The Oman vs UAE ODI match in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 experienced a low-scoring thriller that earned its place in the record books.

Hosts Oman chose to field first after winning the toss. While the United Arab Emirates were bundled out for only 78 runs, Oman lost six wickets to reach the target in 24.1 overs. 

Shakeel Ahmed bagged his first ODI fifer

The 36-year-old left-arm spinner Shakeel Ahmed recorded his maiden ODI fifer as his dominant bowling caused havoc batting collapse for the two-time ODI World Cup-qualified team. He completed his 10-over quota by finishing with the bowling figures of 10-3-23-5.

Also, Jay Odedra (2/5), Muzahir Raza (1/13), and Samay Shrivastav (1/28) took wickets in the innings. 

Six UAE batters scored ducks

A total of six batters scored ducks in the innings, including three golden ducks. It is the joint record for most number of ducks in an ODI innings as it was the sixth time in ODI history that experienced six ducks in one innings.

While Ali Naseer scored the highest runs (21) in the innings, Junaid Siddique (13*) and Muhammad Waseem (13) managed the second-highest score. 

In reply, Oman started badly by losing the first three batters for only 12 runs. Aamir Kaleem (32) and Hammad Mirza (20) scored double-digit runs in the chasing, and those were enough for the hosts to successfully chase the two-digit target in 24.1 overs after losing six wickets.  

Among the UAE bowlers, Basil Hameed took three wickets (3/17), Aayan Afzal Khan got two wickets (2/21), and Dhruv Parashar picked up one wicket (1/15).

Match aggregate: 157/16

The match experienced 157 aggregated totals and 16 aggregated wickets. It was the second-lowest match aggregate in ODI history where at least 15 wickets fell. 

The record in this list is 149 runs with 16 wickets during the 2013 Brisbane ODI between Australia (74 all out) and Sri Lanka (75/6).

India suffered a rare failure in the ongoing Hong Kong Sixes tournament as they registered a string of four consecutive defeats which officially eliminated the Blue Brigade from the quarter-final race. The Men in Blue currently being led by Robin Uthappa have failed to register a single victory in this tournament and will conclude their campaign on a sour note without a win under their belt.

India commenced their campaign by playing the opening match of their tournament against their old foe Pakistan. India has predominantly had the upper hand over their arch-rivals in major cricketing events but contrary to everyone’s expectations, the Indians were taken aback as Pakistan chased down a galloping 120 runs inside five overs in one of the most one-sided fashions. 

But the final nail in the coffin came when India took on a fairly inexperienced UAE side in their second match of the tournament. They were in desperate search of a win to stay in the race. While many expected India to win quite comfortably, UAE held their nerve to steal a narrow one-run victory from India in the final over of the run chase. At that moment, it was all but over for team India. The team subsequently went on to face England and New Zealand in their remaining fixtures but finished winless.  

The intense last-over drama which left India heartbroken

Coming into this fixture after a shocking defeat in their earlier match against Pakistan, Robin Uthappa & Co. found themselves in a high-pressure situation. UAE got off the flyer with the bat but Binny’s 3-31 restricted them to 130. The target of 131 was still going to be fairly tricky but Bharat Chipli gave the Blues a blazing start, smocking 20 in the first over before getting out. But they were soon jolted when they lost Chipli and Tiwari in quick succession giving UAE a window of opportunity to seal the game prematurely. 

But then the skipper arrived and together with Binny, the two dug in there and took the game deep for India. Uthappa went all guns blazing and hammered 43 runs off 10 balls which included three fours and five sixes. He was going along smoothly but Zubair got the better of him in the last ball of the fourth over and had him dismissed when the score was 83-3.

India needed 32 in 6 balls:

Stuart Binny - 4,WD,6,6,6,6,1. India lost by just 1 run. 💔 pic.twitter.com/qyhKWWyqe6

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 2, 2024

However, Binny continued to shine with the bat and kept India in the run chase with the help of his brute hitting. The game eventually progressed to the last over of the run chase where 32 runs were needed. Asif Khan from UAE was tasked with bowling the final over and he was greatted by a boundary first ball followed by a wide the second ball.

Binny then pressed his foot on the accelerator a lot further and went on to tonk four consecutive sixes before being run out on the final ball leaving India agonizingly short by one run. Binny clobbered 30 runs in that over but India fell by a narrow margin as they had way too much on their plate during the final over of the run chase.  

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has got a new ODI captain after one of the legendary players Muhammad Waseem stepped down from the leadership role. 

Between 2023 and 2024, Muhammad Waseem led the UAE team in 26 ODI matches. Under his leadership, UAE won seven ODIs and lost 19 ODIs. 

My best wishes are with the new captain: Muhammad Waseem

Before their upcoming round of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, the 30-year-old Waseem decided to step down from the ODI captaincy role. However, he will continue his international cricket journey.  

Waseem said on Friday, "I have decided to step down as captain to concentrate on my batting in the ODI format. My best wishes are with the new captain, I will be giving him my full support."

UAE's leading run-scorer in international cricket: Muhammad Wasim

Waseem is the leading run-scorer (3459 runs) for UAE in international cricket. The UAE’s leading T20I run-scorer (2136 runs) is also the third-most ODI run-scorer (1323 runs) for his national team. In his ODI career, Waseem has recorded one century and six half-centuries.

UAE are currently in the eighth or last position in the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 with only two points. In seven matches in this competition, the UAE won once and lost six fixtures. 

In early November, the UAE will participate in the next round of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Oman will host this ODI tri-series round from November 1, where the UAE and Netherlands will participate. 

Rahul Chopra is the new UAE ODI captain

Wicketkeeper-batter Rahul Chopra will lead the UAE ODI team in the upcoming round of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 in Oman. Making his international cricket debut this year, the 29-year-old has scored 139 runs in seven ODIs and 71 runs in six T20Is. 

In the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 latest points table, Canada are leading with 16 points, while the United States and the Netherlands have earned 12 points each, and Namibia have secured 10 points. Scotland, Oman, and Nepal are in the next three positions before the last-placed UAE with nine, six, and three points, respectively.

At the end of the 2024-2026 ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, the top four teams will directly qualify for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, while the last four teams will go to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off.

The ninth edition of the Women's T20 World Cup is set to begin on the third of October in the UAE. Previously planned in Bangladesh, the geo-political concerns have led the ICC to take a significant step in changing the tournament's venue.

It will witness a wholesome display of ten Women's Cricket teams, a mixture of experienced and underdog contenders for the coveted title. That said, here's a ranking listicle of all the announced squads across all the ten teams for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. 

1.Australia

Squad: Alyssa Healy (Captain), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham. 

The Women's T20 World Cup's defending champions, Australia, have the best squad for the upcoming tournament. Out of nine Women's T20 World Cup editions, the downunder side has won a colossal six times, indicating their robust calibre across men's and women's cricket. The squad has an optimum mix of new and experienced players who can help scalp their seventh title. Overall, there have been just three changes from their previous team, with Heather Graham, Jess Jonassen and Meg Lanning replaced by Tayla Vlaeminck, Phoebe Litchfield and Sophie Molineux.

2. New Zealand

Squad: Sophie Devine (Captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu. 

The New Zealand squad will have the likes of impeccable White Ferns, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, who are set to appear in their record ninth-consecutive Women's T20 World Cup tournament, making them the only few players participating in a tournament ever since its inception. Considering the UAE's slow and spin-friendly conditions, the New Zealand squad has got its highlights from their spin-bowling and all-rounders department. 

3. India

Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan. (Reserves: Uma Chetry, Tanuja Kanwer, Saima Thakor, Raghvi Bist, Priya Mishra)

The Indian side is eager to scalp their first-ever triumphant Women's T20 World Cup win. Helmed under the captaincy of Harmanpeet and her deputy, Smriti Mandhana, this squad has been giving them positive results in the long run. The team comprises emerging talents like Shreyanka Patil and many more, thanks to the WPL and the recent bilateral series. 

4. Sri Lanka

Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Anushka Sanjeewani, Harshitha Madhavi, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana. (Reserve: Kaushini Nuthyangana)

Sri Lanka has got the ticket to the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, thanks to their stellar unbeaten run and performance in the Qualifiers segment under the captaincy of their experienced leader, Chamari Athapaththu. After a memorable first Women's Asia Cup win, the Lankan side strives to convert their first Women's T20 World Cup. With the likes of Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Madhav and Kavisha Dilhari, who have been phenomenal in the recent Women's Asia Cup and bilateral series, they will play a robust pillar role for Chamari's side.

5. South Africa

Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (Captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon. (Reserve: Miané Smit)

South Africa, the runners-up in the previous edition of the Women's T20 World Cup, is all set to unleash its best game in the upcoming clashes. The Proteas side has made four changes compared to their previous squad, adding Eliz-Mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Mieke De Ridder and uncapped Seshnie Naidu. Overall, Wolvaardt and the selection committee have researched comprehensively based on the venue and contenders to formulate a well-balanced side for the upcoming competition.

Also Read: India women's team's stellar preparation earns VVS Laxman's praise

6. West Indies

Squad: Hayley Matthews (Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper), Ashmini Munisar, Afy Fletcher, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Chedean Nation, Qiana Joseph, Zaida James, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton.

In the cricket world, West Indies is the team that has produced some swashbuckling and clean hitters across the men's and women's sides. While most sides have seen the inclusion of young and emerging players in their squad, West Indies has taken the other path and followed the experienced campaigner's route, which will be interesting to check out. Hayley Matthews will captain the West Indies' 15-member team for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which includes Deandra Dottin, who recently reversed her international retirement. Dottin, along with Stafanie Taylor and vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle, is one of the team's most experienced players, having played over 100 T20Is for the West Indies.

7. England

Squad: Heather Knight (Captain), Danni Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (Wicketkeeper), Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Bess Heath.

England has a squad with a balance of everything, but a miss and hit with their experienced players. Following the path of future planning, the English side has an arsenal of emerging players. Amongst a competitive ten sides, it would be a tricky ride in the coming tournament. But, if they succeed with this squad, this could be a promising sign for England's future in T20I cricket.

8. Bangladesh

Squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas.

Bangladesh will be led by their prominent and robust batter, Nigar Sultana Joy. They will have a spin-dominant side, aligning with UAE's spin-friendly conditions. Comprising Nahida Akter, Shorna Akter, Rabeya, Sultana Khatun and Fahima Khatun, there are several left and right-hand as well as off-break and leg-break options in their 15-player squad which will do the trick of scalping some pivotal wickets against the intense sides.

9. Pakistan

Squad: Fatima Sana (Captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (Wicketkeeper), Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassa. (Reserve: Najiha Alvi)

Pakistan Women's team would be under the helm of the 22-year-old Fatima Sana, who has taken up the responsibility from the experienced former captain Nida Dar. With a decent squad and a new captain, Pakistan will be up against the robust contenders of India, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand.

10. Scotland

Squad: Kathryn Bryce (Captain), Sarah Bryce (Vice-Captain), Lorna Jack-Brown, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Abtaha Maqsood, Saskia Horley, Chloe Abel, Priyanaz Chatterji, Megan McColl, Darcey Carter, Ailsa Lister, Hannah Rainey, Rachel Slater, Katherine Fraser, Olivia Bell. 

Scotland will be playing their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup, credit to their impeccable performance amongst the promising teams in the tournament Qualifiers. The team has made a mark with Sri Lanka and sealed a spot in Group B, where they will be clubbing up against their neighbours England, South Africa, West Indies, and Bangladesh. To sum it up, the squad comprises many all-rounders like Kathryn Bryce, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser and Megan McColl, with Abtaha Maqsood leading the spinners department for the UAE-held tournament.

In a move to promote women’s cricket and ensure widespread support, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free entry for spectators for the upcoming Women’s T20 Asia Cup starting from July 19.

Details of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup

The ninth edition of the Women’s T20 Asia Cup is set to take place in Sri Lanka, with all matches hosted at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. The tournament, running from July 19 to July 28, will feature eight teams: Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, Malaysia, and Thailand. This highly anticipated event will serve as a key competition ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this year.

See Also: Mark Wood replaces James Anderson in England’s squad for the second Test against West Indies

Sri Lanka Cricket’s initiative

By offering free entry to all matches, SLC aims to fill the stands and create an electrifying atmosphere for the players. According to SLC Vice President Ravin Wickramaratne, the board is committed to hosting a successful tournament that will elevate women’s cricket on the global stage.

“Sri Lanka Cricket, with the support of the Asian Cricket Council, is planning to conduct a highly successful tournament, as a successful outcome of this tournament will help advance women’s cricket on the world stage,’ said Ravin Wickramaratne in a press release.

Group Divisions and Fixtures

The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand. The tournament will kick off with the UAE facing Nepal, followed by a high-stakes match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan.

India’s campaign kickoff

India, the defending champions, will begin their campaign against Pakistan. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. India’s dominance in the tournament, having won seven out of the eight editions, adds to the excitement and pressure for both teams.

Tournament Format

The Women’s T20 Asia Cup will feature a total of 15 matches, culminating in the final on July 28. The tournament’s T20 format is not only fast-paced and exciting but also serves as a preparation ground for the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. Teams will be looking to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum ahead of the global event.

In a recent development concerning Pakistan cricket, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi affirmed that Usman Khan is being considered for selection in the national squad for the forthcoming home T20I series against New Zealand. This announcement comes amidst some controversy surrounding Usman’s status due to a recent ban imposed on him by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

Usman Khan’s Eligibility

Usman Khan, a 28-year-old cricketer, was a participant in a recent 29-player fitness camp organized by the Pakistan Army. His inclusion in this camp highlighted his potential selection for the national team. Despite his ban by the ECB, Naqvi reassured the media that Usman remains eligible to represent Pakistan.

See Also: ‘MS is the most successful captain India will ever have,’ says Gautam Gambhir

“Usman Khan is eligible for Pakistan and he will play for the national side,” Naqvi said while speaking to the media as quoted from Geo News.

Ban by Emirates Cricket Board

Last week, the ECB imposed a five-year ban on Usman Khan, citing breach of obligations. The board accused Usman of misrepresenting his intentions and failing to fulfil eligibility criteria. This ban cast doubt on his future in international cricket.

“Usman was found to have misrepresented to ECB about his decision to play for the UAE team and has used the opportunities and development provided by the ECB to him to seek out other prospects and it was evident that he was no longer wanting to play for ECB nor complete the eligibility criteria which he was under an obligation to do,” ECB said in a statement.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Response

Despite the ban, PCB stands firm on Usman’s eligibility. Chairman Naqvi emphasized that Usman will indeed play for the national side in the upcoming series against New Zealand. This stance reaffirms PCB’s support for the player amidst the controversy.

Pursuit of Head Coach

Meanwhile, PCB continues its search for a new head coach for the men’s national team. With Grant Bradburn’s departure after the World Cup, the board is exploring various options. Notable names like Luke Ronchi and Justin Langer have surfaced as potential candidates for the position, reflecting PCB’s efforts to secure the best coaching talent.

The T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will kick off on April 18 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and will conclude on April 27 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ended speculations by confirming that the Indian Premier League (IPL) will not be relocated overseas. This decision comes amidst rumors suggesting a possible shift to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the upcoming General Elections in India.

Initial Speculation

Reports had surfaced hinting at the relocation of IPL matches outside India due to the scheduling clash with the General Elections. Some IPL teams were rumored to have requested the move, fueling speculation about the feasibility of holding the tournament abroad.

See Also: Big blow for Gujarat Titans as their youngster ruled out of IPL 2024, Nehra confirms

Clarification by BCCI Secretary

BCCI secretary Jay Shah clarified the situation, affirming that the entire IPL will be held in India. In an interview with Cricbuzz, Shah dismissed any notions of moving the tournament overseas, providing clarity.

“No, it won’t be moved overseas,” Shah told Cricbuzz on Saturday (March 16).

Dismissal of Overseas Move

Shah’s statement rejects the possibility of shifting IPL matches abroad, ending the swirling rumors and uncertainties surrounding the tournament’s location.

Reasons Behind Speculation

The speculation about moving the IPL to the UAE stemmed from concerns over the scheduling conflict during the general elections in India. However, the BCCI’s stance reaffirms its commitment to hosting the tournament within the country.

Confirmation of General Election Dates

With the Election Commission of India announcing the dates for the general elections, the BCCI now has a clear timeline for working. The Election Commission of India has announced the dates for the general elections, which are scheduled to take place in seven phases from April 19 to June 4.

Only the dates for the first 21 games, from March 22 to April 7, have been announced. The IPL will kick off with a match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The rest IPL schedule is expected to be finalized soon, incorporating the polling dates into consideration.

Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the entire IPL schedule following the confirmation of election dates. The anticipation is high as fans look forward to witnessing thrilling matches between their favorite teams.