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Showing posts from October, 2023

Inspiring Speech of Rashid Khan's That Propelled Afghanistan To Victory Over Sri Lanka

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Before the memorable seven-wicket victory of team Afghanistan over Sri Lanka in the 30th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Monday, Afghani star cricketer Rashid Khan gave an inspiring speech to his team-mates, pushing them to fight for every run. In a video shared by the ICC on their social media handle, Rashid Khan is seen inspiring his team and telling them that their only focus should be to fight it out with the other team. Rashid said, "Remember these three things. Firstly, every ball we fight, if it's our batting, if it's our bowling, or if it's our fielding, Our only focus should be to fight it out with the other team. Don't think about the outcome or whether we will win or not; instead, focus on the finer details, and these finer details will paint the bigger picture. Fight for every ball.” He further added that, "Even if I come out to bowl later on, no matter how wet the ball is, I will put in my 100%...

As Alleged Babar Azam Chat Is Leaked On TV, Social Media Waqar Younis Fumes

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The captain of Pakistan's cricket team, Babar Azam, has been in the line of fire owing to his team's poor performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023. As the semi-final qualification chances for Pakistan hang in balance, certain reports have suggested that the relationship between Babar and Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Zaka Ashraf has gone sour. There are a number of rumors that Ashraf isn't even answering the phone calls from Babar Azam. As a Pakistan TV channel shared an alleged WhatsApp chat with Babar on a show, legendary cricketer Waqar Younis took to social media to slam those leaking personal chats on TV. There are many suggestions that even the captaincy of Babar Azam is under fire, with the PCB contemplating whether the captain needs to be replaced at the end of Pakistan's World Cup campaign. As speculations on social media continue to spread, Waqar wasn't happy to see an alleged 'personal chat' made public. Watch it  here . The text, as displayed by ...

New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra's Statement on His Indian Roots

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The batsman of the New Zealand cricket team, Rachin Ravindra, continued his brilliant form with the bat as the Kiwis took on Australia in a Cricket World Cup 2023 match on Saturday. Ravindra's 116 in 89 balls set the right platform for New Zealand to chase down the target of 389 runs, but despite a valiant effort from Jimmy Neesham at the end, the Australians emerged on top. In the press conference, Rachin wasn't just asked about his performance in the middle but also the support he got from the fans and his 'Indian roots'. In the press conference after the loss of New Zealand to Australia, Rachin was asked about the pressure of performing in India because of his Indian roots. Ravindra said, “Oh, well, I think I've been asked this question a lot, but I guess I'm 100% Kiwi, and I'm very proud of my Indian heritage. But I guess it's proud to be able to do it in the country where my parents were born, where they grew up, and where a lot of my family is. But...

Ahead Of ENG Clash At Lucknow KL Rahul Recalls IPL Injury

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As KL Rahul is returning to the ekana stadium in Lucknow for India's next league match of the ICC World Cup 2023 he is feeling that his heart is racing because this venue is instilled mixed feelings in the mind of the veteran Indian middle-order batter.  Rahul, who has enjoyed the great fanfare and support by the passionate crowds that turn up in support of his Lucknow Super Giants side in the Indian Premier League also suffered a career-threatening quadriceps injury at the venue earlier this year.  Playing the return match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1st in IPL 2023, the Lucknow Captain tore his hamstring while going for a save at the edge of the boundary ropes and limped off the field in excruciating pain, not to return to playing action until six months later at the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka.  Speaking in a special interview, Rahul said the bitter memory of finding himself out of the game for a long-drawn phase and undergoing surgery came back immediate...

Harbhajan Singh says, “Jos Buttler has never looked so clueless as captain.”

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The former off-spinner of Indian Cricket Team Harbhajan Singh expressed his shock at the poor performance of England in the ongoing ODI World Cup, saying they look far from a champion side in the tournament. The comment of Harbhajan came after England were handed an 8-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Bhaji questions the captaincy of Jos Buttler and the decisions that the team management took, especially when it came to bringing back Ben Stokes out of retirement. In a YouTube video, Bhaji said, “Jos Buttler has never looked so clueless. Ben Stokes was asked to come out of retirement before the World Cup but got injured. He has failed to make a significant impact in the matches he has played. Harbhajan further said, “England loved to chase in white-ball cricket and had batters who only dealt in fours and sixes. However, they forgot about boundaries; they are not even sure of how to take singles; it seems as if they have forgotten how to play this format...

Sri Lanka player Angelo Mathews said, "I didn't expect I would play in the World Cup in 2023.”

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  All-rounder of Sri Lanka cricket team Angelo Mathews is very eager to be part of his 4th ODI World Cup campaign, but the senior player said he was not expecting a call-up after his name was missing in the final 15 for the trip to India. Mathews was named as a replacement for young Matheesha Pathirana, who injured his shoulder on October 10. Angelo Mathews had linked up with the Sri Lankan squad as a traveling reserve, but he was formally drafted into the squad earlier this week. Matthews is all ready to take the field for Sri Lanka against England in Bengaluru on Thursday, and the senior all-rounder spoke about his preparation for the tournament despite not having played enough ODIs in recent years—seven in the last 3 years. He said, "So, what I can control is to keep pushing myself individually in terms of fitness, bowling, batting, everything.” He further said, "I mean, when the opportunity comes, I have to be ready. I just did that over the last month or so. I was traini...

Quinton De Kock Statement On World Cup Heroics of Teammate

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After the victory of South Africa by 149 runs over Bangladesh in the 23rd match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, wicketkeeper-batsman of Protease Quinton de Kock lavished praise on Heinrich Klaasen, who played a steller 90-run knock, and said that he has just been special in the tournament. While speaking at the post-match conference, De Kock said that every South African player played well in the match against Bangladesh. After his brilliant knock in the first inning of the match, the left-handed batsman said he was a bit more tired than satisfied. Quinton de Kock said, "To be honest, I am a bit more tired than satisfied after a spectacular knock. I think we all played really well, and everyone did their part, and it was nice to get those two points on the board. Not just too sure; it is just happening, I guess, speaking about his conversion rate in India.  I was a little nervous this morning, but it was a great day, and I had a bit of fun. It...

AFG pacer Naveen-ul-Haq's ODI retirement plans don’t change even after the unforgettable

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The fast bowler of Afghanistan's cricket team, Naveen ul Haq, is adamant that he will not continue playing ODI cricket beyond the ongoing World Cup, despite Afghanistan's sensational showing in the tournament in India. The 24-year-old pacer announced he would retire from the 50-over format of the game, joining a bandwagon of modern-day cricketers who are opting out of the longest white-ball format in order to prolong their T20 careers. On Monday, Naveen-ul-Haq said that his decision about ODI retirement was final while acknowledging the impact the World Cup triumphs over Pakistan and England would have on Afghanistan's ODI story in the future.

IPL Franchise Rajasthan Royals Rope In Shane Bond As Fast Bowling And Assistant Coach

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  On Monday, the Rajasthan Royals announced that former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond will join the franchise in the dual role of assistant coach and also the team's new fast bowling coach ahead of next year's IPL 2024 season. One of the standout modern-day fast bowlers, Bond has, in the past, served as the bowling coach for his national team between 2012 and 2015, where he helped them reach the final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. After that, he was then employed by the Mumbai franchise in the IPL in 2015, contributing significantly to their success in winning four titles in nine seasons. Royals' Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, while welcoming the New Zealand veteran to the franchise, said, "Shane is one of the greatest fast bowlers of modern-day cricket and brings with himself a wealth of experience and knowledge having mentored some of the best in the business. He has served in the IPL and in India for a number of years and is well-versed in the processes ...

Australian Opener David Warner Gives Credit to This IPL Franchise for Success in ODIs

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The opener of the Australian cricket team, David Warner, who set up a crucial World Cup win for Australia with a whirlwind century, credited the IPL for working as a learning platform where he perfected the art of pacing an ODI innings. Warner scored 163 runs in 124, and his 259-run association with fellow centurion Mitchell Marsh helped Australia score a 62-run win over Pakistan, and the result has lifted them to fourth on the table. Warner said, "I've established early on in my career that 50 overs is a long time. I look to try and get to 35 overs, and then from there, try and put my foot down if I'm still in. During the post-match press conference, Warner said, "I think that's where in T20 cricket, I've learned a little bit as well to change my gears, especially in the IPL. I learned a lot when I was playing for Sunrisers that you're able to have a lot more time than you think.”

Team India are set for a 2-3 day's break after the Cricket World Cup clash against New Zealand

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The members of Team India will get a short break after the World Cup clash against New Zealand on Sunday to spend some time with their families. The World Cup is a long and arduous assignment, and the seven-day gap between the matches against New Zealand, i.e., on October 22, and England, i.e., on October 29, will allow players a break. Most of the players have been on the road since the Asia Cup, which was co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan between August 30 and September 17. As per the statement of the BCCI source, "The players are likely to have the option of dispersing to their respective homes for a two- or three-day break after the New Zealand game.” With a seven-day gap between the two matches, it is only fair that players get some time with their families." It is understood that the players will assemble in Lucknow by October 26 for their next match.

During the IND vs. BAN, Hardik Pandya got injured and was taken for scans

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The all-rounder of Indian Cricket Team Hardik Pandya got injured during the ICC World Cup 2023 match of team India against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19, that is, Thursday. The ace all-rounder hurt his leg while trying to stop the ball with his feet and slipped in the process. Later on, the physiotherapist came onto the field, and he received some treatment before hobbling off the ground. He was being taken for scans, and the injury will be assessed, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. BCCI posted on X but did not specify what injury it was, saying, "Hardik Pandya's injury is being assessed at the moment, and he is being taken for scans.” However, former captain of the England cricket team, Nasser Hussain, said on commentary that it was a left ankle injury. After Bangladesh won the toss and decided to bat first, Pandya was introduced into the attack in the ninth over of the innings. However, after bowling just three balls, he pulled out and received trea...

Ind vs. Pak match in the Cricket World Cup, PCB lodged a formal protest with the ICC over 'inappropriate conduct

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The Pakistan cricket board decided to lodge a formal protest with the International Cricket Council over a number of incidents, including but not limited to the issuance of visas to their journalists and fans. When India's bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, was asked about the same during a press conference ahead of the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh, he refused to delve into the topic. Mhambrey ducked the question, saying it's not his area of domain. In the press conference, Mhambrey told the reporters, "Honestly, I am the wrong person to answer that question. Really, I have not even heard what you are saying. That's not something; it's not my domain, so really, I can't answer that.” On Tuesday, the PCB took to X and wrote: "The PCB has lodged another formal protest with the ICC over delays in visas for Pakistani journalists and the absence of a visa policy for Pakistan fans for the ongoing World Cup 2023." The tweet further read, "...

Pakistan Great Asked Current Captain Babar Azam to Quit Captaincy

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The Pakistan cricket team has won two matches out of the three matches they have played in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign, but Babar Azam Pakistan skipper Babar Azam is getting a lot of criticism from some of his former teammates. Shoaib Malik, one of the greats of Pakistan cricket, has once again advised Babar to quit captaincy and focus only on his batting. Malik's suggestion came in after Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India in the league stage of the World Cup on Saturday.  Not just Malik, but some of the other former Pakistan cricketers and fans have also questioned Babar's captaincy after the loss The former Pakistan captain said, "Look, I will give you my honest opinion on this. I have already said this in previous interviews: Babar should leave captaincy. It is just my opinion, but there's a lot of homework behind it. Babar, as a player, can do wonders for himself as well as the team.” He further said, "It is my personal opinion, and that is not bec...

The Coach of the Afghanistan Cricket Team, Jonathan Trott, After Victory Over England

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The coach of Afghanistan cricket team Jonathan Trott hopes Sunday's World Cup victory over England will "encourage boys and girls" to take up cricket even though the country's Taliban rulers ban women from playing sport.  The victory of 69 runs will be regarded as one of the biggest shocks in the history of the tournament as Afghanistan ended a 14-match World Cup losing streak. Trott said, "It's not just cricket that the guys are playing for," who recognised the importance of a win for a nation reeling from recent earthquakes and the Taliban's fractious international relations. Trott said, "The guys are very knowledgeable of the things and the hardship that some people are going through because of the natural disaster and for various other reasons. “And so, if this can give a smile to people's faces but also encourage boys and girls to pick up a cricket bat or a cricket ball and get playing cricket wherever they are in Afghanistan, then that...

Former Head Coach of Team India on the Battle That Will Decide the IND vs. PAK Clash

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The most-awaited match of the ICC Men's Cricket World between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is going to get started later today in a few hours. Before the match, former head coach of Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri identified the biggest threat and which player could be an X-factor for the Rohit Sharma-led side. While speaking, Shastri feels Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi could prove to be a big hurdle for Team India as his battles against India's top-order will be crucial. Shaheen has enjoyed plenty of success in the past against the Indian openers but is yet to fire in the ongoing World Cup. Shastri said, “I think Shaheen Shah Afridi against the Indian openers will be key. It's a given that that's going to be the test, that it's going to be the challenge. Whoever wins will go a long way towards dictating terms in that game. Similarly, from Pakistan's point of view, I think in this game, again, it will be at the top. You want their captain to be fired. B...

Selection Dilemma for India Before Mega Clash Against Pakistan in WC 2023

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While going into the cricket World Cup 2023 Indian cricket team went through if you questions about their batting line up with experts and fans thinking how they will manage the No. 4 conundrum. However, a match-winning knock by KL Rahul against Australia and Shreyas Iyer's return to form against Afghanistan have actually allayed fears and provided the hosts with somewhat of a concrete line-up.  Before the crucial match against Pakistan on October 14, that was good news for the fans, but just as one question was answered, a new dilemma reared its head. With Ravichandran Ashwin playing the first game in Chennai and then making way for Shardul Thakur in the next game at Hyderabad, a new question exists about the bowling team combination that can prove to be a major headache for selectors. R. Ashwin has faced Pakistan eight times in his career and has taken 10 wickets at an economy rate below 5. Ashwin was a part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, and in a high-voltage game like Indi...

Star Pacer of Team India Jasprit Bumrah Says Mother is Priority over Blockbuster WC Clash

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The fast bowler of Indian cricket team Jasprit Bumrah says seeing his mother again takes priority over Saturday's blockbuster World Cup clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Bumrah will be playing in his home city of Ahmedabad in front of 132,000 fans in the biggest cricket stadium in the world.  However, family matters come first for the 29-year-old. After taking an impressive 4-39 in Wednesday's eight-wicket win against Afghanistan, Bumrah said, "I've been away for a while now. I'll be happy to see my mother at home." Bumrah was raised by his Daljit, a school principal, after his father died suddenly just before he turned five. He also said, "I'm going to see her. That's the first basic thing for me." Only then will Bumrah focus on facing Pakistan on a ground where he has yet to play a one-day international, although he is more than familiar with the imposing arena as it is the home of his Gujarat IPL team. While continuing his statement, he ...

India vs Afghanistan ICC World Cup 2023 Match 9

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Home team India started their World Cup campaign on a winning note against five-time champions Australia. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul stole the show with magnificent half-centuries against the Aussies. They will aim to continue in the same vein today. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will look forward to making a fresh start to their 2023 World Cup campaign. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led outfit suffered a six-wicket defeat in their opening fixture against Bangladesh.  Check all the details given below regarding the match:- IND vs AFG 9th Match Details Match:  IND vs AUS, 9th Match, ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Captains :  Rohit Sharma is going to lead India Cricket Team Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead Afghanistan Cricket Team When : October 11th 2023, Wednesday Match is going to start at 02:00 p.m. Venue : Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Head to head of these two teams : Both teams have played 3 matches against each other. Out of which India has won 2 matches and Afghanistan has won none wh...

Star Spinner of India R. Ashwin's Pre-World Cup Chat With Head Coach Rahul Dravid and Captain Rohit Sharma

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The return of Ravichandran Ashwin to the ODI team of India was a big surprise for many. An injury to Axar Patel prompted the selectors to include Ashwin as a replacement, and the off-spinner had the performances to justify his selection. After playing a key role in the victory of India over Australia in the team's Cricket World Cup opener, Ashwin revealed the chat he had with skipper Rohit Sharma and Coach Rahul Dravid before being included in the squad. As soon as Axar got injured, Ashwin and Washington Sundar's names were floated as potential replacements. It was the senior off-spinner who got the nod. While talking about the topic, Ashwin revealed that Dravid and Rohit had already given him a heads-up about the situation and said that they would come back for him if the need arose. However, Jokingly, Ashwin told them, 'hope they never come back to him'. Ashwin said in a chat after the conclusion of the match against Australia in Chepauk, "It was more like a Mayd...

Josh Hazlewood Statement On Dropped Virat Kohli Catch

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On Sunday, the fast bowler of team Australia, Josh Hazlewood, absolved Mitchell Marsh of blame for committing one of cricket's biggest sins, dropping a catch that would have seen the back of India superstar Virat Kohli. While Chasing the target of 200 runs to win their high-profile World Cup clash, India looked like slipping to 20-4 when Kohli top-edged a pull to the square leg where Marsh was waiting to gobble up the catch. However, possibly distracted by wicketkeeper Alex Carey also rushing to the danger area, Marsh let the ball slip to the ground. At the time, Kohil had made only 12 runs. He went on to hit his 67th ODI half-century before being finally dismissed for 85, successfully caught by Marnus Labuschagne off Hazlewood. With K.L. Rahul at 97, he put on a match-winning 165 for the fourth wicket. Hazlewood, who took three of the four Indian wickets to fall on Sunday, said, "I didn't think Carey could get there. I think it was Mitch's catch, and probably just Car...

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh meets MS Dhoni, affectionately referring to him as “big brother.”

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In a delightful rendezvous that left fans buzzing with excitement, Bollywood superstar  Ranveer Singh  recently spent quality time with none other than the legendary former captain of Indian cricket team  MS Dhoni  in Mumbai. The memorable meeting of these two icons quickly went viral on the social media platform with their heartwarming camaraderie. Taking to his popular Instagram handle, Ranveer shared a captivating series of photographs capturing the essence of their special meet up. One particular snapshot, filled with affection and camaraderie, stood out in this frame, Ranveer could be seen planting an affectionate kiss on Dhoni’s cheek, a gesture that truly conveyed their deep bond. In another sweet photo, which featured the dynamic duo flashing their brightest smiles, radiating positivity and warmth, and reminding fans of the magic they create together, In his Instagram post, Ranveer affectionately referred to Dhoni as his “big brother” and showered him with ad...

Virender Sehwag's Interesting 'Free Tickets' Advice After Cricket World Cup 2023 Opens to Empty Stands

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Former opener of Indian cricket team Virender Sehwag believes that the Cricket World Cup 2023 organizers should give free tickets to school and college students for matches not featuring India after the competition opened to empty stands in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad failed to draw crowds, and the lack of support left a lot of cricket fans on social media stunned. Sehwag believes that the popularity of ODI cricket is dwindling at the moment, and better access for youngsters during the tournament can boost their interest in the sport. Sehwag said on a social media platform that, "Hopefully, after office hours, there should be more people coming in. But for games not featuring Bharat, there should be free tickets for school and college children. With the fading interest in 50-over games, it will definitely help that youngsters get to experience a World Cup game and players get to play in front of a full stadium. On Thursday, New Zealand won the tos...

England vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023 Match 1

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Today’s match is going to be a repeat of the final of the ICC World Cup 2019, in which England managed to defeat New Zealand by the slightest of margins after the super-over ended in a tie. While, the English team will be looking to win the match once more in a more convincing way, New Zealand will try and avenge their defeat. Both the teams are well-balanced and will be the prime contenders of the tournament. England, under the captaincy of Jos Buttler, looks a pretty balanced team with almost equal weightage in all the departments. The return of Ben Stokes from injury has added to the strength of the team. On the other side New Zealand, has a good batting line-up with a versatile and dynamic bowling attack. Their biggest concern for the match will be the absence of captain Kane Williamson, who will be available for selection from the second match of the team in the tournament. Check all the details given below regarding the match:- ENG vs NZ 1st Match Details   Match:  ENG v...

The players of both England and New Zealand reach Ahmedabad before the ENG vs. NZ World Cup opener

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After completing their warm-up matches, England and New Zealand have now reached for the World Cup opening match on Thursday, October 5. Both teams are coming off wins in their warm-up games, while England beat Bangladesh and New Zealand beat Pakistan in their first warm-up clash before encountering a no result in the NZ vs. SA clash. England’s one warm-up game got washed out against India. After reaching Ahmedabad, both New Zealand and England will have training sessions before starting off the World Cup campaign at the world’s largest cricket stadium, i.e., the Narendra Modi Stadium. Last year, finalists again entered this World Cup as favourites to win the 2023 edition of the World Cup. While last year’s final ended in a lot of drama, with England edging New Zealand on the boundary count, this year's opening WC promises to be a cracking affair. It’s been four years since that epic 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s Stadium, and since then, a lot has changed. For starters, Eoin Morga...

Team India Qualify for the Semi final of the Men's T20I Cricket Tournament at the Asian Games 2023

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The 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou enters Day 10 with the Indian men's cricket team finally playing their first match of the sporting extravaganza against Team Nepal. Ruturaj Gaikwad-led India is facing a spirited Nepali side in the quarterfinals of the cricket competition in the ongoing tournament. Team India has started their cricket campaign with a victory against Nepal in the quarterfinal of the Asian Games 2023.  It is a very good start for the Indian men's cricket team on their Asian Games debut, as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side defeated Nepal by 23 runs and secured their place in the semi-finals of the tournament. Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi take three wickets each, which helps team India restrict Nepal to 179 runs as they had lost nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs. after the amazing century smashed by Yashasvi Jaiswal, which helped the team set a massive target of 202 runs at the loss of four wickets on the board in the first innings.

Pakistan cricket star Haris Rauf recalls his struggle before his rise in international cricket

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Only a few days remain for the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 to get started. On October 5, defending Champions England are going to take on New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India, England, Australia, and Pakistan are among the favourites to win the trophy, while South Africa and New Zealand are the dark horses. Two-time World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir is expecting the captains of Pakistan and India to have a fruitful tournament with the bat. Rohit has an excellent record when playing at home and has scored 4148 runs at 58.42 in 80 matches in India. Gambhir said, “The kind of ability Rohit has, India is playing the World Cup at home. We all know about Rohit Sharma’s record at home. He has three or four double hundreds. So I’m sure he will be really looking forward to it, and he will be eager to turn it around for India.” Gambhir predicts that Babar will score three-four centuries during the World Cup; as he said, “The kind of technique Babar Azam has, I think he w...