Cricket - Int News
Pakistan beat the Netherlands by 16 runs in first ODI
Sports Bulletin Report
Rotterdam (Holland):-Pakistan beat the Netherlands by 16 runs in the first one day international fixture of the three match series on Tuesday at Rotterdam, Holland.
Opener Fakhar Zaman scored his seventh ODI century in his 60th appearance, first in 10 matches, to lift Pakistan to an imposing 314 for six after a slow and cautious start that saw them reach 100 for one in 23 overs.
Fast bowlers Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Junior then shared seven wickets between them to restrict the hosts for 298-8, despite impressive half-centuries from Vikramjit Singh, Tom Cooper and Scott Edwards.
Singh’s 98-ball 65 included five fours, while Cooper struck six fours and two sixes in a 54-ball 65 as the two batters added 97 runs for the fourth wicket. Singh was lucky to be dropped thrice, including on the very first ball of the Netherlands’ innings as Pakistan’s fielders missed a number of run-out opportunities by failing to hit the stumps.
Edwards showed resistance towards the latter part of the Netherlands’ chase, remaining unbeaten on 71 off 60 balls including six fours and one six with his fighting effort not enough to haul the home side over the line.
Fakhar showed flashes of his brilliance, talent and skills with the willow during a run-a-ball 109 that included 12 scorching fours but only one six. He added 168 runs for the second wicket in an entertaining and exciting second wicket partnership with captain Babar Azam, who was elegant and stylish, as ever, while scoring an 85-ball 74 with six fours and a six.
Following the early departure of Imam-ul-Haq (4), Fakhar and Babar consolidated the innings with watchful batting, before unleashing their wide ranging shots in the second half of the innings as the inexperienced Netherlands bowlers ran for cover.
While Pakistan scored 214 runs in the last 30 overs, including 99 runs in the last 10 overs, only Bas de Leede was able to keep the Pakistan batters in check. He picked up two wickets for 42 runs and though Logan van Beek also scooped two wickets, he went for 89 runs. Vivian Kingma and Tim Pringle also went for over 60 runs each.
Apart from Fakhar and Babar, Shadab Khan joined run-feast when he scored a rapid 28-ball 48 not out with four fours and two sixes. Debutant Salman Ali Agha returned not out on 27 as he added 48 runs for the unbroken seventh wicket in 25 balls with Shadab. Khushdil Shah chipped in with an 18-ball 21.
The second match of the series will be played on Thursday, while the final game of the tour will be on Sunday.
Scores in brief:
Pakistan beat the Netherlands by 16 runs
Pakistan 314-6, 50 overs (Fakhar Zaman 109, Babar Azam 74, Shadab Khan 48 not out, Salman Ali Agha 25 not out, Khushdil Shah 21; Bas de Leeds 2-42, Logan van Beek 2-89)
The Netherlands 298-8 (Scott Edwards 71 not out, Vikramjit Singh 65, Tom Cooper 65; Naseem Shah 3-51, Haris Rauf 3-67)
Player of the match: Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)
Raveen capts his dream
Bipin Dani
The parents Nishantha De Silva and his house-wife Anusha were "not surprised" when the selectors named their son Raveen De Silva to lead the U-19 team for the tour of England.
"We were not surprised as he was always a leading contender among others. Captaincy is not a strange task for him over the years and he has been on the job in all the age categories in college and also at District and province levels", the father, speaking over the telephone for the SLC office, where he came to drop his son, said on Sunday morning.
"But yes, it was a long awaited dream that has come true. A lot of hard work and commitment he had put into the game finally paid for him. Awarding national captaincy is a great privilege for any player and he deserved the duty. He is a team player so he will get the support of everyone", he added.
Raveen's predecessor, Dunith Wellalage has been playing in the senior team and the new captain's family is also hoping that the history will repeat.
"Most of the time he got the opportunity to play with senior players and that was very helpful to grab useful tips from a younger age. This U-19 England tour is very important for all players because this is the last opportunity they have in their school career and I am sure Raveen will use his previous experience to play to reach the national level".
"As parents, we were very delighted when we heard the message and strongly believe that he is capable of doing a great job".
Interestingly, Raveen's elder brother, Avishka, who lives in Melbourne with his wife Samadhi Dissanayake also plays club cricket there. "Avishka played for college in Sri Lanka. He is also a top-order batsman with a useful right-arm off-spinner, the father, who works as a General Manager at Oviklo International - Logistics company, added.
SKY has no limits for cars Mercedes wins SKY's heart
BIPIN DANI
Team India's batter Surya Kumar Yadav has one more luxurious car parked at his garage in Chembur, a suburb in eastern Mumbai.
On Thursday he bought a new Mercedes-Benz GLS-400d model.
He already had Audi, Range Rover, which are sold now, and now also possessing BMW, Skoda Superb and Nissan Jeep.
"We have delivered this car to him on an auspicious day (Thursday) of Raksha Bandhan", Apurva Antani, the Senior Sales Manager at Metro Autohangar, Chowpatty showroom, speaking exclusively, said.
"It is a Diamond White-Colour car and the number plate 7700 denotes his Wedding Anniversary (7/7/)'.
"Surya had booked this car last December. He and his wife Devisha Shetty had come to pick it. The same was driven home by Surya".
"Both seemed to be a very nice and humble couple".
SKY, as the player is affectionately called, has just returned from the USA after playing against the West Indies.
Interestingly, India's renowned cricketers-Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Jaspreet Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Dilip Vengsarkar and commentator Harsha Bhogle are the clients of this company, we are told.
BCB to announce Asia Cup squad on Saturday
Bipin Dani
Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has once again delayed the announcement of the squad. The BCB had sought the extension of the August 8 deadline and the team was scheduled to be announced on Thursday and the date has again been deferred.
"We will announce the squad on Saturday afternoon", one of the sources said over the telephone from Dhaka.
"We will announce the name of the captain and the team on the same day".
The reason for postponement of the announcement is likely to be the issue with the biggest star Shakib Al Hasan, who has endorsed a sports betting company on social media.
As per existing laws in Bangladesh, there is prohibition on facilitation and promotion of any gambling related activities.
"Let him decide whether he wants to play for the country or stay with betting", the BCB chief Nazmul Hassan Papon has said.
Later reports have now suggested that Shakib has disassociated from this betting company.
Incidentally, it is not the choice of the selectors but the BCB has a policy to pick a captain.
"We have 3-4 names and will announce one among them to lead the side".
In the meantime, injured Nurul Hasan Sohan is ruled out, it is also learnt. The 28-year-old wicketkeeper/batter who was injured in Zimbabwe has returned from Singapore after having a successful hand surgery by Dr. Antony Foo.
Bangladesh Cricket Board eyeing at Hathu's aggression for national team
Bipin Dani
Former coach Chandika Hathurusingha may again be associated with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
The indications from the BCB that the 54-year-old former all rounder Chandika Hathurusingha, who was associated with the Bangladesh team (2014-2017) had an aggressive approach to the game and their current head coach Russell Domingo and his support staff is lacking in this aspect of the game.
"We feel (Sri Lanka's) Chandika can motivate players in the right way", the BCB's Cricket Operations Chairman Jalal Yunus believes.
"The support staff is very dedicated but maybe their way of coaching is different. Some coaches are aggressive, some aren't. You talk about Hathurusingha. He has the aggressive style we need. Our head coach Domingo is a very knowledgeable coach, but he is not that aggressive. We want that aggression", he is reported to have said.
"We feel Chandika can motivate players in the right way. Tell (players) to have an aggressive attitude on the field. I think there lies the difference", he said.
It is learnt that the current foreign coaching staff, who were to go on a short vacation after the ongoing Zimbabwe tour have been summoned in Bangladesh for the discussions and the decision on continuation of them may be taken after the Asia Cup.
Despite repeated attempts, Chandika Hathurusingha didn't respond to the calls in Australia and therefore no confirmation could be obtained on whether there has been a formal approach by the BCB in this regard.
After coaching the Sri Lankan team last, he has not been associated with any national team.
Richard Thompson named as Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board
Sports Bulletin Report
London (UK):-The ECB has welcomed Richard Thompson as the next Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Thompson, 55, will take up the five-year post on September 1, moving from his current role of Chair at Surrey County Cricket Club and will bring deep experience from his career across sport and business.
Following a rigorous selection process, chaired by Independent Director Brenda Trenowden CBE, the Nominations Committee unanimously recommended Thompson to the ECB Board and he will succeed Martin Darlow, who has been in post as Interim Chair since April.
As Chair of Surrey County Cricket Club, Thompson has overseen a successful period for the County on the field, off the field and in the community. His stewardship saw Surrey launch the ACE Programme in 2020, which is now an independent charity designed to engage a new generation of children and young people from Black communities within the recreational game and talent pathway.
Alongside this, Thompson’s business expertise has seen the county redevelop the Kia Oval, future proofing the stadium as one of the premier cricketing venues in the country, whilst his tenure also navigated the county through the pandemic.
Outside of cricket, Thompson is the founder and chair of M&C Saatchi Merlin as well as Chair of the broader M&C Saatchi UK Group; chairman of Southshore Group (an ITV-owned production company) , an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society and Chair & founder of Sport United Against Dementia (SUAD).
Richard Thompson, said:
“I am immensely proud to become Chair of the ECB at what is a hugely important time for cricket.
“Cricket has given me the chance to meet an incredibly diverse range of amazing people. Their passion, endeavour and love for the game is what I want to harness, to take our game forward, to new heights across England & Wales.
“Cricket should be the most inclusive sport in the country, welcoming people from all backgrounds, helping bring communities together. For those communities where we have fallen short, I will work tirelessly to restore their trust in the game.
"With the Men’s & Women’s Ashes on the horizon, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in October and the recent successes in our red ball game, along with hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026 there is much ahead of us.
"I am looking forward to using my experience and love for the game in taking this opportunity to give cricket a fresh start. Alongside the Board and senior leaders at the ECB, we will work with the counties and the recreational game. Collaboration and partnership will be the key to our sport’s future.”
Brenda Trenowden, CBE, commented:
“We are delighted to announce Richard’s arrival to the ECB as Chair. His blend of exceptional commercial and cricket administration experience supports our aims to grow and diversify the game whilst guiding the game as we face challenging financial headwinds.
“I’d also like to say many thanks, on behalf of the ECB, to Martin Darlow, for his excellent stewardship in recent months. Cricket has faced many challenges in 2022 and Martin has helped steer the ship until Richard’s arrival, and I’m pleased that he’ll continue to provide his invaluable wisdom and insight through his role as Deputy Chair of the Board.”
Lions squad named for tour match against South Africa
Sports Bulletin Report
London (UK):-England Men's selection panel have named a 13-player squad for England Lions four-day match against South Africa starting on 9 August at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury.
Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said:
"We are delighted that the Lions will have a competitive fixture against the South African tourists. The squad strongly represents some of the country's current, next best and future England players. For some players, this game will be important preparation going into the Test series.
"These matches for the Lions are pivotal as we try to build the depth of players that can further enhance the way the Test team have been playing this summer. It is a reward for players who have scored runs and taken wickets this season in the LV= Insurance County Championship campaign and have caught our eye in how they've gone about their business.
"I would also like to thank The Hundred teams and respective Head Coaches who have enabled the eight players who are playing in the competition the opportunity to play for the Lions. We are grateful for their support."
England Men's Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the match.
England Lions squad versus South Africa:
Sam Billings (Kent-Captain), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Cook (Essex), Sam Conners (Derbyshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Craig Overton (Somerset), Liam Patterson-White (Nottinghamshire), James Rew (Somerset), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire).
Job half done: Kumar Kartikeya comes back home
Bipin Dani
Shyam Nath Singh, the Head Constable working in the police department in a historic city of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh (UP) has taken a few-day leaves. The reason: to meet his cricket-mad son after a gap of 9 years and three months.
Kumar Kartikeya had left home over nine years ago and had vowed to return home only after achieving something in life. The Madhya Pradesh and Mumbai Indians spinner returned home and met his parents on Wednesday.
"I don't say his work is finished. He has just climbed the first step of the ladder. Hope he plays for India", the father, speaking exclusively over the telephone, said.
The 24-year-old returned from England, where his Mumbai Indians uncapped players had 3 three-week training sessions. He practiced there with Team India captain Rohit Sharma, who is also the captain of the Mumbai Indians IPL team.
"Kartikeya's mother (Sunita Devi) is also very happy. He used to call us almost every day and parents would obviously be very happy to see their son after such a long period", the father said.
"Kumar Kartikeya had left home on April 1, 2013. During this exiled period he must have worked very hard".
He made his first-class debut in 2018 as a traditional left-arm spinner, but when hired by the Mumbai Indians team midway through IPL this season he switched to bowling left-arm wrist spin with a few variations. Kartikeya's confidence and skill gradually increased.
It was his childhood coach Sanjay Bhardwaj who impressed upon Kartikeya the need to be different to stand out. That made him from left-arm orthodox to left-arm everything, especially in T20, the shortest format of the game.
"The name Kartikeya was given by my elder brother, who is also a head constable. Kartikeya was also Lord Shiva's son and he also stayed far from his father and therefore I am not surprised with my son", the father says.
"People in our village are very eager to meet my son. From there, we will move to Kumar's paternal uncle", the father added.
After spending a week or so in their village Kuwasi (district Sultanpur), Kartikeya will be busy preparing for the Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy matches. "His cricket journey will resume again. I want my two sons to play for India and that is our dream", the father further added.
Kartika's younger brother Binayak also plays cricket. He has represented the UP team at Uner-14 and Under-16.
Kusal Perera given "clearance" for surgery in England : Waiting for his UK visa
Bipin Dani
Sri Lankan wicket-keeper & batter Kusal Janith Perera has been given "all clearance" to proceed for his shoulder surgery in the United Kingdom, it is learnt.
According to the highly-placed sources in the SLC, Kusal Perera who will be 32 this month, met the president Shammi Silva on Monday and has been cleared to leave for the UK.
"He is now waiting for his visa. Once he gets the visa will immediately leave. Most of his expenses for the surgery will be borne by the SLC", the source speaking exclusively on Wednesday, said.
The SLC's medical staff, in consultation with the physio, has shortlisted three doctors, each in New Zealand, Australia and England. Incidentally, Kusal Perera's first choice was Andew Wallace (England) and it has been honoured.
Dr. Wallace is specialist in Sports injuries, Shoulder arthroscopy, and Rotator cuff tears and has performed successful surgeries on several cricketers including treating India's Sachin Tendulkar for his tennis elbow.
Kusal's inclusion in the World Cup team will depend upon the rehabilitation after the surgery. "Let him arrive here first, then we can plan out his treatment", the doctor said, adding "if he wishes to get his operation done in this month, I am available for it".
England Test squad for Two Test matches against South Africa announced
Sports Bulletin Report
London (UK):-England Men's selection panel have named a 14-strong squad for the first two Test matches against South Africa starting at Lord's on 17 August.
Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson returns to the squad for the first time since the Caribbean tour in March. He returned to LV= County Championship action last week after recovering from a back injury, which has prevented him from playing any cricket since
ECB Men's Performance Director, Mo Bobat, said:
"After an excellent start to the summer under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, we're looking forward to an exciting Test series against a strong South Africa side.
"The selectors have picked a squad for the first two Tests at Lord's and Emirates Old Trafford with continuity in mind.
"It's good to get Ollie Robinson back in the mix after his recent injury. He will continue his progress by playing for the Lions against South Africa in a four-day match at Canterbury next week."
The Lions squad for the four-day tour match will be announced at the end of this week.
Names of Selected Players:
Ben Stokes (Durham-Captain), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Alex Lees (Durham), Craig Overton (Somerset), Zatthew Potts (Durham), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Test Schedule:
1st Test: England v South Africa, 17-21 August, Lord's Cricket Ground, London
2nd Test: England v South Africa, 25-29 August, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
3rd Test: England v South Africa, 8-12 September, Kia Oval, London
Tour Match:
Four-day match: Lions v South Africa, 9-12 August, The Spitfire Ground St Lawrence, Canterbury
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