Month: August 2023

The T20 International (T20I) series between South Africa and Australia is poised to commence on August 30. The iconic battleground for the series opener will be none other than the historic Kingsmead Stadium, nestled in the vibrant city of Durban.
The first match of the series holds immense significance, as a triumphant start could potentially grant one of the teams a pivotal early advantage, while also establishing the tone for the fierce battles that are to follow.
However, both competing squads will be treading the turf without the presence of some of their seasoned campaigners. The absence of these established players, while a loss in experience, also presents a golden opportunity for the emerging stars to seize the spotlight and etch their names in the annals of cricket history.
T20 stats and records at Kingsmead Stadium:

• Total matches played: 17
• Won batting first: 10
• Won bowling first: 7
• Average 1st Inns scores: 146
• Average 2nd Inns scores: 131
• Highest total: 218/4 (India)
• Lowest total: 73/10 (Kenya)
• Highest run chase: 158/7 (South Africa)
• Lowest total defended: 125/6 (South Africa)
• Most runs: 141 runs (Quinton de Kock)
• Highest score: 114 not out off 85 balls (Morne van Wyk)
• Best bowling figures: 5/23 (David Wiese)
• Most sixes: 12 sixes (Yuvraj Singh)
• Most wickets: 9 wickets (David Wiese)

Kingsmead Stadium Pitch Report:
(Image Source: Twitter)
The pitch at Kingsmead has consistently favoured bowlers, giving them a notable edge in T20 matches. The average totals (146 in the first innings and 131 in the second innings), suggests the pitch significantly aids the bowling team. Captains who win the toss could be tempted to utilize the initial moisture and movement that the surface presents.
Kingsmead Weather Report:
(Image Source: Twitter)
There is no chance of rain in the evening in Durban. Playing conditions will be pleasant, with temperatures around the 21-degree Celsius mark. The humidity levels to be around 86% and the wind blowing at a speed of 3 Km/hr.
South Africa vs Australia, Probable XIs:
South Africa: Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Sisanda Magala, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

The upcoming Asia Cup 2023 has hit a roadblock for the Bangladesh cricket team as talented batter Litton Das has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. The news comes as a disappointment to fans and the team alike, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has swiftly responded by announcing a replacement to fill the void left by Das’ absence.
Litton Das, known for his aggressive batting style and impressive performances, failed to recover from a viral fever. Thus, putting him out of action for the six-team tournament. His absence will surely be felt, as he has been a consistent performer for the Bangladesh team in recent times.
In response to this setback, the BCB has announced the inclusion of Anamul Haque Bijoy as a replacement for Das in the Asia Cup squad. Bijoy, a wicketkeeper-batter, has represented Bangladesh in 44 ODIs, amassing 1254 runs which includes three centuries. While Das’s absence is undoubtedly a blow, Bijoy’s inclusion is expected to provide depth to the batting lineup.
Bangladesh, a team that has shown remarkable progress on the international stage in recent years, will need to regroup and adapt quickly in the absence of Das. The Asia Cup provides a platform for teams to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the region, and Bangladesh will be eager to make their mark despite this setback.
The Asia Cup 2023, which is set to feature 13 games scheduled from August 30 and September 17, promises intense competition and thrilling cricket moments. Bangladesh will be determined to overcome this hurdle and give their best performance in the tournament. Fans will be eagerly watching as the team takes on challenges with resilience and the hope of emerging victorious against the tough opponents like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s updated squad for Asia Cup 2023:
Shakib Al Hasan (c), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Shamim Hossain, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Anamul Haque Bijoy.

Scott Kuggeleijn puts New Zealand A into a position of dominance, capping a remarkable turnaround by the visitors in BrisbaneNZ A pile on the runs to set up huge run chase
New Zealand A allrounder Scott Kuggeleijn blazed a remarkable 85-ball hundred to leave Australia A with a mountain to climb on the final day of their first-class clash at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.
Resuming at 2-191, the Kiwis rattled along at 4.30 runs per over through much of day three before being bowled out for 468 in the final session, leaving the hosts requiring 353 to win.
When stumps was called early due to bad light, Australia A had made their way to 1-31, with Tasmanian Tim Ward (11) the lone wicket to fall, and Cameron Bancroft and Caleb Jewell not out eight and nine respectively.
For the New Zealanders, the difference was stark to their day-one showing, when they were rolled for 147, and more in keeping with yesterday’s effort as Sean Solia played splendidly for his 91 and Tom Bruce (51) and Muhammad Abbas (55) also came to the party on a dominant day for the visitors.
Solia could have been on his way from the first ball of the day, when he was dropped by Cameron Bancroft off the bowling of Mark Steketee (4-100), and it was the Queensland quick who did break through for the first wicket amid a spirited spell when Bancroft held onto a chance from Bruce to leave the Kiwis 3-213.
Solia and Abbas then put together a 57-run stand for the fourth wicket and capitalised on the occasional lapse in line and length from SA paceman Jordan Buckingham (2-117) and Bulls leg-spinner Mitch Swepson (0-119), though Vics quick Mitch Perry (4-77) insisted the group was pleased with their efforts with the ball throughout a trying day.
“I thought we bowled really well and stuck to our plans by keeping it simple all day,” Perry said. “Obviously Kuggeleijn came in and struck the ball beautifully that happens in cricket, but I think all of us guys were pretty happy with how we went about it.”
Arriving in the middle at 6-301 and with New Zealand A boasting a lead of 185, Kuggeleijn exploded across the next couple of hours, striking 12 fours and four sixes on his way to a century that neatly complemented his five-wicket haul from Australia A’s first innings.
The 31-year-old right-hander latched onto anything over-pitched and peppered the straight boundaries, carrying his side to a commanding position in a contest they appeared all but out of at stumps on day one.
Australia A will now need 322 on day four if they are to pull off what would be a miraculous win.
“Over 300 is a big chase on any final day and I think the wicket is going to start to play a few more tricks,” Perry added. “Hopefully the boys can dig in in the first hour and set up a nice little finale late in the day.”
There was disappointment meanwhile for Western Australia left-armer Joel Paris midway through the morning session when he was forced from the field with a left hamstring issue.
Paris will be assessed by Cricket Australia medical staff, with an update on his condition due in coming days.
First four-day match: August 28-31, Allan Border Field
Second four-day match: September 4-7, Great Barrier Reef Arena (D/N)
Australia A four-day squad: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jordan Buckingham, Ben Dwarshuis, Caleb Jewell, Campbell Kellaway, Matthew Kelly, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nathan McAndrew, Nathan McSweeney, Joel Paris, Jimmy Peirson, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Tim Ward
First one-dayer: September 10, Great Barrier Reef Arena
Second one-dayer: September 13, Allan Border Field (D/N)
Third one-dayer: September 15, Allan Border Field
Australia A one-day squad: Wes Agar, Ollie Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Liam Hatcher, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben McDermott, Todd Murphy, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Gurinder Sandhu, Matt Short, Mark Steketee, Will Sutherland, Ashton Turner
New Zealand A squad (both formats): Muhammad Abbas, Adi Ashok, Tom Bruce (c), Leo Carter, Josh Clarkson, Henry Cooper, Jacob Duffy, Cam Fletcher, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Scott Kuggeleijn, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Michael Rae, Brett Randell, Tim Seifert, Sean Solia

The second semi-final of the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup will see Indian Super League (ISL) heavyweights FC Goa and Mohun Bagan Super Giant clash horns on Thursday (31 August). Juan Ferrando will go up against his former side, knowing that a win can set up a mouth-watering Kolkata Derby final against East Bengal.
The journey to that game, however, will not be easy at all. The two ISL sides have performed almost equally well at the Durand Cup 2023, dominating games and producing thrilling performances. Both have benefitted from some excellent individual performances, with a few players standing out among the rest. With that being said, Khel Now draws up the combined XI between these two teams before their major clash.
Kaith has been reliable in between the goal for the Mariners, keeping a clean-sheet and making a number of key saves to hold down the fort in goal.
A stalwart in the Durand Cup for the Gaurs, Leander has been a commanding and driving force down the right for his side, producing some commendable performances.
Anwar has been a revelation for the Mariners since his arrival from FC Goa, being an absolute rock at the back and bullying a number of challenging attackers. He also showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting an excellent header in the win over Mumbai City FC.
Jhingan has settled in with ease at FC Goa, helping them keep multiple clean-sheets. He has also neutralized the threat of multiple menacing forwards, for example his impressive work against Chennaiyin FCs Connor Shields in the quarter-final win.
The Mohun Bagan captain has led his side from the back, being a reliable and commanding figure be it as a left-back or a left-sided centre-back. Despite losing the Kolkata Derby, Bose has been impressive in the other games and was especially admirable against Mumbai City.
Rowllin Borges has been a bright spark for the Gaurs in the Durand Cup, putting in efficient performances all through to take them to the semi-finals. Apart from helping them control games with his distribution ability, the midfielder has also scored two goals.
The summer signing has been an exciting addition to FC Goa, adding lots of creativity and a unique attacking threat to their side. He scored an impressive goal in the quarter-final win over Chennaiyin FC and appears to be thriving under Manolo Marquez.
Manvir has been a delight to watch for the Mariners at the Durand Cup and is enjoying a prolific tournament. He has scored two goals for them, including an important one in the win over Mumbai City. He has also set up a few goals too! Manvir has added energy and creative threat through the right and has also worked hard defensively.
The Moroccan winger has been on fire in the Durand Cup. Hes the second-highest scorer with five goals in four games, being very clinical with his final product and a major reason behind his sides success.
The record-signing for the Mariners has been a menace with his clever off-the-ball runs and dangerous presence in the final third. He scored against Mumbai and played a major role in their win in the quarter-final.
Martinez has enjoyed a brilliant Durand Cup campaign with Goa, scoring three goals in four games. That includes a stellar strike against Chennaiyin FC, with the Spaniard proving why hell be one to watch out for in the upcoming ISL campaign.
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Pakistan are currently the top-ranked team in ODIs, clinching the position after its 3-0 clean-sweep win over Afghanistan last week. The Babar Azam-led side has been one of the strongest units particularly with the ball in the fifty-over format and is considered one of the favourites for the Asia Cup as well as the ODI World Cup, scheduled for October-November in India later this year. Over the past few years, Pakistan have improved significantly in the white-ball formats and according to Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, it all boils down to the exposure their players have had in participating across different leagues around the world.
Ravichandran Ashwin (L) speaks in detail about Pakistan’s rise in ODIs(YouTube/AFP)
Ashwin believes that Pakistan is an exciting side because their players come with diverse experiences from leagues across different countries.
“The main reason for their last 5-6 years’ rise can be attributed to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, or anyone. But it all comes down to their squad depth. Pakistan have always produced extraordinary cricketers. I can close my book when I start talking about Pakistan. Because they are such an exciting team, and I can keep going all day. Because of tape-ball cricket, they have always had fast-bowlers coming through the ranks.
Their batting has been special in the late 90s and 2000s. But their exposure to different leagues has been a major reason for their re-emergence in the last 5-6 years. Of course, they have the PSL. In the recent BBL drafts, almost 60-70 Pakistan cricketers have registered their names. Almost every league has a pace bowler with a slingy action from Pakistan, said Ashwin.
Ashwin further namedropped a couple of up and coming Pakistan pace bowlers, and further insisted that the side has also seen a rise in spin-bowling all-rounders. Shadab Khan, one of the key players who comes under that category, is also the current vice-captain in the ODIs.
Ihsanullah is one up-and-coming talent. In the recently concluded Hundred, I saw another pace bowler with slingy action nailing the yorkers (Zaman Khan) and he is also from Pakistan. The bowlers are always coming through the ranks. But suddenly the rise of spin all-rounders and their late-order hitting have improved drastically. They are playing Test cricket and play their own T20 leagues, said Ashwin.
Where talent meets opportunity, and exposure
Ashwin stressed that because Pakistan players are seen in leagues across different countries, their talent is meeting opportunities as well as exposure. He referred to the motto of the Indian Premier League, where talent meets opportunity to convey his point.
They are also playing all around the world in England and Australia, and this year there aren’t many Pakistan players in CPL, but they always dominate CPL too. They play in the Emirati League, USA, and also in Canada. When talent meets opportunity with different exposures. In IPL, we make sure that talent meets opportunity and that’s why we are seeing more cricketers from different regions. But for Pakistan cricket, talent meets opportunity with different exposures now, said the off-spinner.
So, they are getting different stages and platforms to perform and thereby gain different experiences. They get to handle different types of pressure situations. So, they are able to adapt to different conditions accordingly. That’s why in the last 5-6 years, Pakistan are not only producing world-class cricketers but these talents are only delivering in the big stages.

With just three days left in the summer transfer window, FC Barcelona are set to be bristling with activity as a number of options are yet to be closed.
Apart from the potential signings of Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, the Blaugrana are also likely to sanction one or more exits, with Ansu Fati and Ez Abde among those staring at possible departures.
Abde is unhappy with the limited minutes coming his way, while Fati has also opened the doors for a departure after it has become clear that he will not play regularly.
As such, the attacking duo have been attracting plenty of interest already, with a new suitor now joining the fray.
Liverpool have entered the picture for the signing of Ansu Fati and Ez Abde, with David Bernabeu Reverter reporting that the Reds have made an enquiry for the Barcelona pair.
The Reds are reportedly worried about the situation of Mohamed Salah, who has a mammoth offer on the table from Saudi Arabia.
As such, they are preparing for the scenario in which the Egyptian icon ends up leaving and have identified Ansu and Abde as potential options to shore up their attack.
Liverpool are understood to have asked Barcelona about the young duos situation and communicated their interest in signing one of the two in case Salah were to depart.
Given the spike in interest in Ansu and Abde, it appears that the pair could spark a late scramble in the transfer window.
Apart from Liverpool, Fati is also attracting interest from the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea, with the former even opening discussions over a loan move for the 20-year-old.
As for Abde, the 21-year-old is wanted by several clubs in Spain, England, and some other major leagues as well, while he has also shot down an offer from Saudi Arabia.

These track schools are set to begin on September 9 – 10 at Kari Motor Speedway in Coimbatore, on October 15 in Bangalore, on November 5 in Kolhapur, and November 26 in Ahmedabad. The schools will train riders to overcome challenges and enhance their riding skills, helping them become better and safer motorcyclists on the road as well as on the racetrack.
Also Read : Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 motorcycle leaked ahead of launch
The Royal Enfield track schools for young racers will become a part of the already long list of the brand’s global motorsports programme.
Riders will train in challenging and supervised environment on a Royal Enfield GT650 twin-cylinder motorcycle. They will be trained by racing specialists. A total of three packages will be offered to choose from – GT Experience, GT Track and GT Race. These are a one- to two-day riding program with different levels of training, as required by the budding racer.
The track schools for young racers will become a part of the already long list of the brand’s global motorsports programme. These include the GT Cup, the Build. Train. Race, women’s racing programmes, American Flat Track team in the US, DTRA flat track racing in the UK, drag racing in Europe and India, and Slide Schools in six countries.
The introduction of track schools is a significant move by the company because in recent years, racing has acquired immense popularity in India. These schools aim to further fuel the passion and popularity of racing. These will also serve as a stepping stone for young racers who desire to compete in future Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup competition in the future.
First Published Date: 30 Aug 2023, 15:58 PM IST

After Zaheer Khan’s retirement and before the fast bowling revolution in Indian cricket, Ishant Sharma was the one doing the bulk of the work in Test matches. He was an old-fashioned workhorse. The likes of Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were around but rarely did they fire as a collective fast-bowling unit until Virat Kohli took charge of the Test side. Ishant, Shami, Umesh, Bhuvi burst onto the scene under MS Dhoni’s leadership but they became a world-beating fast-bowling unit only under Kohli. Of course, their experience and maturity had a lot to do with it but Kohli’s aggressive captaincy also played a major part. The emergence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami as all-format tearaway quicks is a testimony to that fact.
Indian pacer Ishant Sharma (L), captain Virat Kohli (R)(Twitter)
Ishant, who played most of his cricket under Dhoni – 130 out of his 199 international matches, to be precise – did not hesitate in rating Kohli as the best captain. Ishant, however, said it was Dhoni who groomed the fast bowlers before handing them over to Kohli, who took them to a whole new level.
“He (Kohli) was the best. When Virat was captain, bowling was complete. When we were playing under Mahi bhai, we were in a transition phase. At that time, Shami and Umesh were new, and only I was there. Everyone else would rotate. Bhuvi was also new. There is no match for Mahi bhai as a communicator. But what he did was groom the bowlers and leave them with Virat. Shami and Umesh, over time, became different bowlers and then Jasprit came in. So, he got a complete package. The best thing he did was identify everyones traits, that he used to talk about one thing with one person and then Iet them be,” Ishant said in JioCinema show ‘Home of Heroes’.
The numbers are also in favour of Kohli. He (63.38) has a much higher win percentage than Dhoni (53.61) as captain of India. Only Rohit Sharma has a better win percentage than Kohli.
Ishant agreed that Kohli’s aggressive nature was an asset but the fact that he identified every fast bowler’s strength and communicated with them regularly made him a delight to play under. “First thing, he was aggressive. If youre bowling with the new ball, you can concede 25 runs in five overs as long as you take two wickets,” Ishan said.
The lanky pacer who is the only out-and-out fast bowler to play more than 100 Tests for India, said Kohli gave different roles to him, Shami, Bumrah – the trio who played major roles in overseas wins in England, Australia and South Africa.
Kohli communicated with me, Bumrah, Umesh and Shami: Ishant
“The important thing was that he gave everyone defined roles. He used to tell me, You have played enough matches, its now time for you to step up. Dont bowl thinking you have to bowl in a particular area, now you have to find ways of getting wickets. He went to Shami and said, I know you can take wickets, but now I need you to bowl consistently. That you can bowl three overs as maidens. He went to Bumrah and said, This is your debut, you do what you do, but consistency is most important in Test cricket. After 2021, I realized he wanted all of us to think out of the box,” he added.
Ishant was shocked at Kohli’s transformation
Ishant and Kohli go back a long way. They were teammates even in junior cricket while coming up through the ranks in Delhi cricket. When asked about the massive transformation of Kohli, Ishant said it was “shocking”.
“It was quite shocking. I remember we had a break, so he went to the US for some sponsor obligations. At the time, he was trying to reduce his weight. He slept on the flight for 8-9 hours and ate just once. The moment he landed in the US, the first thing he did was go to the gym. These are things not everyone knows, but he had told me what all he did to lose weight. I know how much he loves chhole bhature. For all these years, he completely stopped eating all of that.
“Even now, if he isnt fielding, he has experimented enough on his body to know when he has to eat carbs and when he shouldnt. But, if he isnt running or batting or doing lower-body work, he wont eat carbs at all,” he said.

Man for all occasions: Kohlis ODI WC & Asia Cup outings