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Rahul stops the chase after Kuldeep spins through Sri Lanka.

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Kuldeep Yadav

India 219 for 6 (Rahul 64*, Hardik 36, Karunaratne 2-51, Kumara 2-64) beat Sri Lanka 215 (Nuwanidu 50, Mendis 34, Wellalage 32, Siraj 3-30, Kuldeep 3-51) by four wickets

Sri Lanka’s score was 102 for 1 in the 17th over, but then they lost six wickets and 50 runs when their team fell apart. They lost their innings because of this. Before they were all out in the 40th over, they got to a score of 215 thanks to the batsmen at the bottom of the order. But that was never going to be enough.

Even though Sri Lanka’s bowlers made India’s batsmen work hard and at one point got them down to 86 for 4, India’s run rate was too high and their batsmen were too many. The most important part of the chase was when Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul scored 75 runs together after the fifth wicket. Rahul kept going, and after 103 balls, he was still not out at 64.

But in the end, the bowlers from India were the ones who decided who won. When Kuldeep Yadav got rid of Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s batting order began to fall apart. After that, he got rid of Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka, giving him a total of 3 for 51 in 10 overs. At the end of the innings, Mohammed Siraj had three wickets to his name. He had been doing very well with the new ball. Umran Malik stopped not one but two lower-order innings that could have been good.

Only Nuwanidu Fernando, who was making his debut and batting first, got to fifty for Sri Lanka, and he did it while batting out of position (he usually bats in the middle order in domestic cricket). It’s possible that the fact that all but three of Sri Lanka’s XI reached double digits is the most telling thing about how well they batted in this game. This shows that the pitch at Eden Gardens was fine. But despite all of this, there was a terrible collapse.

Sri Lanka’s lack of skill in this format was more to blame for the innings going downhill than India’s brilliance in this format. Mendis was doing pretty well with his 34 runs per ball, but he was out at the end of the 17th over when a googly from Kuldeep hit him in the back leg. Mendis had misjudged how little the ball turned. Shanaka was too close to the line, so Kuldeep was able to spin a ball into his pads and then into his leg stump. Later, Axar caught all three bowling all-rounders (Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Chamika Karunaratne), two of them off Malik. Dhananjaya de Silva let an arm ball from Axar Patel slip between his bat and his pad. Asalanka sent a leading edge back.

Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav celebrates after sending Dasun Shanaka out

Before leaving, at least something good had happened in the bottom third of the inning. Hasaranga got 21 runs off of 17 balls, Karunaratne got 17 runs off of 25 balls, and the youngest of the three, Wellalage, got 32 runs off of 34 balls. Because of them, Sri Lanka scored more than 200.

At least one good thing did come out of Nuwanidu’s fifty for Sri Lanka. He was careful with the new ball. He left often and made a lot of defensive moves. He didn’t seem nervous, even when he faced 10 balls without scoring and only scored 6 runs in the first 20. Most of his runs and four of his six six-run boundaries came from behind square, where he was strong.

India’s chase wasn’t very good, and Sri Lanka had a few chances to defend a low score in ways that didn’t seem likely. Shubman Gill got to 21 in only 11 balls by hitting five fours, four of which went through cover or extra cover. But then he pulled Kumara straight to short midwicket and was out. Rohit Sharma was out before that because he ran to Chamika Karunaratne.

And when Kumara bowled Virat Kohli off an inside edge and Kasun Rajitha caught Shreyas Iyer in front, it looked like Sri Lanka had a chance.

There were small fires, which Hardik and Rahul put out. Their stand was slow and didn’t have any risks. They waited out Sri Lanka’s spinners and made space by picking up singles and twos. It didn’t really matter what rate was asked.

Hardik was out when there were still 55 runs to make, but Rahul made sure he stayed at the crease to lead the team to victory. Three of his six boundaries were behind square, and the other three were between mid-off and cover. But his defensive strokes and singles in front of the wicket made his innings stand out. He teamed up with Axar and then went hunting with Kuldeep.

India has won the whole thing with a 2-0 lead.

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1000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli’s Cricket Legacy

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1000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli's Cricket Legacy

On Thursday, November 2, Virat Kohli achieved an accomplishment. He became the batsman to surpass 1000 runs in ODIs in 2023, following in the footsteps of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. Not that,. He also joined Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Pathum Nissanka as the fourth players to achieve this impressive record in the 50-over format within the same year.

Stepping into History with 1000 Runs in ODIs

Virat Kohli celebrating 1000 Runs in ODIs with a jump on the field

Entering the realm of history, Kohli’s unwavering determination and exceptional skills were put on display during his match in 2023. Notably, the cricket maestro, now 34 years old, made an indelible impact by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s record, securing the most number of years with 1000 runs in ODIs. Kohli’s consistent ability to perform at such an exceptional level has been a defining characteristic of his illustrious career, as he had previously achieved this monumental milestone in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019, before accomplishing it once again in the present year of 2023.

An Unforgettable Journey

In an intense World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Virat Kohli’s pursuit of this historic milestone was realized with an impressive 34 runs. Despite facing challenges, including a rare duck against England at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, his overall performance throughout the year has been nothing short of spectacular.

Kohli’s memorable journey was highlighted by an unbeaten century during India’s triumphant seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. Adding to his illustrious record, he solidified his stature with a brilliant 95 runs, making a significant contribution to India’s thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand led by Tom Latham at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Pune.

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Shaheen Shah Afridi: Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets

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Shah Afridi celebrating a wicket

Shaheen Shah Afridi, on Tuesday, October 31, achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the third fastest bowler to secure 100 wickets in ODIs. His outstanding performance during Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the renowned Eden Gardens in Kolkata led to this historic accomplishment.

A Landmark Moment

In the thrilling encounter, Shaheen clinched his 100th wicket in only his 51st match, dismissing Tigers’ opening batter Tanzid Hasan Tamim. The left-arm fast bowler displayed exceptional skill as he struck Tamim on the pads, prompting the on-field umpire to raise his finger. Despite Tamim’s referral to the third umpire using the Decision Review System (DRS), the replays confirmed the ball crashing into the stumps, upholding the on-field decision. Bangladesh lost their first wicket with the scoreboard reading 0 in just 0.5 overs.

Surpassing Preceding Records

Shaheen Shah Afridi not only secured this feat in record time but also outshone the accomplishments of esteemed bowlers preceding him. He surpassed the record of the fastest pacer, previously held by Mitchell Starc, who attained the milestone in August 2016 during an ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Legacy of Excellence

Moreover, Shaheen shattered the long-standing record held by Saqlain Mushtaq, becoming the fastest Pakistani bowler to claim 100 wickets in ODIs. Saqlain had set this record on May 12, 1997, during an ODI against Sri Lanka in Gwalior. It is notable that among the Pakistani fast bowlers, the accomplished Shaheen Shah Afridi follows in the footsteps of the legendary Waqar Younis, who achieved the 100-wicket mark back in February 1993 against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.

Beyond ODIs

Demonstrating his prowess beyond ODIs, Shaheen has made significant contributions in Tests and T20Is as well. Since his debut in 2018, he has garnered 105 wickets in Tests and 64 wickets in T20Is. His exceptional journey began with a strong performance in the U19 World Cup in New Zealand. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Lahore Qalandars’ consecutive victories in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

A Testament to Talent and Dedication

Shaheen Shah Afridi’s rapid rise to 100 ODI wickets within 51 matches underlines his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the sport. As he continues to leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide. With his remarkable achievements, Afridi has solidified his place in the annals of cricket history, etching his name as one of Pakistan’s most formidable and promising fast bowlers.

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ICC World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar says, ‘Mai India ki tareef kyu na karu’

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Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistani fast bowler

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has recently expressed admiration for India’s dominant performance in the ongoing 2023 ICC World Cup. With India securing victories in all six matches, Akhtar highlighted the team’s exceptional display across various aspects of the game. Although the recent batting performance against England in Lucknow was relatively modest, India’s fierce bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, proved instrumental in securing a remarkable win. This triumph not only solidified India’s leading position on the points table but also exacerbated England’s struggles in the tournament, leaving them virtually eliminated.

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah laughing together on the field

India’s Remarkable Bowling Transformation

In his analysis, Akhtar emphasized the transformative impact of Shami’s inclusion in India’s playing eleven following Hardik Pandya’s injury. Acknowledging Shami’s outstanding performances against New Zealand and England, Akhtar credited India’s ability to win matches through their bowling prowess, showcasing a shift from their traditional reliance on batting strength. He commended the collective effort of the Indian bowling unit, particularly recognizing the strategic brilliance of fast bowler Bumrah.

The Indian cricket team is standing for the national anthem at the ICC World Cup

India’s Path to World Cup Glory

Looking ahead, Akhtar voiced his confidence in India’s potential to secure their third ODI World Cup trophy, highlighting the team’s upcoming matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Expressing optimism, he emphasized the significance of maintaining their unbeaten streak en route to the final, setting the stage for a potential historic ICC World Cup victory. However, Akhtar cautioned against compromising the successful bowling unit once Pandya returns to full fitness, warning against the potential detriment of a partially fit Pandya’s inclusion at the expense of a bowler.

Akhtar’s Praise for India and its Response to Criticism

Addressing skepticism surrounding his praise for the Indian team, Akhtar reiterated the exceptional nature of India’s performance, particularly in their ability to defend a modest total with a significant margin of victory. Undeterred by criticism, Akhtar reaffirmed his admiration for India’s exceptional cricketing prowess, urging acknowledgment and appreciation of their commendable achievements.

Virat Kohli gives a hand gesture on the field during a match

Shoaib Akhtar’s Perspective on Virat Kohli

Shifting focus, Akhtar’s history of praise extends beyond team performances to individual players, notably including former Indian team captain Virat Kohli. Reminiscing on Kohli’s resilience during a challenging phase in his career, Akhtar highlighted the pivotal role played by Kohli’s consistent century-scoring performances, leading to India’s victories. Recognizing Kohli’s contribution to the team’s success, Akhtar emphasized the significance of Kohli’s monumental centuries during crucial chases, solidifying his status as a crucial asset for the Indian cricket team.

In a comparison between Kohli and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Akhtar acknowledged Tendulkar’s status as one of the greatest batsmen while highlighting the challenges Tendulkar faced as a captain. Drawing parallels, Akhtar expressed confidence in Kohli’s eventual resurgence, expecting him to return to his prolific scoring form once he finds his equilibrium.

In summary, Akhtar’s acknowledgment of India’s exceptional performance and his recognition of individual players’ contributions underscore the team’s formidable presence in the 2023 ICC World Cup, setting the stage for a potential historic triumph in the coming days.

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