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.
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.
India had a forgettable ICC T20 World Cup 2021 where they were out of the tournament in the 1st 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:
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 23rd October
India vs Qualifier A2 at Sydney on 27th October
India vs South Africa at Perth on 30th October
India vs Bangladesh at Adelaide on 02nd November
India vs Qualifier B1 at Melbourne on 06th 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 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 who are often termed as under-dogs in World Super League. Both the nations are going to clash on 23rd February, 25th February & 28th 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 2nd position with 80 points from 12 matches. Afghanistan have been unscathed so far. Afghanistan is placed at 6th 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 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 24th February. Australia on the other hand is all set for a historic Pakistan Tour starting from 4th 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 came out all guns firing in the 1st Test Match at Christchurch. New Zealand who are the defending Champions of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship are now placed at 6th position with 28 points. South Africa on the other hand is placed at 4th 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 1st 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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.
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 4th 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 20th 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 24th February, so Sri Lanka cannot take the next T20I match as every match for them is a contest.
Spirited Australia registered victory against all odds. Sri Lanka would be regretting about the loss as they came so close yet so far. Australia now have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in a 5 T20I Match Series.
Sri Lanka had won the toss & opted to bowl first. In response to the 165 total Australia’s bowlers dented Sri Lanka’s run chase by picking up 3 wickets. Sri Lanka managed to score 36 runs only. The tyro Pathum Nissanka & Skipper Dasun Shanaka were involved in a 48 runs partnership. Both the batters tried to put the run chase back on track after early hiccups.
Shanaka was dismissed by Steven Smith via run out. He managed to score a quick-fire cameo of 34 runs in 19 balls. At his dismissal Sri Lanka required 50 runs in 4 overs. Nissanka tried his best but the required run rate got better off him. He was dismissed in the 20th over where Sri Lanka required 12 runs from 3 balls. He scored an eclectic knock of 73 runs in 53 balls which included 7 fours & 2 sixes.
The off spinner Maheesh Theekshana smashed a six off the very fast bowler against Marcus Stoinis. His six was one of the magnificent hits as the spectators witnessed an absolute stunning effort by Steven Smith on the boundary. Just when it looked like the game was done & dusted the off-spinner’s blistering six changed the course of the match. On the last ball Sri Lanka required 5 to win & then Dushmantha Chameera hit a 4 at long off. Stoinis was seen shocked as Chameera converted a yorker to a full toss to smack the bowler for a boundary.
Super Over was needed in order to determine the Winner. From Sri Lanka the skipper Dasun Shanaka & Dinesh Chandimal came out to bat. The captain faced tough times as from Australia, Josh Hazlewood was bang on with deliveries. He gave away only 5 runs needing Australia 6 to get over the line. In response, Glenn Maxwell & Marcus Stoinis came out to bat. It took 3 deliveries for Australia to emerge out victorious.
SNAPSHOT: Australian & Sri Lankan Cricketers playing the Game of Cricket in Right Spirit.
Sri Lanka had invited Australia to bat first. Australia had a marvelous power-play where they scored 52 runs for the loss of 1 wicket. Josh Inglis had a good outing as he scored a well composed 48 in 32 balls. Apart from him no one managed to score 30 runs as the rest of the batters scored in bits & pieces. Australia somehow managed to put on a formidable score of 164/6.
Australia showcased nerves of steel by winning a close encounter against the Courageous Sri Lanka. Australia won the 2nd ODI by a whisker of 20 Runs according to DLS (Duckworth Lewis Stern) Method. Australia have taken a lead of 1-0 in 5 Match T20I Series. This T20I Series starts the journey of the upcoming T20 World Cup in October-November 2022 in Australia. Australia are the Champions of T20 World Cup as earlier in T20 World Cup 2021 they thrashed the puissant New Zealand in Finale
Sri Lanka had opted to bowl first. Sri Lanka’s bowlers were spot on as they restricted Australia to a below-par total of 149/9. In response to 150 target Sri Lanka’s batters lost 2 wickets in power-play overs & managed to score 30 runs. The runs where hard to come due to the immaculateness of the Josh Hazlewood & Co. The opener Pathum Nissanka was dropped on 12 by the speedster Pat Cummins. At the end of 10 overs Sri Lanka managed to score 60 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Sri Lanka needed another 90 runs to be victorious.
In 11th over the leg spinner Adam Zampa got rid of Nissanka & Charith Asalanka and all of a sudden Aussies were in the ascendancy. Sri Lanka were bruised as they needed the opener Nissanka to stay till at-least 16 overs; he scored a fighting 36 runs in 37 balls. The skipper Dasun Shanaka & the flamboyant spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga tried to put the run-chase back on track. Sri Lanka required another 74 runs in 6 overs which was a bit too much.
In the 16th over Josh Hazlewood did the damage by getting rid of Shanka & pinch hitter Chamika Karunaratne. His 2 wickets over dented the run chase as now the required run rate was way far off from the reach. Sri Lanka’s batters tried to score runs & fell short of the target by 20 runs (*DLS method).
Josh Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers as he took 4 wickets for only 12 runs in his 4 over spell. He along with the sly leg spinner Adam Zampa ruined Sri Lanka’s chances by picking up 3 wickets as he gave away 18 runs in his 4 over spell.
SNAPSHOT: Josh Hazlewood thrilled as ever after breaking the back of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.SNAPSHOT: Adam Zampa grinning after an impressive performance with the ball.
Invited to bat first Australia’s skipper Adam Finch had a forgettable outing as he scored 8 runs in 12 balls. His poor form now has been a concern as it has been a long time since he has notched up a gritty half-century. Ben McDermott made the most of the opportunity as he smashed a fighting half century of 53 runs in 41 balls. The debutant Josh Inglis had a decent run as he scored 23 runs in 18 balls. Australia’s middle order woes continue as the likes of Glenn Maxwell & Steven Smith had a bad day in the field. Hasaranga achieved a rare feat by picking up Fich, Smith & Maxwell
Then came one of the finest finishers in World Cricket Marcus Stoinis. He played a dazzling cameo of 30 runs in 17 balls. At the back end of the innings Sri Lanka’s Binura Fernando slowed down the run rate by getting wickets of Mattew Wade & Marcus Stoinis on consecutive deliveries. Those wickets just pulled the things back for Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka were chasing a moderate total of 150 runs. The left arm lanky fast bowler Binura Fernando had a dream spell as he took 2 wickets & gave away 12 runs in his 4 over spell. Chamika Karunaratne too had a good outing as he took 2 wickets & was economical.
This victory for Australia may sound good but this is a wake-up call. Sri Lanka at the same time would need to get mistakes corrected & create an upset. Australia look favorites but Sri Lanka can’t be taken for granted. All in all, we are in for a spectacular T20I Series where we may & most probably see some enthralling yet mesmerizing Cricket.
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