Author: Vaibhav Tripathi

Two nights have passed since the Indian team ended their 11-year wait for an ICC title with a thrilling seven-run victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados. The entire nation continues to celebrate because it took India more than a decade to secure an ICC trophy. For the fans, it was a moment to treasure and remember forever. However, the final day was bittersweet as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja played their last T20I for India. Just a day after Kohli and Rohit stepped away from T20Is with the World Cup trophy,…

At one point, South Africa needed 54 runs off 36 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive hitting — two sixes and two fours off an over from Axar Patel — reduced the target to 30 off 30 balls. The Proteas appeared to be in control. However, Hardik Pandya delivered a crucial breakthrough, keeping the ball wide as Klaasen edged it behind. That dismissal, followed by David Miller’s inability to deliver in the final moments, left South Africa seven runs short of victory. Aiden Markram, who had an unbeaten record in ICC events as captain, was at a loss for words after…

Team India made history by winning the T20 World Cup after a 17-year gap, defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final. Gritty knocks from Virat Kohli and Axar Patel were matched by Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive half-century, but an all-round effort from the bowling unit helped India secure victory from the jaws of defeat. Kohli had a disappointing tournament before the final, scoring only 75 runs in seven innings and posting his lowest-ever average (10) in a T20 World Cup. Even more surprising was his strike rate, which lingered around 100. However, Kohli couldn’t have found a better stage…

What was expected to be a closely fought contest between two top sides ended up being a rather one-sided affair as India outplayed England to take revenge for the 2022 semi-final defeat and advance to the final of the T20 World Cup for the third time. Batting first, India faced early setbacks with the losses of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant. However, Rohit Sharma, in exceptional form this tournament, played a captain’s knock and forged a crucial 73-run partnership for the third wicket with Suryakumar Yadav. This stand laid the foundation for a strong finish. Late flourishes from Hardik Pandya,…

Who would have imagined at the start of the World Cup that Rahmanullah Gurbaz would emerge as the leading run-scorer, or that Afghanistan’s opening pair would be the most successful duo, outshining the likes of Kohli-Rohit, Head-Warner, and Buttler-Salt? Likewise, who could have predicted Afghanistan’s victories over New Zealand and Australia to secure a spot in the semi-finals? All odds have been defied at this year’s World Cup. Certain stories resonate deeply because they redefine the boundaries of passion and improvement. Afghanistan’s journey in this tournament is one such story. It has been a collective effort from the Afghan team.…

The outcome of this match hinged on which team could fare better with the bat. On a tough Kingstown pitch, Afghanistan managed to post a target of 115, which, at the halfway mark, looked below par. However, the Afghanistan bowlers displayed remarkable spirit, defending the total despite the ball getting wet due to multiple rain spells. Although Litton Das fought hard for a Bangladesh win, he lacked support from the other batters. There was drama all around, but in the end, Australia and Bangladesh are out, and Afghanistan have reached the semi-finals of an ICC event for the first time.…

Heading into the game against Australia, India only needed to avoid a heavy defeat to secure a semi-final spot. They exceeded expectations by winning their sixth consecutive match in this T20 World Cup, thereby advancing to the semi-finals as group toppers. After the match, India skipper Rohit Sharma reflected on his team’s impressive victory against the 2021 champions. “I think we adapted to the conditions really well, and it was about individuals doing their job. It was about getting wickets at the right time,” said Rohit. India will face the defending champions, England, on June 27, in Guyana. “We don’t…

Afghanistan will be watching the India-Australia match closely, hoping for an Indian victory, which would give them a golden chance to qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals. This scenario sets up a crucial Super Eight match against Bangladesh at Arnos Vale, St Vincent, on June 25. If India defeat Australia, the Afghans will enter their game against Bangladesh knowing that any victory will secure their spot in the semi-finals. Conversely, Bangladesh will also have a slim chance of advancing, provided India wins and they achieve a massive net run rate improvement. Afghanistan bolstered their semi-final hopes with a memorable…

England were dominant with both bat and ball. After dismissing a struggling USA batting line-up for a meager 115, via a Chris Jordan hat-trick, the defending champions chased down the target in less than 10 overs. Jos Buttler led the charge, blasting the USA bowlers all over the park to score an 83 off just 63 balls. The victory took England to the T20 World Cup semi-finals. The United States’ top-order began with aggressive intent, and despite losing a couple of wickets, they had a promising Powerplay. Andries Gous flicked a delivery off his pads from Reece Topley in the…

The last time Afghanistan faced Australia, history was made. Glenn Maxwell, hobbling on one leg, pulled off a miraculous run-chase in Mumbai last year in the ODI World Cup. On June 23, Sunday, Maxwell seemed destined for a similar performance. He raised his bat after reaching his fifty. The way he was striking the ball—clean and precise—suggested that Afghan hopes might once again be dashed. Just as it appeared that the game had slipped away from Afghanistan’s grasp, Gulbadin Naib, brought on as the eighth bowler, turned the match around by dismissing Maxwell. From a cricketing perspective, it was an…