Cricket
IPL 2021: Scenarios of Playoffs Qualification for Eight Teams
The 14th season of the IPL began on April 9 this year. However, the competition was postponed on 2nd May 2021 because of the outbreak of the coronavirus. A total of 60 matches were to be played at the IPL 14 and 29 matches were played when the BCCI postponed the league. The league resumed on 19th September in the UAE, with the remaining 31 matches taking place in this country. Before the suspension, Delhi Capitals were in first place in the points standings, with Sunrisers Hyderabad in the last place with only two points. Let's have a look at the IPL 2021 playoffs qualification scenarios.
Playoffs Qualification Scenarios of IPL 2021
The league has reached halfway of its journey. The scenario of the points table is described below.
Chennai Super kings
Veteran MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings resumed their campaign with a 20-run victory over Mumbai Indians on Sunday (September 19) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This was a crucial game for Chennai in their quest for a playoff spot. The victory elevated them to the top of the points standings. Chennai have six games left in this season and will qualify for the playoffs if they can win at least two more matches.
Chennai’s remaining fixtures:
RCB (24th Sep), KKR (26th Sep), SRH (30th Sep), RR (2nd OCT), DC (4th OCT), PBKS (7th OCT)
Also read: Virat Kohli to step down as India's T20 skipper
Delhi Capitals
Delhi's regular captain Shreyas Iyer has stepped down as captain at least for the time being. Now, Iyer’s full focus is on his batting. India's number one wicket-keeper Rishab Pant has been named captain for the remainder of the season. This group has some incredible talents and they have worked well together. Delhi Capitals are presently tied with Chennai Super Kings for first place in the points table. So, they are only two victories away from securing a playoff berth.
Delhi’s remaining fixtures:
SRH (22nd Sep), RR (25th Sep), KKR (28th Sep), MI (2nd OCT), CSK (4th OCT), RCB (8th OCT)
Read Tamim Iqbal desires to win the 2023 World Cup as Captain
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Virat Kohli has announced that he will leave the captaincy role of RCB after the IPL 2021 season. Kohli's choice has shocked many cricket fans across the world given that he has been an effective leader both for club and country. Royal Challengers Bangalore are presently in third place in the IPL 2021 points table. They must win at least three of their remaining games to advance to the next round.
Bangalore’s remaining fixtures:
CSK (24th Sep), MI (26th Sep), RR (29th Sep), PBKS (3rd OCT), SRH (6th OCT), DC (8th OCT)
Also read: IPL 2021: Those who are at the Top Before the Tournament Resume
Mumbai Indians
Rohit Sharma's side has some real match-winners, and they usually play better at the tournament's key stages. However, the most successful team in IPL history Mumbai Indians are struggling this season. They have lost four games and won only four so far. Mumbai Indians need to win four more games in order to secure a place in the playoffs.
Mumbai’s remaining fixtures: KKR (23rd Sep), RCB (26th Sep), PBKS (28th Sep), DC (2nd OCT), RR (5th OCT), SRH (8th OCT)
Read T20 World Cup 2021: Favorites to qualify for semifinals from Group 1
Shamim eager to deliver in his maiden T20 World Cup
Bangladesh’s U-19 World Cup-winning hero Shamim Hossain said he is eager to play and do well in the T20 World Cup due to begin next month in Oman.
Shamim already started individual training to prepare for the big challenge.
On Monday he talked to the reporters at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium exuding high confidence in his ability to perform well and prove the selectors right.
“I’m a bit lucky that I’m getting a chance to represent Bangladesh in the World Cup,” Shamim told the media. “At the same time, it’s a new challenge for me as well. I’m confident that I will deliver well in the World Cup.”
Shamim has been a wonderful batsman and outstanding fielder during his U-19 cricketing years. He carried his zeal to the domestic circuit as well which helped him earn the maiden call to the national team ahead of this year’s Zimbabwe tour.
The left-handed batsman took no time to shine for the Tigers. In his T20I debut, he scored 29 off 13 balls, and in the second, he posted unbeaten 31 off 15 balls which eventually proved to be a match-winning knock.
“I didn't set any specific target for the World Cup yet, but since it’s my first chance, I will try my best to do well. It’s a big achievement for me to be a part of Bangladesh’s World Cup squad. I have plenty to learn from the senior players of the national team,” he added.
The experience of winning the U-19 World Cup will help in many ways to perform up to the expectation in the World Cup, Shamim said.
“I understand the expectation will be high this time. I will have to play with many world-class players. It’s a big challenge, and I’m upbeat to take this challenge,” Shamim added.
The 21-year-old batsman was unable to continue his good form against Australia in the home series that Bangladesh won 4-1. He also failed to do well in the only match he played against New Zealand at home. On both occasions the wicket was friendly to the bowlers.
“The wickets matter a lot (to do well for the batsmen). I think the wickets will be better in the World Cup (than the wicket of Bangladesh). I believe the senior players of our team will do great things in the World Cup,” he said.
Kohli to step down from Bangalore captaincy after IPL season
Virat Kohli will step down as captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore at the end of this season's Indian Premier League.
Kohli had already announced he will relinquish the captaincy of India in the Twenty20 format after the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October and November.
“(I’ve) spoken to the squad this evening, before the second leg of the tournament starts, to inform everyone that this is going to be my last leg in the IPL as captain of our city,” Kohli said in a video message posted on RCB’s Twitter account on Sunday.
Also read: Virat Kohli to step down as India's T20 skipper
“(This was) something that was on my mind for a while … to manage my workload which has been immense over the last so many years. I want to continue to be committed to the responsibilities that I’m fulfilling, and I felt I needed the space to refresh, to regroup and be absolutely clear in how I want to move forward.”
Kohli has led Bangalore since 2013 but has not yet won the world's most lucrative T20 league. Kohli said he will continue with Bangalore as a player.
“I’ve made it clear to the management that, you know, I can’t think of me being in any other team than RCB,” he said. “That has been my commitment from Day 1 (and) I will continue to be RCB player till I play my last game in the IPL.”
Also read: IPL 2021: Those who are at the Top Before the Tournament Resume
Bangalore is currently third after winning five of its seven games in India before the IPL was suspended in May due to coronavirus. The league resumed in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday with Chennai Super Kings beating defending champions Mumbai Indians by 20 runs.
Bangalore plays Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday.
Tamim Iqbal desires to win the 2023 World Cup as Captain
Bangladesh's ODI captain Tamim Iqbal has rekindled his ambition to win the ICC 2023 World Cup in India. Tamim Iqbal voiced his desire in a conversation with former Sri Lankan international Russell Arnold and Farveez Maharoof on Sunday's (September 19) "Chilling With Russel" show. Tamim Iqbal also discussed many aspects of Bangladesh cricket as well as his illustrious cricket career. The most successful batsman of Bangladesh also made a prediction for the T20 World Cup, which will begin next month. Some of the key points Tamim Iqbal discussed during the conversation are extracted in this article.
Tamim Iqbal's Mission for the 2023 World Cup
When Russell Arnold, the host of the "Chilling With Russel" show, asked Tamim Iqbal about his future plans, he responded that he wants to play for Bangladesh for a few more years. Because he has the ability to stretch his cricket career.
Read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021: Five Potential Replacements of Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal explained his current position in Bangladesh cricket by saying that the senior players, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah Riyad all have been playing together for a long time. They have won international matches and series, but they haven't accomplished anything big for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh squad announced for ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Sunday announced a 20-member preliminary squad of the Bangladesh national women's team for the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2021 in Zimbabwe.
Murshida Khatun, Shamima Sultana, Nigar Sultana Joty, Fargana Hoque Pinky, Rumana Ahmed, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Salma Khatun, Jahanara Alam, Lata Mondol, Suraiya Azmin, Nuzhat Tasnia, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sobhana Mostary, Khadiza-Tul Kubra, Sharmin Akter Supta, Puja Chakrabortty and Disha Biswas have been picked for the qualifiers that will take place from November 16 to December 5 this year.
Read: AFC Women's Asian Cup: Bangladesh lose 0-5 to Jordan
The preliminary training camp of the Bangladesh women's team will begin Tuesday at the BCB Academy ground and gymnasium at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
After completing a five-day training camp in Dhaka, the team will travel to Sylhet on September 26 for another session and play five practice matches there until October 11.
Youth ODI series: Afghanistan win last match vs Bangladesh
After Bangladesh’s win in three matches in a row, Afghanistan won two matches to end the series 3-2. However, the hosts won the series.
In the last match of the five-match Youth ODI series, Afghanistan won by three wickets with three balls to play at the Sylhet International Stadium.
On Sunday, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. They put up 155 all-out in 47.4 overs with Abdullah Al Mamun scoring the highest 37 for Bangladesh.
Apart from Al Mamun, Iftikher Hossain, Naimur Rohman and Tahjibul Islam were also among the batsmen who have reached double-digit scores. But none of them was able to carry on and register a big innings.
Bangladesh U-19 kept losing wickets in regular intervals, and thus, they were wrapped up only for 155.
Read: Youth ODI series: Afghanistan register first win with a Mankad
For Afghanistan, Bilal Sami and Nangeyalia Kharote were the most successful bowlers taking three wickets each while Izharulhaq Naveed and Shahidullah Hasani took two wickets each.
In reply, Afghanistan’s openers put up only 17 in the first wicket stand. Within 24 runs, both of their openers were departed. But the number three batsman, Ishaq Zazai, posted 52. Riding on his bat, Afghanistan recovered from early damage well.
Afghanistan captain Ijaz Ahmad scored 32 to help his side overcome a low-scoring affair.
They ended up on 156 for seven in 49.3 overs and won the match by three wickets with three balls to play.
For Bangladesh, Ashikur Zaman scalped three wickets while Mushfik Hasan, Naimur Rohman, and Aich Mollah took one wicket each.
Both the teams will now face off in a four-day match starting from September 22 at the Sylhet International Stadium.
ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Favorites to qualify for semifinals from Group 2
The T20 World Cup 2021 is slated to begin late next month. The seventh edition of the ICC’s shorter format World Cup will be co-hosted by the UAE and Oman. The competition's super 12 round will begin on October 23rd, and it will be split into two groups of six teams each. A number of Asian teams will participate in group 2. Which two teams from Group 2 of the super 12 have the best probability of reaching the semifinals in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021? The Group 2 favorites to advance to the semi-finals are discussed in this article.
Favorites to advance to the semifinals from group 2 of the Super 12 round
India
India’s captain Virat Kohli has decided to step down his role after the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. His announcement has surprised many cricket fans around the world given the fact that he is doing well as Team India skipper. But Virat Kohli’s decision will inspire Indian players to do well in the upcoming event. Indian selectors also included experienced off-spinner Ravi Ashwin in the squad who last featured against the Windies back in 2017.
India's T20 World Cup campaign will begin on October 24 in Dubai with a match against Pakistan. This will be a vital contest for India along with the match against New Zealand. The Indian team is expected to finish first in this group because they have some serious talents in the squad.
India's five key players
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Read T20 World Cup 2021: Favorites to qualify for semifinals from Group 1
Pakistan
Pakistan are always a tough opponent in the limited-overs format. Led by Babar Azam, this team does have some real potential. However, they must play with courage in order to maintain consistent performance throughout the tournament.
Pakistan will be able to solidify their strong position in the points table if they can defeat India in their opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. New Zealand, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will also be tough opponents for Pakistan.
Therefore, Pakistan's prospects in the competition will be determined by their consistency. However, they should advance to the next round with their present lineup.
Pakistan's five key players
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Hafeez, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali
Read Youth ODI series: Afghanistan register first win with a Mankad
New Zealand
New Zealand are one of the favorites to win the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 this year. The New Zealand Test squad just won the maiden ICC Test Championship and their limited-overs team competed in the 2015 and 2019 ICC ODI World Cup finals. Therefore, they have a high level of confidence in comparison to the other competitors in the tournament.
Kane Williamson-led the Blackcaps Twenty20 International team is well equipped for the ICC T20 World Cup with some of the best T20 players in their roster. New Zealand will face two Asian powers as its main opponents in the Group stage. Two teams from India, Pakistan, and New Zealand are most likely to advance in the World Cup semifinals.
New Zealand's five key players
Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Tim Southee
Bangladesh
Bangladesh are expected to finish first in Group B in the qualifying round. Bangladesh's chances against strong opponents in the Super 12 are slim; since they will likely face New Zealand, India, and Pakistan in the first round.
Senior players will have to shoulder the majority of the burden If Bangladesh are to proceed to the next round of the tournament. Bangladesh’s batting will have to play the most crucial role in the tournament because their batting performance hasn't been up to par recently. Overall, Bangladesh have a good chance in two matches, but qualifying for the first knockout phase will be difficult.
Bangladesh's five key players
Mahmudullah Riyad, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin
Read NZ abandons cricket tour of Pakistan over security concerns
Afghanistan
Afghanistan are a very competitive T20 team. They have the ability to beat any team on their day, but they have yet to demonstrate their full potential in the ICC's major tournament. Afghanistan will get a wonderful opportunity to exhibit their talent on this occasion, although qualifying for the next stage will be difficult.
Afghanistan’s main target would be to ensure at least two wins and if possible, make one or two upset. Rashid Khan is their superstar cricketer and he can inspire Afghanistan to excel their performance in the main event.
Afghanistan's five key players
Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad
Read Virat Kohli to step down as India's T20 skipper
Verdict
After looking at the teams' strengths, it's clear that India, Pakistan, and New Zealand are the favorites to go to the semifinals. Furthermore, both Bangladesh and Afghanistan have a good possibility of doing well during the campaign. Teams must find their best rhythm in order to put up a consistent performance during the main event. Group 2 is likely to be very competitive but the team with the best overall performance will progress to the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 semifinals.
T20 World Cup 2021: Favorites to qualify for semifinals from Group 1
The ICC Twenty20 World Cup 2020 has been postponed for a year due to the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic. Finally, the seventh edition of the T20 World Cup will begin on October 17 this year. The top two teams from each group of the Super 12 round will advance to the tournament's first elimination phase. Five Test-playing nations are expected to compete in each group. Among them, which two teams from Group 1 have the highest chance of qualifying for the semifinals in the T20 World Cup 2021? The favorites to qualify for the semi-finals from Group 1 are discussed in this article.
Favorites to qualify for semifinals from group 1 of Super 12 round
West Indies
Teams often emphasize including more experienced cricketers When they pick their World Cup squads. Because experience always comes in handy at a large event. The two-time T20 World Cup champion West Indies have selected 37-year-old veteran Ravi Rampaul in their squad, who was a key member of the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup-winning Windies side. Ravi Rampaul last played for the Windies in a match against Sri Lanka in 2015.
The selectors dropped Jason Holder to make a place in the team for Rampaul. Holder is an important part of the West Indies' current lineup, though his recent T20 performance has been underwhelming.
Overall, the Windies have a number of real match winners who can change the scenario of a game on their own. The Caribbean squad is the most balanced among the group 1 teams and they have a real opportunity to go to the T20 World Cup semifinals if they win at least three matches in the super 12 phase. They will be favorite against Sri Lanka (if they finish first in group A of the qualifying round), Scotland (if finish second in the group B of qualifying round) and South Africa.
READ: Youth ODI series: Afghanistan register first win with a Mankad
Five key players to keep an eye on
Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, and Hayden Walsh Jr
England
England will surely miss their star all-rounder Ben Stokes who has taken a break from cricket a few months ago. Nonetheless, England's team has some genuine match-winners. English players have improved a lot over the years As T20 players.
Led by captain Eoin Morgan, England's batting lineup is one of the finest in the world and they can step up to increase run rates when required. The England batting lineup is one of the finest in the world, and they have the ability to step up and increase run rates when necessary. English bowling unit has the capability to rattle the opposition batting order.
England are favorite against every opposition in group 1 including their arch-rival Australia. Though the match against the Windies will be a real test for England.
Five key players to keep an eye on
Eoin Morgan, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, and Adil Rashid
Read Virat Kohli to step down as India's T20 skipper
Australia
Australia's most recent bilateral T20I series was against Bangladesh, which ended with a loss. Bangladesh won the series 4-1 despite the absence of a significant number of Australian players. As a result, Australia's World Cup preparations did not go as planned, and they are presently out of form.
Given that the team is Australia, they cannot be ruled out of contention. Led by Aaron Finch, Australia squad has some quality twenty20 players, including two of the top batsmen in the game, David Warner and Steve Smith. Australia must defeat either England or the West Indies in order to proceed to the knockout stage.
Five key players to keep an eye on
Aaron Finch, David Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh
READ: NZ abandons cricket tour of Pakistan over security concerns
South Africa
South Africa used to rule international cricket, but that is no longer the case. A significant number of South African superstar cricketers have just retired, and the current batch of players cannot be expected to deliver much in the upcoming event.
Captain Temba Bavuma’s proteas side for the T20 World Cup 2021 has several competent players that can put up a good show during the main event. Will South Africa be able to finish in the top two in their group? It will be a difficult task for the South African team. Though anything is possible if South Africa can perform as a unit in the competition.
Five key players to keep an eye on
Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada
Read Lasith Malinga: The Illustrious Career of yorker king
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's chances in this year's T20 World Cup are very slim, despite the fact that the team has some promising young players who might become big stars in the future. This Sri Lankan team will compete in the World Cup to gain experience. This knowledge will make them feel more confident about the forthcoming main events.
Sri Lanka will aim to win at least two games, one of which will be against South Africa. However, they do have a small possibility of making the top four.
Five key players to keep an eye on
Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando
Verdict
After looking at the teams' strengths, it's evident that West Indies and England are the favorites to advance to the semifinals. In addition, both Australia and South Africa have a high chance of performing well throughout the competition. Momentum is essential to succeed at the ICC's major event. Each team will strive to put up their best effort in the competition, with the best two teams of each group progressing to the T20 World Cup 2021's first knockout phase.
Read All-rounder Nasir eyes a national team comeback
Youth ODI series: Afghanistan register first win with a Mankad
After losing three matches in a row, Afghanistan pulled up their maiden win by 19 runs in the fourth game of the five-match Youth ODI series against Bangladesh on Friday in Sylhet, with Afghan captain Nangeyalia Kharote removing Bangladesh’s last wicket with a Mankad - when the bowler runs out the non-striker for backing up out of his crease instead of releasing the delivery.
Afghanistan won the toss and batted first in this match and scored 210 for eight in 50 overs. Bilal Ahmed, the number four of Afghanistan, scored their highest 60. Along with him, Suliman Arabzai, Nangeyalia and Zahidullah Salimi also did well the bat scoring 43, 27* and 15 respectively.
For Bangladesh, Mohiuddin Tareq bagged two wickets while Mushifk Hasan, SM Meherob, Aich Mollah, Naimur Rohman and Abdullah Al Mamun took one wicket each.
In reply, Bangladesh ended up on 191 despite a hard-fought unbeaten 50 by Tahjibul Islam. Mahfijul Islam, Khalid Hasan and Abdullah Al Mamun scored 26, 23 and 21, but their efforts were not enough for Bangladesh to avoid a defeat.
When the Afghan captain dismissed Mushfiq by Mankad, Bangladesh still needed 20 runs to win.
The last match of the series will take place on September 21. After the Youth ODI series, both teams will face off in the solitary Youth Test from September 22.
NZ abandons cricket tour of Pakistan over security concerns
New Zealand abandoned its cricket tour of Pakistan on Friday over security concerns that mystified the hosts, just before the Black Caps’ first scheduled match in Pakistan in 18 years.
New Zealand Cricket said it received a security alert from its government and made the decision to cancel the tour moments before the scheduled start of the one-day international series in Rawalpindi. Both teams stayed at their hotel.
“Following an escalation in the New Zealand government threat levels for Pakistan, and advice from NZC security advisers on the ground, it has been decided the Black Caps will not continue with the tour,” NZC said on its website.
“Arrangements are now being made for the team’s departure.”
NZC declined to comment on the nature of the security threat.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke personally to New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern and informed her “we have one of the best intelligence systems in the world and that no security threat of any kind exists for the visiting team.”
“The Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan government made foolproof security arrangements for all visiting teams. We have assured the New Zealand Cricket of the same.”
PCB chairman Ramiz Raja hinted they will protest to the International Cricket Council against NZC’s unilateral decision.
“Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players,” Raja tweeted. “Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.”
New Zealand was to play three ODIs in Rawalpindi and five Twenty20s in Lahore. Both cities and the security arrangements were cleared by NZC’s security team last month.
NZC chief executive David White said the advice he received made the tour impossible to continue, and he was supported by the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.
“I understand this will be a blow for the PCB, who have been wonderful hosts, but player safety is paramount and we believe this is the only responsible option,” White said.
The PCB said it tried its best to convince the Kiwis, but “cricket lovers in Pakistan and around the world will be disappointed by this last minute withdrawal (of New Zealand).”
Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his disappointment at the cancellation, while former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar tweeted: “NZ just killed Pakistan cricket.”
England men’s and women’s teams are due in Pakistan for short two-match T20 series next month, and the England and Wales Cricket Board said it would make a final call on the tours this weekend.
England’s men have not played an international in Pakistan since 2005 while the women are visiting for the first time.
“We’re aware of New Zealand’s decision to pull out of the Pakistan tour due to a security alert,” the ECB said. “We are liaising with our security team who are on the ground in Pakistan to fully understand the situation. The ECB Board will then decide in the next 24-48 hours whether our planned tour should proceed.”
Pakistan was a no go zone for international cricket teams for a decade after terrorists attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in 2009. The ambush killed seven people and injured several Sri Lankan cricketers, including Thilan Samaraweera, who is among the New Zealand tour management as the batting coach.
Since international teams resumed touring Pakistan in 2019, this is the first instance of a team having to abandon while in the country.
“The players are in good hands,” New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive Heath Mills said. “They’re safe and everyone’s acting in their best interests.”