'At first look, I thought it was out' - Knight on the catching reprieve

Had the call gone our way, there was every chance the outcome of the match could have been different, Fahima Khatun said

Bavuma Wants To Take Tips From Kane Williamson On How To Beat India In India

The Black Caps: As they get ready for a multi-format tour of India, which includes two Test matches, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma will be taking inspiration from New Zealand's clean sweep against India in October-November 2024. The Black Caps won the first Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets, the second in Pune by 113 runs, and completed the whitewash the first ever by any team in India in decades with a 25-run win at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Though South Africa will be playing only two Tests in India, Bavuma hoped that they would be able to win both the matches and script a clean sweep of their own. Bavuma, who spearheaded South Africa to the World Test Champions title, said he will be talking to New Zealand captain Kane Williamson to pick his mind for tips on how to beat India at home. Touring India is never an easy one. So, looking at the way, New Zealand approached its business, I think it was inspiring in many ways. A lot of touring teams, a lot of away teams come to India and haven't been successful, said Bavuma in an interaction. And that's the biggest of cricketing nations. I heard Kane Williamson is going to be here. So, I'll definitely be asking him for tips on how they went about it, said the South Africa skipper. Bavuma said before that South Africa will take on Pakistan in a Test series, and he would like to focus on that to build the momentum for the India tour. But look, that's going to be another big series for us. The boys will be going to Pakistan. So they'll deal with that challenge. And straight after that, it's India. And I think, like I said, for the guys who've been to India, we know how tough it is. But I think like any series, like any game, the opportunities are there, you know. So we'll definitely, from an ambition point of view, want to be coming out on top. But we know that we'll need to play the best cricket. And obviously, India now, Shubman Gill, he's taken over the reins within the test staff, and I think the ODI staff. Bavuma talked about the role of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in making it into the strong outfit that it is now. So I think it's exciting. You know, he's a fantastic player. He's an exciting player. And it seems as if the new era has kicked in, if I could say so. I think guys like Rohit, before him, Kohli, they've done their job. You know, they put India really on the top, and they've made India a team to really be feared. So I don't think it takes anything away from what they have done for Indian cricket. I think it's just the way the game goes. You know, at some point, the sun stops shining on you, if I could say. He is also excited about playing against the young players on both sides. So I don't think it takes anything away from what they have done for Indian cricket. I think it's just the way the game goes. You know, at some point, the sun stops shining on you, if I could say. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score But I'm sure India will continue being one of the top teams in the world, said Bavuma. Article Source: IANS

PKL 12: Atrachali Reaches 200 As Dabang Delhi Beat Haryana Steelers In Tie-breaker

SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium: Dabang Delhi once again showcased their class in Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League, clinching a thrilling win in a close encounter against the Haryana Steelers in a Season 12 match of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. Ajinkya Pawar stepped up with eight points, while Saurabh Nandals High Five helped Dabang Delhi take the match into a tie-breaker and eventually secure the victory. It was also a proud milestone for Fazel Atrachali, who notched up four points and delivered a Super Raid in the tie-breaker in what was his 200th PKL appearance. The Haryana Steelers started the match on a positive note with a successful raid from Vinay, giving them an early lead. However, Dabang Delhi quickly responded with points of their own to move ahead. The Steelers stayed composed and hit back through a strong tackle from Neeraj, who brought down Dabang Delhis star raider Ashu Malik to level the scores. Both teams continued to exchange points over the next few minutes, keeping the contest evenly balanced. The Steelers showed better control in both defence and attack, maintaining a narrow two-point advantage at 9-7 when the first-half timeout was called. Dabang Delhi quickly levelled the scores after the restart, and the game remained tightly contested. Both teams matched each other point for point, with neither allowing the other to take control. As the first half moved into its final minutes, the Haryana Steelers broke the deadlock with an impressive defensive effort, inflicting an ALL OUT to take a 16-12 lead. The Steelers built on that momentum, maintaining their advantage with disciplined defence and sharp raiding. However, just before halftime, Ajinkya Pawar produced a brilliant Super Raid, earning three points for his side and cutting the deficit to 18-17. The first half ended with the Steelers holding a narrow one-point lead. Dabang Delhi started the second half on a strong note, as Neeraj Narwal picked up a point with a successful raid to level the scores at 18-18. The Steelers looked to build on their advantage, keeping pressure on Dabang Delhi, but they refused to back down. Their raiders fought back strongly, and the team managed to inflict an ALL OUT, closing the gap to just one point. Both sides continued to go toe-to-toe, exchanging points with every move and keeping the contest finely balanced. As the intensity grew, neither team allowed the other to pull away. When the Time Out was taken midway through the second half, the scoreboard reflected how close the game had been locked at 27-27. The Steelers started well after the restart, earning the first point through a confident raid from Shivam Patare. Moments later, Rahul added another point with a solid tackle, giving the Steelers a two-point cushion. However, Dabang Delhi stayed in the fight. Their raiders picked up quick points, reducing the gap to just one with about four minutes left in the second half. Fazel produced a brilliant tackle to make it 31-31 a special moment in his milestone game. With time running out, Fazel once again showed his class. He delivered under pressure, earning a crucial point to level the scores at 33-33 and forcing the game into the ninth tiebreaker of the season. Dabang Delhi started the tiebreaker on a strong note, striking first through a solid defensive effort to take the early lead. They quickly followed it up with another point to make it 2-0. With time running out, Fazel once again showed his class. He delivered under pressure, earning a crucial point to level the scores at 33-33 and forcing the game into the ninth tiebreaker of the season. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The momentum firmly stayed with Delhi as captain Fazel Atrachali produced a brilliant Super Raid, earning three crucial points and putting the result beyond doubt. Dabang Delhi finished the tiebreaker in style, sealing a convincing 9-3 win to claim victory after a thrilling match. Article Source: IANS

Prithvi Shaw Gets Into An Ugly Confrontation With Players From His Former Team, Mumbai

Mumbai Ranji Trophy: A practice match between Ranji Trophy teams from Mumbai and Pune ended in an ugly confrontation between former Mumbai player Prithvi Shaw and Musheer Khan, with the former charging at the latter with his bat. The warm-up match was progressing like any other practice match before the players got confrontational after Musheer claimed Shaw's wicket for 181 off 220 balls. As the batter walked off the pitch, some verbal volleys were directed at him by players who were his teammates in many matches a couple of years ago. Shaw retaliated with words and also moved threateningly towards Musheer with his bat. Other players and the umpires intervened before things got out of hand and resulted in a bigger brawl. Shaw, who hammered some big hits and got out attempting to slog-sweep Musheer out of the ground before being caught at deep fine leg, had exchanged words with his former Mumbai teammate Siddhesh Lad and was a bit belligerent. Shaw, who made his name as a prodigious talent on the maidans and played five Tests, six ODIs and a T20I, was quite prolific in the domestic circuit for a few years, losing his way last year. He has had disciplinary issues earlier, also. A former Indian opener, he lost his place in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team and, a few months back, decided to move away from Mumbai in the hope of getting time to play. He had taken an NOC from Mumbai and will be representing Pune in the upcoming season. This attempt to seek green pastures to revive his flagging career seems to have acted as the latest flashpoint between Shaw and the Mumbai players. Shaw, who made his name as a prodigious talent on the maidans and played five Tests, six ODIs and a T20I, was quite prolific in the domestic circuit for a few years, losing his way last year. He has had disciplinary issues earlier, also. A former Indian opener, he lost his place in the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team and, a few months back, decided to move away from Mumbai in the hope of getting time to play. He had taken an NOC from Mumbai and will be representing Pune in the upcoming season. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Shaw had earlier reached his century off 140 balls and ended the day on 181, helping Maharashtra cross 400 on the opening day of the match being played in Pune. Article Source: IANS

Women's World Cup: We Did What We Needed To, Says Skipper Sciver-Brunt After England Edge Bangladesh

When Sophia Dunkley: Nat Sciver-Brunt praised her teams resilience after England Women held their nerve to secure a tense four-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Baraspara Stadium on Tuesday in the ICC Womens World Cup 2025. England made it two wins out of two in the tournament, chasing down 178 in 46.1 overs to move to the top of the points table with four points, level with India but ahead on net run rate. We did what we needed to get over the line. Before the tournament, we spoke as a group that we needed to be gritty and resilient to get over the line. It could have looked better, but we are happy side. Early on, it felt it was easier to hit the seam. Capsey bowled some important overs. It was very valuable and we were happy to restrict them to that total, Brunt said after the match. Early on, Englands seamers did the job, but it was the spin quartet Sophie Ecclestone (3-24), Charlie Dean (2-28), Alice Capsey (2-31), and Linsey Smith (2/33) who strangled the Bangladesh innings, ensuring the home side never recovered despite a fighting half-century from Sobhana Mostary. We are pretty lucky to have Linsey and Sophie, who can bowl in the death. Something to think about me when the lights come in, it's easier to bat and bring back Bell in the attack or hold back Sophie. Talking about the balance of the side, a great thing is we have Charlie coming in at that number. The calmness that they both showed was brilliant. We would have liked to get over the line with more wickets in hand, she added. Former skipper Heather Knight stood tall under pressure, guiding her side home with a composed unbeaten 79 off 111 balls. Chasing the modest total, England lost early wickets to Marufa Akter (2/28) and Fahima Khatun (3/16), reducing them to 29/2. Knight found support in Sciver-Brunt, adding 40 crucial runs for the third wicket. When Sophia Dunkley and Emma Lamb fell in quick succession, the match hung in the balance. But Knights calmness and experience shone through. Her measured approach, coupled with an unbeaten 79-run stand with Charlie Dean (27 not out), steered England to victory in the 47th over. Sciver-Brunt praised the depth and balance of the side, highlighting the impact of the young players who bowled in the death overs and the calmness of Charlie Dean coming in at a crucial juncture. Absolutely. She (Heather Knight) was walking off the field a couple of times. But switching on again and doing what was needed was just incredible. Mostarys 60 off 108 balls, featuring eight boundaries, was the lone highlight for Bangladesh. She brought up her maiden ODI fifty and held one end together even as wickets fell around her. Rabeya Khans late cameo of 43 not out off 27 balls, including six boundaries, helped Bangladesh reach 178 before being bowled out in the final over. Absolutely. She (Heather Knight) was walking off the field a couple of times. But switching on again and doing what was needed was just incredible. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score With this result, England will face Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, while Bangladesh will regroup ahead of their clash with New Zealand in Guwahati on Friday. Article Source: IANS

Women's World Cup: Heather Knight Anchors England To Tense Win Over Bangladesh

After Lauren Bell: England Women made it two wins out of two in the ICC Womens World Cup 2025, holding their nerve to secure a tense four-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Baraspara Stadium here on Tuesday. It was former skipper Heather Knight who stood tall amid the pressure, guiding England home with a composed unbeaten 79 off 111 balls, as they chased down 178 in 46.1 overs to move to the top of the points table with four points, level with India. Earlier in the day, Englands spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone (3-24), Charlie Dean (2-28), and Alice Capsey (2-31) orchestrated a dominant bowling display to bundle Bangladesh out for 178 in 49.4 overs. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith (2-33) also chipped in, ensuring that Bangladesh never recovered despite a fighting half-century from Sobhana Mostary. Mostarys 60 off 108 balls, featuring eight boundaries, was the lone highlight for Bangladesh in an otherwise faltering innings. Showing grit and patience, the 22-year-old steadied the ship after both openers fell cheaply. She brought up her maiden ODI fifty off 92 balls and held one end together even as wickets continued to tumble at the other. Bangladeshs innings lacked momentum throughout. After Lauren Bell (1-24) broke the opening stand of 24 by dismissing Rubya Haider (4) in the fifth over, Smith removed skipper Nigar Sultana for a silver duck in the next over. Sharmin Akhter (30) and Mostary briefly steadied the innings to reach 31/2 at the end of the powerplay, but Sharmin fell soon after the drinks break, edging behind on 30. Shorna Akter (10) and Ritu Moni (5 off 36) struggled to rotate the strike, and Monis dismissal in the 34th over left Bangladesh reeling at 109/6. The scoring rate stagnated between overs 20 and 30, where Bangladesh managed just 16 runs. Late in the innings, Rabeya Khan provided a much-needed spark with a spirited 43 not out off 27 balls, including six fours and a six. Her counterattack ensured Bangladesh avoided an even lower total, taking them to 178 before the innings folded in the final over. Englands chase, however, was anything but straightforward. The Bangladeshi bowlers made good use of the conditions, reducing England to 29/2 early on as both openers departed cheaply. Marufa Akter (2-28) and Fahima Khatun (3-16) struck vital blows to keep the contest alive. Knight found an able ally in Nat Sciver-Brunt, and together they added 40 runs for the third wicket to stabilize the chase. But when Sophia Dunkley and Emma Lamb fell in quick succession, Bangladesh sensed an opening. Knight, however, absorbed the pressure brilliantly, anchoring the innings with maturity. She notched up her 28th ODI half-century, taking her time to rebuild before accelerating when required. Her fiftysecond slowest of her ODI career was a lesson in composure and game awareness. At 103/6, the match hung in the balance, but Knight found a dependable partner in Charlie Dean, who showcased admirable resilience with 27 not out off 56 balls. The duo put together an unbeaten 79-run stand for the seventh wicket, guiding England home in the 47th over to seal a crucial win. The victory was a collective display of grit and composure first through Englands spin quartet, and then through the calm assurance of their most experienced batter. With this win, England moved to the top of the points table with four points, level with India, but ahead on net run rate. They will next face Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, while Bangladesh will look to regroup before meeting New Zealand in Guwahati on Friday. At 103/6, the match hung in the balance, but Knight found a dependable partner in Charlie Dean, who showcased admirable resilience with 27 not out off 56 balls. The duo put together an unbeaten 79-run stand for the seventh wicket, guiding England home in the 47th over to seal a crucial win. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Bangladesh 178 all out in 49.4 overs (Sobhana Mostary 60, Rabeya Khan 43 not out; Sophie Ecclestone 3-24, Charlie Dean 2-28, Alice Capsey 2-31) lost to England 182/6 in 46.1 overs (Heather Knight 79*, Nat Sciver-Brunt 32; Fahima Khatun 3-16, Marufa Akter 2-28) by four wickets. Article Source: IANS