On the first day, of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan’s team was bowled out for 116 runs in 20 overs. Pakistan stopped Sri Lanka at 85 runs due to the excellent performance of the spinners. Captain Fatima Sana scored 30 runs and took 2 wickets.

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 31 runs on Thursday due to the all-around play of captain Fatima Sana and the excellent performance of the spinners. With this, Pakistan made a great start to its campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Batting first, Pakistan’s team was bowled out for 116 runs in the stipulated 20 overs. But its spinners made this score like a mountain for Sri Lanka, whose team could only score 85 runs for nine wickets.

Captain Fatima played an important role in Pakistan’s victory

If Pakistan’s team was able to reach triple figures, the credit goes to captain Fatima Sana, who played an innings of 30 runs in 20 balls. Fatima, who bowls at a medium pace, then took two wickets for 10 runs.

Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal was their most successful bowler. She took three wickets for 17 runs in four overs. She also got good support from left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu (two wickets for 15 runs) and off-spinner Amima Sohail (two wickets for 17 runs).

Sri Lankan spinners also performed strongly

Earlier, Sri Lankan spinners also performed well in favorable conditions. From their side, left-arm spinner Sugandhika Kumari (three wickets for 19 runs) played an important role in wrapping up the top order, off-spinner Chamari Atapattu (three wickets for 18 runs) in the middle order, and medium pacer Udeshika Prabodhini (three wickets for 20 runs) in the lower order.

However, captain Atapattu could not show any magic in batting and returned to the pavilion after scoring only six runs.

Sri Lanka had scored only 26 runs in the power play

Sri Lanka scored 26 runs in the power play and in the meantime lost the wicket of Harshita Samarawickrama (07). After bowling her, Amima Sohail also dismissed new batsman Hansika Perera (08).

Sri Lanka’s team was struggling after scoring 44 runs for three wickets after 10 overs. Opener Vishpi Gunaratne held one end till the 13th over. But she could not score runs at the expected pace, which increased the pressure on the team.

She scored 20 runs in 34 balls which included a four. Neelakshi de Silva (22) was the second batsman from Sri Lanka to reach double figures.

Pakistan had chosen to bat after winning the toss

Earlier, Pakistan, who came to bat after winning the toss, had to struggle from the beginning against Sri Lanka’s spin attack. They lost the wickets of all three top-order batsmen Gul Ferozza (02), Muniba Ali (11), and Sidra Amin (12) in the powerplay itself. Meanwhile, Pakistan scored 32 runs.

Experienced Nida Dar (23) tried to improve the innings along with Amima Sohail (18) but after their 25-run partnership for the fourth wicket broke, Pakistan’s middle order faltered. In such a situation, Fatima Sana took the responsibility.

Despite not getting enough support from the other end, she hit some powerful shots and took Pakistan to a respectable score. Fatima hit three fours and a six in her innings.

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5 wicket hauls is an achievement for a bowler who takes five wickets in a single innings. We will cover the athletes who have registered themselves in the record for having the most number of five wicket hauls in different formats of cricket.

Most five wicket hauls in T20 (white ball cricket)

David Wiese, the right-arm medium bowler and an all-rounder from South Africa, has achieved this feat with the white ball in T20 international format. He made his debut in 2012 for South Africa and played his first T20 match against Sri Lanka. Later, he left the South African team to play county cricket due to a kolpak deal signed with Sussex.

He debuted for Namibia in 2021 and was part of a team when Namibia registered its first win in an ICC tournament against the Netherlands. He has taken seven 5 wicket hauls in T20 cricket internationals. David has taken a total of 307 wickets in his T20 career, with a best figure of 5/19.

Most Five Wickets in ODI (white ball cricket)

Waqar Younis, the right-arm fast bowler and former captain from Pakistan, holds many records in his cricket career, such as fastest to reach and complete 400 wickets in 252 matches, most consecutive 4 wickets till 3 innings, and best figures in an innings by a captain.

Waqar took a total of thirteen 5 wicket hauls in his career, which is the maximum, and stands alone at the top of the list with an economy of 4.68. He has taken 416 wickets in total of his career span, and his best bowling figures are 7 wickets, conceding only 36 runs.

Most five wicket hauls in Test cricket (red ball cricket)

This feat is achieved by Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the legends of spin alongside Shane Warne, who were the best in their art and dominated international cricket till the end of their careers.

Muttiah Muralitharan was the Sri Lankan off-spinner who struggled a lot due to his action being called out legal. His bowling action seemed as if he chucked his arm while bowling the ball for more accuracy and spin, but later it was certified legal by the ICC, and he reigned in world cricket. Murlitharan has taken a total of 800 wickets in international cricket.

He is the only player in the world to achieve the feat of taking 800 wickets, which is the most by any bowler in the world. Now, along with that, he took a total of sixty-seven-five wicket hauls in Test cricket, and twenty-two times he grabbed the ten wicket haul in red ball cricket.

Murlitharan could have also topped the list for most 5 wicket hauls in ODI as he is in second place, though he broke all the records and registered some next to impossible records in world cricket that are still unbroken till date and not even close any active players achievements.

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Kevin O’Brien is an Irish cricketer who played for Ireland from June 2006 to 16 August 2022. He made his debut in ODI in June 2006, where he played against England. He managed to take 1 wicket of his 10 overs with an expense of 47 runs. 

Later in his test debut in 2018, he registered a record of hitting a century on a debut and became the first Irish cricketer to score a century in Test Cricket and one of the players from eleven to play Ireland’s first Test match against Pakistan in 2018. 

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8 Enticing Facts of Kevin O’Brien

1. He holds the record for the 3rd fastest century in 50 over the World Cup against England in 2011 in Bengaluru; he scored a century within 50 balls. His clinical innings led Ireland to a huge win against a big-reputed team, England, with a 3-wicket win. His record was broken in 2023 by Aiden Markram and Glenn Maxwell at Delhi in Arun Jaitley Stadium. 
2. England took revenge later from Kevin O’Brien in 2015 by smashing 95 runs in his 7 overs, destroying his economy, and setting a record for him for holding one of the worst economies in an ODI, which was replaced by his own teammate in 2023, Joshua Brian Little. Kevin currently sits in second place for having the worst economy in ODI, and Joshua tops the list.
3. Kevin O’Brien is the 2nd highest scorer in international cricket, combining ODI, Test, and T20 for the Ireland cricket team. He has scored 5850 runs in 250 innings, holding 4 centuries and 24 half-centuries. The highest scorer for Ireland is Paul Stirling with 9652 runs in 312 innings. 
4. One of his most bizarre records is holding the most number of ducks in T20 internationals, i.e., 12 times in 103 innings. He sits in 5th place on the list. 
5. Being an explosive batsman and a stable all-rounder for Ireland, Kevin O’Brien scored 142 runs, which is his highest individual score and the 3rd highest for the Ireland cricket team in ODIs. Paul Stirling sits at the top, scoring 177 for Ireland in ODIs. 
6. In his span of 2006-21 in ODIs, he made a total of 3619 runs and took 114 wickets. He joined the list of players who scored more than 1000 runs and took 100 wickets. 
7. Along with 1000 runs and crossing over 100 wickets, he took 67 catches in ODIs and joined the list of players who scored over 1000 runs, took 100 wickets, and caught 50 catches.
   
8. When he played that sensational century against England, he got a great hand of support at the other side of the pitch by AR Cusack to chase the total, and they made a gigantic partnership of 162 runs, sitting at the 10th position for having the highest partnership for sixth wicket in ODIs. 

In this article, we mention 5 Iconic performances of James Anderson

England’s legendary fast bowler James Anderson is going to play his last test match in the England vs West Indies match starting on July 10. Till now he has taken 987 wickets in his cricket career. Come, in this article, you will learn about James Anderson’s 5 best bowling spells.

James Anderson 7 for 43 vs New Zealand, Nottingham (2008): 

This spell marked Anderson’s arrival as a world-class bowler. With lethal swing and seam bowling, he ripped through the New Zealand top order taking seven wickets for just 43 runs. The Kiwis were bundled out for a mere 123 paving the way for a dominant England victory.

5 for 54 and 6 for 17 vs Pakistan, Trent Bridge (2010): 

This sensational display showcased Anderson’s relentless bowling attack. He picked up five wickets in Pakistan’s first innings followed by a career-best 6 for 17 in the second, dismantling their batting line-up and securing a resounding win for England.

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7 for 42 vs West Indies, Lord’s (2017): 

This spell had added significance as Anderson was on the cusp of achieving a major milestone – 500 Test wickets. He delivered a magnificent performance with exceptional swing bowling, dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite to join the elite 500-wicket club in the most fitting setting – Lord’s, the Home of Cricket.

5 for 23 vs South Africa, The Oval (2012): 

This spell was a masterclass in swing bowling on a flat pitch. Anderson’s pinpoint accuracy and control proved too much for the South African batsmen as he picked up five wickets for a mere 23 runs helping England clinch a series victory.

5 for 53 vs India, The Rose Bowl (2014): 

This spell came during a high-pressure Ashes series against India. Anderson, with his experience and skill stood out taking five wickets for just 53 runs restricting India’s lead and keeping England in the contest.

These are just a few of James Anderson’s many remarkable bowling spells. His ability to swing the ball prodigiously even in bowler-unfriendly conditions has made him a nightmare for batsmen worldwide. As he takes his final bow cricket fans will forever remember him as one of the greatest fast bowlers the game has ever seen.

The captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Babar Azam will be seen in action on Thursday in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 match against the USA. The much-anticipated match will take place at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Babar would be looking forward to putting up a big show and helping his side get the better of the USA in their first match of the ongoing marquee tournament.

Babar Azam Is All Set To Break Virat Kohli’s Big World Record

During the match against the USA, the superstar batter will have a chance to create history and become the leading run-getter in T20Is.

Having amassed 4023 runs to his name in 119 T20Is, Babar needs only 16 runs to break Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs in T20Is. Virat Kohli had a forgettable outing in India’s campaign opener in the T20 World Cup 2024. He has 4038 runs to his name.

As of now, Babar Azam is sitting in the number 3 position on the list of batters with the most runs in the shortest format of the game. Apart from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma has also scored more runs than him.

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The Indian captain has 4026 runs in 152 T20I matches he has played so far. He has scored 52 runs from 37 balls against Ireland in New York to help the Indian cricket team start the campaign with an 8-wicket win.

Check out the list of top batters with the most runs in T20Is:

1. Virat Kohli – India — 4038 runs in 118 matches.
2. Rohit Sharma – India — 4026 runs in 152 matches.
3. Babar Azam – Pakistan – 4023 runs in 119 matches.
4. Paul Stirling – Ireland — 3591 runs in 143 matches.
5. Martin Guptill – New Zealand — 3531 runs in 122 matches.

Babar Azam already holds the record for winning the most number of T20I matches as captain and scoring the most runs (2520) as captain in T20Is.

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team kickstarted their campaign in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a blockbuster note by defeating Ireland in their campaign opener at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Wednesday, June 5.

The Indian cricket team gave an all-around performance and won the game against Ireland by 8 wickets. Riding on captain Rohit Sharma’s half-century, the Indian team successfully chased down the small target of 97 runs with 46 balls remaining.

Rohit Sharma Gave A Big Update About His Injury

Coming out to open the innings for India with batting superstar Virat Kohli, captain Rohit played a quick-fire knock in the curtain-raise of the Asian giants.

While in-form Kohli recorded a rare batting failure in the ICC event, Rohit played a captain’s knock as he notched up his first half-century of the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. However, Rohit’s stellar knock ended abruptly when the Indian captain retired hurt in the 10th over of the innings.

Rohit Sharma was hit on the arm in the eighth over bowled by Ireland’s Joshua Little. Ireland opted for a review, but since Rohit was struck on the arm and Ultra Edge also confirmed no spike on the bat, Rohit was adjudged not out by the third umpire.

Following this incident, Rohit smashed two sixes off Little in the same over to move to 42 off 33 balls. He completed his fifty in Mark Adair’s over to help India post 76-1 in 10 overs. However, after the drinks break, Rohit Sharma was seen leaving the pitch with the team’s physio.

Rohit returned to the dugout after smashing 52 runs off 37 balls as he felt discomfort in his shoulder. The fans can take a sigh of relief as the injury was not serious. Rohit himself gave a big update about his injury after the game. He revealed:

“Yeah, just a little sore (the arm).”

Later, during India’s innings, Rishabh Pant also suffered a blow on his elbow on the first ball of the 11th over. That delivery was also bowled by Josh Little. However, Pant continued his innings after receiving some treatment from the physio and finished the game on a high with a six.

Rohit Sharma Was Not Happy With The Pitch Conditions

Notably, the pitch of Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, where the IND vs IRE match was played in New York, has been receiving a lot of criticism for its vicious bounce while the extremely slow outfield was also at the receiving end of the criticism. He said:

“I said it at the toss as well. Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch. Not aware on what it is to play like on a pitch that’s five months old. I don’t think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. There was enough for the bowlers.”

He added: “There was enough for the bowlers. That’s pretty much what you gotta do. Try to hit those lengths consistently. All these guys have played a lot of Test cricket. Arshdeep is the only guy who hasn’t. His two wickets upfront set the tone for us.”

The Indian cricket team will now take on Pakistan in their next match on June 9th at the same venue.

The 13th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup is imminent, generating immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Fast bowlers have assumed a central role in determining the outcomes of matches as the majestic event is once again being hosted in India. With Chinnaswamy’s spin-friendly pitch, Eden’s ground-breaking outfield, Mumbai witnessing Dhoni’s historic six, and the brisk pitch at Dharamsala for the Himachal side, anticipation is high for a thrilling display of bowling prowess.

Top 3 teams with raw pace bowling

1. India

India, the two-time champions and hosts of the 13th edition, wield a formidable pace attack capable of dismantling any opposition. With Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna returning to action after recovering from injuries, India’s pace attack ranks among the tournament’s strongest. The potential bowlers for the World Cup encompass Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, and Hardik Pandya. This versatile pace attack addresses all aspects, with the exception of a left-arm seamer.

2. Australia

Australia emerges as a prominent contender for the World Cup title, fielding one of the most seasoned and exceptional fast bowling units. Each of their bowlers boasts extensive experience in Indian conditions. The prospective bowlers for the World Cup comprise Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Marcus Stoinis. The trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins is arguably the world’s best, renowned for delivering outstanding performances on the grandest stages. Pat Cummins, celebrated for his pinpoint accuracy, spearheads the attack during the middle overs alongside all-rounders Stoinis and Marsh. The backup bowlers possess the capability to secure a spot in the first-choice XI.

3. Pakistan

Pakistan, renowned for its illustrious history of fast bowling, has left an indelible mark on recent ICC events. The team’s chances of clinching the coveted trophy hinge largely on the performance of their in-form pace unit. The potential bowlers for the World Cup include Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr., and Faheem Ashraf. The formidable trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf constitutes a lethal new-ball combination, consistently delivering deliveries at speeds exceeding 140 km/h, executing precise yorkers, and inducing accurate swings.

ICC World Cup 2023 venues: Full list of cities and stadiums for WC 2023

Ahmedabad: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera (England v New Zealand tournament opener; India v Pakistan; final)
Bengaluru: M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Chennai: MA Chidambaram Stadium
Delhi: Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium
Dharamsala: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium
Lucknow: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Uppal
Pune: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium
Kolkata: Eden Gardens
Mumbai: Wankhede Stadium

The excitement for the ICC World Cup 2023 is building up as the tournament is set to kick off on October 5 in India. Among the ten participating teams, Pakistan is expected to be a formidable contender in the competition. In this article, we provide an overview of Pakistan’s World Cup squad and their schedule.

The Tournament Format

The ICC World Cup 2023 is set to include ten teams, comprising Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, England, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The competition will adhere to a round-robin structure, where each team will compete against all the other teams once during the league stage.

For Pakistan in the World Cup 2023, the journey entails a schedule of nine matches leading up to the semi-finals. Their campaign commences with a match against the Netherlands on October 6, concluding with their last league encounter against England on November 11.

Pakistan’s World Cup History

In the previous edition of the World Cup in 2019, Pakistan fell short of reaching the semi-finals. However, they displayed their prowess by reaching the final of the T20 World Cup last year in Australia. With their strong performances in recent tournaments, Pakistan enters the World Cup 2023 as a strong contender to clinch the title.

The tournament’s location in India offers Pakistan favorable conditions similar to their home country. Notably, Pakistan has not played in India since 2016, adding to the anticipation surrounding their performance in this World Cup.

Pakistan’s World Cup 2023 Schedule

Here is Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:

– October 6: Pakistan vs Netherlands (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 10: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 14: Pakistan vs India (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 20: Pakistan vs Australia (M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 23: Pakistan vs Afghanistan (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 27: Pakistan vs South Africa (MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai) – 2:00 PM IST
– October 31: Pakistan vs Bangladesh (Eden Gardens, Kolkata) – 2:00 PM IST
– November 4: Pakistan vs New Zealand (M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru) – 10:30 AM IST
– November 11: Pakistan vs England (Eden Gardens, Kolkata) – 2:00 PM IST

Pakistan’s Probable Squad for World Cup 2023

While the official squad for the World Cup 2023 is yet to be announced, it is expected to closely resemble the squad named for the Asia Cup 2023 a few weeks ago. Leading the team will be Babar Azam, with key players such as Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan expected to make significant contributions.

Probable Squad: Babar Azam (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi.