Toss: Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first.
Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Umpires: Chris Brown & Joel Wilson
What Actually Happened
Winner: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Scores: Afghanistan 147/6 – Pakistan 148/5
Player of the Match: Asif Ali 25* (7)
Best Figures
Imad Wasim (4-0-25-2)
Rashid Khan (4-0-26-2)
Most Runs
Gulbadin Naib 35* (25), Mohammad Nabi 35* (32)
Babar Azam 51 (47), Asif Ali 25* (7)
Moments of The Day: Asif Ali Rescues Pakistan
Imad Wasim & Shadab Khan Disciplined –In Pakistan’s first game, Shaheen-Rizwan-Babar performed. In the next game, Haris Rauf-Malik-Asif Ali came to the party. Although Asif Ali was the man of the moment again today, Wasim-Shadab-Fakhar’s contributions could not be disregarded. Imad & Shadab combined for 8-0-47-3. Imad bowled well both in the pwowerplay and the middle overs, while Shadab Khan’s fielding at backward point was electric.
Gulbadin Naib-Mohammad Nabi-Najibullah Zadran string a comeback. Afghanistan’s fighting spirit was on show today. To recover from 39-4 & later 76-6 in 13 overs to push towards 150 takes smart, sensible cricket. In the last three overs, Gulabdin Naib just hit Hasan Ali & Rauf out of the park.
Babar Azam Slow but Steady, Fakhar Zaman Shines, Shoaib Malik Continues His GoodForm, and Asif Ali hits 4 Sixes in 6 Balls to Wrap It Up
Afghanistan had smartly held Rashid Khan back till after the 10 over drinks break. Immediately he made an impact but DRS saved Babar Azam. The next over Fakhar Zaman departed to Nabi’s guile. Hafeez’s wicket followed. Match in balance.
In comes Shoaib Malik and hits Rashid for a big six in his last over to reduce the pressure. Then, Naveen-ul-Haq drops Babar Azam. Pakistan in front.
Final ball of his spell, Rashid to Babar, bowled ’em! Then a wonderful 2 run-1 wicket (Malik) over by Naveen Ul-Haq. Afghanistan right back in.
24 runs need in 12 balls.
6, 0, 6, 0, 6, 6. Pakistan win. That’s All. Easy as you like it.
So many ebbs and flows in this match! Brilliant game of cricket.
Another impactful innings from Asif Ali, who seems to have turned a corner. Brilliant side to watch this, Pakistan. Good fight by Afghanistan as well. They should not be disheartened.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Afghanistan Lose Another Close One Against Pakistan
Pakistan Vs Afghanistan is becoming a real rivalry. Throughout the match, passion and emotion was pouring from the fans and the players, but this is now the second consecutive close World Cup game between the two. In the 2019 ODI World Cup, Afghanistan had almost won before Imad Wasim’s heroics brought Pakistan back. Pakistan won with only 2 balls to spare in 50 overs.
Hopefully Afghanistan can bounce back and still fight for the semi-finals spot.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mahmudullah – 150 runs (Bangladesh, 6 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Australia
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.727
3. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
4. Sri Lanka
2
1
1
0
2
– 0.416
5. West Indies
3
1
2
0
2
– 1.598
6. Bangladesh
3
0
3
0
0
– 1.069
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
3
3
0
0
6
+ 0.638
2. Afghanistan
2
1
1
0
2
+ 3.092
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
West Indies Vs Bangladesh Quick Review — Nicholas Pooran’s quickfire 40, Jason Holder’s all-round package (and height), and Andre Russell’s death bowling ensured West Indies do not go out without a fight, unlike Bangladesh.
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Rod Tucker
What Actually Happened
Winner: West Indies won by 3 runs
Scores: West Indies 142/7 – Bangladesh 139/5
Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
Best Figures
Shoriful Islam (4-0-20-2), Mahedi Hasan (4-0-20-2)
Jason Holder (4-0-22-1)
Most Runs
Nicholas Pooran 40 (22)
Liton Das 44 (43)
Moments of The Day: Jason Holder’s Selection Inspires Dispirited West Indies
After 12.4 overs, West Indies were going nowhere at 62/4 and Roston Chase replicating Simmons’ role from their previous game. Then came in Nicholas Pooran, a man with more ducks this year than any decent size lake. Today he repaid the faith to the West Indies selectors for keeping faith in him and scored a game changing 40 with 4 sixes. When Harsha Bhogle asked what was the difference between his ball striking and the rest struggling, he said, “That is just my talent.”
Jason Holder, who replaced injured Obed McCoy, was my player of the game today. 15* (5) including 2 sixes at the end, an opening spell of 4-0-22-1, and 2 catches – including Liton Das’ catch (that only a man of his height could have caught). Why wasn’t he selected in the original squad again?
Liton Das finally found some runs and steadied the innings with 44 (43), but captain Mahmudullah took it up another notch. He scored a quickfire 31* (24) before Russell defended 12 runs in the final over.
Proper thriller.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Shakib Al Hasan Injured, Pollard Goes Off, Bangladesh Almost Out
This match had more comedy of errors than actual cricket. Not one broken dream, but four or five. Here they are:
One of the more curious moments of this game was when Kieron Pollard went out when he was struggling at 8 (16) Some people prematurely declared it as a ‘retired out.’ However, it looked like the heat got to Pollard and he had ‘retired ill.’ Fortunately for the Windies, he came back just in time and hit the last ball to the fence. As it turned out those six runs proved to be extra crucial in the context of the match.
The next ball, Russell was run-out at the non-striker’s catch without facing a ball.
My Broken Cricket Dream of the day was the abysmal quality of fielding. Both sides dropped easy chances and missed stumping cost Bangladesh as well. Bangladesh could have 2 wins out of 3 in the Super 12s, but due to their fielding, they are 0 out of 0.
Shakib Al Hasan might have suffered a hamstring injury but he bowled through the pain. He was sent as a pinch hitter to fully optimize his stay. However, he had middling returns today. Bangladesh are almost out of the tournament, but Shakib’s injury makes situations even worse.
Also Read:
T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mahmudullah – 150 runs (Bangladesh, 6 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Australia
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.727
3. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
4. Sri Lanka
2
1
1
0
2
– 0.416
5. West Indies
3
1
2
0
2
– 1.598
6. Bangladesh
3
0
3
0
0
– 1.069
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
3
3
0
0
6
+ 0.638
2. Afghanistan
2
1
1
0
2
+ 3.092
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Australia won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Umpires: Aleem Dar & Richard Illingworth
What Actually Happened
Winner: Australia won by 7 wickets
Scores: Sri Lanka 154/6 – Australia 155/3
Player of the Match: Adam Zampa 2/12
Best Figures
Adam Zampa (4-0-12-2)
Wanindu Hasaranga (4-0-22-2)
Most Runs
Charith Asaslanka 35 (27), Kusal Perera 35 (25)
David Warner 65 (42)
Moments of The Day: Australia Has Woken Up
When Kusal Perera & Charith Asalanaka were batting, Sri Lanka could do no wrong. The pulls and straight sixes were a delight to watch. Sri Lanka’s promise was coming back.SL 78/1 in 9.3 overs.
Then came the duo of Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa. Within three overs, Sri Lanka collapsed to 94/5, including a beautiful yorker by Starc to Perera. Another good innings by Rajapaksa (33*) and support from captain Dasun Shanaka got SL to a decent 154/6.
However this was no challenge for Australia as the old horse returned. 70 run opening partnership (Finch 37) and Warner’s 65 silenced the critics. Also, who said Steve Smith cannot bat in T20s? He has been crucial in these low scoring chases recently.
Warner, Finch, Smith, Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood, Zampa all found form. Australia are smelling a World Cup semi-final spot. Beware of this team.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Sri Lanka Finally Lose
Sri Lanka’s journey in this World Cup has been pitch perfect. For the first hour, it seemed that the new style of their cricket would take them to a fifth victory. That was not to be, and now couple of crucial games follow due to this loss.
The Broken Dream of the Day – Kusal Perera’s dropped catch – Has to rank among the worst dropped catches of all time and let Warner back into the game.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mahmudullah – 150 runs (Bangladesh, 6 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Australia
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.727
3. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
4. Sri Lanka
2
1
1
0
2
– 0.416
5. West Indies
3
1
2
0
2
– 1.598
6. Bangladesh
3
0
3
0
0
– 1.069
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
3
3
0
0
6
+ 0.638
2. Afghanistan
2
1
1
0
2
+ 3.092
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Namibia won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Umpires: Adrian Holdstock & Rod Tucker
What Actually Happened
Winner: Namibia won by 4 wickets
Scores: Scotland 109/8 – Namibia 115/6
Player of the Match: Ruben Trumpelmann 3/17
Best Figures
Ruben Trumpelmann (4-0-17-3)
Michael Leask (2-0-12-2)
Most Runs
Michael Leask 44 (27)
JJ Smith 32* (23)
Moments of The Day: Namibia’s Lower Middle Order Key to Their Success
Trumpelmann’s 3 in the first over put the game in Namibia’s first up. Bowled, caught behind, LBW. Brilliant.
After 5/57, Scotland marshalled a recovery via Michael Leask & Chris Greaves, which took them to a respectable 109/8. Leask backed his batting with 2/12.
Let us talk about Mark Watt, Scotland’s left-arm spinner. The spinners pegged Namibia back and positive attacking fields brought Scotland back in this game. Watt was the highlight of the bowlers Has anyone been more consistent? His figures in the last five matches:
1/19
1/23
1/23
1/23
1/22
Nerves were palpable. Eventually it was David Wiese and JJ Smit, that took Namibia to victory. 16 (14) with 1 six by Wiese helped but the lead was taken by Smit, who ended with 32* (23), including the match-winning six.
Amazing scenes and celebrations by the Namibian fans.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Scotland’s Story Hits A Wall
After the 2019 heartbreak, Scotland has been one of the stories of the tournament. However a tough loss against Afghanistan and another loss now against a team they would have wanted a win means their journey has hit a wall..
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Musfiqur Rahim – 135 runs (Bangladesh, 5 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.583
3. Australia
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.253
4. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh
2
0
2
0
0
– 1.655
6. West Indies
2
0
2
0
0
– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan
1
1
0
0
2
+ 6.500
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
England Vs Bangladesh Quick Review — England continue their style of cricket as Woakes, Moeen Ali contribute.
Bangladesh lacked intent. When they had intent, they lacked shot selection. When they had decent shot selection, their running between wickets was abysmal. Defensive captaincy while bowling.
All in all, a poor performance. England have now been gifted two games in a row.
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first.
Venue:Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Umpires: Langton Rusere & Nitin Menon
What Actually Happened
Winner: England won by 8 wickets
Scores: Bangladesh 124/9 – England 126/2
Player of the Match: Jason Roy 61 (38)
Best Figures
Tymal Mills (4-0-27-3)
Shoriful Islam (3.1-0-26-1), Nasum Ahmed (3-0-26-1)
Most Runs
Mushfiqur Rahim 29 (30)
Jason Roy 61 (38)
Moments of The Day: Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Tymal Mills a Revelation
Chris Woakes has been outstanding at the front. Originally not thought of as a T20 bowler, but Archer’s absence & Wood (in the squad) out with injury meant he found a spot. 4-0-12-1 meant that Bangladesh never got the start they wanted after Moeen Ali scalped the openers.
Tymal Mills was an X-factor selection post his Hundred performance even though he was out of the side for 4-5 years. He has repaid his faith beautifully. In this game, he made sure Bangladesh do not go in with mometum.
Jason Roy made a meal of the chase – 61 (38) with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Good innings by Dawid Malan as well – 28* (25).
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: When Will Bangladesh Improve?
Bangladesh have never won a game in the Super 8s/10s/12s of a T20 World Cup. Even Namibia have that now. Why do they never seem to improve even after 20+ years?
At UAE, this was supposed to be their year. But defensive captaincy, lack of imagination, and lack of intent will not get you very far. Now have lost 3/5 in this T20 World Cup.
My 10 reasons why they have not improved below.
As a fan of #Bangladesh cricket, I am interested in having this conversation. Here are my thoughts on the state of Bangladesh cricket, and why they aren't progressing as fast as we would want.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Musfiqur Rahim – 135 runs (Bangladesh, 5 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.583
3. Australia
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.253
4. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh
2
0
2
0
0
– 1.655
6. West Indies
2
0
2
0
0
– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan
1
1
0
0
2
+ 6.500
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
New Zealand Vs Pakistan Quick Review — Pakistan found new heroes in a low scoring thriller. The Kiwis seemed the bit off color, but still made a game out of nothing.
New Zealand’s decision making need introspection. Why did Daryl Mitchell open when Williamson, Seifert, Conway, and Phillips were in the ranks? Why did he not bowl?
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
Umpires: Michael Gough & Richard Kettleborough
What Actually Happened
Winner: Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Scores: New Zealand 134/8 – Pakistan 135/5
Player of the Match: Haris Rauf 4/22
Best Figures
Haris Rauf 4/22
Ish Sodhi 2/28
Most Runs
Daryl Mitchell 27 (20), Devon Conway 27 (24)
Mohammad Rizwan 33 (34), Asif Ali 27* (12), Shoaib Malik 26* (20)
Moments of The Day: Unlikely Heroes Initiate Another Pakistan Win
Haris Rauf had a dream day with his best figures in T20I cricket. 4-0-22-4 Wow! What makes him so dangerous? The change of pace. He can bowl 140+ or 115- in a space of 2 deliveries. From 3/90 in 13 overs, NZ could only muster 44 runs with 5 wickets in the last 42 balls.
Asif Ali & Shoaib Malik were NOT selected in the original squad. Asif Ali had not yet fulfilled his potential in international cricket as a big hitter. After Wasim departed, Pakistan were reeling at 87-5 in 14.5 overs. 48 runs needed in 31 balls. Then a calm Shoaib Malik, with 4 decades of experience, with a concussed Asif Ali, took Pakistan home in style.
27* (12) with 3 huge sixes from Asif Ali and 26* (20) with 2 fours and 1 iconic straight six by Shoaib Malik.
Match won with 8 balls to spare. Absolutely brilliant.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Guptill’s Toe Injury, Ferguson Out, Asif Ali’s Concussion
This match had several injury related issues. Before the start of the match, gun bowler Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the tournament with a calf tear. Adam Milne will now be added to the squad.
During the game, Guptill was hit in the toe, after which he may not play the next game against India.
Finally, Asif Ali was hit a couple of times on the helmet by the Kiwi fast bowlers. Hope he is okay internatlly because on the outside he was just nailing those sixes.
T20 World Cup Points Table, Stat Alert
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Musfiqur Rahim – 135 runs (Bangladesh, 5 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.583
3. Australia
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.253
4. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh
2
0
2
0
0
– 1.655
6. West Indies
2
0
2
0
0
– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan
1
1
0
0
2
+ 6.500
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
West Indies Vs South Africa Quick Review — Bowlers and Reeza-Rassie-Markram take South Africa home as West Indies stagnant.
Quinton de Kock’s absence the talk of the town. What do you think? Comment below on your thoughts regarding QDK and the mandate by cricket South Africa regarding BLM movement.
Aiden Markram 51* (26), Rassie van der Dussen 43* (51), Reeza Hendricks 39* (30)
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: West Indies Get Simmoned
Lendl Simmons has been one of the stars for West Indies for a decade. Even though he has been in and out, he has played some important knocks like in the 2016 Cricket World Cup semi-final.
Today, though, was not his day. Like really. After West Indies were out for 55 against England, WI needed an anchor, but 16 (35) without any boundaries is not inspiring stuff. He could not Tewatia out of this situation, unfortunately.
Moments of The Day: Bowlers, Markram Take South Africa Home
Simmons was slow due to disciplined South African bowling with Rabada (4-0-27-1), Nortje (4-0-14-1), Maharaj (4-0-24-2), and Pretorius (2-0-17-3). Only Shamsi, their best T20I bowler, was expensive.
South Africa’s top order made sure there were no hiccups after Buman’s early run-out. Reeza Hendricks took the challenge as QDK’s replacement with a 39 (30). After the strong start, van der Dussen and Aiden Markram changed the game. While Rassie was the anchor, it was Markram’s 51 (26) with 4 sixes that took them home.
The Elephant in the Room: Quinton de Kock Controversy
Temba Bavuma contended that today was the most difficult day of his captaincy due to off the field stories.
We will break this down in three parts: (1) How it began, (2) What prompted QDK’s actions, and (3) his recent apology.
How It Began
South Africa has had a tough history to contend with. Apartheid, cricket suspension, transformations, quota, and the 2015 World Cup Semi-Final. This year, the hearings from former South African colored players and Mark Boucher’s inner rooms racist pasts have unraveled South African cricket even further.
To honor the Black Lives Matter moment, most teams were taking a knee unanimously. However, in South Africa’s first game, the reaction was not unified – knees, fists, or no reaction.
While Quinton de Kock and his friends are refusing to kneel, other people are kneeling at the #T20WorldCup.
Just a few hours before the game, Cricket South Africa mandated each player requiring them to take the knee. This unsettled Quinton de Kock, after which he made himself ‘unavailable for personal reasons.’
Reeza Hendricks replaced him as a keeper and Klassen as a keeper. Social media went against QDK, calling him a racist.
Several questions here – (1) Was it right for Quinton de Kock to give up on the team right regardless of the reason? End of QDK’s international career? Supporting a movement is okay, but requiring an action – is that a bit too much? After all, not saying anything is freedom of speech/expression in itself.
🇿🇦 Cricket South Africa believes success both on the field and beyond the boundary will be guaranteed if all South Africans stand united to build a new innings based on the pillars of inclusivity, access and excellence.
Quinton de Kock presented a heartfelt statement (if you have not read it yet, please read the 3 pages below). He has agreed to take the knee if it educates the public in a positive manner and furthermore,
I love every one of my teammates…Bavuma is a flipping amazing leader….if he/team/South Africa will have me, I would love nothing more than to play for my country again.”
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Musfiqur Rahim – 135 runs (Bangladesh, 5 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.583
3. Australia
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.253
4. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh
2
0
2
0
0
– 1.655
6. West Indies
2
0
2
0
0
– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan
1
1
0
0
2
+ 6.500
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Afghanistan Vs Scotland Quick Review — Openers, Gurbaz, Najibullah set up huge total after which the Mujeeb-Rashid show close things off.
Afghanistan won by a mammoth 130 runs. For comparison, West Indies have been bundled out for 55 and Australia & South Africa reached 120 the other day.
Moments of The Day: All Round Afghan Performance Should Send Warning Across Group 2
Mohammad Shahzad-Hazratullah Zazai form an interesting partnership. When they fail, the dismissals might look silly and they may go quickly. However, when it is their day, they can be totally destructive. Today was their day. A 54 (35) partnership set the tone and Afghanistan never looked back. Add a wonderful catch by Shahzad as well.
The momentum seemed to initially slow down with Rahmanullah Gurbaz & Najibullah Zadran, but they accelerated at even a higher pace. An 87 (52) and a couple of fours from Nabi at the end ensured Afghanistan score 190 in Sharjah.
Now for the man of the moment — Mujeeb Ur Rahman. For the first three overs, it looked like George Munsey was up for the challenge, reverse sweeping Nabi for a couple of hits. In comes Mujeeb — a couple of marginal LBW shouts, and 3 wickets in an over later — Scotland collapsed.
Before even the great Rashid Khan bowled his first ball, the game was done and dusted at 5/36. Then came Rashid Khan and with 4 wickets in 14 balls, finished things off quickly. Scotland bundled for 60. Afghanistan’s NRR up to + 6.500. Among the 9 wickets by spin, 4 bowleds & 5 LBWs. WOW!
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Scotland’s Middle Order Collapses As Streak Ends
Scotland were on a high after winning 3 out of 3 in the early stages, including defeating Test nation Bangladesh. Scotland had suffered years of heartbreak and no wins at a WC stage. Reaching second stage and automatically qualifying for the 2022 T20 World Cup is already a victory for them. Improvement in their progress was based on the names in the top/middle order.
Today apart from Munsey’s 25 (17) & Kyle Coetzer’s 10 (7), the scorecard read:
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Musfiqur Rahim – 135 runs (Bangladesh, 5 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Calum MacLeod – 6 catches (Scotland, 5 Matches)
Nurul Hasan, Matthew Cross (Bangladesh/Scotland) – 5 dismissals
Group 1 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. England
2
2
0
0
4
+ 3.614
2. Sri Lanka
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.583
3. Australia
1
1
0
0
2
+ 0.253
4. South Africa
2
1
1
0
2
+ 0.179
5. Bangladesh
2
0
2
0
0
– 1.655
6. West Indies
2
0
2
0
0
– 2.550
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 1 Points Table
Group 2 Table
Teams
Played
Won
Lost
Tied No-Result
Points
Net Run Rate
1. Pakistan
2
2
0
0
4
+ 0.738
2. Afghanistan
1
1
0
0
2
+ 6.500
3. Namibia
1
0
1
0
2
+ 0.550
4. New Zealand
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.532
5. India
1
0
1
0
0
– 0.973
6. Scotland
2
0
0
0
2
– 3.562
T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 Points Table
Also, if you have not yet read our T20 World Cup Previews, here is a list of all of them! Check them out and share ahead:
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Toss: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first.
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Umpires: Chris Gaffaney & Marais Erasmus
What Actually Happened
Winner: Pakistan won by 10 wickets
Scores: India 151/7 – Pakistan 152/0
Player of the Match: Shaheeen Shah Afridi 3/31
Best Figures
Shaheen Shah Afridi (4-0-31-3)
Most Runs
Virat Kohli 57 (49)
Mohammad Rizwan 79* (55), Babar Azam 68* (52)
Moments of The Day: A Day To Remember for Pakistan’s Stars
Shaheen Shah Afridi you beauty! What a memorable spell. LBW to Rohit Sharma, ball of the tournament through the gates of KL Rahul, and finally Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli‘s strike rate might be low on paper, but he did what was necessary. Absorbed the pressure, stemmed the flow of wickets, and took India to a decent total. Just could not accelerate towards the end.
Babar Azam-Mohammad Rizwan What do I even say? They have a 50+ T20I batting partnership average and for good reason. They bat and bat and bat and bat….152* (107) absolutely brilliant partnership that. If you want to understand the mental strength of Rizwan, just look at the video below.
Tweet of the Day
This is a brilliant piece of work. If you had to look at one piece of cricket content this week, look at the video below. Rizwan is the greatest.
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: World Cup Record 12-1
After numerous ODI World Cups and T20I, Pakistan have finally won the battle. 12 attempts, 1 win, Broken Dream for India’s enviable record against Pakistan in World Cups.
Also a good time to state that the IPL (with 10 teams) cannot be considered the world’s if it does not have players like Shaheen, Babar, and Rizwan.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka Quick Review – Finally a high scoring run chase! Sri Lanka win 4 in 4 as Bangladesh need to reflect on certain bowling decisions.
Moments of The Day: Batting Performances Mark High Scoring Day
Mohammad Naim continued his good form as he anchored the innings till the 16th over. It was Mushfiqur Rahim’s spectacular 57* that ensured Bangladesh went up to 171. The way he swept Hasaranga meant he only got 3 overs to bowl. After a poor run of form, good signs for Bangladesh that Rahim is back.
Sri Lanka had a similar story. Just like Rahim, birthday boy Rajapaksa kept the required rate in check during the middle overs, but the story of day was of Charith Asalanka—not only did he anchor the innings, he stayed till the end to see Sri Lanka get home.
Decision to hold Shakib & Fizz back contributed to Bangladesh’s loss. For the first 8 overs, it was anybody’s game. Then came in Shakib Al Hasan. Nissanka & Fernando both bowled throughout the gate. Bangladesh felt comfortable. Shakib still had 2 overs left. Instead of going for the jugular, two overs of Mahmudullah and one over from Afif Hossain brought Sri Lanka back into the game due to the presence of left handers. Finally, a 22-over from Saifuddin killed the chase. By the time Fizz and Shakib returned, SL only needed 24 of 24.
Lanka won by an over to spare and Shakib, higest wicket taker of the tournament so far, ended with only 3 overs…
Broken Cricket Dream of the Day: Liton Das
Liton Das had a poor day altogether.
16 (16), exchanged words with Lahiru Kumara after his dismissal, and dropped catches of both Asalanka and Rajapaksa, which were crucial moments in a close game.
No need to go elsewhere for the Points Table, Highest Run Scorer, Highest Wicket Taker, Most Catches, and Most Dismissals. We will keep updating it in every article!
Mohommad Naim – 126 runs (Bangladesh, 3 Matches)
Shakib Al Hasan – 11 wickets (Bangladesh, 4 Matches)
Image Courtesy: Graphic (original work), Kyle Coetzer – Photo by Francois Nel-ICC/ICC via Getty Images, Mahmudullah – Photo by Mike Hewitt-ICC/ICC via Getty Images
