ICC announces all-female match officials for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a list of match officials it would send for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is to be held from October 3rd to October 20th, in the United Arab Emirates. The tournament will be the first time a tournament in the ICC’s most important series will be strictly all female as the council continues efforts for a significant increase in women officiating in cricket. Among the match officials are Claire Polosak, who will umpire her fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. She will be aided by Kim Cotton and Jacqueline Williams, who will return to their fourth ICC World Cup after umpiring the final in Cape Town last year. Sue Redfern will also return for her fourth appearance at the tournament, having been the TV umpire for the 2023 final. Zimbabwe’s Sarah Dambanevana debuts for this tournament. Match Referee GS Lakshmi who has been refereeing since 2012, has refereed the final in 2023. Shandré Fritz and Michell Pereira each will officiate in this second Women’s T20 World Cup. Here is the ICC Elite Panel of match officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Match Referees Shandré Fritz, GS Lakshmi, Michell Pereira Umpires Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Sarah Dambanevana, Anna Harris, Nimali Perera, Claire Polosak, Vrinda Rathi, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Jacqueline Williams The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 would feature 23 matches to be played across Dubai and Sharjah as ten teams vie for the coveted title. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Indian Cricket Team To Celebrate T20 World Cup Triumph With A Victory Parade
The victorious Indian Cricket Team has finally kept their feet on their motherland post winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The celebrations have already begun in the country. The team met the honorable Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, in Delhi earlier this morning. As the Indian Cricket Team landed, a massive crowd flocked around them at the Delhi airport to welcome the World Champions in style. Well, that’s not the only thing the men in blue have on their plates for today. The real celebration awaits in the evening. The Indian Cricket Team is all set to perform a victory parade in Mumbai at the Marine Drive, and a felicitation ceremony at the iconic Wankhede Stadium is on the cards to thank our cricketing superheroes who have brought the trophy home. Speaking of Victory Parades, it’s a cherished tradition for the Indian Cricket Team to thank their fans after World Cup wins. And why wouldn’t it be? Fans go absolutely wild in their support for the Indian team and their favorite stars. Whether it’s a regular bilateral series or an ICC tournament, the Indian Cricket Team always has immense backing. Thus, the victory parade creates the perfect opportunity for both cricketers and fans to celebrate the success together. About The Victory Parade The Indian Cricket Team – Victory Parade is all set to take place at Marine Drive, Mumbai, on the 4th of July, 2024. The celebrations are set to start at 5pm at the venue. The Indian Cricket Team will then enter their base, their fortress, the place where they lifted their last ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy back in 2011, at the Wankhede Stadium. The team will be felicitated by the BCCI officials for their glorious achievements at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Skipper Rohit Sharma Invites Crowds For The Victory Parade Our captain, Rohit Sharma, took to Twitter (or X) to invite the crowd to join in the celebration. Such celebrations have happened in the past as well. Let’s take a look back at the previous occasions when the Indian Cricket Team’s ICC trophy victories were marked by iconic celebrations. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2011 The 2011 victory was very much special for both the team and the fans, as it was secured on home soil. On the night of the final, India faced Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. The moment captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni struck that iconic six into the crowd, the entire nation erupted in celebration. The streets were filled with enthusiastic fans who rejoiced as if they had personally contributed to the triumph. The atmosphere across the country was nothing short of a grand festival. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2007 The Indian team received a grand reception back home after winning the 2007 T20 World Cup trophy in South Africa. Led by Dhoni, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in a nail-biting final to claim the elusive trophy, which helped ease the pain of India’s disappointing exit from the ODI World Cup earlier that year. Following their memorable triumph, the Indian players were paraded in an open-top bus from the Mumbai airport to the Wankhede Stadium. The victory parade caused a complete traffic shutdown as thousands of fans thronged the streets of Mumbai to catch a glimpse of their World Cup heroes. The open-top bus was surrounded by jubilant fans as it traveled through the city. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1983 The first time the Indian Cricket Team won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup back in 1983, they went to England as underdogs, led by Kapil Dev. Upon their return, the Honorable Prime Minister Indira Gandhi hosted a warm welcome for the victorious team. With Rohit Sharma and his team announcing their victory convoy from Nariman Point to Wankhede Stadium, fans are excited to join the celebratory display of the long-awaited ICC trophy. A jam-packed Marine Drive with another sea of blue is all set to welcome the Indian Cricket Team. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
2024 T20 World Cup: Tournament In Numbers
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has come to a thrilling conclusion, leaving cricket fans worldwide buzzing with excitement. From breathtaking matches to unforgettable moments and of course, the Indian Cricket Team’s redemption to glory, this edition of the tournament has surely provided a spectacle like no other. It’s time to look into the standout statistics that defined this remarkable tournament and etched new records in the history of the game. Here are 20 must-know statistics from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. 7.09 The overall run rate for the tournament, marking the lowest in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history. The previous lowest was 7.43 in the 2021 edition held in the UAE. 517 Total sixes hit, making this the first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to surpass 500 sixes. The previous record was 405 in 2021. The balls-per-six ratio of 21.35 was the best ever, and the fours-to-sixes ratio of 1.86 was the lowest across all editions. 1 India became the first team to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup without losing a single game. They won all eight matches, with one group-stage game against Canada abandoned without a toss. 2 This edition, along with 2009, did not feature an individual century. The highest score in 2009 was Tillakaratne Dilshan’s unbeaten 96, while Nicholas Pooran’s 98 against Afghanistan was the highest in 2024. 19 Four-plus wicket hauls, the highest in any ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, surpassing the 14 recorded in 2021. 4.17 Jasprit Bumrah’s economy rate, the best for any bowler who delivered 100-plus balls in a single ICC Men’s T20 World Cup edition. The most Bumrah conceded in any match was 29 runs against Australia. 3 Difference between wickets taken and boundaries conceded by Jasprit Bumrah, who took 15 wickets and conceded only 12 boundaries, including two sixes, in 29.4 overs. 1 Bumrah became the first player to win the Player-of-the-Tournament award at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup without scoring a run. He was out for a golden duck against Pakistan, his only batting appearance. In ODI World Cups, Glenn McGrath (2007) and Mitchell Starc (2015) achieved similar feats. 14 Number of dismissals by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, comprising 13 catches and one stumping, a record for any player in an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. 17 Wickets taken by Arshdeep Singh and Fazalhaq Farooqi, the highest in a single ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, surpassing Wanindu Hasaranga’s 16 in 2021. 5 Instances of teams winning after scoring 120 or less in a full 20-over first innings, a significant increase from the single occurrence before 2024. 1 Rohit Sharma became the first to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup both as a player (2007) and as a captain (2024). Daren Sammy is the only other captain with two titles (2012 and 2016). 109.52% Increase in maiden overs compared to the previous highest. A total of 44 maidens were bowled in the 52 completed matches, accounting for 28.95% of the total maidens in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups. 25 Difference in balls taken for the two individual fifties in the final: Virat Kohli took 48 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen took 23 balls, with Klaasen’s being the fastest in an ICC tournament final and Kohli’s the slowest of his T20 career. 5-3 Afghanistan’s win-loss record. They bowled out opponents in all five wins, a record matched only by Australia in 2010. Afghanistan were also bowled out in all three losses. 0 Sixes hit in the match between New Zealand and Uganda, only the third instance of an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match without sixes (excluding shortened games). 4 Papua New Guinea and Oman ended the tournament without any points. Both lost all four matches, the most for any team in an edition without a win. 171 Runs scored by Rishabh Pant, the second-highest in an edition without a half-century. His highest score was 42 against Pakistan. Tristan Stubbs scored 165 runs, the fifth-highest in a T20 World Cup without a fifty. 96 Balls bowled by Mohammad Amir without conceding a six, making him the first to achieve this in two different editions. He previously bowled 139 balls without a six in 2010. 2 Fours hit by Virat Kohli in his first seven matches. He exceeded this tally in the final’s first over, hitting Marco Jansen for three fours. As we look back at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, it’s clear that this tournament will be remembered for its extraordinary performances and groundbreaking records. The players’ relentless pursuit of excellence and the nail-biting finishes have set a new benchmark for future editions. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
2024 T20 World Cup Final: India vs South Africa Head-To-Head
India and South Africa have emerged as the two finalists of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue secured their spot in the ultimate game with a convincing win over England in the semi-finals. This marks the third consecutive ICC tournament final for the Rohit Sharma-led team. Throughout the tournament, India has been dominant, winning all eight of their matches. In their latest victory, India overcame the ghosts of the 2022 edition by defeating the Jos Buttler-led England by 68 runs. Key contributions came from Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, who helped India reach a total of 171 runs. The bowling duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav then combined for six wickets, ensuring a comprehensive win. India now sets its sights on reclaiming the T20 World Cup trophy, which they last won in 2007. The highly-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final will take place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. South Africa, also unbeaten in this ICC event, secured their place in the final with a dominant nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in the semi-finals. This will be the Proteas’ first-ever appearance in a T20 World Cup final. As they prepare to face the formidable Indian side led by Rohit Sharma, it will be intriguing to see if they can overcome their opponents and claim the ultimate prize. SA vs IND Head To Head (Past 7 Matches) 2023 – India won by 106 runs2023 – India won by 5 wickets2022 – South Africa won by 5 wickets2022 – South Africa won by 49 runs2022 – India won by 16 runs2022 – India won by 8 wickets SA vs IND record in Kensington Oval, Barbados India and South Africa will face off against each other for the very first time at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, but the two sides have faced different oppositions at the venue, which has hosted several T20Is so far. Here is a look at the T20I stats from the venue: Cricket at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados STAT VALUE Matches 32 Won Batting 1st 19 Won Batting 2nd 11 No Results 2 Highest Total 224/5 by West Indies vs England in 2022 Lowest Total 80 All Out by Afghanistan vs South Africa in 2010 Average 1st Innings Score 153 Highest Successful Chase 172/6 in 18.1 overs by West Indies vs England in 2023 Lowest Total Defended 139/7 by South Africa vs Afghanistan in 2010 Highest Individual Score Rovman Powell (West Indies) – 107 off 53 balls vs Zimbabwe in 2010 Best Bowling Figures Jason Holder (West Indies) – 5 for 27 in 4 overs vs England in 2022 Total Sixes 411 sixes Total Fours 643 fours Total Hundreds 1 hundred Total Fifties 31 fifties India Record in Barbados INDIA AT BARBADOS STAT VALUE Played 3 Won 1 Lost 2 Won Batting First 1 Won Chasing 0 Highest Total 181 Lowest Total 135 The Indian Cricket Team’s record in Barbados shows a mixed performance over the three matches they have played. Out of these three encounters, India has managed to secure only one victory while facing defeat in the other two matches. Interestingly, their solitary win came while batting first, whereas they have not yet succeeded in chasing a target at this venue. The team’s highest total in Barbados stands at 181 runs, while their lowest total is 135 runs. These figures suggest a variation in their batting performances, reflecting both potential and inconsistency. Considering this record, it can be concluded that India’s performance in Barbados has not been particularly strong. Winning only one out of three matches, especially without any successful chases, points to challenges the team faces on this ground. The fact that their victories are limited and their ability to chase targets is yet unproven in Barbados highlights areas for improvement. For a team with India’s caliber and global standing, a better win-loss ratio and more consistent performances would be expected. Hence, the current record does not reflect the high standards typically associated with Indian cricket. South Africa Record in Barbados SOUTH AFRICA AT BARBADOS STAT VALUE Played 3 Won 2 Lost 1 Won Batting First 2 Won Chasing 0 Highest Total 170 Lowest Total 129 The South African cricket team’s record at Barbados showcases a relatively strong performance over the three matches they have contested. South Africa has won two out of these three encounters, demonstrating their ability to adapt and succeed at this venue. Both of their victories came while batting first, while they have not yet managed to secure a win when chasing a target. The team’s highest total in Barbados is 170 runs, while their lowest total is 129 runs. This indicates a level of consistency in their batting performances, allowing them to post competitive scores. Assessing this record, it can be concluded that South Africa’s performance in Barbados has been commendable. Winning two out of three matches and consistently performing well while batting first indicates a solid strategy and effective execution. Although they have not yet won a match while chasing, their overall record at this venue is positive and reflects their capability to dominate in challenging conditions. Compared to India’s record, South Africa’s performance in Barbados appears stronger, showcasing their adaptability and resilience on this ground. Pitch Report The pitch at Kensington Oval in Barbados is anticipated to provide early seam movement, posing a challenge for batsmen to find their rhythm initially. Fast bowlers should also find extra bounce advantageous on this surface. South Africa vs India Weather Forecast Bridgetown, Barbados may experience thunderstorms during the epic final on June 29. There is a 72% chance of precipitation. Temperatures are expected to range between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels not exceeding 85%. Winds are anticipated to blow at speeds of 30 to 50 km/h. The fans and fanatics are anticipating a mouth watering contest as India takes on South Africa in the Finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. They also expect
2024 T20 World Cup: India aims to end 11-year ICC trophy drought.
The Indian fans have started dreaming of an ICC trophy yet again. Rohit Sharma-led Indian Cricket Team has marched into the finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by beating former Champions, England by 68 runs. Axar Patel, the lead destroyer with the ball, broke the back of England’s batting with three wickets. Bappu, as he is fondly called, went on to dismiss Jos Buttler (23 off 15), Jonny Bairstow for a duck (0 off 3) and Moeen Ali (8 off 10). Later Liam Livingstone getting run out almost halfway down the track by Kuldeep Yadav on Axar Patel’s bowling summed up England’s day at the office. The Indian Cricket Team is now all set to take on South Africa in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Before that, let’s relive the Indian Cricket Team’s performances since they lifted their last ICC trophy back in 2013. INDIA’S QUEST FOR GLORY IN ICC FINALS OVER THE YEARS TOURNAMENT FIXTURE RESULT VENUE ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 IND vs SL SL won by 6 wickets Dhaka ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017 IND VS PAK PAK won by 180 runs London ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2021 IND vs NZ NZ won by 8 wickets Southampton ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2023 IND vs AUS AUS won by 209 runs London ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 IND vs AUS AUS won by 6 wickets Ahmedabad ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014 In the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2014, India faced Sri Lanka at Dhaka. Despite Virat Kohli’s valiant effort, scoring 77 runs off 58 balls, India could only manage 130/4 in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka chased down the target with ease, winning by 6 wickets with 13 balls to spare. This victory marked Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup win, while India’s quest for another ICC trophy was thwarted despite their strong performance throughout the tournament. ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017 India squared off against arch-rivals Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017 final in London. Pakistan set a daunting total of 338/4, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s scintillating century. India’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, with only Hardik Pandya showing resistance with a quickfire 76. Pakistan won convincingly by 180 runs, delivering a stunning performance and claiming their first Champions Trophy title. ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2021 In the inaugural ICC Men’s World Test Championship final in 2021, India took on New Zealand in Southampton. After a rain-affected match, New Zealand chased down a target of 139 with relative ease, securing an 8-wicket victory. Kyle Jamieson was the standout player, taking seven wickets in the match, including crucial dismissals of Indian skipper Virat Kohli in both innings. This victory marked New Zealand’s first ICC tournament win since the 2000 ICC Knock-Out Trophy. ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2023 The ICC Men’s World Test Championship 2023 final saw India facing Australia at The Oval in London. Australia set a challenging total and won by 209 runs. Travis Head and Steve Smith’s brilliant centuries in the first innings laid the foundation for Australia. India’s batting faltered in both innings, with only Ajinkya Rahane showing some fight in the second innings. Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, ensured their comprehensive victory. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 In the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 final held in Ahmedabad, India met Australia. Australia, chasing 241 set by India, won by 6 wickets. Travis Head was once again a key player, scoring a match-winning century. Despite Rohit Sharma’s half-century in the first innings, India struggled to build significant partnerships, and Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, kept the pressure on. This win added another World Cup trophy to Australia’s illustrious cabinet. The Indian Cricket Team once again has made it to an ICC event final. This time the men in blue are up against South Africa. Fans and players alike are hoping to finally break the jinx and add another prestigious ICC trophy to their cabinet. With a mix of experienced and young talent, the Indian Cricket Team aims to overcome past setbacks and emerge victorious on the grand stage. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Here’s Why South Africa Is Set To Win 2024 T20 World Cup, Thanks To Aiden Markram
It doesn’t matter; South Africa is set to take the T20 World Cup trophy home. Be it England or India in the Final, the Proteas are the hot favorites for lifting the ICC silverware, thanks to Aiden Markram. South Africa entered the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Afghanistan by 9 wickets in Tarouba, Trinidad. The Proteas made it to their maiden ICC Tournament Final in 32 years. Their skipper Aiden Markram has played a major role in rewriting history books. Aiden Markram’s 100 Percent Record Makes Headline Aiden Markram’s 100 Percent Record Makes HeadlineAiden Markram is yet to lose a match as Proteas skipper in ICC events. That’s right. Be it as an U19 skipper, or leading South Africa in ODI and T20 World Cup – he has not dropped even one game. That might be impressive to say the least. SKIPPER MARKRAM AT THE HELM AT THE WORLD CUPS TOURNAMENT PLAYED WON U-19 World Cup 2014 6 6 ODI World Cup 2023 2 2 T20 World Cup 2024 8 8 Trophies Won as Captain Aiden Markram’s success as a captain extends beyond international cricket. He has led his teams to victory in several major tournaments, showcasing his leadership skills: 1. ICC U19 World Cup 2014: Markram captained the South African U19 team to victory.2. SA20 2023: He led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the title in the inaugural season.3. SA20 2024: He successfully defended the title with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the second edition. Unstoppable Markram in 2024 T20 World Cup Under Markram’s captaincy, the South African team has shown remarkable performance in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Markram’s leadership has been crucial in South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament. The Proteas have won all 8 of their matches, from the group stages to the Super 8s and then the semifinal encounter against Afghanistan. South Africa’s Unbeaten Run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 S.NO STAGE OPPONENT RESULT 1 Group Stage Sri Lanka Won by 6 wickets 2 Group Stage Netherlands Won by 4 wickets 3 Group Stage Bangladesh Won by 4 runs 4 Group Stage Nepal Won by 1 run 5 Super Eight USA Won by 18 runs 6 Super Eight England Won by 7 runs 7 Super Eight West Indies Won by 3 wickets 8 Semi-Final Afghanistan Won by 9 wickets South Africa has displayed formidable performance in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, remaining unbeaten across all stages leading up to the semifinals. In the group stage, they secured victories against Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal, showcasing their ability to win under varying conditions and against diverse oppositions. With close victories against Nepal and Bangladesh the Proteas showed their capacity to handle pressure situations effectively. Moving into the Super Eight stage, South Africa continued their dominant streak by defeating USA, England, and West Indies. South Africa’s entrance into the finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 shows Markram’s ability to lead a team that has historically struggled to progress past the knockout stages of World Cups. The final is scheduled for June 29, 2024, where South Africa, under Markram’s captaincy, will aim to clinch their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. South Africa’s unbeaten record and Markram’s impressive leadership will now be put to the test in the all-important Final on June 29th. Can Markram extend his unbeaten record, in arguably the most important match of his entire career? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Super 8 T20 World Cup 2024: Team India’s Fixtures, Venues, Pitch and Start Time
The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 has arrived. After 40 matches in the group stage, eight teams have made it to the next round. Team India topped Group A, with three wins. Their last game against Canada in Florida was abandoned due to a wet outfield. The real test for Team India begins now. Who are India’s opponents and where are the fixtures? Which venues will Rohit Sharma and company play in the West Indies? How are the pitches likely to behave? What’s the start time for Team India’s fixtures? Just sit back and relax, we got all of this and more covered for you. Who are Team India’s opponents in Super 8? Team India is clubbed in Group 1, alongside, former champions Australia, the very dangerous Afghanistan, and unpredictable Bangladesh. India will take on Afghanistan in their opening Super 8 match on June 20, at Barbados in Bridgetown, also the venue of the final. Team India next locks horns with Bangladesh on June 22, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. The third and final match will witness India take on Australia scheduled for June 24 in Gros Islet. How can India qualify for the semi-finals? For India to qualify for the semi-finals, they need to register a minimum of two wins out of three matches. Only the top two teams will make it to the semis. This means every match becomes important for Team India, and there is no margin of error from here on. What venues will Team India be playing at? Team India will be playing a total of three matches in the Super 8s, in three different venues. The first one against Afghanistan comes at Bridgetown in Barbados. In the second match against Bangladesh, Team India travels to the North Sound in Antigua. For the final match, the Blues will have to pack their bags and go to Gros Islet, where they take on 2021 edition champions Australia. How are the pitches likely to behave? The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, also the venue of the final, is arguably the best batting surface in the T20 World Cup 2024. The only score of 200 or more in the tournament came at the venue, in the game between Australia and England. The pitch also provides some assistance to slow bowlers, especially wrist spinners. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua will host a total of four Super 8 matches. The pitch has been a tough one for batters in the Group stage. Scotland chased down 151 to win against Oman, also the highest score at the venue. Bowlers have dominated the proceedings, with fast bowlers picking wickets upfront, and spinners troubling the middle and the lower order consistently. Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet is due to host three Super 8 matches. This also includes the big one between Australia and India on June 24. In the two matches played at the Group stage, batters dominated the proceedings. Three out of the four teams scored more than 180 runs at the venue. Sri Lanka top scored with 201 runs against the Netherlands. Start Time for Team India’s matches All of Team India’s Super 8 matches are day games, in case you are in the West Indies. The matches will start at 10:30 am local time, and 2:30 pm GMT. In case you are watching from India, then you may enjoy the matches on Disney + Hotstar from 8 pm onwards. Also Read: What is Team India’s record in Super 8s?
USA Cricket T20 World Cup: Crafting a Blueprint for Associate Nations Success
The 2024 T20 World Cup has thrown up plenty of surprises already. However, no bigger than the USA Cricket Team qualifying for the Super 8s. This was not on many cricket pundits’ bucket list before the start of the tournament. First a convincing victory over Canada, and then sending shockwaves in the whole of Pakistan – the USA cricket team made their presence felt. The Super Over win against Pakistan has put them on the cricket world map. Now, fans not only know that US cricket exists but players like Saurabh Netravalkar, Aaron Jones, and Nosthush Kenjige have become overnight stars. The US Cricket team’s journey has been impressive so far, and inspiring for some. However, the question now beckons, how seriously should one take the USA’s success in cricket? Fluke or Fantastic – Team USA journey in T20 WC? Two wins, one loss, and one abandoned match – this was enough for the USA cricket team to make it to Super 8s. There is a frenzy on social media, with everyone talking about the dream American run. Some are even calling them world-beaters, others giant killers. But wait, isn’t this too early for a team making its T20 World Cup debut? USA head coach Stuart Law, an accomplished batter for Australia during his time, promised fans a few upsets. Their team delivered it in only their second game against Pakistan. This US victory turned the tournament on its head. Against India, the co-hosts competed with a lot of heart but fell short by 7 wickets. A washout against Ireland sealed a Super 8 spot for the US. Their progression was welcomed with open arms, by the cricket fraternity. Even the cricketers would agree that their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been a mix of courage, luck, and timing. The USA cricket team’s progression to Super 8s also means that they have now qualified automatically for the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Also Read: USA Cricket Team – Pro Athletes or Daily Wage Workers? Now, comes the testing times. Cricket, in particular the ICC tournaments has witnessed upsets in the past. However, there are very few associate nations that have managed to show consistent upward progression. To name a few, Kenya made it to the 2003 Men’s ODI World Cup semifinals, and Ireland came up with a few upsets in the 2007 edition. The Netherlands stunned England in the 2009 T20 World Cup but is now nowhere. Similar is the case with associate nations like Namibia, Oman, Hong Kong, and Scotland. All these teams have registered upsets, but have never gone on to become a strong force to reckon with. To an extent, Afghanistan is the sole associate nation, whose progression in white-ball cricket has been a commendable one. USA Cricket – What can they do differently? The biggest positive for the US cricketers is that they are in a land of opportunities. They have resources at their disposal, way better than their associate nation counterparts. Success often brings financial rewards. Enhanced funding can improve facilities, coaching, and developmental programs. However, cricket’s progression in the States has been slow and painful, to say the least. The US Cricket Team was first formally organized under the USA Cricket Association in 1965. It took the US Cricket team 39 long years to play their first international match coming against New Zealand in 2004 in London. After just one more match in 2006, the ICC expelled the USACA in 2017 due to financing and governing issues. A couple of years later (2019), the United States Cricket Team under the USA Cricket (USAC) was admitted to the ICC, as an associate member. After five years, the USA defeated Bangladesh to register their maiden bilateral T20I series win against a full-time ICC member. There have been plenty of failed experiments with some good teams in the past. The one area, where the USA scores is the quality of players at their disposal. In 2019, USA Cricket started scouting for talent across the globe. USA Cricket Team – The Core Players Name Role Origin Age Corey Anderson All-Rounder Christchurch, New Zealand 33 Harmeet Singh Spin Bowler Mumbai, India 31 Shayan Jahangir Batter Karachi, Pakistan 29 Shadley van Schalkwyk All-rounder Cape Town, South Africa 35 Aaron Jones Batter Barbados 29 Steven Taylor Batter Jamaica 30 Saurabh Netravalkar Bowler Mumbai, India 32 Head coach Law is confident that having players from different origins, and countries has helped the USA team play as one. “We have got to try and ‘Americanfy’ the whole cricket thing here in the States. We need to play aggressive, attractive-looking cricket to make sure that people sit back and go: You know what, these kids are up for a fight,” Law told to Aljazeera. According to the head coach Stuart Law, the team has the potential to do some damage in the Super 8s as well. In one way or the other, the success of the USA Cricket Team holds significant implications for the future of Associate nations moving forward. How far can the USA go in the T20 World Cup? The answer to that question is anything can happen. Like the USA cricket team has shown in the Group stage already. Now, that they are here in the quarterfinals, the pressure of expectations would increase from here on. The US takes on South Africa at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. The West Indies and England are waiting next. It would be interesting to see Team USA’s tactics, now that the spotlight is on them. Will they crumble or rise like a phoenix and prove that their Group Stage success was no fluke? Also Read: T20 World Cup: Record Prize Money for Champions
Super 8 T20 World Cup: Top Performers From The Group Stage
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has entered the Super 8 stage. In 40 matches played, the tournament has produced some exhilarating contests. There has been some individual brilliance – both with the bat and with the ball. As the Super 8 stage begins, it is a good time to look into the top performers from the group stage. Also, a quick look at individuals who have set the tournament ablaze. More than the runs scored, or wickets taken, the criterion is the impact they bring to the fore. 1. High Impact Performers PLAYER IMPACT SUMMARY PLAYER COUNTRY BATTING STYLE IMPACT POINTS RUNS WICKETS Marcus Stoinis Australia RHB 347.49 156 6 Rahmanullah Gurbaz Afghanistan RHB 264.9 167 – Tanzim Hasan Sakib Bangladesh RFM 253.77 4 9 Marcus Stoinis, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have been making major impacts for their respective teams in the tournament. The impact points, which reflect the overall contribution of each player, are calculated based on their performance in runs and wickets. With already 2 Player Of The Match awards under his belt so far in the tournament,Marcus Stoinis from Australia leads with 347.49 impact points, having scored 156 runs and taken 6 wickets. He has been an absolute clutch for his team. Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan follows with 264.9 impact points, contributing significantly with 167 runs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib from Bangladesh has 253.77 impact points, mainly due to his 9 wickets, although he scored only 4 runs. 2. Highest Run Getters TOP RUN SCORERS PLAYER COUNTRY BATTING STYLE RUNS INNINGS AVG Rahmanullah Gurbaz Afghanistan RHB 167 4 41.75 Nicholas Pooran West Indies LHB 164 4 41.00 Marcus Stoinis Australia RHB 156 3 78.00 The likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nicholas Pooran, and Marcus Stoinis have been dominating the run charts at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan leads with 167 runs in 4 innings, maintaining an average of 41.75. Nicholas Pooran from the West Indies is close behind with 164 runs in 4 innings, averaging 41.00. Marcus Stoinis from Australia, despite playing one less inning, has scored 156 runs with a remarkable average of 78.00. 3. Top Impact Batters BAT IMPACT SUMMARY PLAYER COUNTRY BATTING STYLE IMPACT POINTS RUNS Rahmanullah Gurbaz Afghanistan RHB 264.9 167 Marcus Stoinis Australia RHB 245.31 156 Nicholas Pooran West Indies LHB 196.49 164 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran are the ones whose bats are doing the talking this season. The batting impact points indicate the effectiveness of their performances. Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan tops the list with 264.9 batting impact points, achieved by scoring 167 runs. Marcus Stoinis from Australia follows with 245.31 batting impact points and 156 runs. Nicholas Pooran from the West Indies has a batting impact of 196.49 points, having scored 164 runs. This data illustrates the significant contributions of these players to their respective teams through their batting performances. 4. Highest Wicket Takers TOP WICKET TAKERS PLAYER COUNTRY BOWLING STYLE WICKETS INNINGS AVG Fazalhaq Farooqi Afghanistan LFM 12 4 6.66 Trent Boult New Zealand LFM 9 4 6.55 Akeal Hosein West Indies SLA 9 4 6.88 The left arm bowlers – spin and pace combined, have been dominating the tournament with the likes of Fazalhaq Farooqi, Trent Boult, and Akeal Hosein. Fazalhaq Farooqi from Afghanistan leads the pack with 12 wickets in 4 innings, maintaining an average of 6.66. Trent Boult from New Zealand follows closely with 9 wickets in 4 innings and the best average among the three at 6.55. Akeal Hosein from the West Indies also has 9 wickets in 4 innings, with an average of 6.88. 5. Top Impact Bowlers BOWL IMPACT SUMMARY PLAYER COUNTRY BOWLING STYLE IMPACT POINTS RUNS Tanzim Hasan Sakib Bangladesh RFM 251.54 9 Fazalhaq Farooqi Afghanistan LFM 237.04 12 Anrich Nortje South Africa RF 220.47 9 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Anrich Nortje have been bowling some fiery spells over the tournament so far. The bowling impact points measure their effectiveness and contributions through their wicket-taking abilities. Tanzim Hasan Sakib from Bangladesh leads with 251.54 bowling impact points, having taken 9 wickets. Fazalhaq Farooqi from Afghanistan follows closely with 237.04 impact points, with a higher wicket count of 12. Anrich Nortje from South Africa has a bowling impact of 220.47 points, also taking 9 wickets. As the fans gear up for the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the anticipation is palpable for more dramatic performances from both teams and individual players. The competition will only intensify from here on. Fans can expect more breathtaking displays of skill, making the Super 8 stage an unmissable spectacle. STATISTICS COURTESY : ESPNcricinfo The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Super 8 T20 World Cup: Will India qualify for the semis if Rain Plays Spoilsport?
Rain Gods have been a constant feature in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. As many as four matches were washed out due to persistent rains over the last two weeks. Now, the Super 8 has arrived, and there are chances that rains might play a spoilsport here as well. The Super 8 schedule is out, and Team India is clubbed with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia. This means each match from here on is a do-or-die contest for Rohit Sharma-led Blues. So, what happens in case there is no cricket played and the match has to be abandoned? Also Read: Team India’s Super 8 Challenge The Super 8 is set to begin on June 19th. The top 8 teams are divided into two groups with the USA, England, South Africa, and the West Indies in the second group. Each team will play each other thrice in the same group, just once. What if the match is abandoned due to bad weather? In case the match gets abandoned, both teams will share a point each. This means, that in case all three matches are abandoned, a team can reach a maximum of three points. What are the tie-break rules for Super 8? In case, two teams have an equal number of points at the end of the Super 8 stage, then the tie-break rules come into the picture. Are there reserve days for Super 8 matches? There are no reserve days for the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. There are reserve days for the first semi-final and the final on June 26 and June 29 respectively. The second semifinal in Guyana on June 27, does not have a reserve day but has an additional 250 minutes to complete the match on the same day itself. The final too has a reserve day on June 30. What if all of Team India’s matches are washed out? In case, all of India’s three Super 8 matches are washed out, the maximum number of points they can reach is three. In that scenario, India’s NRR would be out of the equation. Given Team India has a better record against all of its three opponents – Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and even Australia, India will automatically advance to the semis. However, this will only happen, if two out of the remaining three teams do not register three or more points in Super 8s. The much anticipated Super 8 stage is all set to begin. Heavyweights like Australia, England, and India are billed as favorites. Teams like the West Indies, Afghanistan, the USA, and South Africa will look to up the ante and clinch the semifinal spot. Only eight teams are left in the tournament. By next week, only four teams will be left standing. Who will they be? Over a billion-plus fans would be hoping, India not only advances to the semis but clinch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados on June 29.
