In an exciting first T20I between India and Bangladesh at the Madhavrao Scindia Stadium in Gwalior, Hardik Pandya once again showcased his stylish and flamboyant side both on and off the field. Pandya, who is known for his aggressive batting and electrifying presence, pulled off a spectacular no-look scoop shot that has now gone viral on social media.

Pandya's 'No-Look shot' magic in the final moments

As the game entered its decisive final phase, India needed just a few runs to seal their victory against Bangladesh. Taskin Ahmed bowled a short delivery, and in response, Pandya executed a perfectly timed scoop shot over the wicketkeeper’s head. What made the moment memorable wasn't just the shot itself, but Pandya’s sheer confidence. Without even looking back to see where the ball landed, Pandya stood in place, fully assured that the ball would find its way to the boundary.

True to his expectation, the ball raced past the outstretched arms of Bangladesh wicketkeeper Litton Das and hit the ropes, leaving India needing just five more runs to complete their chase. The crowd erupted in cheer as Pandya once again proved why he is regarded as one of the most thrilling players to watch in world cricket.

Best Shot of #IndvsBan 1st T20i 🔥
No look Shot by #HardikPandya
Swag wala Pandya 😍🗿 pic.twitter.com/kEXah2RwTB

— Hardik Kohli (@ShortStatus1) October 6, 2024

As soon as the shot was played, social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), lit up with clips and posts celebrating Pandya’s no-look brilliance. Fans praised his unique ability to entertain while delivering under pressure. The video clip of the shot quickly went viral, with users hailing it as yet another example of Hardik Pandya’s flair and confidence on the cricket field.

Pandya’s no-look scoop reminded many of his ability to thrive in high-pressure moments, combining his trademark aggression with creativity. The shot added to the excitement of what was already a closely contested game, and it highlighted how Pandya’s audacious batting style can change the course of a match in an instant.

See also: Watch: Bumrah enjoys team India's thrilling win over Pakistan in Women's T20 World Cup

India clinch victory over Bangladesh, lead the series 1-0

The match itself saw India chase down a modest target of 128 runs, set by Bangladesh earlier in the evening. With Pandya’s no-look shot serving as the cherry on top, India eventually crossed the finish line with ease, winning by six wickets. Bangladesh were bowled out for 127 runs in 19.5 overs, with notable bowling performances from Arshdeep Singh (3/14) and Varun Chakravarthy (3/31).

After Pandya's boundary, India wrapped up the match in the next over, securing a 1-0 lead in the series. The innings break saw Bangladesh falter after a strong start, and despite some resistance from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35), they could not build a competitive total. India’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, and the team's overall performance reflected a dominant start to the T20I series.

India’s wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy made a stellar return to international cricket after nearly three years, playing a pivotal role in India’s dominance over Bangladesh in the first T20I at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior. Chakravarthy's spell of 3/31 helped dismantle the Bangladesh middle-order, marking his best figures in T20Is as India restricted the visitors to 127 in 19.5 overs.

Chakravarthy's comeback magic

Returning to the national team after two years and 11 months, Varun Chakravarthy displayed his class and variation, making an immediate impact despite a shaky start. Brought into the attack in the fifth over, Chakravarthy nearly got his first wicket when Towhid Hridoy mis-hit a shot to square leg. Unfortunately, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy dropped the chance, and the ball raced to the boundary. Hridoy capitalized on the missed opportunity, hitting another boundary off the next delivery. To make matters worse, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto smashed Chakravarthy for a six off the final ball, resulting in a 15-run over for the spinner.

However, the 33-year-old bounced back brilliantly in his second over. He dismissed Hridoy (12 off 18) as the batter holed out to long-on, giving Chakravarthy his first wicket. He continued to torment Bangladesh’s middle-order, deceiving Jaker Ali with a sharp googly, which uprooted the stumps in his third over. Chakravarthy’s relentless variations kept the Bangladesh batters in check, and in his final over, he dismissed Rishad Hossain (11 off 5), who miscued a shot to Hardik Pandya at deep mid-wicket. Chakravarthy's efforts were instrumental in India’s grip over the match, finishing with impressive figures of 3/31.

Varun Chakravarthy finishes with a three-wicket haul in his comeback match! 💪

Second catch for Hardik Pandya 🙌

Live - https://t.co/Q8cyP5jXLe#TeamIndia | #INDvBAN | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/3CxbO56Z4Z

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2024

Debutant Mayank yadav impresses

In addition to Chakravarthy’s heroics, debutant fast bowler Mayank Yadav also had a memorable outing. Yadav started his international career in fine fashion by bowling a maiden over, becoming the third Indian cricketer after Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep Singh to begin a T20I career with a maiden. The young pacer didn’t stop there and claimed his first international wicket in his second over, dismissing the experienced Mahmudullah (1 off 2). His disciplined bowling played a crucial role in India’s efforts to keep Bangladesh on the back foot.

Yadav’s composed performance, alongside Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant spell of 3/14, ensured that Bangladesh could never recover from early setbacks, and the visitors were bowled out for 127 with just one ball remaining in their innings.

See Also: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: India edge past Pakistan in close chase

Bangladesh's innings came to a close at 127 in 19.5 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 35 runs, but their batting lineup crumbled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy shared six wickets between them, with Mayank Yadav and Washington Sundar also chipping in with crucial breakthroughs. India will now look to chase down the target of 128 in 20 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The Indian Women's National Cricket Team, led by the seasoned Harmanpreet Kaur, has embarked on their journey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-anticipated ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. With high hopes and a determined mindset, the team aims to end their long wait for a major ICC trophy as they prepare to face New Zealand in their opening match.

India aiming for their first T20 World Cup title

The Women in Blue are confident of making a deep run in this tournament after several close calls in recent years. India’s most recent heartbreak came in 2023 when they were eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions Australia. Reflecting on these past experiences, Harmanpreet Kaur voiced her belief that the team has put in the necessary preparation and is in the best shape to claim their first-ever ICC T20 title.

“If I talk about this team, we have players with plenty of experience, and they know their roles well,” Harmanpreet said during a press conference before departing for the UAE. “I can confidently say that this is the best team we are taking to a T20 World Cup.”

#TeamIndia 🇮🇳#T20WorldCup Bound ✈️ pic.twitter.com/kB4AH6PcIK

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) September 24, 2024

Rigorous preparations and optimism ahead of the tournament

Since their last competitive match, a narrow loss to Sri Lanka in the Women’s Asia Cup final, the Indian squad has focused heavily on preparation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. With an emphasis on fielding and fitness, the team has been working hard to ensure they are at their physical peak for the upcoming World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur emphasized the team’s renewed commitment to fixing any past shortcomings.

“During the Asia Cup, we played good cricket overall, but it was just that one game where things didn’t go our way,” she stated. “We’ve discussed how to handle similar situations in the future and worked on these areas during our camps.”

See Also: Rest of India squad announced for Irani Cup

The Indian team is expected to give a tough fight as they look to bring home their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with several players like Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh, and Arundhati Reddy playing pivotal roles. The squad’s balance between experienced campaigners and emerging talent makes them a formidable opponent in this global tournament.

Sri Lanka’s pacer Binura Fernando will miss the first T20I against India, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Friday July 26. The left arm bowler is in the hospital due to a chest infection. Recent reports from Sri Lanka mentioned that Fernando had the flu and his chances of playing were very slim. SLC has now confirmed he was admitted to the hospital.

Sri Lanka has added spin-bowling allrounder Ramesh Mendis to the squad as a backup. Mendis has played two T20Is, both in 2021, and last appeared for Sri Lanka in a 2023 Test against Pakistan.

Ramesh Mendis added as backup player

“Binura Fernando has been hospitalized as the player is suffering from a chest infection. Ramesh Mendis has been brought into the squad as a standby player,” stated SLC.

Losing Binura Fernando is a significant setback for Sri Lanka. He was in excellent form during the Lanka Premier League this month, taking 13 wickets and maintaining a strong economy rate of 6.81.

Charith Asalanka takes over as T20 captain

The series against India will be a fresh start for Sri Lanka in T20Is. A new captain, Charith Asalanka, will lead the team. He recently replaced Wanindu Hasaranga, who stepped down this month after Sri Lanka’s poor performance at the T20 World Cup.

This series is a chance for Sri Lanka to recover from their disappointing World Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the group stage. They will be eager to perform well against India.

“Suryakumar Yadav Named India’s New T20I Captain, Leading the Team for Sri Lanka Series”.Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as India’s new T20I captain, succeeding Hardik Pandya, who served as vice-captain during the team’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies this June.

Suryakumar’s inaugural challenge will be the upcoming three T20Is against Sri Lanka on June 27, 28, and 30. This series marks the debut coaching stint of India’s new coach Gautam Gambhir and is viewed as the initial phase in preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup, hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. While Hardik remains a part of the T20I squad, Shubman Gill has been appointed as vice-captain.

Gill took charge of India during the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe following the T20 World Cup.The decision to appoint a new captain arose after Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is following the World Cup victory.

Despite Hardik serving as Rohit’s deputy during the World Cup and boasting extensive captaincy experience – having led India in three ODIs and 16 T20Is, in addition to leading Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in the IPL – concerns over fitness and workload management likely influenced the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar.

SEE ALSO:India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill announced VC, Shreyas back in team

Hardik had endured an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup in October-November, sidelining him until the beginning of IPL 2024, where he returned to captain Mumbai Indians. Consequently, Hardik has featured in only 46 of India’s 79 T20Is since the start of 2022.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar has previously captained the Mumbai state team in domestic competitions. Recently, he led India to a 4-1 victory over Australia in a T20I series last November, followed by a 1-1 draw in South Africa.

India’s T20I Squad for Sri Lanka tour: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.

India’s chase began explosively, with Yashasvi Jaiswal setting the tone by striking three fours off left-arm seamer Richard Ngavara in the opening over. Unrelenting in his aggression, Jaiswal then targeted Tendai Chatara, hitting four more boundaries in his first over, which was the third of the innings. The seamers consistently offered him width, and Jaiswal capitalized by driving the ball through point, seamlessly switching between grounded shots and powerful cuts.

India’s rapid start saw them raise their fifty in just 3.5 overs, with Jaiswal contributing a blistering 39 runs to the tally. He showcased remarkable control and precision, reaching his half-century off a mere 29 balls. His innings was marked by aggressive yet calculated shot-making, which kept the scoreboard ticking at an electrifying pace. His dominance over the bowlers was evident as he maintained a high strike rate and displayed his wide array of strokes.

One of the most memorable moments of Jaiswal’s innings came when he faced Raza. Beaten in flight, he swiftly adjusted his stance to loft the ball through the line, sending it inside-out over extra cover. This exquisite shot bisected the narrow gap between deep cover and wide long-off, underscoring Jaiswal’s exceptional skill and composure under pressure. His adaptability and quick reflexes were on full display, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable batter.

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Detailed Analysis of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Match Winning Innings

In the game, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his adaptability and precision against different bowling lengths, delivering a masterclass in shot selection and control. Against full-length deliveries, Jaiswal scored an impressive 26 runs off just 12 balls, maintaining an 83.3% control rate. His ability to dominate these deliveries set the tone early in the innings. When faced with good length balls, he continued his aggressive yet controlled approach, adding 27 runs from 16 balls with an even higher control rate of 87.5%. This consistency in managing varying lengths highlighted his skill in handling bowlers’ attempts to unsettle him.

Jaiswal’s prowess was further evident against back-of-length deliveries, where he amassed 40 runs from 24 balls, albeit with a slightly lower control rate of 79.1%. His capacity to score effectively from these deliveries showed his range and versatility as a batsman. Interestingly, he faced only one short-length ball, handling it with perfect control, although he didn’t score from it. This meticulous approach across different lengths not only underscored his technical proficiency but also his strategic mindset, making him a standout performer in the match.

Shubman Gill then took charge, showcasing his skill against Faraz Akram’s gentle seam deliveries with a masterful display of hitting on the up. Gill’s second consecutive half-century, reached in 35 balls, was less aggressive compared to Jaiswal’s, but no less effective. As the match neared its conclusion, the only remaining intrigue was whether Jaiswal could score the 17 of the 18 runs needed to reach his century.

Ultimately, Jaiswal fell just short, finishing unbeaten on 93. Despite missing out on a hundred, he put on an exhilarating display of batting, embodying the aggressive intent that had helped India win the T20 World Cup last month after a 17-year wait. His innings was a testament to his talent and the fearless approach that has become the hallmark of this Indian team.

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The cricketing world received news of Zimbabwe all-rounder Sean Williams’ retirement from T20 Internationals (T20Is) with surprise and nostalgia. Left-hander made his decision after the just-concluded five-match T20I series in Bangladesh.

Player Background

Sean Williams, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe cricket, has decided to bid farewell to T20Is after the conclusion of a five-match series in Bangladesh. The left-handed all-rounder has been a stalwart for the Zimbabwean team, showcasing his skills across formats. His retirement from T20Is marks the end of an era for Zimbabwe cricket and leaves a void in the team’s lineup.

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Retirement Announcement

A Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official confirmed Williams’s decision to retire from T20Is. The official revealed that Williams informed his teammates about his retirement following the final match of the series. Despite Zimbabwe’s defeat in most of the matches, Williams managed to secure a consolation victory in his farewell game, providing a fitting end to his T20I career.

Williams’ contributions to Zimbabwe cricket extend beyond his on-field performances. As a seasoned campaigner, he was a mentor and role model for younger players, imparting invaluable knowledge and experience to the team.

“He(Williams) decided to retire from T20I and informed about his decision to his team mates following the game,” a BCB official working with the Zimbabwean confirmed Cricbuzz on Sunday.

Statistical Analysis

Throughout his T20I career, Sean Williams showcased his versatility as an all-rounder, accumulating 1691 runs at a commendable strike rate of 126.38. Additionally, his left-arm spin fetched him 48 wickets, further highlighting his value to the team. Williams’ ability to contribute with both bat and ball made him a valuable asset for Zimbabwe in the shortest-game format.

Future Plans

While Williams bids farewell to T20Is, he reassures fans that he will continue to represent Zimbabwe in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches. His experience and leadership will be crucial as Zimbabwe aims to rejuvenate its cricketing fortunes in the upcoming series and tournaments.

Star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious cricketing career as he completed 350 wickets in T20 cricket. This exceptional feat further solidifies his position as one of the premier spin bowlers in the game.

Chahal’s Journey to 350 Wickets

Chahal’s remarkable journey to 350 T20 wickets reached a historic milestone in Match 56 of IPL 2024, where he scripted history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat. The match against Delhi Capitals witnessed Chahal’s exceptional bowling prowess as he reached the coveted milestone.

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Dismissing Rishabh Pant: A Landmark Moment

Chahal’s journey to 350 wickets was highlighted by his dismissal of Delhi Capitals’ skipper Rishabh Pant, marking a significant moment in T20 cricket history. This landmark wicket further underscores Chahal’s proficiency and effectiveness as a match-winning bowler.

With this achievement, Chahal has etched his name in Indian cricketing folklore, joining the elite company of players with over 300 wickets in T20 cricket. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination have made him a vital asset for the Indian cricket team.

T20 International Success

Chahal’s success extends beyond domestic leagues, as he boasts an impressive record in T20 Internationals, having taken 96 wickets for India at an average of 25.09. His remarkable performances have played a crucial role in India’s success in the shortest format of the game.

Most wickets in T20s among Indians

Yuzvendra Chahal – 350 wickets in 301 matches

Piyush Chawla – 310 in 293 matches

R Ashwin – 306 in 318 matches

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 297 in 281 matches

Spinners with 350-plus wickets in Men’s T20 cricket
572 – Rashid Khan
549 – Sunil Narine
502 – Imran Tahir
482 – Shakib Al Hasan
350 – Yuzvendra Chahal

Records and Milestones

Chahal’s dominance in the IPL has been nothing short of spectacular, as he became the first bowler to surpass 200 wickets in the tournament earlier this season. His consistent performances and ability to outsmart batters have made him a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.

Chahal’s rise to prominence has seen him surpass cricketing legends such as Shane Watson to become the second-highest wicket-taker for Rajasthan Royals in IPL history. His remarkable achievements have solidified his status as one of the premier spin bowlers in the IPL.

India and Bangladesh gear up for an exciting five-match T20I series in Sylhet, marking the beginning of their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. Both teams will aim to fine-tune their combinations and gain momentum ahead of the marquee event.

Past Controversies and T20 World Cup Preparations

Controversies, with heated exchanges between players and umpires, marred the last encounter between these two sides in Bangladesh. However, as they prepare for the T20 World Cup, the focus shifts to on-field performances and strategic preparations for the upcoming series.

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Bangladesh recently faced a crushing 3-0 defeat at home against Australia, highlighting their batting struggles and the need for significant improvement in key areas.

India’s Loss to Australia and Players’ Form in the WPL

India’s last T20I series ended in a 2-1 defeat against Australia, where senior players like Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana had underwhelming performances. However, several Indian players showcased good form in the 2024 Women’s IPL (WPL), providing hope for a strong showing in the upcoming series.

Bangladesh’s batting lineup must be more consistent, as reflected in their recent scores against Australia. Captain Nigar Sultana has been a standout performer, but the team needs more contributions from other top-order batters.

Need for Improvement in Top Order

India’s top three had a disappointing series during their last tour to Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of improved performances this time around.

Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana showed promising form in the WPL, boosting India’s batting lineup. However, the absence of Jemimah Rodrigues due to injury poses a challenge for India.

With notable performances in the WPL, India’s top order is better prepared for the challenges they will face in Sylhet. Leg-spinner S Asha and spin-bowling all-rounder S Sajana have earned maiden international call-ups after impressive performances in the WPL. Left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s return to the squad adds depth to India’s spin bowling options.

Balancing the Squad and XI Selection Challenges:

With the emergence of new talents, India faces selection dilemmas, particularly in accommodating the likes of Asha, Yadav, and Sajana in the playing XI. Sylhet’s pitch and weather conditions are expected to favor seamers initially, but spinners will play a crucial role as the match progresses. Both teams must adapt their strategies accordingly, considering the pitch conditions and weather forecast for the matches in Sylhet.

Ireland’s cricket sensation, Paul Stirling, etched his name in the annals of cricket history with a remarkable achievement in the T20 International arena. On a breezy day at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Stirling became the first-ever batter to notch up 400 fours in the shortest format of the game, an accolade that eluded stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Babar Azam.

Stirling’s feat unfolded during the first T20I of the series against Afghanistan. Despite a modest innings of 25 runs off 27 balls, Stirling’s legacy was embellished with two boundaries, catapulting his tally to an unprecedented 400 fours in T20Is.

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The Match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The battleground for this historic feat was none other than the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Set against the backdrop of towering floodlights and enthusiastic spectators, the stage was set for Stirling to etch his name in the record books.

Stirling’s Performance

While Stirling’s innings might not have been a fireworks display, his composure and precision were evident. Batting with a strike rate of around 100, his innings featured two fours and a well-timed six, culminating in the milestone of 400 fours in T20Is.

Following Stirling’s departure, the responsibility of steering Ireland towards a competitive total fell upon the shoulders of Harry Tector. The dynamic batter showcased his mettle with a scintillating half-century, amassing 56 runs off just 34 balls. Ireland concluded their innings with a respectable total of 149 runs.

Afghanistan’s Bowling Performance

Afghanistan’s bowling unit, spearheaded by skipper Rashid Khan, posed a formidable challenge for the Irish batters. Khan’s figures of 4/19 showcased his prowess, supported ably by Nangeyalia Kharote and Azmatullah Omarzai, who chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Stirling’s Standing in T20 Internationals

Stirling’s monumental achievement not only solidifies his stature as a batting maestro but also underscores his dominance in T20 Internationals. With 401 boundaries to his name, he surpasses illustrious names like Babar Azam, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma in the record books.

Here’s the the full list: