Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu hailed Indian star Virat Kohli for his match-winning knock in the finals of the T20 World Cup 2024. After scoring 75 runs in the first seven innings of the T20 World Cup 2024, Virat Kohli played an important knock of 76 runs with 6 fours and 2 sixes in the finals. He played with a strike rate of 128.81. Riding on his knock, India posted 176 runs on board against South Africa. Later, the Proteas were restricted to 169 in the match. Speaking on Star Sports, Sidhu said about Virat, "When it mattered the most when 1.5 billion Indians were praying for victory and hoping that we do not choke at the final hurdle, he stood like the rock of Gibraltar in the sea of ruins. He kept one end intact and delivered the World Cup crown by performing when India's ship was stuck." Sidhu noted that during the tournament, Virat did not let the run-rate drop even once and would be remembered as an "icon and greatest inspiration" following his T20I retirement. "In this tournament, even when he scored 38 and 24, he didn't let the run rate drop. There was a different kind of Virat. Virat Kohli, a man of adversity, a man of masses, a master performer, a genius. For me, he will always be remembered as an icon, as the greatest inspiration, and above all, a cup of joy for billions and billions who watch cricket all over," he said. Virat Kohli ended the T20 World Cup 2024 with a total of 151 runs in eight innings with an average of 18.87 and a strike rate of 112.68. He also had one fifty to his name. Also Read: Rahul Dravid credits the Indian skipper for urging him to continue as head coach In 35 T20 World Cup matches, Virat Kohli has scored 1,292 runs at an average of 58.72 and a strike rate of 128.81, with 15 half-centuries. His best score is 89*. He is the highest run-scorer in the history of the tournament. In 125 T20I matches, Virat Kohli scored 4,188 runs at an average of 48.69 and a strike rate of 137.04. He scored a century and 38 fifties and a best score of 122*. He ends the format as the second-highest run-getter of all time. Coming to the T20 World Cup 2024 match, India won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership between Virat (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) of 72 runs restored India's position in the game. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the top bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each. In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas was reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought back SA into the game. A half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik (3/20) made a fine comeback in death overs, keeping SA to 169/8 in their 20 overs. Virat secured the 'Player of the Match' for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has ended their ICC trophy drought. (With ANI Inputs)
02 July,2024 10:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRahul Dravid would have not been a part of history if Rohit Sharma had not urged him to continue as India's head coach after the ODI World Cup 2023 final defeat, revealed the outgoing head coach. Rahul Dravid's head coach tenure ended after the ODI World Cup 2023, but later the coaching staff got an extension till the end of the T20 World Cup 2024. While giving a speech after India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory, Rahul Dravid mentioned about Rohit Sharma's role in convincing him to continue as head coach. Team India won the finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 by seven runs against South Africa. "Ro, thank you very much for making that call to me in November and asking to continue," Dravid said in a video shared by BCCI on Tuesday. "I think it's been such a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and everyone of you, but Ro, also thanks for the time...there is a lot of time we have to chat, we have to discuss, we have to agree, we have to disagree at times, but thank you so very much," Dravid said as Rohit laughed. Also Read: IN PHOTOS: International players who retired in 2024 Rahul Dravid also praised the players for their performances and also urged them to enjoy their success. "All of you will remember these moments. We always say, it is not about the runs, it is not about the wickets, you never remember your career but you remember moments like this, so let's really enjoy," Dravid said. "I could not be more proud of you guys, to come back the way you did, the way you fought, the way we worked as a team...the resilience. There has been some disappointment over the years where we have come close, we have never been able to cross the line," he said. The outgoing head coach also spoke about the sacrifices each and every player has made to reach here. "So many sacrifices that each and every one of you make, to see your families here today enjoying it, so many of your families back home, just think about all the sacrifices, each and every one of them has made since the time you were kids, for you to be here in the dressing room," Dravid said. "Today, your parents, your wives, your children, your brother, your coaches, so many people have made so many sacrifices and worked so hard with you for you to enjoy this memory in this moment... really, really proud to have been a part of this memory with you guys," he continued. Usually articulate, Dravid admitted he was falling short of words but praised the team for their respect towards the outgoing coaching staff. "I'm not usually short of words but on a day like today, for me to be part of this, I could not be more grateful for the respect, for the kindness, for the effort that each and everyone of you are shown to me, to my coaching staff to my support staff," he conceded. Dravid also praised the BCCI officials and others for their work behind the scenes. "Behind a great team, there is also a successful organisation and we have to acknowledge the work of BCCI and people behind the scenes for the work they have done," he added. (With PTI Inputs)
02 July,2024 09:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Africa's David Miller opened up on the T20 World Cup 2024 final loss against India by saying, it's a "tough pill to swallow." An exceptional show with the ball by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya and stellar knocks from Virat Kohli and Axar Patel helped India end their ICC trophy drought. They lifted the T20 World Cup for the second time since its inaugural season in 2007. In the last over, David Miller known to deliver match-winning knocks attempted to hit a six when 16 runs were needed in six balls. However, the ball fell in the hands of Suryakumar Yadav as the veteran took the catch to completely turn the match in India's favour. Team India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the finals of the T20 World Cup 2024. Taking to Instagram on Monday, Miller wrote, "I am gutted!! Really tough pill to swallow after what transpired 2 days ago. Words don't explain how I am feeling. One thing I do know is how proud I am of this unit. This journey was an incredible one, with highs and lows throughout the entire month. We have endured pain, but I know this team has the resilience and will keep raising the bar." Also Read: Wimbledon 2024: Osaka battles past Parry; top 10 seeds Sakkari, Paolini advance, Sun upsets Zheng In nine T20 World Cup 2024 matches, David Miller scored 169 runs with an average of 28.16 and a half-century. His best score was unbeaten 59 runs and he batted with a strike rate of 102.42. In the final match of the tournament, India won the toss and opted to bat first. After being reduced to 34/3, a counter-attacking partnership between Virat Kohli (76) and Axar Patel (47 in 31 balls, with one four and four sixes) of 72 runs restored India's position in the game. A 57-run stand between Virat and Shivam Dube (27 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) took India to 176/7 in their 20 overs. Keshav Maharaj (2/23) and Anrich Nortje (2/26) were the top bowlers for SA. Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram took a wicket each. In the run chase of 177 runs, Proteas was reduced to 12/2 and then a 58-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (39 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (31 in 21 balls, with three fours and a six) brought back SA into the game. A half-century by Heinrich Klaasen (52 in 27 balls, with two fours and five sixes) threatened to take the game away from India. However, Arshdeep Singh (2/18), Jasprit Bumrah (2/20) and Hardik Pandya (3/20) made a fine comeback in death overs, keeping SA to 169/8 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli secured the 'Player of the Match' for his performance. Now, by securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013, India has ended their ICC trophy drought. (With ANI Inputs)
02 July,2024 07:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the Zimbabwe T20I series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the inclusion of Sai Sudarshan, Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana as the replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first two matches. The first match of the five-match T20I series between India and Zimbabwe will be played on July 6 at the Harare Sports Club. The last T20I will be played on July 14 at the same venue, which will host all five games. After the T20 World Cup 2024, Samson, Dube and Jaiswal are stuck in Barbados due to Hurricane Beryl. A statement by BCCI said, "The Men's Selection Committee has named Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma and Harshit Rana as replacements for Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the first two T20Is against Zimbabwe." Originally slated to join the Zimbabwe-bound squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series starting Saturday, July 6, the trio will travel to India first with the rest of the ICC T20 World Cup-winning Indian squad before departing for Harare. Also Read: IN PHOTOS: International players who retired in 2024 The World Cup-winning Indian cricket team remained stranded in Barbados after a Category 4 hurricane hit the Caribbean islands at Bridgeton in Barbados which has imposed a lockdown. Flights have been cancelled delaying the team's departure. Hurricane Beryl with Strong winds and rain due to hurricane Beryl lashing through Barbados and neighbouring islands since Sunday. Electricity and water supply have also been affected in the country, which hosted the ICC T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa. Currently, the "Men in Blue" are staying at a hotel in Barbados as the main international airport was shut. Speaking to reporters, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah who is accompanying the team said that they are "stuck" in Barbados and will think about the felicitation once the travel plans are clear. "Like you we are also stuck here. After the travel plans are clear, we will think about the felicitation," Shah was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying. The squad features just two players from the main squad for the T20 World Cup: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. The rest of the squad who are part of T20 WC has been rested. The likes of Rinku Singh, Avesh Khan and Khaleel Ahmed who are in the reserves player list of the T20 World Cup touring party, also have been added to the squad. Promising young players who have proven themselves in the Indian Premier League and domestic arena over the past 12 months have received multiple call-ups from India. Zimbabwe Cricket on Monday announced the squad for their upcoming series against the T20 World Cup 2024 champions, India. In the five-match T20I series, Zimbabwe have named a young squad to face India, who will miss a majority of their key players as well.The Belgian-born Antum Naqvi has been named in the squad, but his inclusion is subject to the confirmation of his citizenship status. In the domestic circuit, he boasts an impressive strike rate of 146.80 in the T20 format. In first-class cricket, he has an impressive average of 72.00, and in List-A cricket, he boasts an exceptional average of 73.42, which underlines his massive potential before he steps at the international level. After failing to qualify for the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024, Zimbabwe will aim to rebuild under new head coach Justin Sammons. Zimbabwe have picked a young squad with an average age of 27, and that has a total of 558 T20I appearances under their belt. Sikandar Raza, at 38, will continue to lead the side. With 86 matches to his name, he is Zimbabwe's most experienced player, followed by 29-year-old Luke Jongwe, who has made 63 appearances. India's squad for T20I series against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar and Tushar Deshpande. Zimbabwe Squad for T20I Series against India: Sikandar Raza (captain), Akram Faraz, Bennett Brian, Campbell Johnathan, Chatara Tendai, Jongwe Luke, Kaia Innocent, Madande Clive, Madhevere Wessly, Marumani Tadiwanashe, Masakadza Wellington, Mavuta Brandon, Muzarabani Blessing, Myers Dion, Naqvi Antum, Ngarava Richard, Shumba Milton. (ANI) India's squad for 1st & 2nd T20I against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande, Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Harshit Rana. (With ANI Inputs)
02 July,2024 06:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTalking about the stunning catch, that Suryakumar Yadav took in the finals of the T20 World Cup 2024, he said "It was god's plan." The catch is widely praised by many across the globe and is labelled as the perfect execution of balance and game awareness. Rohit Sharma and Co. defeated South Africa by seven runs in Barbados to lift the T20 World Cup 2024. "I am just grateful to be in that moment to do something special for the country...god's plan it was," Suryakumar Yadav said when asked about the catch that has become a standout moment from the game. Needing 16 runs from the final over, South Africa had the big-hitting David Miller on strike. Also Read: Shahid Afridi praises the body language of India skipper Rohit Sharma He hit a wide full toss from Hardik Pandya but Suryakumar steadied himself on the ropes, caught the ball, released it just as he went over the boundary ropes and then came back in to complete an astonishing catch. For many old-time fans, it brought back memories of the brilliant catch that Kapil Dev took in the 1983 World Cup final against the mighty West Indies. Kapil had run sideways from mid-on to grab a top edge from the great Viv Richards off Madan Lal's bowling in a fine display of sound judgment. On Saturday, the 33-year-old Suryakumar ensured that his name too will be remembered fondly every time an Indian fan recollects the see-saw finale in Bridgetown. Before that, the equation was 30 runs from as many balls but South Africa bungled in a typical fashion with Hardik Pandya triggering the collapse, dismissing a well-set Heinrich Klaasen for 52. The Proteas went on to lose four wickets for 17 runs to be restricted to 169/8 in pursuit of 177. Suryakumar's decision-making and awareness was also applauded by India's fielding coach T Dilip. "When the moment comes, it's his decision and awareness of rope, that's very important, and knowing with confidence that he can throw and come back, it's a decision-making at that time, and he got on to that," Dilip had said. "We fielded like a pack of wolves, as Rahul bhai and Rohit keep saying... Everybody knew their roles but together we hunted every opportunity which came our way leaving no stone unturned," he added. The title conquest ended an 11-year wait for an ICC title for India. The side is currently stranded in Bridgetown due to a category 4 hurricane that has pounded the island leading to a complete shutdown of air services. (With PTI Inputs)
02 July,2024 04:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFormer Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi praised the body language of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. Team India won the T20 World Cup 2024 after securing a seven-run victory against South Africa in Barbados which helped them lift the title for the second time since its inaugural season. Babar Azam-led Pakistan did not make it to the Super 8 stage as they fell short against the debutants USA and arch-rivals India in the group stage. "Look, the role of a leader is always very important. The body language of the leader becomes the body language of the team. The leader has to set an example. Take Rohit Sharma as an example," said Afridi, a veteran of 398 ODIs and 99 T20Is. Also Read: India deaf team win bilateral T20 series against England Shahid Afridi said Rohit instils a sense of self-belief in his team with his aggressive style of play. "Now, look at his (Rohit's) game and his style of playing; the lower-order batsmen who come in are all confident because the captain likes to play aggressive and attacking cricket. So, I always believe that the role of the captain is very important," added Afridi. Shahid Afridi, the father-in-law of Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, said the Pakistan Cricket Board should give the national selection committee the authority to appoint the team captain. "I don't know what the PCB chairman has in mind now and I am also waiting to see what changes will be made but I have always supported the team and will keep doing that. "I am also waiting to see what these changes will be. A positive decision needs to be made, and the changes shouldn't just be superficial. The real issue lies at the grassroots level of our cricket. Our product is weak at the grassroots level, and if we invest there, good players will emerge," he added. (With PTI Inputs)
02 July,2024 03:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Indian deaf cricket team defeated hosts England by six wickets in the seventh and final T20 to claim the series 5-2 in Leicester. Electing to bowl, India restricted England to 164-4 and then chased down the target with four balls to spare, riding on half-centuries by Abhishek Singh (68) and Umar Ashraf (56). Also Read: Neeraj Chopra likely to be out of Paris Diamond League India did not have the best of starts to their chase, losing the first three wickets for only 46 runs. But Abhishek and Ashraf shared a 95-run partnership to rebuild the innings and took the side over the line. Sai Akash bagged the Player of the Series honour. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 July,2024 07:47 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIEngland great James Anderson will join the team’s backroom staff as a fast-bowling mentor when he retires from Test cricket following next week’s series opener against the West Indies at Lord’s. Also Read: “The match was always inclined towards India", says Sneh Rana The 41-year-old is the first seamer and only third bowler to have taken 700 Test wickets after spinners Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. Anderson, however, has decided to end his Test career after England made it clear they wanted to move on ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes. But England managing director Rob Key told reporters on Monday: “After the Lord’s Test, Jimmy will continue in our set-up, and he’ll help a bit more as a mentor.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 July,2024 07:35 AM IST | London | AFPIndia were made to wait a tad longer for the winning moment by centurion Laura Wolvaardt, but they eventually went past the line convincingly by 10 wickets on the fourth and final day of the one-off women’s Test against South Africa here on Monday. India were required to chase a modest 37 after bowling out South Africa for 373 in their second innings and the hosts accomplished the task in 9.2 overs without losing a wicket. India had declared their first innings closed at 603 for six. The opening duo of Shubha Satheesh (13 not out) and Shafali Verma (24 not out) steered their side home comfortably. This is India’s second 10-wicket triumph in Tests after a scoring a similar win over the Proteas at Paarl in 2002. Also Read: Sikandar Raza to lead Zimbabwe in India T20Is After getting bundled out 266 in their first innings, South Africa fought well through hundred-makers Wolvaardt (122) and Sune Luus (109) in the second innings. Spinner Sneh Rana said India were always confident of closing out the match despite the South African fightback in the second innings. “Are you demotivating us? [chuckles] We had positive vibes throughout [the match] and it never did cross our minds that South Africa was taking the game away from us,” Rana said. “The match was always inclined towards India. We kept believing that we could take a wicket anytime, and that’s exactly what happened,” she added. Brief scoresIndia 603-6d & 37-0 (S Verma 24) beat SA 266 & 373 (L Wolvaardt 122, S Luus 109, N de Klerk 61, M Kapp 31; R Gayakwad 2-55, D Sharma 2-95, S Rana 2-111) by 10 wkts India to tour Oz for multi-format ‘A’ series India and Australia will lock horns in a multi-format women’s A series in Queensland next month, in what is seen as a preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in less than four months’ time. The tour will comprise of three T20Is in Brisbane, three ODIs in Mackay and a four-day match at Gold Coast. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 July,2024 07:32 AM IST | Chennai | PTIExperienced batter Sikandar Raza was on Monday named as captain of a young Zimbabwe team for the five-match T20I series against world champions India, which begins here from July 6. Also Read: ‘We are world champs, I can walk around my office with swag’ The African side have also named Belgium-born Antum Naqvi in the squad but his final inclusion is subject to the confirmation of his citizenship status, Zimbabwe Cricket said in a release. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 July,2024 07:25 AM IST | Harare | AgenciesEvery expat has dual allegiances as far as sporting teams are concerned. I am a great example. Having lived in New Zealand since 2011, I love the Blackcaps as much as I love the Indian cricket team. Every nation has one sport that they hate losing at. For Kiwis, it’s rugby. For Indians, it’s cricket. Aussies rub it in There are many advantages of living in a multi-cultural society like New Zealand, but being continually reminded of the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final or the 2021 WTC final is not one of them. Aussies keep bringing up the 2023 WTC final and the 2023 ODI World Cup final too, after which I remind them of India’s consecutive Test series wins on Australian soil. Also Read: BCCI can save Anshu’s life! Rohit Sharma lifted the T20 World Cup at 2.50pm on Saturday at Barbados. It was 6.50am on Sunday in Wellington. I had been up since 2.30am. Just like I was throughout IPL 2024. Waking up at weird times in the night to follow their favorite team that has always been such an important part of their life, their identity, their family and their community is just one of the things that Indian expats around the world are used to. I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. Still buzzing from all the drama that had unfolded on my TV screen. Then, for the first time in years, I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. It was a proud smile. One that will stay on my face for the next couple of weeks at least. One that other cricket crazy expats like me will recognise. Smile on face, spring in step Our cricket team is now officially the best in the world at one format and nobody can take that away from us. Along with the smile will be a spring in my step. At the train platform, at the coffee cart, at the food court and at school drop-offs and pick-ups, there will be an unexplainable confidence in my demeanor. I had nothing to do with India winning the World Cup, but seeing the swag that I’ll walk around at my office now, you’d think I was Hardik Pandya. Rohit, Virat, and Jadeja announcing their T20I retirements reminds us of how quickly time flies. It’s important to enjoy our all-time greats while we can. The icing on the cake was Rahul Dravid ending his coaching stint with a World Cup in his hands. Good things happen to good people, but remember that it always rains the hardest on people who deserve the sun the most.
02 July,2024 07:23 AM IST | Wellington | Rahul PatilADVERTISEMENT
