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Debutant Alex Lees and Wicket-Keeper Batter Ben Foakes brought in as Replacements for West Indies Tour

ECB is in a lot of crisis. Currently they are placed at bottom in the World Test Championship Cycle 2021-23. They got humiliated by the Champion Aussies by 4-0 in the Ashes 2021-22. In that Series, a lot of batters performance was below par. The likes of Root, Stokes and Buttler found new ways to get out. The Iconic bowling pair of Anderson-Broad weren’t given enough runs to bowl at which made sure that Aussies pile on a lot of runs.

The Captaincy of Joe Root was questionable as he was seen saying that bowlers need to bowl a bit fuller to make things happen. Australia’s and one of the Greatest Test Captains of all Time Ricky Ponting lambasted Root by saying that what are you doing in that post, if bowlers aren’t listening to you. The entire Ashes Series was no less than a cry for Britishers.

ECB’s main motto as of now is to reset Red Ball Cricket and in doing so they have dropped Rory Burns & Jos Buttler and the Legendary Pair of James Anderson- Stuart Broad. Although Andrew Strauss made it clear that this is not the end of the road for Anderson and Broad. By dropping Rory Burns, England have named Alex Lees in the squad and recalled Ben Foakes for Wicket-keeper.

Alex Lees inclusion at the top means ECB have not ignored their right hand-left hand strategy. The other opener is the dashing Zak Crawley. The left-handed batter has played for a lot of counties in England like Durham and Yorkshire. Going by the stats which are displayed below, it is crystal clear that he has grinded a lot. Amassing 7,000 runs in domestic circuit is not that easy which looks.

SNAPSHOT: Alex Lees playing a shot for his county team.

The batter has a steep road ahead as succeeding in Caribbean conditions is tough. ECB knows that they haven’t won a Test Series in West Indies since ages. Last tour of 2019 was a horrible as England throwed the towel by losing first 2 Test Matches. Since that tour England are finding an ideal opener. They have tried numerous openers, yet they haven’t performed according to the expectations.

It is often said that opener has to lay the foundation for the other batters to stamp their authority. The way England’s batters have performed over the last year states that there is a lack of intent of scoring quick runs. Having a strike rate of 40-50 is better than getting out on single digit scores. ECB have started the process of getting in right batters for conditions, though they have to give time.

Stats

Batting	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	Balls	SR	100	50	4s	6s	Ct	St
First-class	127	217	14	7078	275*	34.86	15049	47.03	17	35	885	32	89	0
List A one-day	63	58	6	2095	126*	40.28	2677	78.26	4	16	200	21	22	0
List A Twenty20	56	53	6	1350	77*	28.72	1114	121.18	0	8	134	23	20	0

Ben Foakes has been recalled to the Test Side. He has been in and out of the time. He had made his debut in 2018 against Sri Lanka in Alien Conditions. He too was a part of 2019 Caribbean tour where he had a forgettable outing. He is famous for his supreme and acrobatic glove-work. He was a part of England’s tour to India in 2021 where he thrilled everyone by doing amazing wicket-keeping.

SNAPSHOT: Ben Foakes doing an excellent glove work against India in 2021 Test Series.

Foakes major test of character would be to score handful runs. He just can’t be praised for wicket-keeping. England already have the services of Jonny Bairstow who can take up gloves if needed. Ben Foakes record as a batter isn’t that great, although these are his early days. He has been in and out of the team which too has to be seen by ECB. Foakes alike other can be the missing spark for England.

The wicket-keeper batter’s main prowess is to play attacking cricket. He just can’t let the opponent bowlers dominate the phase. His role would be pivotal as playing around tail-enders can be the deciding factor. If he can manage to stick to the crease and contribute 50-70 odd runs with the bowlers then the scenario would change drastically. ECB would hope that they get a keeper like Matt Prior.

Stats

Batting	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	Balls	SR	100	50	4s	6s	Ct	St
Test	8	16	3	410	107	31.53	877	46.75	1	1	34	5	14	5
One-day international	1	1	1	61	61*		76	80.26	0	1	3	1	2	1
Twenty20 international	1	0	0	0	–			–	0	0	0	0	1	0
First-class	123	194	32	6214	141*	38.35	12181	51.01	11	34	775	25	254	29
List A one-day	73	63	11	1941	92	37.32	2244	86.50	0	18	163	18	86	11
List A Twenty20	77	52	12	856	75*	21.40	690	124.06	0	4	72	14	38	10
Youth Test	2	3	0	76	46	25.33	208	36.54	0	0	9	0	2	0
Youth ODI	22	21	3	854	111	47.44	1026	83.24	2	4	85	10	23	3

Ben Foakes and Alex Lees can prove to be the game-changers. West Indies Coach Phil Simmons and Captain Kraigg Braithwaite would be wary of the factor that their team is mercurial. England on the other side too have been erratic. Both the nations know that they have started a new chapter in their rivalry which should not be taken lightly as we all know that spectators don’t like Test Cricket.

West Indies arsenal and weapon is their pace bowling. They have got the likes of Roach, Holder and Alzarri who are too hot to handle. All these trio were a part of the successful triumph. The ex-skipper Jason Holder now is playing as an all-rounder which undoubtedly a bit sad as he is one of the most senior statesmen. Nevertheless, he can be lethal as of now there is no added responsibility of the team.

Jason Holder Proves a Point as a lower Middle order Batter

The Exuberant all-rounder Jason Holder smashed 43 runs in Day 2 of the 1st Test Match. The peculiarity of Holder’s knock was that, he was keen to rotate the Strike instead of going bang-bang. His knock has made the Test Match an even contest. The deficit as of now is 109 runs. If the two batters can cut down the deficit to may be 40-50 runs, then we have a solid game on our hands.

SNAPSHOT: Jason Holder showcasing great defense and sheer aggression on Day 2 against the Mighty Britishers at Vivian Richards Stadium for the inaugural Richards-Botham Trophy 2022

Holder’s way of toiling the bowlers was amazing. He not only smashed 7 boundaries and scored 30 runs in that, but he made sure that the bowlers are forced to bowl according to his strengths. The senior all-rounder faced 100 odd balls which speaks about his temperament. The batter though knows that the new ball is 13 overs around which means that he needs to up the ante. Earlier when West Indies bowlers bowled with the second new ball, they created a havoc by bundling out England for 311.

We are in for a thrilling Day 3. The main test for Joe Root would be that how he manages to get rid of 13 overs with the new ball. The old ball phase, which would take place till drinks period is a vital one. If Holder and Bonner score runs at 4 runs per over, then West Indies would be in ascendancy. All in all, West Indies looks all set to spoil the party of England’s reset; England would hope and believe that they can get early break-throughs. Getting Vibes of West Indies, bossing this Test Match and Richards-Botham Trophy 2022. It’s often said that you win 1st Test Match and win the Series, England would sense that they have a chance with no doubt but lying on a thin edge as the rain earlier played a spoil sport. Although we all know Cricket is a Game of Uncertainty so who knows what would be in store at the Morning Session.

Jonny Bairstow’s Splendid Knock against a Power Packed West Indies pacers

Johnny Bairstow came into bat when England were reduced to 48-4. Kemar Roach, Jason Holder and Jaydon Seales were literally on fire. They broke the back of England’s batting line up as the reset of England Cricket wasn’t quite fruitful as expected.

Bairstow and Stokes then rebuild the innings. They made sure that they get their eye in the match.

It was afternoon session when Bairstow started attacking. Attacking the bowlers in the sense, he was very much keen to rotate the Strike on a Consistent basis.

Bairstow’s peculiarity was similar to the knock he played against the Mighty Aussies at the SCG. The dashing batter made sure that Stokes played the waiting game.

In the evening session, the scintillating Bairstow went into beast mode. He was smashing boundaries on a consistent basis to the likes of Roach and Co.

Bairstow was using all shots in the book. Most of the times, he was seen using the cut shot and pull shot. He gave a glimpse of the old Bairstow who used to assert dominance over opponent.

West Indies Captain missed a trick by not giving the ball to Roach and Holder. Holder had mind boggling figures as he gave away 15 runs in 16 overs and took 2 wickets of Lawrence and Foakes.

Bairstow’s speciality this time was that he played according to the situation. The ball was doing a lot of movement as he made sure to be patient and cash in on an opportunity.

The way Bairstow handled collapses speaks a lot about his technique. The dismissal of Stokes was a blow to England’s innings as at that time the score was 115-5.

Bairstow got ample support from Ben Foakes. The wicket keeper batter had a dream comeback as he was stroking the ball smoothly. Foakes managed to score 42 runs. He made sure to up the ante as scoring was by no means means.

Bairstow notched up his 7th century and made a statement that he may be out of form, but he is not finished yet. The batter now has made a strong case for himself in England’s Middle Order.

Bairstow knows that his Job is half done yet. England’s score is 268-6. He would be hoping that England’s 1st innings score touches 350 scale mark.

The new ball is only 6 overs old. The fast bowlers can still extract a lot of swing which will make the 1st session a spicy contest. There are chances that England would score heavily and even score 400 odd runs.

West Indies Skipper would hope that his bowlers would take a leaf out of the morning session. All in all, the 1st session would decide the fate of the Iconic Richards-Botham Trophy 2022.

SNAPSHOT: Jonny Bairstow scores a Brilliant unbeaten knock of 109 runs.

Journey from MGM College of Journalism to a US Firm

When I first came in MGM College of Journalism, I was enthralled. The support staff, professors & management were interactive, communicative & friendly. The course was by no means easy for performers as you have to grind out the content. I started this course & felt that you have ample time to excel in your interesting field.

I was an ardent Cricket Fan & for me Cricket is like Oxygen. I started writing “n” articles of Cricket Matches like Previews, Reviews & Features. Especially the Principal Dr. Shelke Ma’am backed me. The Professors Soni Mam, Wahab Sir, Sheikh Sir & Tanveer Sir were absolutely bang on target for their teaching which made the topics more interesting.

In my 3-year Degree Course I opened my You Tube channel named: CricketZeal on November 2017. Till now I have my around 200 Videos on You Tube and more than 100 articles on my website: varadsandeepvaichal.in. The credit goes to the Management as they gave me special treatment as Cricket is 24/7.

After the competition of Graduation, I worked for a Bangalore Firm as a Sports Scorer for a span of 3 months from September 2021 – November 2021. The experience which I got was invaluable as I worked with designated individuals. During that phase I made International Contacts

In November end I got a Job from US as a Cricket Content Writer. Till now I am associated with that company & it has been a decent going so far. I have enjoyed every moment so far & hoping that the juggernaut continues. MGM will always hold a special place in my heart, as they made me a delegated Professional of Cricket (Expert).

India’s Most Likely Spinners for ICC T20 World Cup 2022

India had a forgettable ICC T20 World Cup 2021 where they were out of the tournament in the 1^st round itself. The T20 World Cup was held in UAE and it was expected that the spinners would benefit from turning backs. India’s spin contingent for the T20 World Cup was as follows:

Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Rahul Chahar & Varun Chakravarthy

It was expected that the experienced spin duo of Ashwin & Jadeja would keep India in good stead while the mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy would trouble the batters but it didn’t pan out as expected. All in all, India’s spinners failed significantly as none of them helped India to stamp their authority.

So far, the road to T20 World Cup 2022

Following India’s poor performance in the marquee tournament, BCCI took a bold step by naming Rohit Sharma as the Captain & Rahul Dravid as the Head Coach. India so far has white-washed New Zealand, West Indies & Sri Lanka. In all these 3 Series it can be said that India found its missing zeal as now India is on 12 Match Winning Streak. India now would have a break due to the Tata IPL 2022 while the next assignment is scheduled in June against South Africa where India will play 5 T20I Matches.

Spin Department for T20 World Cup 2022

As we all know that the T20 World Cup 2022 is going to be held in Australia. In Australia, usually the spinners aren’t that much effective apart from a couple of pitches like Sydney and rarely others. India’s selectors should keep one thing in mind that instead of sending 5 spinners like of 2021 T20 World Cup, they should send only 4 spinners and send one spectacular all-rounder.

Ravichandran Ashwin

SNAPSHOT: Ravichandran Ashwin of India playing a match in ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the most effective & senior spinners. Ashwin wasn’t a part of playing 11 in T20 World Cup 2021 for the matches against Pakistan & New Zealand. His absence made a big impact as the batters of Pakistan & New Zealand toyed with India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. Ashwin’s experience of playing an ICC Tournament in Australia would be handy as in 2015 he was a part of the squad which made it to the Semi Finals. The crafty off spinner knows how to tackle risky situations, he is a spinner who won’t be afraid to toss a ball after getting hit for a monstrous six. Having him in the squad is must if he wants to make better progress.

Year	Matches	Wickets
2019	DNP	DNP
2020	DNP	DNP
2021	5	9
2022	DNP	DNP

Ravindra Jadeja

SNAPSHOT: Ravindra Jadeja appealing for a wicket.

Jadeja alike Ashwin is one of the senior spinners. Jadeja did his best against the likes of Pakistan & New Zealand, but he didn’t get ample support from the rest of the spinners. Jadeja has one specialty & peculiarity which is he finishes his overs quite quickly & not to forget he is an acrobatic fielder. In Australia’s long boundaries Rohit Sharma, the skipper would need a pin point fielder at Point & at boundaries. Jadeja gives the captain an option of playing an extra fast bowler as he can fill the place of a batter too. Jadeja should be a sure shot pick for the T20 World Cup 2022. His presence is a kind of fear factor for the opponent team.

Year	Matches	Wickets
2019	06	4
2020	04	4
2021	05	7
2022	03	2

Kuldeep Yadav

SNAPSHOT: Kuldeep Yadav poses a threat for the opponent by bowling unplayable deliveries.

The left arm-chinaman can be a dangerous asset to have. His wrist-spin & his chinaman bowling would be a treat to watch in SCG where the ball turns immensely. Kuldeep has been blatantly ignored by the selectors in the last 2 years. Kuldeep should be selected on his caliber of producing unplayable & not on merit as on his day he can be as destructive as ever. Kuldeep may be expensive but he can pick a wicket of a big fish.

Year	Matches	Wickets
2019	01	2
2020	02	2
2021	02	2
2022	01	0

Yuzvendra Chahal

SNAPSHOT: Yuzvendra Chahal delighted after picking up a wicket.

The right arm leg spinner is a lethal bowler. His shrewdness can be a defining factor in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022. He would be disappointed as he missed the cut for the T20 Worl Cup 2021 as the Chetan Sharma led panel ignored him by saying that the team needs a spinner who can bowl fast. Rahul Chahar was picked in his place. Chahal knows that his job is not only to contain runs but pickup wickets that too as a partnership breaker bowler. The smart leg spinner is a must if India wants to put a strong case in the World Cup.

Year	Matches	Wickets
2019	DNP	DNP
2020	09	7
2021	05	4
2022	04	4

Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav & Yuzvendra Chahal should be the 4 spinners for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. India should go in with the duo of Ashwin & Jadeja for the league matches at the Tournament. BCCI’s Selection Panel should make sure that this time the selection doesn’t go wrong as a new era has started under the leadership of Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid

India is set to play 5 League matches in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 which are as follows:

India vs Pakistan at Melbourne on 23^rd October
India vs Qualifier A2 at Sydney on 27^th October
India vs South Africa at Perth on 30^th October
India vs Bangladesh at Adelaide on 02^nd November
India vs Qualifier B1 at Melbourne on 06^th November

This 5 Matches will eventually decide the fate of a billion fans. India should not forget that couple of bad matches aren’t a reason to weep just like the 2021 T20 World Cup. India should keep their heads high as this time they are placed in a less precarious group.

Bangladesh ekes out a Victory against an off color Afghanistan

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan against all odds and came out victorious. Bangladesh won the match by 4 wickets. By winning Bangladesh have taken invaluable 10 World Super League Points. Afghanistan would rue the fact that they had the match in their bag, but a brilliant performance from the lower middle order proved to be the difference

Bangladesh started their run chase of 216 runs. Bangladesh lost half of their side for 39 runs. The left arm pacer was the wrecker in chief as he took 4 wickets in the phase of power-play. The veterans Shakib & Rahim got back in the pavilion. Afghanistan sensed that they have a solid chance to stamp their authority. They were defending a target of 216 runs. Picking up 5 wickets did the half job. Bangladesh were reduced to 45 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.

The lower order batter Afif Hossain along with the off-spin bowling bowler Mehidy Hasan were involved in a match-winning partnership of 174 runs. Both the batters showed immense mental application as one more wicket would mean that the run chase is done and dusted. Bangladesh would be proud that their No. 7 & No.8 batter won them a match. The left handed batter Afif Hossain scored 93 runs in 115 balls whereas the spinner Mehidy Hasan struck a knock of 81 runs in 120 balls

After choosing to bat first, Afghanistan had a mediocre power-play as they managed to score 41 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Bangladesh’s bowlers were immaculate with the line and length as they didn’t allow any batter to settle down. The likes of Rahmat Shah & skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi got starts but failed to capitalize on it. Afghanistan was reduced to 102 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Surprisingly the pacers got the chunk of the wickets.

SNAPSHOT: Afghanistan’s batters losing wickets after a good show from Bangladesh’s bowlers.

Then came the flamboyant Najibullah Zadran. He had a wonderful outing with the dangerous Mohammed Nabi. The duo was involved in a 63 runs partnership. The dismissal of Nabi just opened the gates of wickets for Bangladesh. Najibullah at one end was playing attacking shots. He played a terrific knock of 67 runs in 84 balls. He along with the rest of the batters posted below par total of 215. Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers as he took 3 wickets for 35 runs in his 9.1 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam took 2 wickets each and made sure that Bangladesh is chasing a decent total.

Bangladesh would be in a shock of happiness as this victory is one of their finest. On the other hand Afghanistan would be stunned. Afghanistan’s skipper Shahidi is responsible for team’s downfall. His captaincy wasn’t quite up to the mark.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan face off in a Mouth-Watering Contest

Bangladesh and Afghanistan who are often termed as under-dogs in World Super League. Both the nations are going to clash on 23^rd February, 25^th February & 28^th February. All the matches are going to be played at Chattogram, Bangladesh.

SNAPSHOT: Bangladesh & Afghanistan set to reignite the Rivalry.

Journey

Currently Bangladesh is placed at 2^nd position with 80 points from 12 matches. Afghanistan have been unscathed so far. Afghanistan is placed at 6^th position with 60 points from 6 matches. Bangladesh are coming back from a series victory against Zimbabwe. The series was played in Zimbabwe in July 2021.

Afghanistan on the other hand are coming back on a successful campaign against Netherlands. They defeated Netherlands in Qatar as all the matches were played at Doha, Qatar. Afghanistan know that they can create a lot of upsets as defeating Netherlands wasn’t that much easy.

Teams

Bangladesh would hope & believe that they win ODI Series against Afghanistan; giving any sort of chance can make it spicy. Tamim Iqbal the batter is back in the team & is ready to take the duties of skipper. The experience of Shakib, Rahim & Mahmudullah would definitely hold the team in good stead. The team composition of Bangladesh looks like a champion side who can defeat any side.

Afghanistan is looking ominous here as they haven’t lost a single match till now. The Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi would be aiming for another triumph, though it isn’t that easy given Bangladesh’s sturdy record at home. The batters like Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran & Mohammad Nabi are capable of posting a total in range of 250+ runs. The spin department of Afghanistan is blessed with the likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman & Nabi who can dismantle any team on their day.

Tactics & Matchup

Bangladesh’s main target should be to restrict Afghanistan below 250 runs. Afghanistan’s spinners have the prowess of defending a target in the range of 250 runs. Afghanistan would hope that they bat long as getting bundled out for a paltry 180 runs isn’t a good option. All in all, Afghanistan looks favorite to win ODI Series unless & until Bangladesh spin a web just like Afghanistan.

We are in for a fascinating ODI Series, if Bangladesh win this ODI Series then it takes them one step closer to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Afghanistan may sound favorite but we can’t write off Bangladesh who have defeated Champion teams in the last 2 decades. Bangladesh’s main arsenal is their batting, it’s crystal clear Afghanistan can’t chase down target in excess of 270+ runs.

Sri Lanka avoid Ignominy in the 5th T20I Match

Sri Lanka edge past Australia in a nerve wrecking thriller at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Sri Lanka won the game by 7 wickets with 1 ball left. Australia would rue that they missed out on a white-wash. Sri Lanka would be booming with confidence as their next assignment against a dangerous India which is about to start on 24^th February. Australia on the other hand is all set for a historic Pakistan Tour starting from 4^th March. The crowd at MCG witnessed one of a thrilling encounters where finally Sri Lanka got the better of Australia after 4 attempts.

Australia had won the toss & elected to bat. Australia managed a challenging total of 155 runs for Sri Lanka. Challenging in the sense the pitch was a bit uneven. Sri Lanka had a productive power-play as they scored 54 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. This time Kusal Mendis took the responsibility of taking the team out of trouble. Sri Lanka required 84 runs in last 11 overs with 6 wickets in tank.

The onus was on the Captain Dasun Shanaka & Kusal Mendis. Both the batters played smartly as they were taking calculative risks. The Captain Aaron Finch tried every trick in the book but both the batters didn’t allow the pressure to get the better of them. Kusal Mendis struck a defining knock of 69 runs in 58 balls. He along with Shanaka made sure that required run rate was not getting out of reach. Getting out of the reach in the sense not beyond 10.

SNAPSHOT: Kusal Mendis waiving his bat after scoring a well-constructed knock of half century.

In the last 2 overs Sri Lanka required 20 runs to win. Kusal Mendis showcased his batting prowess as he played wittily against the foxy Jhye Richardson. In the last over Sri Lanka required 9 runs. It was high time that Sri Lanka win as losing from here would be a huge embarrassment. Skipper Dasun Shanka smacked a gigantic six & levelled the scores. The way skipper smacked the ball was absolutely a treat to watch. Sri Lanka lost skipper in the next ball & then the all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne finished off the game.

Ashton Agar continued his dream run. He was the pick of the bowlers as he took 1 wicket & gave away 19 runs in 4 overs spell. Kane Richardson was the only bowler who got wickets. He took 2 wickets & gave away 28 runs in his 3.4 overs (* he went out of the field due to hamstring problem). Australia would be happy that they have a back-up bowling unit who can irk any batting line up.

SNAPSHOT: Ashton Agar the crafty off spinner keeping the batters guessing through his variations.

After electing to bat first once again Australia had a poor power-play as they scored 22 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in power-play overs. Australia’s batters were facing times as Sri Lanka’s bowlers bamboozled them through shrewd variations. The likes of Josh Inglis & Glenn Maxwell tried to resurrect the innings. Both the batters managed to scored 20 odd runs. At the end of 10 over mark Australia’s score was 58 runs for the loss of 3 wickets.

Finally, the wicket-keeper batter Matthew Wade had runs under his belt. He played a terrific knock of 43 runs in 27 balls. His contribution helped Australia to post a competitive score of 154 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.

SNAPSHOT: Matthew Wade smashing the bowler all-around the park & scoring a breezy cameo.

Lahiru Kumara & Dushmantha Chameera took 2 wickets each. The entire bowling unit of Sri Lanka made sure that they don’t let Aussie batters get away. Sri Lanka’s pace department made sure that they don’t spoil the hard work of spinners.

New Zealand Humiliate South Africa

New Zealand came out all guns firing in the 1^st Test Match at Christchurch. New Zealand who are the defending Champions of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship are now placed at 6^th position with 28 points. South Africa on the other hand is placed at 4^th position with 24 points. New Zealand handed South Africa a mammoth defeat of an innings and 276 runs. New Zealand have taken a lead of 1-0 lead in a short 2 Test Match Series.

New Zealand had opted to bowl first. On the 1^st Day New Zealand’s pace bowlers dismantled Proteas batting line up for a mere 95 runs. South Africa got bundled out inside 50 overs. The wrecker-in-chief for Kiwis with the ball was the sensational Matt Henry. The speedster took 7 wickets in his 11 overs spell. From South Africa not a single batter crossed 30 runs mark. The swing bowling by New Zealand was at it’s best as South Africa were left shell-shocked.

SNAPSHOT: Matt Henry ecstatic after taking a 7 wicket-haul.

In response to 95 runs New Zealand were cautious with the bat as they weren’t in a mood to throw the towel. At the end of Day 1 New Zealand got the lead and at the same time lost 3 wickets for 116 runs. Day 1 proved to be extremely bad for South Africa whereas New Zealand were in ascendancy. New Zealand were hoping for any lead around 300 runs.

On Day 2 New Zealand piled on the pain. Henry Nicholls scored a knock of 105 runs in 163 balls. The peculiarity of his innings was that he scored runs at a good strike rate.

Flamboyant Henry Nicholls waving his bat after scoring a well composed century.

At the back end of the innings the wicket-keeper batter Tom Blundell & the fast bowler Matt Henry annoyed South Africa’s pacers. The duo was involved in 96 runs partnership. Blundell would rue the fact that he missed out on a well deserving century. He scored 96 runs in 138 balls. Matt Henry was in an attacking mode as the batter scored 58 runs in 68 balls. South Africa’s pacers were taken to cleaners. The likes of Kagiso Rabada & Duanne Olivier got 5 wickets amongst themselves and at the same time were too much expensive.

SNAPSHOT: Tom Blundell & Matt Henry bashing the bowlers all-around the park.

New Zealand were bowled out for 482 runs. New Zealand got a lead of 387 runs. Black Caps got a short burst with the ball, before the end of Day 2. South Africa’s nemesis against swing bowling continued. South Africa lost 3 wickets for 34 runs in a very short span of 9 overs. South Africa had a mountain to climb. New Zealand were delighted as they required only 7 wickets to get over the finish line. New Zealand’s pacers were too hot to handle.

On Day 3 Kiwis wasted no time to wrap up the game, This time the experienced campaigner Tim Southee demolished South Africa’s batting line up. He took 5 wickets and his line & length was immaculate. South Africa were bowled out for a paltry 111 runs in 41.4 overs. South Africa would be flabbergasted none of the batters showed up a fight. The only positive point was that Temba Bavuma found some form. He in the 2^nd innings scored 41 runs in 76 balls.

SNAPSHOT: Tim Southee delighted after taking a 5 wicket-haul against South Africa.

New Zealand’s pace quartet proved to be lethal one as they didn’t give an inch to South Africa. New Zealand would believe that they continue their good work in the 2^nd Test Match. World Test Championship points are up for grabs which means no match can be taken for granted. New Zealand would be happy that now they got extra time to relax & prepare for 2^nd Test Match.

South Africa would hope that they move on quickly from this shambolic performance. South Africa so far in World Test Championship have won 2 & lost 2 matches (*1 against India). South Africa need to regroup as one more such performance can literally bury team’s morale. Captain Dean Elgar would hope for a new beginning. In 2 Test Matches the visitors have less time yet South Africa can inflict a lot of damage.

Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis & Bowlers Dismantle Sri Lanka

Australia came out flying colors against Sri Lanka. Australia won the match by 6 wickets & now have taken an unassailable lead of 4-0 in the 5 T20I Series. Australia in this T20I match were without the services of the trio: Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood & Pat Cummins. All 3 were given break as the Aussies are set to tour Pakistan in the next month. Sri Lanka would hope that they avoid a whitewash which looks most likely because the brand of Cricket which Sri Lanka doesn’t quite fit in the international level. Sri Lanka is in all sorts of trouble as they are not showing a fight.

Australia had opted to field first. Sri Lanka once again failed to put up a sizeable total. Sri Lanka managed to score 139 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. In response to 140 target Aussies lost 2 wickets & managed to score only 30 runs in the power-play overs. Then came the duo of Glenn Maxwell & Josh Inglis. Josh Inglish who is new to International Cricket scored 40 runs in 20 balls, he along with Maxwell toyed with Sri Lanks’s bowlers.

Glenn Maxwell made a contribution of an invaluable 48 runs in 39 balls, as Australia won the 4^th T20I match with 1.5 overs remaining (*11 balls). From Sri Lanka Lahiru Kumara was the only bowler who had good figures as he took 2 wickets & gave away 22 runs in his 4 overs spell. Maheesh Theekshana the mystery spinner had a good outing as he took 1 wicket & conceded 20 runs in his quota of 4 overs.

SNAPSHOT: Glenn Maxwell guiding the ball towards third man by playing an upper cut shot.

After electing to bowl first, Sri Lanka had a decent power-play where they managed to score 41 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. The elegant opener Pathum Nissanka once again continued his good run by scoring 46 runs in 40 balls. Sri Lanka were looking set for a total in excess of 170 runs but as usual there was a collapse. Sri Lanka lost 6 wickets for 12 runs (110-2 to 122-8). Apart from Nissanka not a single batter scored 30 runs. Jhye Richardson & Kane Richardson both fast bowlers took 2 wickets each. The spinners Ashton Agar & Adam Zampa were quite economical with the ball. Both the spinners gave away 40 runs amongst themselves in a span of 8 overs & both of them took 1 wicket each. The role of spinners is critical as the middle overs phase is pivotal.

The next T20I match is scheduled on 20^th January. Australia would be delighted as they were without Steven Smith & the pace trio. All in all, Australia is making a statement that their any team is enough to create destruction. Sri Lanka on the side would hope that their batters show some intent which has been missing since the start of the T20I Series. Sri Lanka should not forget that their next assignment is against India which is scheduled on 24^th February, so Sri Lanka cannot take the next T20I match as every match for them is a contest.