Latest Updates on World Cricket

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Sri Lanka, on Thursday (May 9), announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Leg-spinning allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga will lead Sri Lanka in the marquee event while Charith Asalanka has been named as his deputy.

Sri Lanka are in Group D for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The other teams in Group D are South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Nepal. It means Sri Lanka are the only former T20 World Cup winners in the group. The Islanders won their first and only T20 World Cup title to date in 2014 and would be looking to go all the way this year.

Sri Lanka squad:

For the marquee event, Sri Lanka have included experienced allrounder and former captain Angelo Mathews in the squad. Earlier this year in January, the Islanders recalled Mathews to the T20I team after a long gap of three years.

Mathews is the only player in the current Sri Lanka squad who was also a part of the 2014 World Cup-winning team. The veteran allrounder is gearing up to play his sixth T20 World Cup.

There is absolutely no dearth of leadership in the Sri Lanka squad as former limited overs skipper Dasun Shanaka is in the team along with current ODI captain Kusal Mendis and Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva.

Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka will lead the pace attack for the 2014 T20 World Cup winners and will have the company of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara. Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage will take care of the spin department while Dhananjaya De Silva is also a handy option.

Sri Lanka will open their campaign in the T20 World Cup on June 3 against South Africa in New York. On June 7, they will take on Bangladesh in Dallas before locking horns against Nepal and the Netherlands on June 11 and 16 respectively.

Sri Lanka squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2024:

Wanindu Hasaranga (C), Charith Asalanka (VC), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka

Travelling Reserves: Asitha Fernando, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage

 

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Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram opened up about the captaincy change in Mumbai Indians ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. He believes that removing Rohit Sharma as a leader at the last minute is the reason behind the team's poor outing in the league.

Mumbai Indians became the first team to be knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. They got eliminated from the tournament after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 57th game of the tournament on Wednesday (9th May) at Hyderabad.

The captaincy change ahead of the IPL 2024 didn't go well with Mumbai Indians. Ahead of the tournament they removed Rohit Sharma as the leader and appointed Hardik Pandya as captain. The all-rounder was traded to the franchise from Gujarat Titans after leading the team for two years.

This surprised many as Rohit Sharma was removed as the captain of the team. The opening batter guided the team to five titles in the league and made them most successful in the tournament. Many fans and pundits lashed out at the team management for their decision.

Wasim Akram stated that a last-minute change in the captaincy made a difference for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024. Speaking to Sportskeeda about the same, he elaborated:

"Mumbai Indians must be going through a lot as a team. Last minute mein jo captain change huwa hai na Mumbai Indians ka, usse farak toh pada hai (The last minute change in the captaincy definitely made a difference)."

Mumbai Indians have failed to win games despite having a star-studded lineup. The Hardik Pandya-led side has played 12 games in the tournament and has won just 4 games, losing 8 games. They also have a poor NRR of -0.212.

Agar yeh pata hota na ki yeh badal rahe hai aur Rohit khud kata ki, I just wanna play my cricket - Wasim Akram on Mumbai Indians leadership

Wasim Akram further stated that had Mumbai Indians earlier conveyed that they wanted to change the skipper, Rohit Sharma himself would've stated that he wanted to rest and play his cricket.

Wasim Akram further claimed that Mumbai Indians should've made Hardik Pandya vice-captain of the franchise in IPL 2024 and then Rohit Sharma would've passed on the baton to the all-rounder next year. He added:

"Agar yeh pata hota na ki yeh badal rahe hai aur Rohit khud kahta ki, I just wanna play my cricket and have a rest. India ki captain bhi chodd di hai toh phir theek hai (If it was predetermined and Rohit had said himself that he wanted to just play cricket and take rest. If he had given up the India captaincy too, then it would have been okay).

"Woh India ki kaptani bhi kar raha hai. In my opinion, iss saal Pandya ko vice-captain banate. (Rohit is also captaining India. MI should have appointed Hardik as vice-captain) Rohit kaptani karta aur agle saal Rohit kahta ab bas. I am relaxing, I want to enjoy and I am giving reigns to Pandya. Kissi ko shock nahi hota. That didn't go down well for Mumbai Indians," he concluded.

 

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The kind of player Will Jacks is, it needs something special from the opposition to get rid of him. The England player has already shown the extent of the damage he can inflict on the teams by scoring a 41-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans earlier in the ongoing IPL 2024.

The right-handed batsman started in a similar manner in the ongoing game between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru as well. He raced away to 12 runs off 6 balls with the help of a four and a six before a brilliant catch from Harshal Patel ended his stay at the crease.

On the fourth ball of the fifth over, debutant Vidhwath Kaverappa bowled a slower ball on the pads and Will Jacks tried to hit it over Harshal Patel who was standing at backward square leg. The RCB batsman, however, failed to make a good connection although it still looked like he would be safe. However, Harshal Patel dived to his left to take a brilliant catch and sent back the hard-hitting batsman.

Watch the catch from Harshal Patel:

pic.twitter.com/Kr9CxcLQgz

— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) May 9, 2024

Talking about the game, RCB were on 84 for 2 in the seventh over at the time of writing this report. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar were batting in the middle for the Bengaluru-based outfit. Asked to bat first, RCB were off to a poor start as Vidhwath Kaverappa dismissed their captain Faf du Plessis (9), and Jacks cheaply inside the powerplay.

However, Kohli and Patidar have steadied the ship for the visitors in Dharamsala. RCB will be hoping that the duo make the most of their start and guide them to a winning total. The ongoing game is a do-or-die clash for both teams.

While the winning team will remain in contention for the playoffs, the losing team will be knocked out of IPL 2024. Both the teams have four wins and six losses so far.

 

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Virat Kohli has been in stunning form in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024). Not very long ago, there were doubts over his inclusion in the India squad for the T20 World Cup as well.

However, the former India skipper hit the ground running for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 and made it to the India squad. He was the first player this season to touch the 300, 400, and 500-run mark this year. He is now looking set to become the first player to score 600 runs this season as well.

At present, he is the leading run-scorer in IPL 2024. Virat Kohli started well in the ongoing game against Punjab Kings as well and is looking set to score big against them at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala.

Asked to bat first, RCB were off to a poor start as they lost the wickets of their captain Faf du Plessis, and Will Jacks inside the powerplay. However, Kohli stood firm at one end and shared a 76-run stand with Rajat Patidar for the third wicket to steady the ship.

He was unbeaten on 42 runs before rain halted the game in Dharamsala. Kohli has hit four fours and two sixes so far and one of those sixes was a one-handed hit. It came in the seventh over when the former RCB skipper was facing Vidwath Kaverappa.

On the first ball of the over, Kaverappa bowled one on the middle stump and Kohli played a brilliant shot over mid-off for a six. However, while hitting the shot, one of his hands came off although he still ended up depositing the ball over the boundary rope.

Talking about the game, RCB were on 119 for 3 in ten overs at the time of writing this report. On the final ball of the tenth over, Sam Curran dismissed Patidar to give PBKS a crucial breakthrough.

Watch the one-handed six from Virat Kohli:

 

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The ongoing game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala is a must-win clash for both teams.

The equation is very simple for both the teams - win the game and stay alive in IPL 2024 or lose it and get knocked out. The losing team will become the second team after Mumbai Indians to be eliminated from the ongoing edition of the IPL.

Both the teams have four wins and seven losses from 11 games so far. One of them would finish with a maximum of 14 points if they managed to win all of their remaining three league games. 14 points is the minimum number of points a team needs to stay alive in IPL 2024.

Three teams - Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad - already have 14 points. With Delhi Capitals and LSG set to face on May 14, one of them would also get 14 points. So the losing team of the ongoing game between RCB and PBKS will be knocked out as it can finish with a maximum of 12 points.

RCB and PBKS in danger of getting knocked out:

There is a possibility that both RCB and PBKS get knocked out of IPL 2024 tonight and the reason is the weather conditions in Dharamsala. RCB's innings was interrupted by rain as well as hail after the tenth over. For a result, both teams need to bat at least five overs.

In case, the game is abandoned due to rain, both teams will be knocked out since they can finish with a maximum of 13 points even if they win their remaining two league games. Fortunately, the game has restarted and both the teams will be hoping that rain stays away for the time being.

Before the rain interruption, RCB were on 119 for 3 in ten overs after being asked to bat first. They lost the wickets of Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks inside the powerplay before Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar steadied the ship with a 76-run stand. Sam Curran broke the stand by dismissing Patidar for 55.

 

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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) owner Sanjiv Goenka and skipper KL Rahul have been in the headlines ever since the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 concluded. The match between the teams took place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday (8th May).

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka seemed to be unimpressed with the way Lucknow Super Giants played against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The KL Rahul-led side was at the receiving end of a 10-wicket thrashing at the hands of Pat Cummins-led side and it dented their chances to qualify for playoffs.

After the game on the sidelines of the ground, Sanjiv Goenka was seen having an animated chat with KL Rahul. The franchise owner didn't look in a good mood. He lashed out at the skipper, who looked down and dusted. The video did rounds on the internet and it sparked a lot of debates.

However, after that, a report in PTI claimed that KL Rahul would be stepping down as the skipper of the team. Apart from that it was also learned that Lucknow Super Giants aren't keen to retain the skipper and he will be entering the IPL 2025 auction.

A source claims that so far LSG management hasn't taken any decision but they would accept KL Rahul's resignation as the captain of the team. Speaking to PTI, he stated:

"There is a five-day gap before the next game against DC. As of now, no decision has been taken but it is understood that if Rahul plans to just concentrate on his batting for the remaining two games, the management won't mind."

It was also learned that Nicholas Pooran will be captaining the team for the rest of the tournament for Lucknow Super Giants. The Carribean batter earlier did the job when the keeper-batter was rested due to back issues early on in the tournament.

Everything is fine between the two - Source on KL Rahul and Sanjiv Goenka

In the drastic turn of events, a report in IANS suggested something different. A source close to Lucknow Super Giants claimed that all is fine between KL Rahul and Sajiv Goenka and the keeper-batter will continue leading the team for the rest of the tournament. He stated:

"Everything is fine between the two and only Rahul will be leading the team this season. It’s all rumours that Rahul will be displaced from the captaincy and won’t be picked in the auction. The last match didn’t go our way, but everything is fine now between the team and owners. Rahul is in good space and taking rest before the game against DC."

The reports added that KL Rahul will be heading to Mumbai to spend some time with his family. He will join the team ahead of the game against Delhi Capitals, which will take place on Tuesday. It will be an important game for the KL Rahul-led side as to stay in the race for playoffs they need to win the game.

 

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Essequibo Anacondas will lock horns with Demerara Hawks in the 30th match of the West Indies T10 Guyana Blast 2024. In this article, we look at EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Prediction Today Match, EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Team Today, Playing 11s, and Pitch Report. Essequibo Anacondas will face off against Demerara Hawks for the first time in the West Indies T10 Guyana Blast.

EQA vs DEMH West Indies T10 Guyana Blast Match 30 Preview:

The thirtieth match of the West Indies T10 Guyana Blast tournament will feature a face-off between Essequibo Anacondas and Demerara Hawks at the Enmore ground, East Coast Demerara, on May 10th at 12:00 AM IST.

Also Read: GT vs CHE Dream11 Prediction Today Match 59 IPL 2024

Essequibo Anacondas, with five wins out of nine matches, currently holds the top position on the points table. In contrast, Demerara Hawks, having won only one out of their nine matches, are positioned at the bottom of the table.

EQA vs DEMH Head-to-Head Record:

Teams	Matches Won
Essequibo Anacondas	0
Demerara Hawks	0

EQA vs DEMH West Indies T10 Guyana Blast Match 30 Weather & Pitch Report:

Temperature	25°C
Weather Forecast	Clear Sky
Pitch Behaviour	Batting-friendly
Best Suited To	Pace
Average 1st innings score	100

Record of chasing teams:

Records	Poor
Winning %	40%

EQA vs DEMH West Indies T10 Guyana Blast Match 30 Squads:

Essequibo Anacondas Squad: Anthony Adams©, Raymond Perez, Keemo Paul, Ershaad Ali, Thaddeus Lovell, Bruce Vincent, Kwesi Mickle, Abdul Ramsammy, Ushardeva Balgobin, Alvin Mohabir, Kevon Boodie(wk)

Demerara Hawks Squad: Akshaya Persaud©, Rampertab Ramnauth, Shaquille Williams, Neiland Cadogan, David Williams, Totaram Bishue, Sheldon Charles, Zeynul Ramsammy, Garfield Benjamin, Asraf Bodhoo, Tomanni Ceaser(wk)

EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Players Stats:

Player	Players Stats (last match)
Akshaya Persaud	1 wicket
Kwesi Mickle	2 runs
Abdul Ramsammy	NA
Raymond Perez	9 runs and 1 wicket

Hot Picks for EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Kwesi Mickle

Abdul Ramsammy

Top Picks:

Raymond Perez

Akshaya Persaud

Budget Picks:

Thaddeus Lovell

Neiland Cadogan

EQA vs DEMH West Indies T10 Guyana Blast Match 30 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

Captain	Kwesi Mickle & Abdul Ramasammy
Vice-Captain	Akshaya Persaud & Raymond Perez

EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keeper – Akshaya Persaud (vc)
• Batsmen – Raymond Perez, Ushardeva Balgobin, Rampertab Ramnauth
• All-rounders – Kwesi Mickle (c), Abdul Ramsammy, Anthony Adams
• Bowlers – David Williams, Qumar Torrington, Thaddeus Lovell, Neiland Cadogan

EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keeper – Akshaya Persaud
• Batsmen – Raymond Perez (vc), Ushardeva Balgobin, Rampertab Ramnauth
• All-rounders – Kwesi Mickle, Abdul Ramsammy (c), Ronaldo Alimohamed
• Bowlers – David Williams, Qumar Torrington, Thaddeus Lovell, Isai Thorne

EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Prediction Today Match 30 West Indies T10 Guyana Blast Players to Avoid:

Players	Dream11 Credits	Dream11 Points (Last match)
Garfield Benjamin	6.5 credits	4 points
Alvin Mohabir	5.5 credits	2 points

EQA vs DEMH Dream11 Prediction Today Match 30 West Indies T10 Guyana Blast Expert Advice:

SL Captaincy Choice	Kwesi Mickle
GL Captaincy Choice	Abdul Ramaswamy
Punt Picks	Isai Thorne and Ronaldo Alimohamed
Dream11 Combination	1-3-3-4

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

 

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Continuing his red-hot form in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL 2024), Virat Kohli, on Thursday (May 9), starred with the bat once again to put Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the driver's seat against Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala.

The right-handed batsman played a brilliant knock of 92 runs to help RCB recover from a shaky start to post a daunting total of 241/7 after being asked to bat first. RCB were off to a disastrous start as Vidhwath Kaverappa dismissed their captain Faf du Plessis (9) and Will Jacks (12) cheaply inside the powerplay.

However, the former India skipper stood firm at one end to take RCB to the big total. He and Rajat Patidar steadied the ship with a 76-run stand before the latter departed for 55. After Patidar's departure, Kohli took charge and took RCB to the 200-run mark before being dismissed in the 18th over by Arshdeep Singh.

Kohli's 92-run knock came off 47 balls and was studded with seven fours and six sixes. It is only the second time in the IPL that Kohli was out in the 90s. He was last dismissed in the 90s way back in 2013 when he missed his maiden IPL century by just 1 run against Delhi Capitals.

Virat Kohli creates history:

Virat Kohli has added yet another feather to his already illustrious cap with his impressive 92-run knock against PBKS. The former RCB skipper now holds the record for scoring 1000 or more runs against the maximum number of teams in the IPL.

He has now scored 1000 runs against three different teams in the tournament. Previously, he had scored 1000 runs against Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals before doing it against PBKS as well.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and David Warner jointly held the record for scoring 1000 or more runs against the maximum number of teams. Virat Kohli has now moved ahead of both Rohit and Warner. He also became the second player to score at least 1000 runs against PBKS after Warner.

1000+ runs against most opponents in the IPL

• 3 - Virat Kohli vs CSK, DC & PBKS
• 2 - Rohit Sharma vs DC & KKR
• 2 - David Warner vs KKR & PBKS

 

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Sam Curran, on Thursday (May 9), pulled off a brilliant catch to dismiss Cameron Green in the ongoing game between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Himachal Pradesh Stadium in Dharamsala.

It was the last ball of the RCB innings with Cameron Green facing Harshal Patel. The PBKS pacer bowled a slower delivery outside the off stump and Green slogged it towards the right of Sam Curran who was fielding at long on.

At first, it looked like the ball would run past Sam Curran and cross the boundary rope. However, the PBKS skipper came up with a stunning effort to not only stop the ball but also catch it even before it could land on the field. He ran across to his right and timed his slide perfectly to complete the catch. Green was out for 46 runs off 27 balls.

Watch the catch from Sam Curran:

pic.twitter.com/dDIBmjpM3u

— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) May 9, 2024

Talking about the game, RCB finished their innings on a daunting total of 241 for 7 after being asked to bat first. It is their highest total in IPL away from home. In-form Virat Kohli starred with the bat again, smashing 92 runs off just 47 balls. Rajat Patidar also played a crucial 55-run knock off just 23 balls.

"Was important for me to keep up the strike rate right through. If you saw Faf and me got done by lack of pace off the pitch. There was a two-paced feel with the new ball. We thought anything over 230 would be a good total here. That was the only mindset," said Kohli after the innings.

The game is a do-or-die clash for both teams. While the winning team will remain in contention for the playoffs, the losing team will become the second team after the Mumbai Indians to be eliminated from IPL 2024. Both the teams have four wins and seven losses from 11 games so far and cannot afford any further slipups.

 

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowler Harshal Patel made sure that he continues his good form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The 58th game of the tournament between the teams is taking place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Harshal Patel, who didn't have a great start with the ball, made sure that he finished the innings on high. The fast bowler produced a magnificent last over that helped his team restrict the Royal Challengers Bengaluru under the score of 250, which at one moment looked easy.

This was possible because of the variations that Harshal Patel showed in the last game of the over. He removed Mahipal Lomror with a peach and made the batter look clueless. The pacer bowled a sensational slower ball to which the batter had no clue.

Harshal Patel bowled a brilliant slower ball that was at the yorker length. The ball dipped cunningly at the last moment and deceived Mahipal Lomror all ended up on the under edge. The RCB batter was deep inside the crease as he attempted to power it on the leg side, but missed the ball completely.

Here's the video:

pic.twitter.com/zCaqAXOoVH

— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) May 9, 2024

Mahipal Lomror scored a two-ball duck and it's fair to say that his wicket saved crucial runs for Punjab Kings at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. After his wicket, Harshal Patel made sure that he landed another blow to the opposition.

Harshal Patel in the same over went on to remove Cameron Green, who was looking threatening. He bowled another slower ball that was full outside off. The batter fetched the slog and dragged it off the toe end of the bat. The ball went to long-on, where Sam Curran took a brilliant catch.

Green scored 46 runs and powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the big total. Earlier Virat Kohli played a magnificent innings of 92 runs and kept his team at the top. Based on the terrific batting performance, they ended with a total of 241 runs on the board.

That was a hell of an over from Harshal in the last over - Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, who played a vital innings for his team, talked about the surface, saying that it's a two-paced wicket with new ball. He also lauded Harshal Patel for his magnificent last over and stated that he bowled a sensational over. He explained:

"Surface was pretty dry underneath, and there was some grass coverage as well. If you saw Faf and me got done by lack of pace off the pitch. There was a two-paced feel with the new ball, which I think is a great opportunity for our bowlers to make early inroads and exploit that swing out there.

"We thought anything over 230 would be a good total here. That was the only mindset. That was a hell of an over from Harshal in the last over otherwise we would've been 250-plus," he concluded.