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Tag: T20 World Cup 2024 schedule

  • IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2024 Weather Report From New York: Will Rain Play Spoilsport? , Cricket News

    The anticipation is palpable as India and Pakistan, cricket’s most storied rivals, are set to clash in the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday. As fans from both nations gear up for this marquee match, there is an air of uncertainty hovering over the event—not due to the players, but the weather forecast.

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    High Stakes and High Emotions

    India comes into this high-voltage encounter riding a wave of confidence after a convincing eight-wicket win over Ireland. Led by the astute Rohit Sharma, the team has shown formidable form, with both bat and ball performing admirably. Pakistan, on the other hand, is nursing its wounds after a shocking super-over loss to the USA. This defeat has added an extra edge to the contest, with Babar Azam’s men eager to bounce back and prove their mettle.

    Weather Woes: A Cloud Over the Clash

    However, the real question on everyone’s mind is: Will the weather allow a full game to be played? According to AccuWeather, there is a significant chance of rain in New York on Sunday. The forecast predicts a 51% chance of rain at 11 AM local time (8:30 PM IST), just half an hour after the match is scheduled to start.

    This potential downpour could throw a wrench into the proceedings, threatening to dampen the spirits of millions of fans eagerly awaiting this clash. The T20 format, known for its brevity and excitement, often sees weather playing a crucial role, and the current scenario in New York is no different. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has prepared for such eventualities, with extra time likely to be allotted if rain causes interruptions.

    Pitch Conditions and Player Preparations

    The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium is hosting its first major cricket tournament, and the pitch has been a topic of much discussion. India’s win against Ireland saw the pitch favoring bowlers with its uneven and slow outfield. The ground staff is reportedly working overtime to ensure a more consistent playing surface for this high-profile match.

    Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, who sustained a thumb injury during a net session, has resumed practice after receiving medical attention. His quick recovery and return to the nets are a testament to his resilience and importance to the team’s fortunes.

    Tactical Battles and Key Players

    India holds a historical edge over Pakistan in T20 World Cups, winning six out of seven encounters. Yet, Pakistan cannot be underestimated, especially with players like Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam capable of turning the game on its head. For India, the spotlight will be on Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, whose performances could be pivotal in navigating the team through this high-pressure game.

    Fan Expectations and Cricket’s Biggest Rivalry

    The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is not just a game; it’s a spectacle that transcends boundaries, stirring emotions and bringing fans to the edge of their seats. This match is no different, promising high-octane drama and fierce competition. Despite the looming threat of rain, fans remain hopeful for a thrilling encounter.

  • Blame Game In Sri Lanka Camp After Defeat Against South Africa, Captain Wanindu Hasaranga Slam ICC For Unfair Scheduling | Cricket News

    In the opening clash of Group D at the T20 World Cup 2024, Sri Lanka’s roaring Lions were tamed by South Africa’s fearsome Proteas on the unpredictable pitches of New York. The 6-wicket defeat was compounded by the logistical turmoil the Sri Lankan squad has endured, hopping across four different venues in the United States for their first round matches.

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    Unfair scheduling woes

    “It’s really unfair for us,” veteran spinner Mahesh Theekshana lamented after the loss. The hectic travel schedule saw the team wait 8 hours at the Miami airport before an overnight flight, arriving just hours before their World Cup opener against the formidable South Africans.

    Captain Wanindu Hasaranga echoed the concerns, “We can’t say that [the scheduling] didn’t affect our performance. All four games in four different venues are really hard. We don’t know the conditions in Dallas or Florida yet.”

    Toss Gamble on Tough Pitch

    Unsure of the pitch conditions at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Hasaranga rolled the dice at the toss, opting to bat first and backing his bowling attack to defend a total. However, the two-paced surface proved highly challenging.

    “We thought we could set a good score and let our bowlers go to work, as that’s been our strength recently,” the captain explained. “But the target of 77 was just not enough in the end.” Though the pacers gave a gritty effort, the modest total ultimately proved inadequate against South Africa’s deep batting line-up.

    Spinning Surprises

    One surprising selection raised eyebrows, as the experienced Dushmantha Chameera was overlooked for young Nuwan Thushara. Hasaranga revealed the IPL performances influenced the choice: “Nuwan had 5 wickets in his last T20I, and joined us after the IPL, while Chameera didn’t play there recently.”

    The varied bounce posed problems, but Sri Lanka’s spin trio of Hasaranga, Theekshana and Jayawickrama created some nervy moments before South Africa steadied the chase.

    Second Life in Dallas

    Though the Lions stumbled out of the gate, all is not lost yet in the T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka gets another chance to roar when they take on Bangladesh this Saturday in Dallas.

    Hasaranga vowed his men will regroup and learn from this early setback. “We identified where we went wrong today,” he stated. “We’ll need to adjust quicker to the conditions and put our best game forward against Bangladesh.”

    With their fearsome bowling attack, guided by seasoned veterans like Theekshana, Sri Lanka undoubtedly possesses the talent to recover from this early tournament hiccup. But avoiding another logistical nightmare may prove just as vital to steadying their World Cup campaign.

  • Virat Kohli on Babar Azam’s mind as Pakistan captain recalls MCG clash ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 | Cricket News

    The stage is set. The buzz is palpable. As cricketing titans India and Pakistan gear up for their much-anticipated clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on July 9, the atmosphere is electric. With both teams placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024, the stakes are higher than ever. This rivalry, steeped in history and passion, is more than just a game—it’s a battle of pride and prestige.

    ICC rates Virat Kohli’s 18.5 as “SHOT OF THE CENTURY” __ pic.twitter.com/gB9AP3cZBW

    — Keval 18 (@kevalVK18) November 7, 2023

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    The MCG Clash: A Haunting Memory

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam recently opened up about the indelible mark left by their last encounter with India at the 2022 T20 World Cup. It was a match that showcased Virat Kohli’s brilliance, as he played an unforgettable innings that snatched victory from Pakistan’s grasp. In a nail-biting finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls orchestrated a dramatic four-wicket win for India.

    Babar reminisced about that fateful match, admitting that Pakistan should have clinched the victory. “For me, in 2022 [World Cup]we could and should have won the India game, but they took it away,” he said. Kohli’s extraordinary six off Haris Rauf became the stuff of legends, and commentator Gerard Whateley’s phrase “shot of an emperor” aptly captured the moment’s grandeur.

    Handling Pressure: Barbar’s Approach

    As the Pakistan team prepares for their World Cup opener, Babar emphasizes the significance of managing the immense pressure that comes with an India-Pakistan clash. “The expectations and hype around the match cause some nervousness,” he noted on the PCB podcast. However, Babar believes that focusing on the basics and maintaining composure can help players navigate the pressure cooker atmosphere.

    “It’s a game of immense pressure, and if you keep your cool, stay calm, and trust your hard work and skills, things will be easier,” he advised. This approach will be crucial as Pakistan aims to improve on their recent form, having failed to make it past the group stages in the last World Cup.

    India’s unpredictability and Pakistan’s consistency

    Both India and Pakistan have experienced fluctuating fortunes in recent T20 World Cup editions. India, despite their immense talent, has often faltered at critical junctures since their inaugural T20 World Cup win under MS Dhoni. The current squad, under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, seeks redemption and aims to draw inspiration from their past successes in the 50-over format.

    On the other hand, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup record is a study in contrasts. Known for their unpredictability, Pakistan has reached the semi-finals or better in six of the eight editions, marking them as one of the most consistent teams in the tournament’s history. Despite internal strife and volatile performances, Pakistan remains a formidable force on paper.

    Virat Kohli: The Game Changer

    For Babar, the specter of Virat Kohli looms large. Kohli’s performance in their last World Cup encounter was a masterclass in handling pressure and executing under duress. His ability to anchor the innings and finish with a flourish is something that Pakistan will be wary of. Kohli’s presence adds an extra layer of challenge for Pakistan, who must strategize meticulously to contain his impact.

    The Road Ahead

    As the T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds in the West Indies and the USA, all eyes will be on the July 9 showdown. For fans and players alike, an India-Pakistan match is a spectacle that transcends cricket. It’s a contest that brings out the best and worst, showcasing raw emotion and unyielding determination.

    Both teams have much to prove. For India, it’s about reclaiming their status as T20 giants, while Pakistan seeks to shed the ‘unpredictable’ tag and affirm their consistency. As Babar Azam and his men take to the field, they will carry the lessons of the past, the weight of expectations, and the hopes of a nation eager for victory.