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IND vs ENG: Key Factors Behind India’s T20 World Cup Final Berth After 10 Years

June 28, 2024, 6:09 am

New Delhi: India who won their first and only T20 World Cup title in 2007 have a chance of winning their second if they manage to beat South Africa in the final. But how did they surpass England? The key factors involve:

The Spin Twins: Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav

Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav ended up being the deciding factor of the match as they spun a web around the England batting lineup in the chase. They conceded 42 runs off their 8 overs and claimed 6 wickets which proved pivotal in India’s victory.

The Hit-Man Rohit Sharma

The captain led from the front and scored a scintillating half-century to propel India to an above-par total which ended up being too much for the English men.

The SKY Factor

The second-ranked batsman in the T20I rankings played a brilliant innings to provide much-needed support to the captain. With his, 47 off 36 India reached a score the bowlers could defend.

The Cameos

Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja played innings of 23 and 17 respectively with a skyrocketing strike rate which led to be the runs over the par score.

Match Review

The much anticipated India vs England Semi Final ended in India’s favour after several interruptions by England and Rain. After England won the toss and elected to bowl first, Rohit Sharma started his attack on a slow pitch which consumed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant soon.

However, Rohit Sharma’s intent was clear, as he had his eyes set on the final against South Africa. He went on to dominate England’s attack with his gun shot-making in the powerplay along with some necessary precautions. Suryakumar Yadav provided support to Rohit with some exquisite shots and held the fort.

Soon after, he was dismissed by Jofra Archer which was followed by the arrival of Hardik Pandya. Hardik played a crucial cameo to help India’s momentum but eventually fell prey to Chris Jordan after two consecutive sixes. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel provided the final touch to the innings, propelling India to 171-7.

In the innings break, Liam Livingstone in the interview said, “We have the firepower to chase this total.” However, as England’s innings started, Arshdeep and Bumrah bowled a couple of tight overs. As soon as Rohit introduced Axar Patel into the attack, he claimed the wicket of England captain Jos Buttler.

Jasprit Bumrah foxed Phil Salt, England’s top batter in recent T20 matches. After this, India spun a web with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav which led India to a dominant win over the current T20 World Cup champions in emphatic fashion.

What does this mean?

Now with South Africa looming in the final, who have never won the T20 World Cup are awaiting India. India will have to play their ‘A’ game to clinch the title after 2007. South Africa will be eager to win an ICC trophy for the first time. It means we are in for an exciting clash between the two powerhouses in the final.

Watch: Rahul Dravid Consoles Virat Kohli After Another Early Dismissal

June 28, 2024, 12:12 am

Virat Kohli’s struggles at the T20 World Cup 2024 continued as he was dismissed for a 9-ball 9 in the semi-final against England in Guyana on Thursday. Attempting to attack left-arm pacer Reece Topley, Virat Kohli was bowled, leaving India at 19 for 1 in the third over. This dismissal marked Kohli’s fifth single-digit score in the tournament, bringing his total to just 75 runs in seven innings with an average of 10.71.

A visibly disappointed Kohli was consoled by head coach Rahul Dravid in the dugout, who offered a reassuring pat on the leg.

Hota hai chalta hai Kohli bhai Final me Runs ayenge don’t worry. Nice gesture by Rahul Dravid. pic.twitter.com/c9KEntNcur

— Gareeboo (@GareeboOP) June 27, 2024

Earlier in the match, England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to field first against the unbeaten Indian team. The toss was delayed by 80 minutes due to heavy morning rain that left the outfield wet. Rain interrupted play again after eight overs, with India at 65 for two, courtesy of a solid partnership between Rohit Sharma (37*) and Suryakumar Yadav (13*). Besides Kohli, India also lost Rishabh Pant, who fell for just 4 runs.

India’s playing XI included Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. England’s lineup featured Jos Buttler (captain), Phil Salt, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Reece Topley.

India vs England Semi Final, T20 World Cup: England Captain Won the Toss and Elected to Bowl First

June 27, 2024, 9:06 pm

In the highly anticipated match, England’s Captain Jos Buttler called it right at the toss and has decided to bowl first.

The toss for the T20 World Cup semi-final match between India and England at the Providence Stadium in Guyana was delayed by 1 hour and 20 minutes due to rain. To accommodate potential further rain delays, an additional 250 minutes of playing time has been allotted to ensure the match can be completed.

There is no reserve day scheduled for this semi-final. If the match ends up being abandoned due to persistent rain, India will advance to the final based on their superior finish in the Super Eight stage.

The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, entered the World Cup semi-final with a convincing victory over Australia. This victory was pivotal as it led India to a rematch of the previous T20 World Cup Semi-Final against England.

India vs England Semi Final, T20 World Cup: Can ‘Kuldeep Yadav Factor’ Propel India to the Final?

June 27, 2024, 8:51 pm

Veteran India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla believes that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is in prime form and poised to make a significant impact in India’s T20 World Cup semifinal clash against England at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on Thursday night. After missing the Group A matches due to pace-friendly conditions in New York, Kuldeep has emerged as a key player in the Super Eights, claiming seven wickets at an average of 10.71 and an economy rate of just 6.25 in the Caribbean.

With Guyana’s pitch expected to assist spinners, Kuldeep’s ability to vary his pace, use the crease effectively, and bamboozle batters with his subtle variations makes him a crucial asset for India. Chawla highlighted Kuldeep’s resurgence as one of the greatest comebacks in Indian cricket, noting his unorthodox left-arm wrist spin and deceptive variations as potential game-changers in the middle overs.

Kuldeep has a solid track record against England, including memorable performances like his six-wicket haul in the Nottingham ODI and a five-wicket haul in the Manchester T20I in 2018. More recently, he took a five-fer in the final Test at Dharamshala during a series win against England. He also has a good record against England captain Jos Buttler, having dismissed him three times in T20s, including during the IPL 2024 when he trapped Buttler lbw on a reverse-sweep.

Chawla emphasized Kuldeep’s importance in disrupting England’s aggressive batting approach in the semi-final, predicting that his current form and confidence make him a significant threat capable of making the middle overs challenging for England’s batsmen.

On the other side, England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid is expected to play a pivotal role in controlling the middle overs. In the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against India, Rashid’s spell of 1-20 in four overs, including dismissing an in-form Suryakumar Yadav, was instrumental in England’s ten-wicket victory. Rashid has continued to be effective in the ongoing tournament, picking up nine wickets with his precise control over pace and variations.

Chawla noted that Rashid’s ability to maintain discipline, apply pressure, and break partnerships in the middle overs will be crucial for England. His knack for delivering impactful spells that control the run flow and provide timely breakthroughs could be key to England’s success against India.

As the two teams prepare for this highly anticipated semi-final clash, the performances of Kuldeep Yadav and Adil Rashid in the middle overs could be decisive in determining the outcome of the match.

T20 World Cup: India’s Semi-Final Clash Against Defending Champions England Delayed Due to Rain

June 27, 2024, 8:19 pm

The highly anticipated semi-final clash between India and England in the ongoing T20 World Cup at the Providence Stadium, Guyana, has seen a delayed start due to persistent rain. This delay has cast uncertainty over the crucial match, which is a rematch of the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final where England emerged victorious.

Scenario if the Match is Washed Out

If rain completely washes out the game, India will advance to the final as they topped the Super Eights group. This would end England’s hopes of defending their title, leading to a bitter end to their campaign.

Pre-Match Dynamics

The umpires were seen in discussions with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma amidst the rain interruptions. The weather has been unpredictable throughout the day, with heavy showers sweeping through Guyana and making the situation uncertain.

Historical Context and India’s Motivation

India aims to avenge their 2022 semi-final loss to England, where Jos Buttler and Alex Hales overpowered the Indian bowling attack. The Men in Blue will be looking to turn their fortunes around and take a step closer to winning their first T20 World Cup since 2007. They are also aiming to break a streak of consecutive semi-final exits in the T20 World Cup.

The Stakes

If the weather clears and the match resumes, it will be an intense contest between two cricketing giants. Both teams have explosive batting line-ups and world-class bowlers, promising an exciting game of cricket. India’s unbeaten run in the tournament and England’s resilient journey to the semi-finals set

It Doesn’t Get Funnier Than This! – Watch the Best of IND vs ENG Memes Ahead of the Battle of Titans

June 27, 2024, 4:45 pm

As the cricketing world braces for the semi-final clash between India and England in the 2024 T20 World Cup, memories of the 2022 semi-final at Adelaide are fresh in fans’ minds. In that match, Jos Buttler and Alex Hales unleashed a relentless assault on the Indian bowlers, securing a spot in the final and eventually clinching the trophy for England. Now, nearly two years later, the stage is set for another epic encounter, this time at the lush grounds of Guyana.

India’s Dominance and England’s Resilience

India enters this match on an unbeaten streak, demonstrating their supremacy throughout the tournament. Their performances have been consistent, with both bat and ball, making them a formidable force. On the other hand, England has had a challenging path to the semi-finals, enduring tough losses against Australia and South Africa. Despite these setbacks, they have shown resilience and determination to reach this crucial stage.

Fan Excitement and Meme Fest

As the match approaches, fans are filled with a mix of excitement and nerves, sparking a wave of memes capturing the range of emotions leading up to this high-stakes showdown. The anticipation is palpable, with social media buzzing with discussions and predictions.

It's IND vs ENG pic.twitter.com/9mvWczbgP1

— H?. (@hp_mode2) June 27, 2024

IND vs ENG? pic.twitter.com/t69vmJlFHz

— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) June 27, 2024

Chun Chun ke Badla lenge .? IND VS ENG#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/wSF8RP7PfC

— ? (@ImAryanSoni) June 26, 2024

Weather Concerns

However, there is a looming concern over the weather. According to local forecasts in Guyana, there are predictions of passing showers on Thursday morning, which could potentially disrupt the match. Accuweather forecasts “intervals of clouds and sunshine with a couple of showers, mainly early in the day.”

Impact of Rain on the Match

In a twist, the semi-final does not have a reserve day. Instead, there are an additional 250 minutes of playing time available to accommodate any rain delays. If the match is washed out, India will advance to the final due to their higher position in the group stages.

As India and England gear up for this cricketing spectacle, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter filled with high drama and intense competition. Both teams will be looking to secure their place in the final against South Africa in Barbados. While fans hope for clear skies and uninterrupted play, the weather remains an unpredictable factor that could influence the outcome of this eagerly awaited match.

India vs England Semi Final Match Preview: Who Will Have the Final Say? India, England or Rain?

June 27, 2024, 2:21 pm

India is set to take on England in the semifinals of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup at Guyana on Thursday. England, led by Jos Buttler, aims for a second successive T20 WC final, while India seeks to avenge a brutal 10-wicket loss to England in the semifinal of the 2022 tournament in Adelaide.

Since that heartbreaking loss, India has revamped its white-ball strategy by integrating young and explosive talents such as Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Despite this, the Men in Blue have relied on experienced players like skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who were pivotal in India’s record-shattering 50-over World Cup. The new aggressive approach, inspired by modern T20 cricket, is evident in their play, especially showcased by Virat Kohli’s performances in IPL 2024.

Key Players and Form

India:

– Virat Kohli: Despite his exceptional IPL form, Kohli has struggled in the T20 World Cup, scoring just 66 runs in six games at an average of 11.00. His best score is 37, with two ducks. Kohli has historically excelled in knockout games, with notable performances in every T20 World Cup knockout match he has played.

– Rohit Sharma: Rohit has been in better form, scoring 191 runs in six matches with an average of 38.20 and a strike rate of 159.16, including two half-centuries.

England:

– Phil Salt and Jos Buttler: This opening pair has been prolific, putting up 286 runs together in six innings at an average of 57.20. Salt has been especially dominant, continuing his excellent form from the IPL 2024 and recent T20I series.

– Phil Salt: Salt’s recent form includes 507 runs in 11 innings at an average of 63.37 and a strike rate of over 182, with two centuries and one fifty.

Bowling Battle

India’s pace attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, will be crucial. Bumrah has taken 11 wickets in six matches with an average of 8.54 and an economy rate just above 4. Arshdeep is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 15 scalps, averaging 11.86.

Weather and Match Conditions

Rain threatens to disrupt the semifinal in Guyana. According to Accuweather, showers are expected to intensify after 9:00 AM local time. The likelihood of rainfall peaks at 11:00 AM and decreases from noon onwards. The ICC has not scheduled a reserve day for the semifinal, but an extra 250 minutes will be allocated to complete the match. A minimum of 10 overs per side is required for a result.

Overs will only start reducing from 2:40 PM local time. For a 10-over match, play must start by 4:14 PM local time. If the match is washed out, India will progress to the finals due to topping the Super Eights group.

Team Strategies and Mindset

Rohit Sharma emphasizes treating this game as just another match in the tournament, focusing on maintaining the positive mindset and form that have characterized their campaign so far. Despite pressure and past disappointments in knockouts, India aims to carry their momentum into this crucial game.

England, while aware of Virat Kohli’s potential despite his poor form, is prepared for a competitive clash. Coach Matthew Mott highlighted Kohli’s ability to adapt and deliver under different circumstances, reflecting the respect and caution with which they approach the match.

The semifinal promises a thrilling encounter between two high-octane teams, with the potential for rain adding an extra layer of uncertainty to this highly anticipated rematch.

India vs England Semi Final, T20 World Cup: Hourly Weather Forecast; Can Rain Play Spoilsport?

June 27, 2024, 1:43 pm

India gears up for the T20 World Cup 2024 showdown against England, the defending champions, as the two teams come face to face in the second semi-final in Guyana on Thursday. Unlike the first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan, which saw no interruption by rain, the second match in Guyana is expected to witness plenty of showers, especially after the scheduled start of the game at 10:30 AM (local time). Showers were observed in Guyana a day before, and the same is expected during the second semi-final.

India vs England, Hourly Weather Report, Guyana:

According to Accuweather, rain is expected at the venue throughout the day, with showers likely to intensify after 9:00 AM local time (6:30 PM IST). The likelihood of rainfall will peak at 11:00 AM local time (8:30 PM IST) and is expected to decrease from 12 noon onwards.

– 9:00 AM (6:30 PM IST) – 40% chance of rain
– 10:00 AM (7:30 PM IST) – 66% chance of rain
– 11:00 AM (8:30 PM IST) – 75% chance of rain
– 12:00 PM (9:30 PM IST) – 49% chance of rain
– 1:00 PM (10:30 PM IST) – 34% chance of rain
– 2:00 PM (11:30 PM IST) – 34% chance of rain
– 3:00 PM (7:30 PM IST) – 40% chance of rain

What happens if rain washes out the India vs England T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) hasn’t scheduled a Reserve Day for this semi-final. However, the India vs England match will get approximately 4 extra hours to complete. A 10-over-per-side contest is required to obtain a result from the match.

If either of the two sides fails to bat for 10 overs, the match will be considered abandoned. A washout would lead to Team India’s progression into the final while England will be knocked out, based on the results the two sides obtained during the group stage of the campaign.

Uncertain Skies Loom Over India vs England Clash in T20 World Cup 2024

June 27, 2024, 1:02 pm

The weather in Guyana has shown signs of improvement over the past twelve hours, raising hopes for an uninterrupted match between India and England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final.

However, uncertainties linger as persistent rainfall threatens to disrupt the highly anticipated encounter, where India seeks redemption after their defeat to England in the 2022 semi-finals.

India, a former T20 World Cup champion, faced a formidable England side in the previous edition, with England eventually lifting the trophy by defeating Pakistan. As the teams gear up for their semi-final showdown, weather forecasts from the Caribbean remain discouraging. Continuous rain has soaked Guyana for twelve hours straight, casting a shadow over the semi-final fixture.

The latest updates suggest a mixed outlook for match day. While the toss is expected to proceed on schedule at Providence Stadium, potential interruptions loom large as rain showers are forecasted during critical hours. The window of play between 10 am and 11 am poses the greatest risk, with clearing skies anticipated later in the day.

Both teams, led by captains Rohit Sharma and Jos Buttler for India and England respectively, have arrived in Guyana amidst these weather concerns. Their preparations have intensified ahead of what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter for a spot in the World Cup final.

As cricket enthusiasts await the outcome of this crucial semi-final, the unpredictable weather conditions add an additional layer of suspense to the tournament. The fate of the match hangs in the balance, dependent on the whims of the rain gods in Georgetown.

Afghanistan Can Lose Without Even Playing the Semi Final – Scenario Explained

June 26, 2024, 6:10 pm

Afghanistan prepares for their historic T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final clash against South Africa in Port of Spain, Trinidad. It marks their first appearance in a major ICC semi-final after impressive victories over New Zealand and Australia. Meanwhile, South Africa, experienced on such big stages, often struggle under pressure.

Fans eagerly await this encounter, though rain could disrupt proceedings. According to Accuweather, there’s a slight 1% chance of rain at the start, increasing to 44% later. Fortunately, the ICC has scheduled a reserve day in case of interruptions.

If rain persists over both scheduled days, Afghanistan would unfortunately be eliminated, while South Africa would advance to the final due to their superior rankings in the Super 8 stage. The Proteas topped their groups consistently, contrasting with Afghanistan’s second-place finishes behind West Indies and India.

Afghanistan has been the surprise package of the tournament, showing resilience amidst challenges back home. Their memorable victory over Australia, a first-time achievement, showcased their team spirit. Captain Rashid Khan, along with bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, contributed crucially, while Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi played pivotal roles.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz leads Afghanistan’s batting with 281 runs, while Farooqi tops the bowling charts with 16 wickets. It’s a testament to their players’ determination to surpass expectations and shine on the global stage.

What If India vs England Semi Final Gets Washed Out? Who Will Proceed to the Final? – Know Here

June 26, 2024, 4:59 pm

In the ongoing T20 World Cup, the semi-final matchups have been set, featuring India against England and South Africa against Afghanistan. Here’s a breakdown of the playing conditions and scenarios for the upcoming matches:

Semi-Final (India vs England): This match will take place in Guyana at 8 PM IST. Unlike the first semi-final, there is no reserve day for this match due to logistical reasons, as there is only a day’s gap between this match and the final in Barbados. However, an extra 250 minutes have been allotted for this day game to accommodate any possible rain delays.

What If India vs England Gets Washed Out?

If the match is washed out and no play is possible even within the extra time, India would progress to the final based on their higher group standing.

Semi-Final (South Africa vs Afghanistan): This match will be held in Trinidad and Tobago and is scheduled to start at 6 AM IST. There is a reserve day allocated for this match in case of rain interruptions. If no play is possible on both the scheduled day and the reserve day, South Africa would advance to the final based on their higher ranking in the Super Eight stage.

Playing Conditions for South Africa vs Afghanistan

For the first semi-final (South Africa vs Afghanistan), there is an additional 60 minutes at the end of the scheduled day’s play and a further 190 minutes available on the reserve day if needed.

Rain Interruptions:

In case of rain interruptions during the scheduled day’s play, there won’t be a fresh start on the reserve day. The match will resume from where it was halted.

These arrangements ensure that the tournament can proceed smoothly despite potential weather disruptions, with clear guidelines on how teams would progress in case of adverse weather conditions affecting the semi-final matches.

T20 World Cup 2024: Can Rain Propel Afghanistan to a Semi Final Berth, Leading Might Aussies to be Eliminated? – Know Here

June 25, 2024, 1:55 am

Afghanistani cricket fans are anxiously watching the weather forecast for the Afghanistan vs. Bangladesh match scheduled on June 25 at the Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown in St. Vincent. There is a significant chance of rain during the match, which could impact the outcome and Afghanistan’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals.

India’s Victory Over Australia:

India defeated Australia by 24 runs, keeping Afghanistan’s hopes alive.
Australia’s defeat means they are now dependent on other results to qualify for the semifinals.

Scenarios for Afghanistan to Qualify for the Semifinals:

Scenario 1: Afghanistan Defeat Bangladesh

Outcome: Afghanistan qualifies for the semifinals.
Explanation: If Afghanistan beats Bangladesh, they will secure 4 points, which will be 2 points more than Australia. Net Run Rate (NRR) will not be a concern in this case.

Scenario 2: Afghanistan Lose to Bangladesh

Outcome: Afghanistan is eliminated from the T20 World Cup.
Explanation: If Afghanistan loses, they will remain with 2 points. Both Afghanistan and Australia will have 2 points, but Afghanistan’s NRR will be lower, resulting in their elimination.

Scenario 3: Afghanistan vs Bangladesh is Washed Out

Outcome: Afghanistan qualifies for the semifinals.
Explanation: If the match is washed out, both teams will receive 1 point each. Afghanistan will then have 3 points, which is 1 point more than Australia, securing their spot as Group 1 runners-up.

Remaining Fixtures:

– Afghanistan vs Bangladesh: June 25, 6:00 am IST (10:30 am AEST) at Arnos Vale Ground, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Weather Considerations:

There is a significant chance of rain on June 25, which could impact the match. If the match is abandoned due to rain, Afghanistan will benefit and advance to the semifinals.
According to Accuweather.com, there is a high probability of thunderstorms starting at 6 PM local time (3:30 AM IST).
The forecast predicts a 37% chance of rainfall until 10 PM local time, with thunderstorms expected to return from 10 PM to midnight.

Afghanistan has a promising chance to reach the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. Their fate depends on their performance against Bangladesh and the weather conditions on match day. A win or a washout will see them through, while a loss will end their campaign. Afghan fans and the cricketing world will be keenly watching this pivotal match.

T20 World Cup 2024: India Storm Past Australia-Scare; Book Spot in Semi Finals

June 24, 2024, 11:59 pm

India maintained their clean record with a decisive 24-run win against their long-time rivals Australia. This victory propels India into the semi-finals, where they will face England. Australia’s hopes of securing a semi-final spot now rest with Bangladesh, who must achieve an emphatic victory to progress.

India entered the game as marginal favorites, given their clinical performances leading up to this match. Despite Australia’s reputation for excelling in high-stakes games, India set a commanding tone. Rohit Sharma’s explosive batting, especially his 29-run over off Starc, laid a solid foundation. Contributions from Suryakumar Yadav (SKY), Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya further propelled India to a total beyond 200.

Australia’s chase began poorly with the loss of David Warner in the first over. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh then attempted to stabilize the innings. Marsh, despite looking scratchy and benefiting from two dropped catches, struggled to find form. Head, continuing his consistent performance against India in ICC events, struck several powerful blows, placing India under pressure. However, Marsh’s dismissal to a spectacular catch by Axar Patel shifted the momentum back to India. Glenn Maxwell provided a brief scare, but his wicket marked the beginning of the end for Australia, who collapsed swiftly thereafter.

India’s bowling attack, despite some challenges, managed to dismantle the Australian batting lineup effectively. This victory underscores India’s dominance and sets up an exciting semi-final clash with England. Meanwhile, Australia’s fate now hinges on Bangladesh’s performance in their upcoming match.

T20 World Cup: India Secures Semi-Final Berth, Australia On The Verge Of Elimination?

June 23, 2024, 10:29 am

In a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 Group 1 clash, Afghanistan upset Australia by 21 runs at Arnos Vale Ground, Arnos Vale, St Vincent, dealing a severe blow to the 2021 champions’ semi-final hopes. Afghanistan’s victory was powered by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 60 and Ibhram Zadran’s 51, guiding them to a competitive total of 148/6. Australia faltered in their chase, succumbing to Gulbadin Naib’s stellar bowling performance of 4/20, being bowled out for 127.

With this result, India secured their spot in the semi-finals, topping the group standings. Even a loss to Australia in their next match cannot dislodge India from the top spot unless Afghanistan manages a substantial victory over Bangladesh and surpasses India on net run rate (NRR), provided India loses to Australia.

Australia now faces an uphill battle to qualify, currently second on the points table with one win and one loss. Their final Super 8 league game against India at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia, will be decisive. Afghanistan, on the other hand, faces Bangladesh in their last game, also at Gros Islet, where they are favored to win.

For Australia to reach the semi-finals, they must defeat India and hope Bangladesh defeats Afghanistan. Should Australia lose to India and Afghanistan also lose to Bangladesh, qualification will hinge on NRR.

In the event both Australia and Afghanistan win their matches, NRR will once again decide the second semi-finalist from Group 1. Afghanistan would need a convincing victory over Bangladesh to bolster their chances.

The T20 World Cup 2024 continues to deliver intense action and thrilling scenarios as teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals.

T20 World Cup 2024: India Allotted Second Semifinal Match for T20 WC, to Get No Reserve Day

May 15, 2024, 7:46 pm

India will contest the second semifinal of the ICC T20 World Cup on June 27 in Providence, Guyana, should they advance to the knockout stage, ESPNCricinfo disclosed on Tuesday. The decision to assign India the Guyana semifinal likely hinges on schedule, given that the first semifinal in Tarouba, Trinidad, on June 26 at 8:30 PM local time, is a night match. The Guyana semifinal, however, will commence at 10:30 AM local time, translating to a prime-time slot of 8 PM in Indian Standard Time.

The final, set for June 29 in Bridgetown, Barbados, will kick off at 10 AM local time, corresponding to 7:30 PM in India, as per ESPNCricinfo. According to ESPNCricinfo’s review of the playing conditions, there is no reserve day for the second semifinal. However, the match will receive an additional 250 minutes of playing time, compared to the 190 minutes allocated for the first semifinal and final, both of which have reserve days.

The extra hour has been allotted due to the absence of reserve days in the tournament schedule. Providing a reserve day for the second semifinal would have resulted in only one day’s rest and practice time between that match and the final. Persistent rain during the second semifinal could lead to a tight schedule, as a result, can only be determined if both teams bat for a minimum of 10 overs.

In most T20 matches, the team batting second must complete at least five overs to reach a result. This rule will apply to most matches in the ICC T20 World Cup. However, in knockout games, teams batting second must face a minimum of 10 overs to determine a result according to the Duckworth-Lewis method. This was also the case in the knockout matches of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

India is positioned in Group A of the ICC tournament alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. India will commence their T20 World Cup journey against Ireland on June 5 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, followed by a high-profile encounter against Pakistan on June 9 at the same venue. Subsequently, India will face off against the USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively.

India’s squad comprises Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohd. Siraj. The reserves include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan.

French Open 2023: Djokovic to take on World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in semi-final encounter

June 9, 2023, 2:23 pm

The French Open 2023 has reached the semi-final stage. In the first semifinal, World No. 3 Novak Djokovic will face World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz on Friday at Court Philippe-Chatrier. The Serb has been looking in tremendous touch and is fully prepared to take on the top-ranked Spanish to go ahead and claim his 23 Grand Slam titles and script his name in the record books.

It would be a challenge for the youngster from Spain to overcome the Serb, move into the final, and keep his World No. 1 spot intact. Carlos Alcaraz will have to keep his nerve, as this would be his first meeting against the two-time French Open champion in any Grand Slam clash.

Novak Djokovic moved to the semi-final after getting past Karen Khachanov. After the match, the veteran star said it was a “match that a lot of people want to see. It’s definitely the biggest challenge for me so far in the tournament,”

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz, who got past Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinal quite easily, said, “Since the draw came out, everyone was expecting that match. Myself as well. I really want to play that match.”

In the second semi-final tonight, Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud is gearing up to play against Alexander Zverev of Germany.

Alexander Zverev said, “Roland-Garros was definitely a tournament that I marked on my calendar this year.” He further added, “I’m extremely happy with how things are going, but the tournament is not over yet. There are still potentially two very, very difficult matches ahead, and I’m looking forward to that.”
When asked about how his journey has been since returning from an injury last year, Alexander Zverev said, “It took longer than expected. Still, at the beginning of the season in Australia, I was playing on one leg. Then I think until basically Indian Wells, Miami, I was still in pain at times.”

Indian Para shuttlers Pramod, Sukant enter semi-finals of Para-Badminton International 2023

May 13, 2023, 5:50 pm

Indian star shuttlers Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam clinched their places in the semi-finals of the Thailand Para-Badminton International 2023.

Pramod Bhagat won all the league games and also defeated Ukraine’s Oleksandr Chyrkov in straight sets. He will now face Japan’s Daisuke Fujihara. The Padma Shri Awardee won his quarterfinals in 30 minutes; the final score read 21-15 and 22-20. In the men’s doubles, Pramod and his partner Sukant Kadam will face Japan’s Joo Dongjae and Shin Kyung Hwan. The duo defeated Peru’s Renzo Diquez Bances Morales and Pedro Pablo De Vinatea in straight sets.

On the other hand, Sukant Kadam also showcased a brilliant form of play, winning all his singles league matches. He defeated India’s Nilesh Balu Gaikwad with the final scores of 21-18, 18-21, and 21-15. The match lasted 50 minutes and was a tough game. Now he will face France’s Lucas Mazur in the semi-finals.

Earlier in April, ace shuttlers Pramod Bhagat and Sukant Kadam struck gold in the men’s doubles at the Brazil Para-Badminton International 2023. Pramod had to settle for silver in singles, while Sukant secured bronze in singles.

Inter Milan clinches 2-0 win over AC Milan in Champions League

May 11, 2023, 4:01 pm

Inter Milan defeated AC Milan 2-0 at the San Siro on Wednesday in the first leg of UEFA Champions League Semi-Final.

Inter Milan scored two early goals, giving them an upper hand against their opponents. The first goal was scored by the evergreen striker Edin Dzeko in the eighth minute of the match. Three minutes later Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the second goal for his side. Edin Dzeko scored a comfortable volley in the right top corner of the net. Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan sent the AC Milan keeper the wrong way and passed the ball into the net to make the score 2-0.

Inter Milan had a total of 15 shots out of which five were on target. They fell short of possession as they only managed to get 48 per cent of ball possession during the game. They had a total of 350 passes, with a passing accuracy of 77 percent.

AC Milan had a total of 13 shots, but only two were on target. Though throughout the match they controlled the ball as they had a total of 56 per cent possession but they failed to score. They accumulated a total of 470 passes with 83 per cent passing accuracy. AC Milan missed crucial attacking players on their sides. The Portuguese winger Rafael Leao was ruled out of the squad because of an injury. The veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also not included in the squad due to a knee injury.

After the match, Inter Milan striker Edin Dzeko stated, “It feels very good, especially because it’s a derby. We played away on paper. It’s a great result for us. Sometimes you get into this difficult moment where the ball doesn’t want to go in. Patience and work always pay off. I was calm knowing the goals would come as always. Today is the proof.” The two sides will be facing each other for the 2nd Leg of the Semi-Final on May 17.

‘We can knock anybody out’, AC Milan manager ahead of semis clash against Inter Milan

May 10, 2023, 4:26 pm

Ahead of their breathtaking encounter, AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has sent a strong message.

Italy’s local rivalry “Derby della Madonnina”—AC Milan vs. Inter Milan—is set to transpire in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League on Thursday at the San Siro Stadium. AC Milan have already pulled off some unexpected results as they knocked out Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A champion Napoli to book their place in the UCL semifinals. Poli believes that his team is in possession of the required strength to knock any team out of the tournament.

“We’ve knocked out Tottenham and Napoli; we can knock anybody out. Inter are the favourites for some, but we want to give it a good go. We need to take into account that this tie was played over 180 minutes. We’ve been in great form in the Champions League. Now, we’ll try to take one more step to reach the final; it would be amazing,” Pioli said in the pre-match conference, as quoted by AC Milan.

“It’s a derby. It’s a special game. I like to play in these. I’m proud of this AC Milan team, and I’m highly motivated. I always try to be positive with my teammates. We hope to put in a good performance; everyone will need to give 100%. The details could make the difference.”

The biggest advantage that Milan have over their local rivals will be their home crowd, which will act as the 12th man throughout the match. “We’re expecting the atmosphere at San Siro to be electric. The fans will drive us to give our all from start to finish,” Pioli added.

AC Milan and Inter Milan have produced some of the most thrilling football clashes. The last time they faced each other at UCL was in 2005, when Milan cruised through Inter with a 5-0 aggregate score in the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.

Inter have only scored a single goal against their arch-rivals in the UCL. The hosts will be keen to continue their dominant form in their upcoming clash.

Real Madrid and Manchester City’s semis clash ends up all square in first leg

May 10, 2023, 4:18 pm

The UEFA Champions League Semi-Final Leg 1 match between Real Madrid and Manchester City ended all square (1-1) at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City were dominating in the first half as they were having a good run of play against their opponents. But as Real Madrid always do, they counter-attacked City and scored against the run of play. 20-year-old Real Madrid player Eduardo Camavinga passed to Brazilian player Vinicius Junior, who struck the ball from outside of the penalty box. Before Manchester City’s goalkeeper Ederson could react, the ball was already in his net. Real Madrid went 1-0 up at the end of the first half.

In the second half of the match, Manchester City’s midfielder Kevin De Bruyne equalised the score. His goal came in the 67th minute of the match. The Belgian struck the ball from the side of his boot, giving no chance to Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Manchester City had a total of 10 shots, out of which six were on target. They had 56 percent possession of the ball during the game. They accumulated 565 passes with 90 percent passing accuracy.

Real Madrid had a total of 13 shots, of which four were on target. Their possession of the ball during the game was 44 percent. They managed to get 452 passes with an accuracy of 86 percent.

Kevin De Bruyne was named the man of the match. Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, said after the match, “When we were better, they scored. When they were better, we scored,” Guardiola said. “It was a tight game. Bernabeu, a semi-final, is always difficult. We had good moments and sometimes difficult moments with the quality that they have with the ball.”

“It is 1-1. A final next Wednesday with our people. Now we travel to Manchester, and we are going to see what we can do better. When you play these games, it is like a play-off. For the second, you learn a lot from the first. Hopefully, we can learn,” said Pep Guardiola after the match.

Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, said after the match, “It was difficult for us in the first half, but in the second half it was much better. They controlled possession in the first half, but we were in good control defensively, and when we started to play the ball, we created a lot of difficulties. I am satisfied with a good sensation about the game on Wednesday.” Manchester City and Real Madrid will be facing each other again on 18 May at the Etihad Stadium.

Hyderabad FC vs. ATK Mohun Bagan: A clash of the equals

March 10, 2023, 4:53 pm

Manolo Marquez, the head coach of Hyderabad FC, stated that the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022–23 semifinal between his team and ATK Mohun Bagan at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad was a proper contest with equal chances for both teams.

The host team had a good start to the game, creating chances right away. Joel Chianese nearly gave Hyderabad FC the lead, but Vishal Kaith held firm to maintain the score at 0-0. Late in the first half, the visitors managed to get their first effort on goal, but not before Pritam Kotal rattled the crossbar after Subasish Bose had nodded a free kick from Dimitri Petratos. With this outcome, both teams will have more incentive to purchase tickets for the final going into the second leg. This scoreless tie served as the perfect illustration of why both teams have among the top ISL defenses.

With 11 clean sheets each, they equal the record for most clean sheets in a single ISL season. Marquez felt ATK Mohun Bagan got away with a good result despite the draw.

The second leg will be played in the Mariners’ backyard, and with an impressive home record of seven victories out of 10 home games, the Mariners would be hoping to make the home leg count. The reigning ISL champions haven’t won against ATK Mohun Bagan in Kolkata, but Marquez believes their excellent away record will be productive in the second leg.

The highly anticipated clash saw enthusiastic fans supporting their home team to make it to the second consecutive final in ISL. Hyderabad FC’s head coach expressed his gratitude for the fans’ support and motivated Hyderabad FC to finish in the top position every season.

Aryna Sabalenka laments missed chances at US Open, vows to come back stronger

September 9, 2022, 2:17 pm

After failing to get past a Grand Slam semi-final for the third time in her career on Thursday at the U.S. Open, Aryna Sabalenka was clearly dejected. Although the Belarusian was honest, she made a pledge to come back stronger the next time.

Sabalenka, a former world number two, is 24 years old. She has won 10 WTA Tour titles and advanced to back-to-back major semifinals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. The world number one Iga Swiatek defeated her 3-6 6-1 6-4 at Flushing Meadows despite twice being up a break of serve in the decisive set. She lost both of those matches in three sets.

“Actually, right now I don’t feel that way, but my team keeps telling me that,” said Sabalenka, when asked if she felt prouder than her previous two semi-final defeats.

“I have to be proud of myself, what I have done in the last months, I would say. But I don’t feel that way. I feel like in these three semi-finals I had so much opportunities and I didn’t use it”, she added.

And I guess I’m trying to think that everything happens for a reason, and I guess it just make me really stronger. I guess, like, in the next semi-final, I will be much stronger as a player,” she said.

The powerfully built Sabalenka can defeat anyone on her day, but she frequently struggles with control. She has one of the strongest serves in the game and is frequently unmatched from behind the baseline with her powerful groundstrokes.

Sabalenka, who was forced to skip Wimbledon owing to a ban on Russian and Belarusian players, won the first set in all three losses at majors this season. She also approached the 21-year-old Pole for the fourth time in 2022.

“She was playing aggressively, and I was trying to stay in the game, which was my mistake, I think. I should just go for it,” Sabalenka said of Thursday’s loss to Swiatek.