India, riding on Jemimah Rodrigues' maiden century in 50-over cricket, defeated Ireland by 116 runs in the second Women's ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series here on Sunday. Opting to bat, India amassed a mammoth 370 for 5 with skipper Smriti Mandhana (73), newcomer Pratika Rawal (67) and Harleen Deol (89) smashing half-centuries, while Jemimah cracked a 91-ball 102 against hapless Ireland bowlers. In reply, Ireland keeper-batter Christina Coulter Reilly scored a fine 80 but her efforts were not enough with India spinner Deepti Sharma grabbing three wickets for 37 runs. Priya Mishra was the other successful India bowler taking two wickets. Brief Scores: India 370 for 5 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 73, Pratika Rawal 67, Harleen Deol 89, Jemimah Rodrigues 102; Orla Prendergast 2/75). Ireland 254 for 7 in 50 overs (Sarah Forbes 38, Christina Coulter Reilly 80, Laura Delany 37; Deepti Sharma 3/37, Priya Mishra 2/53). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 January,2025 07:06 PM IST | Rajkot | PTIJasprit Bumrah is the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as India's Test captain going forward but the peerless pacer doesn't seem to be a long-term option given his nagging fitness concerns, the latest being a back spasm which has rendered him doubtful for next month's Champions Trophy. Indian selectors are hopeful that he still might have some role in the Champions Trophy since it's a swelling, but when one looks at the bigger picture the question arises whether he can be deemed a permanent skipper in Tests, now that Rohit's days in whites look as good as over. If Bumrah is fit and ready to lead the Test side in England, chief selector Ajit Agarkar and his four colleagues need to have a strong name as vice-captain so that in case of an unforeseen scenario, the deputy is good enough to take charge. For now, in Tests, only two names are in the reckoning -- Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal -- with the former looking the most suitable for that role. It is understood that during BCCI's review meeting on Saturday with Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and Rohit, Bumrah's issues with the lower back cropped up. Post the review meeting, one can conclude that it is very unlikely Rohit will travel to England for the five Tests, and the 31-year-old Bumrah will certainly lead the team in the first Test at Headingly if all goes well. The pacer with 443 international scalps across formats in just 203 games led India at Perth and Sydney in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy and was the 'player of the series' with 32 wickets, the highest by an Indian on foreign soil. But the back spasm in the final Test proved to be his undoing as he could not bowl in the second innings and is set to undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru with an eye on playing the Champions Trophy. The injury has raised questions whether Bumrah can remain fit for long periods given his workload as the pace spearhead in Tests, who is also required for ICC white-ball events. There is no guarantee that Bumrah won't have more breakdowns during the next WTC cycle from June 2025 to June 2027, now that he is on the wrong side of 30s. Hence, the selectors might be tempted to have a Plan B ready, which is to have another equally strong captaincy candidate, who can be groomed as vice-captain. "For me, it is a very simple thing. You look at the data and find who is a sure-shot pick in Test cricket. Bumrah has played 45 Tests and Pant has 43 Tests. He (Pant) is 27 now and by the time he was only 23, he had singlehandedly won India one of its greatest Tests at the Gabba. He is a match-winner, a good sounding board for bowlers and should be the vice-captain," former national selector Devang Gandhi said. Another former India keeper Deep Dasgupta agreed that Bumrah cannot be a long-term solution as Test captain given his bowling workloads. "It is not just the marquee series (England, Australia) that we are talking about. In between Test matches, there will be ICC events where Bumrah's presence is a must. Like this year, it is Champions Trophy and next year it will be the T20 World Cup. He is managing it well by not playing bilaterals but nearer to events, he would need to. Then the bowling workload becomes paramount. Don't forget two months of IPL," Dasgupta explained. "So even as Bumrah starts as the next Test captain, there is a need for a strong vice-captain, and yes Pant fits the bill," he said. Both felt that Jaiswal should not be burdened with vice-captaincy considering that he will spearhead India's batting challenge in the coming days and there is still some time before the establishment can think of him in a leadership role.
12 January,2025 05:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai Cricket Association (MCA) began the grand celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium with the batting legend Sunil Gavaskar gracing the opening event on Sunday. The main event will be held on January 19 at the Wankhede. "It is indeed a very big honour for me to be here at this iconic venue that has given Indian cricket so much, the 2011 Cricket World Cup being the icing on the cake. And to be part of the start of the celebrations of 50 years of Wankhede Stadium," Gavaskar said. "As an opening batter, I couldn't miss the start so I am here. I want to wish the MCA all the best and also want to express my deepest sense of gratitude for giving me opportunities since school cricket. "I am what I am because MCA lifted me and helped me to take those steps and subsequently supported me even when I was playing for India...I want to thank you all for having me here." Vinod Kambli meets Sunil Gavaskar & Prithvi Shaw at the felicitation ceremony of former and current Mumbai cricketers celebrating 50 years of Wankhede Stadium. pic.twitter.com/xkprMeam0w — Taus Rizvi (@rizvitaus) January 12, 2025 Besides Gavaskar, other cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma and Dilip Vengsarkar will also be part of the MCA's grand celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium. The other stalwarts who are expected on the occasion are former skipper Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, Suryakumar Yadav and Diana Edulji. The main event will also feature Mumbai's legendary men's and women's players from domestic and international cricket. The MCA will release a coffee table book on January 19, while a commemorative postal stamp will also be issued. MCA will also felicitate the groundsmen and members of the Mumbai team, which played the first first-class match at the Wankhede Stadium in 1974. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 04:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSome of Mumbai's cricketing heroes, including legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar and former player Vinod Kambli, was on Sunday felicitated by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on the opening event of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Wankhede Stadium. The main event will be held on January 19 at the Wankhede Stadium. Gavaskar was the first Mumbai captain to be felicitated on Sunday. He was presented a momento by MCA President Ajinkya Naik. "It is indeed a very big honour for me to be here at this iconic venue that has given Indian cricket so much, the 2011 Cricket World Cup being the icing on the cake. And to be part of the start of the celebrations of 50 years of Wankhede Stadium," Gavaskar said. "As an opening batter, I couldn't miss the start so I am here. I want to wish the MCA all the best and also want to express my deepest sense of gratitude for giving me opportunities since school cricket. "I am what I am because MCA lifted me and helped me to take those steps and subsequently supported me even when I was playing for India...I want to thank you all for having me here." Vinod Kambli meets Sunil Gavaskar & Prithvi Shaw at the felicitation ceremony of former and current Mumbai cricketers celebrating 50 years of Wankhede Stadium. pic.twitter.com/xkprMeam0w — Taus Rizvi (@rizvitaus) January 12, 2025 Former India batter Vinod Kambli, who was recently discharged from a local hospital after being admitted to the ICU on December 21 due to health complications, was also present on the occasion. He was seen escorted by other people as he is still recovering from his ailments. After his felicitation, Kambli spoke about his playing days at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. "I remember I smashed my first double hundred here against England and then went onto score many more hundreds in my career," he said. "If anyone wants to play for India like me or Sachin (Tendulkar), then I would advise that you should keep working hard and never leave doing that because that's what Sachin and me did since our childhood days." Former India opening batter Wasim Jaffer was seen greeting Kambli. Former MCA President Vijay Patil was also felicitated. Other cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma and Dilip Vengsarkar will also be part of the MCA's grand celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Wankhede Stadium. The other stalwarts who are expected on the occasion are former India skippers Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane, current T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav and former national women's team captain Diana Edulji. The main event will also feature Mumbai's legendary men's and women's players from domestic and international cricket. The MCA will release a coffee table book on January 19, while a commemorative postal stamp will also be issued. MCA will also felicitate the groundsmen and members of the Mumbai team, which played the first first-class match at the Wankhede Stadium in 1974.
12 January,2025 04:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDubai Capitals rode on stellar spells from Gulbadin Naib and Olly Stone to clinch a one-run victory against MI Emirates in the first match of the International League T20 (ILT20) season three. Fans were treated to a last-ball thriller at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, as Nicholas Pooran's exquisite half-century of 61 runs off 40 balls for MI Emirates went in vain. The win marked the narrowest margin in ILT20 history. MI Emirates were coasting to victory, needing 16 runs from 15 balls, but a disciplined performance from the Capitals' bowling unit swung the pendulum in their favor. Gulbadin Naib finished with figures of 3 for 13, while Olly Stone returned with 2 for 14. Earlier in the evening, Fazalhaq Farooqi's five-wicket haul of 5 for 15 restricted the Dubai Capitals to 133/8. Brandon McMullen's half-century of 58 runs off 42 balls helped the Capitals recover from a poor start, while Rovman Powell also contributed 25 runs to give their bowlers something to defend. MI Emirates' innings suffered an early setback as Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher were both dismissed by Olly Stone for ducks in the powerplay. MI Emirates' woes worsened as they lost Tom Banton for just seven runs to Farhan Khan, while Kusal Perera fell after scoring only 12 runs off the bowling of Obed McCoy, leaving MI Emirates reeling at 23/4 in 4.3 overs. Coming in at number five, skipper Nicholas Pooran dispatched Farhan Khan over square leg for a maximum, followed by a boundary with a lofted off-drive to make his intentions clear. MI Emirates finished their powerplay at 33/4. Akeal Hosein joined Pooran, and the pair built a vital partnership of 79 runs off 64 balls. At the 10-over mark, MI Emirates needed 80 runs from 60 deliveries. Signaling a change of momentum in the 11th over, Pooran heaved Sikandar Raza for a six over mid-wicket. Akeal Hosein also took down Raza for a six down the ground to complete the most lucrative over of the innings until then, with 14 runs. The partnership was finally broken when Akeal Hosein was dismissed by Gulbadin Naib with the scoreline at 103/2 in 15.2 overs. Hosein finished his innings with 30 runs off 31 balls. Soon after, Pooran brought up his half-century with a six, reaching the milestone in just 36 balls. With MI Emirates needing 16 runs from 15 balls, Gulbadin Naib struck twice in three balls. Naib flummoxed Nicholas Pooran with a slower ball and followed it up with the wicket of Alzarri Joseph.Olly Stone delivered a shrewd 19th over, conceding only one run. The onus was on the experienced Kieron Pollard to finish the job in the final over bowled by Farhan Khan. However, the veteran could only manage 11 runs of the 13 needed, handing the Capitals a thrilling last-ball victory. Put in to bat first, the Dubai Capitals had a slow start, managing only 30 runs in the powerplay and losing Shai Hope to Fazalhaq Farooqi in the process. Adam Rossington was also castled by Alzarri Joseph as both openers only managed nine runs each.Scottish batter Brandon McMullen set about a repair job, notching a crucial half-century in just 33 balls. McMullen's knock of 58 runs off 42 balls comprised four fours and three sixes, before he became Fazalhaq Farooqi's second wicket of the night in the 17th over. Meanwhile, Capitals' skipper Sikandar Raza was dismissed by Zahoor Khan in the 11th over after scoring 10 runs off 10 deliveries. Rovman Powell hit the ground running, quickly making his way to 25 runs off 20 balls, including two towering sixes. Powell's promising innings was derailed by a toe-crushing yorker from Fazalhaq Farooqi in the 19th over.That same over saw Fazalhaq Farooqi complete his five-wicket haul, dismissing Dasun Shanaka, who struck a quick-fire 13 runs, followed by Olly Stone for a golden duck. The Capitals only managed four runs in the final over to finish the innings at 133/8 in 20 overs. Reflecting on the victory, Player of the Match, Gulbadin Naib said, "That is the beauty of cricket and T20. Not a good total on the board, but we defended it, with the guys giving 100 per cent. The pitch was helping the bowlers a lot. Not easy for the batters. We just tried to keep it stump to stump, and we did it." Brief Scores: Dubai Capitals beat MI Emirates by 1 run. Dubai Capitals 133/8 in 20 overs (Brandon McMullen 58, Rovman Powell 25, Dasun Shanaka 13, Fazalhaq Farooqi 5 for 16, Zahoor Khan 1 for 22, Alzarri Joseph 1 for 29) beat MI Emirates 132/7 in 20 overs (Nicolas Pooran 61, Akeal Hosein 30, Gulbadin Naib 3 for 13, Olly Stone 2 for 14) Player of the Match: Gulbadin Naib. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 03:18 PM IST | Dubai | mid-day online correspondentBangladesh on Sunday omitted former skipper Shakib Al Hasan, who has been suspended from bowling in international and domestic cricket because of an illegal action, from their Champions Trophy squad. Shakib, who failed a test of his bowling action at the Loughborough University in England last month, also could not procure a positive assessment in a second independent test conducted at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai recently. The omission from the 15-member Champions Trophy squad could also mark the end of the 37-year-old's ODI career. The tournament begins on February 19. Shakib, who was retired from Test and T20I formats, was reported for a suspect bowling action during a one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship in September last. On-field umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns made the report, which was termed ¿shocking¿ by Bangladesh Cricket Board officials. No place for Litton also Bangladesh, who will open their Champions Trophy campaign against India in Dubai on February 20, have also left out seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das after his recent modest outings. Das could not make a fifty in his last 13 ODI innings. His last 50-plus score was against India at Pune in October 2023. In fact, the 30-year-old's last seven innings read: 6, 1, 0, 0, 2, 4, 0. Other than these two big names, all-rounder Afif Hossain, and pacers Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud too failed to get a place in the squad which will be led by Najmul Hossain Shanto. Najmul is returning to the side after missing the home ODIs last year against the West Indies due to a hamstring injury. Along with Najmul, experienced Mushfiqur Rahim and Mustafizur Rahman and promising top-order batter Towhid Hridoy too have made a comeback. Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 03:11 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentIndia's Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain, Rohit Sharma, held an extensive discussion with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) leadership and chief selector Ajit Agarkar during a review meeting as per a report. The primary focus of the conversation was to address the recent disappointing outcomes for the Indian cricket team, particularly the 1-3 loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia and the 0-3 home series defeat to New Zealand. The meeting, attended by head coach Gautam Gambhir as well, sought to gather feedback from the team management regarding these setbacks. One of the key topics that emerged from the discussions was Sharma’s leadership tenure, with growing questions surrounding his long-term future as captain. His form with the bat, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar series, had led to increasing speculation about his place in the Test team. Rohit notably made the decision to bench himself for the final Test of the series in Sydney, though India went on to lose that match as well. During the review, Rohit reportedly expressed his desire to continue as captain for a few more months, specifically leading the team into the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. However, he also acknowledged the need for the BCCI to begin exploring potential successors for the captaincy. The name of Jasprit Bumrah emerged as a potential long-term successor during the meeting. Bumrah’s credentials as a future captain had been discussed previously, and his leadership experience, including captaining India in two Tests during the 2020-2021 series in Australia, was noted. However, concerns were raised regarding his fitness, particularly after he sustained a back injury during the final Test in Sydney. These fitness issues have led to doubts about his ability to lead India over a full-length Test series, especially a demanding five-match series. The fitness concerns surrounding Bumrah are valid, given his status as a premier pacer for India. His injury history, particularly with back problems, has made some members of the BCCI wary of placing the leadership burden on his shoulders for a prolonged period. The doubts over his long-term fitness could potentially hinder his chances of taking on the role of India's Test captain. Sharma’s desire to continue as captain through the ICC Champions Trophy is clear. Following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, players will join their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, and India’s next major cricketing assignment will be a five-match Test series against England. It remains uncertain whether Rohit will lead the team in this series or whether the BCCI will opt for a new captain for the Test format. Given the evolving situation, the BCCI is likely to deliberate on the future of India’s Test captaincy during this phase. With a transition period in mind, the board will need to weigh the potential of emerging leaders, such as Bumrah, while considering the immediate goals under Sharma’s leadership.
12 January,2025 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShakib Al Hasan suffered a fresh setback ahead of of the Champions Trophy after failing a second test of his bowling action, keeping him suspended from rolling his arm over in both domestic and international cricket. Shakib had earlier failed an independent assessment of his bowling action at Loughborough University, an ICC-accredited testing center in the UK. The result, which was reported on December 15, 2024, had already prevented him from bowling his left-arm spin in any format. The all-rounder was reassessed at the Sri Ramachandra Centre for Sports Science in Chennai last month, but the results did not lead to any change in his status. "Consequently, the player's existing suspension from bowling in international cricket following the initial independent assessment at the testing centre of Loughborough University in the UK, also remains in place," the BCB said in a statement on Saturday. "A successful reassessment is required for the bowling suspension to be lifted." Bangladesh will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against India in Dubai on February 20, with all participating teams required to announce their squads by January 12. Shakib, who remains in contention for a spot in Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad, has received support for inclusion from both captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and BCB president Faruque Ahmed. “While Shakib is currently unable to bowl, he is eligible to continue playing as a batsman in all forms of domestic and international cricket,” the BCB said. The 37-year-old, who has retired from Test and T20I cricket, was reported for a suspect bowling action during a one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship in September. On-field umpires Steve O'Shaughnessy and David Millns made the report. BCB chief selector Gazi Ashraf Hossain called the entire episode "shocking." Shakib last appeared for Bangladesh in a two-match Test series against India last year, which Bangladesh lost 0-2. The veteran all-rounder, who has 4609 runs and 246 wickets in 71 Tests, 7570 runs and 317 wickets in 247 ODIs, and 2551 runs and 149 wickets in 129 T20Is, has not returned to Bangladesh since deciding against playing his farewell Test against South Africa in Mirpur, due to political unrest in Dhaka. He is currently based in the USA with his family. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 12:54 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner expressed his thoughts on the loss in the last match of the series and said this was not the way he wanted it to end. Exceptional performance from Sri Lanka bowlers Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, and Eshan Malinga denied hosts New Zealand from registering a clean sweep as the Charith Asalanka-led side won the third and final match of the ODI series by 140 runs at Eden Park on Saturday. "Little disappointing, probably not the way we wanted to finish series. Credit to Sri Lanka; they put score on board, and they challenged us early and it was pretty tough to come back from there. They got the ball swinging and made it challenging. We did that throughout the series...I guess we will take it on the chin...a lot of positives from the series, guys playing their roles...the lads performed really well in the series against a very good team and the depth in their squad is outstanding. We go to Pakistan, and it will be a change of conditions so we'll prepare and adapt as best as we can," Mitchell Santner said in the post-match presentation as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. Recapping the third and final match of the ODI series at Auckland, Charith Asanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Batting first, the Asian Lions scored 290 runs with the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs. The scorers in the team were Pathum Nissanka (66 runs off 42 balls with six fours and five sixes), Kusal Mendis (54 runs from 48 balls, five fours and two sixes), Janith Liyange (53 runs in 52 balls with three fours and two sixes) and Kamindu Mendis (46 runs off 71 balls, three sixes and two fours). For New Zealand, the pick of the bowler was Matt Henry who grabbed four wickets in his 10 overs where he gave away 55 runs in his spell. Two wickets were taken by Mitchell Santner and one wicket each was taken by Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell in their respective spells. In reply to Sri Lanka's total of 290 runs, New Zealand were bundled out for 150 in just 29.4 overs. The run-getters in this innings were Mark Chapman (81 runs off 81 balls, 10 fours and 1 six), Nathan Smith (17 runs from 29 balls, 1 four), Michael Bracewell (13 runs in 20 balls, 1 four and 1 six), Matt Henry (12 runs off 6 balls with 1 four and 1 six) and 21 extras (18 wides, 2 leg byes and 1 no ball) in the innings. For Sri Lanka, three wickets each were snapped by Fernando (3/26 in 7 overs), Theekshana (3/35 in 7.4 overs), and Malinga (3/35 in 7 overs) in their respective spells. One wicket was bagged by Janith Liyange in his spell of three overs where he conceded 16 runs. Despite this loss, the Blackcaps sealed the three-match ODI series 2-1. Asitha Fernando was awarded the Player of the Match for his brilliant bowling in the last match and Kiwis right-arm seamer Matt Henry was given the Player of the Series for his magnificent performance across the three matches of the series. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 January,2025 12:25 PM IST | Auckland | ANIFormer South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes on Saturday opened up on Team India's disappointing performance at the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia and said that "expectation was really high". Rhodes was speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Team India conceded a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Australia in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and lost the opportunity to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord's. Speaking to ANI, Rhodes said that Test cricket in Australia is really tough and not too many teams had the liberty to clinch consecutive wins on Australian soil. "Well, Test cricket in Australia is really tough. I mean, not too many teams have gone there in one consecutive away series in Australia, and I think the Indian team had done that in the past. So maybe the expectation was really high. When most teams travel to Australia, everyone knows it's going to be a tough series, so maybe the Indian fans had forgotten that touring and playing in Australia is a very tough scenario both on and off the field because there's always a lot of verbal and some confrontation between players," Rhodes told ANI. The former cricketer added that one cannot blame one or two players for India's poor performance at the BGT series. "So to lay the blame on one or two players is always quite difficult. Cricket, we know, is a team sport, but yes, you need everybody to be contributing. So it's a case of understanding what is good for the team, what is good for the country and making sure everybody's in agreement. For me to sit here as an individual and go, this player should and shouldn't, I don't have that opportunity to criticise or judge anybody," he added. Skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli came under fire for an underwhelming Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign and overall a very disappointing 2024/25 season of Test cricket. Sharma (31 runs in three matches and five innings at an average of 6.20) and Virat Kohli (190 runs in five matches and nine innings at an average of 23.75 with a century) lacked big time with the bat. Virat fell for the outside-off-stump trap throughout the series, most notably by pacer Scott Boland who dismissed him four times. The ongoing 2024-25 season of Tests has been miserable for 'Ro-Ko' (Rohit and Kohli). While Rohit scored just 164 runs in eight matches and 15 innings at an average of 10.93 with best score of 52, Virat scored a shambolic 382 runs in 10 matches and 19 innings at an average of 22.87, with just a century and fifty each. (With ANI inputs)
12 January,2025 12:24 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFormer Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal revealed that current captain Najmul Hasan Shanto and the selection committee asked him to return to the team but the 35-year-old listen to his heart to retire from the international cricket. Iqbal decided to close the chapter on his illustrious international career in a heartfelt post on Facebook marking the end of career spanning over 16 years. With 387 appearances across formats and a staggering 15,192 runs to his name, Tamim stands as one of the most iconic and prolific cricketers in Bangladesh’s history. "Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto sincerely asked me to return to the team. There were discussions with the selection committee too. I am grateful to them for still considering me in the team. However, I have listened to my own heart,” Iqbal wrote. Tamim Iqbal retires as one of Bangladesh's greatest-ever cricketers. His career began with a memorable debut in 2007, and he quickly cemented his place as a dependable opener for the Tigers. Over the years, he displayed an unmatched consistency at the top of the order, playing a pivotal role in numerous historic victories for his country. In Test cricket Tamim scored 5134 runs in 70 Tests at an average of 38.89, including ten centuries and 31 half-centuries. His attacking stroke play against the best bowling attacks in the world set him apart, and he holds the distinction of being Bangladesh’s second-highest run-scorer in the longest format. In ODI, the left-hander was a titan in the 50-over format, amassing 8357 runs in 243 matches at an average of 36.65, with 14 centuries and 56 fifties. His ability to anchor innings or accelerate when needed made him indispensable in Bangladesh's ODI setup. In the shortest format, Tamim’s adaptability shone through as he scored 1758 runs in 78 matches at a strike rate of 116.96, including a century, which was Bangladesh’s first-ever in T20Is. Tamim’s retirement saga has been one of twists and turns. In July 2023, he shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement mid-series but reversed the decision just a day later after discussions with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, persistent injuries and a prolonged absence from international cricket led him to take a step back from the game. His last appearance came against New Zealand in September 2023. (With agency inputs)
12 January,2025 12:20 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
