Author: Snehasis Mukherjee

East Bengal kicked off their AFC Challenge League 2024-25 campaign with a determined 2-2 draw against Paro FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan. Despite an early lead courtesy of Madih Talal, the Kolkata giants conceded twice in the first half. However, a crucial equaliser from Dimitrios Diamantakos saved the team from a defeat in their tournament opener. Paro started the game with a strong attacking approach, creating some early chances. However, it was the visitors who struck first, thanks to their star midfielder, Madih Talal. Captain Saul delivered a low cross, which Talal expertly directed into the bottom-left…

Pooja Vastrakar missed several matches in the recent Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE due to fitness concerns. During many practice sessions, she was often seen performing fitness stretches and drills, sometimes with knee and ankle straps, raising doubts about her availability. When India’s squad for the ODI series against New Zealand was announced, Pooja was excluded, with the BCCI releasing a statement, saying “rested for the series”. It appeared that the team was allowing her time to recover from her recent injuries, which seemed reasonable for a player working to regain full fitness. Yet, surprisingly, Pooja has been…

After a commanding 59-run victory in the first ODI, India Women are preparing for the second game of the series against New Zealand Women at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, were outstanding in defending 227 in the opener. However, fans are increasingly concerned about the form of their lead fast bowler, Renuka Singh Thakur, who went wicketless, conceding 30 runs in seven overs. Renuka has played 12 ODIs so far, taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 4.79. Her debut year in 2022 was exceptional; in seven innings, she took 18 wickets with…

India Women secured a 59-run win over New Zealand Women in the first game of the three-match ODI series in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The bowlers were the stars for the home team, successfully defending a total of 227. Several Indian batters got off to good starts but failed to score big. However, the bowlers, especially Radha Yadav, restricted New Zealand’s batters with her variations and prevented them from scoring freely. Fans were eager to see how Harmanpreet Kaur would lead the team after the disappointment of the recent Women’s T20 World Cup in UAE. However, at the toss, Smriti Mandhana…

Snehasis Mukherjee The India Women’s cricket team is set to begin a three-match home ODI series against New Zealand Women, starting tomorrow in Ahmedabad. After a disappointing group stage exit in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team will aim to perform well in front of the home crowd. As hosts of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, India are already qualified for the tournament. On the other hand the White Ferns are still fighting for a spot. They are currently sixth in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 cycle, with 18…

Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai After 23 exciting matches, the carnival of the 9th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has come to an end. New Zealand defeated South Africa by 32 runs to claim the title. The journey of the White Ferns from their initial struggles to this triumph has been a rollercoaster ride. Throughout the event, fans showed their unwavering support and witnessed some top performances, whether with the ball or the bat. Here are the top five talking points of the tournament: New Zealand, the ‘Champions’ The White Ferns lifted their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup,…

Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai New Zealand made history last night at the Dubai International Stadium by defeating South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, securing their first-ever title. Player of the tournament and highest wicket-taker, Amelia Kerr, was also named player of the match. However, while setting a total of 158 runs, Brooke Halliday’s contribution was equally significant. Her crucial 38-run knock from 28 balls supported Kerr at the other end, helping to build a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket from 44 balls. It ended up being Halliday’s highest individual score in her career…

Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai A new champion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be crowned today at the Dubai International Stadium as South Africa take on New Zealand. Throughout the tournament, South Africa’s top order has been superb, especially Tazmin Brits (2nd highest run-scorer with 170 runs, average 42.50, strike-rate 104.93) and skipper Laura Wolvaardt (highest run-scorer with 190 runs, average 47.50, strike rate 111.76). In the semi-final against Australia, Anneke Bosch delivered a top-class knock (74* off 48 balls) after struggling earlier in the tournament. The opening pair of Brits and Wolvaardt has been the most successful,…

Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai New Zealand’s spinners rose to the occasion, stopping the West Indies from chasing down 129 runs. They won the second semi-final of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by eight runs at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Eden Carson and Deandra Dottin were the standout performers but here are the top five talking points from the game: New Zealand’s batters’ application in powerplay After winning the toss, Sophie Devine chose to bat first. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer opened the batting and managed to stay unbeaten during the first six overs, scoring 32 runs. In…

Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai It was a heartbreaking day for South Africa as they lost the Women’s T20 World Cup final in Cape Town to Australia in front of their home fans. On top of that, one of their legends and veteran fast bowlers, Shabnim Ismail, announced her retirement from international cricket. Since 2007, Ismail had led the pace attack, finishing with 113 WT20I appearances. With Ismail’s departure, fans wondered who would step up to support Marizanne Kapp with the new ball. The team management tried different combinations, and finally, Ayabonga Khaka took that spot. Despite playing since 2014, Khaka…