16 years. This is a significant change for the team as they face the West Indies. New Captain and Squad Changes…
Gautam Gambhir, former Indian cricketer, has backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. With the series now more crucial for the World Test Championship (WTC) qualification, Gambhir believes the senior duo still has plenty to offer, despite their recent struggles. The recent series against New Zealand and Bangladesh saw both players underperform. Rohit managed just 133 runs in 10 innings, averaging only 13.30. Kohli fared slightly better with 192 runs, averaging 21.33. These poor performances raised doubts about their form, especially since India lost a Test series at home for the first time…
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will be heading back home after sustaining a calf injury during the recent T20I match against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The 33-year-old pacer, who had recently returned from a hamstring injury, played a crucial role in New Zealand’s victory by taking a hat-trick. Unfortunately, he will miss the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, which starts on November 13. Ferguson felt discomfort in his calf while bowling his second over during the T20I. He left the field and couldn’t continue the game but was later awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional…