Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson started the new year in a full mood as he smashed 22 runs in the second over of the chasing in the Kolkata T20I against the English pacer Gus Atkinson. The right-handed batter only dealt with the boundaries in that powerful over. 

Chasing down the 133-run target, Sanju Samson faced all the first 12 balls of the second innings of the match. After scoring one run in the first over of Jofra Archer, Samson welcomed Atkinson with a four as the right-handed opening batter smashed a pull shot to a short delivery. On the next ball, Samson sweetly drove his bat as the ball traveled between cover and mid-off for another four. 

After a dot ball, Samson smashed a sixer over the cover. The opener scored the next two boundaries of the over through the on-side. After guiding the full ball between midwicket and mid-on, he just tucked the last ball for another four to the short fine leg.

4⃣, 4⃣, 6⃣, 4⃣, 4⃣

Dial S for Stunning, Dial S for Sanju Samson 🔥 🔥

Follow The Match ▶️ https://t.co/4jwTIC5zzs#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IamSanjuSamson | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/F6Ras6wYeb

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 22, 2025

While the Indian bowlers completely dominated in the Kolkata T20I over the English batters, it is a new tense sign for the IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) fans as three of their English batters completely failed in the first innings of the match.

Although the English captain Jos Buttler provided a good start, the other English batters had no answer for the Indian bowlers. English cricketers Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell are RCBians, and all of them had hard luck on Wednesday night.

Opener Salt couldn’t open the scoreline as Arshdeep Singh delivered a short ball and an extra bounce resulted in Salt’s dismissal after the wicketkeeper Sanju Samson comfortably took the catch. It was just the third ball of the match while England were 0/1. 

Liam Livingstone scored a two-ball duck as the in-form spinner Varun Chakravarthy bowled him. The new RCBian Jacob Bethell failed to help the visitors from the tough situation and his clueless batting disturbed the English skipper’s fighting flow. It was Hardik Pandya who dismissed Bethell for seven off 14 balls. 

Indian bowlers dominated in England innings as England were all out for 132 runs in 20 overs. While the skipper Buttler scored fighting 68 off 44 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes, Harry Brook (17) and Jofra Archer (12) were the only other English batters with double-digit scores in that innings. 

Among the Indian bowlers, Varun Chakravarthy got three wickets (3/23), while Arshdeep Singh (2/17), Axar Patel (2/22), and Hardik Pandya (2/42) bagged two wickets each.  

Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down as Bangladesh T20I Captain

Najmul Hossain Shanto has decided to step down as the T20I captain of Bangladesh, ending his tenure in the shortest format of the game. This decision follows earlier deliberations about resigning, which were initially reconsidered due to encouragement from Faruque Ahmed, the former Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president. Despite this, Shanto has now made up his mind to relinquish the role.

However, Shanto will continue as the captain for Bangladesh's ODI and Test teams, where he remains a crucial leader.

Najmul Hossain Shanto has stepped down as Bangladesh T20I captain, but will continue to lead in Tests and ODIs 🇧🇩

Full story: https://t.co/BEzmTQf67M pic.twitter.com/3HYFV4KaSy

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 2, 2025

Official Resignation and BCB's Response

As per reports from Cricbuzz, Shanto officially informed the BCB about his intention to step down as T20I captain. The board accepted his request and has decided not to rush the selection of a new leader, given the lack of immediate T20I fixtures.

A BCB official stated, “Shanto has informed us that he doesn’t wish to lead in T20Is anymore, and we have accepted that. Since there are no T20Is scheduled soon, we have time to decide on a new captain. Assuming no injuries occur, Najmul will remain our captain for Tests and ODIs, which we have already talked about.”

ALSO READ:India's XI for the 5th Test vs Australia: A Strategic Mix of Experience and Youth

Litton Das: The Likely Successor

While no official announcement has been made, Litton Das appears to be the frontrunner to replace Shanto as the T20I captain. Litton recently led Bangladesh to a series sweep against the West Indies, further cementing his candidacy for the role.

Litton has captained Bangladesh in four T20I matches, winning three and losing just one. In comparison, Shanto’s record as captain includes 24 matches with 10 victories, 13 losses, and one no-result. This gives Shanto a win rate of 41.66%, with losses accounting for 54.16%.

Future Challenges and Upcoming Matches

As Shanto transitions from T20I leadership, his focus will shift to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where Bangladesh is slated to face India in their opening match on February 20 in Dubai. Placed in Group A alongside India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, Bangladesh faces a tough challenge ahead. Many expect Shanto to play a vital role in steering the team through this high-profile tournament.

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.

See Also: IND vs ZIM: Player Analysis: What moves are propelling Washington Sundar to the top?

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.

See Also: MLC 2024: Season Analysis: Who tops the Adjusted Boundary Rate (aBR) metric Leaderboard?

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.

See Also: KKR into Playoffs; Golden touch of Gautam Gambhir in IPL

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.