Month: October 2023

India captain Rohit Sharma, a colossus in white-ball cricket

New Zealand (NZ) and South Africa (SA) will play the 32nd match of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Wednesday (November 1) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. They have been two of the most dominant teams in the tournament so far. South Africa have won five out of six games and are in second place, while New Zealand have won four out of six.
New Zealand faced Australia in their last game and faced a defeat by a mere margin of five runs. Australia’s openers, Head and Warner, provided a strong start with 118 runs in the first 10 overs, a Powerplay record. Warner scored 81 off 65 deliveries, while Head reached a century with 109 off 67. Australia posted 388 in 49.2 overs, collecting 93 runs in the last 10 overs.
In response, New Zealand lost both openers but reached 73 in the Powerplay. Ravindra and Mitchell added 96 for the third wicket, with Mitchell scoring 54. Rachin Ravindra’s remarkable century (116 off 89) made him only the third batter to achieve this against Australia in the ODI World Cup. The match went to the last over, with New Zealand needing 19 to win. They fell short by five runs.
Trent Boult and Glenn Phillips took three wickets each for New Zealand, with Phillips conceding just 37 runs in his 10 overs. Adam Zampa was Australia’s standout bowler, taking three wickets for 74 runs in 10 overs.
South Africa faced Pakistan in their last game. Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing both openers and scoring just 58 runs in the first 10 overs, with Marco Jansen taking both wickets. Babar Azam reached a half-century, but Pakistan faced trouble until Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan combined for an 84-run partnership, pushing the total past 200. Shakeel top-scored with 52 as Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 270 in 46.4 overs. Tabraiz Shamsi was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 60 runs, while Marco Jansen continued his strong run with three wickets.
South Africa faced a similar early setback, losing two wickets within the Powerplay, but managed 67 runs. Aiden Markram anchored the innings and scored 91, with the key partnership of 70 runs coming with David Miller. South Africa faced difficulties after Markram’s dismissal but ultimately won by one wicket in 47.2 overs. Shaheen Afridi impressed with three wickets, while Mohammad Wasim Jr and Usama Mir took two each.
Also see:NZ vs SA Match Prediction: Who will win the match?

Pakistan have kept alive their slim hopes of qualifying for the semifinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup by defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets, thanks to an opening partnership of 100 runs between Abdullah Shafique and Fakhar Zaman.
Zaman marked his return to the side with a belligerent knock of 81 runs as Pakistan chased the target of 205 in 32.3 overs at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.
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Earlier, Pakistans pace bowlers combined to take eight wickets as Bangladesh were dismissed for 204 runs in 45.1 overs.
Electing to bat, Bangladesh could never really recover from a top order collapse as Pakistans three-pronged pace attack impressed with the new ball and were equally effective in the death overs with only Mahmudullah (56) managing a half-century for Bangladesh.
The defeat, Bangladeshs sixth, has ended Shakib al-Hasans teams hopes of qualifying for the semifinals. Bangladesh have only won one match in the tournament.
Pakistan have now won three matches from their seven and still have a mathematical chance of qualifying.
Babar Azams men have moved to fifth place in the points table.

Lionel Messi chants were directed at Cristiano Ronaldo during Al Nassr’s encounter with Al Ettifaq in the King Cup on Tuesday night.
On Monday Messi was awarded a record extending eighth Ballon d’Or in a ceremony in Paris.
Messi won the award upon skippering Argentina to their third World Cup triumph last December, overcoming France on penalties in a memorable final.
The pint-sized genius netted seven times and was named player of the tournament, giving himself the edge over runner-up Erling Haaland and third-placed Kylian Mbappe.
The victory means Messi now has three more Ballon d’Ors than his great rival Ronaldo, who wasn’t even nominated in the 30-man shortlist for the first time since 2003.
And while featuring for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr in the King Cup, Ronaldo was taunted with ‘Messi, Messi’ chants by the Al Ettifaq faithful.
As can be seen in the above clip, the former Manchester United star could not help but react in an animated fashion.
Ronaldo put his finger to his lips to shush the Al Ettifaq crowd.
Later in the game, after Sadio Mane netted for Al Nassr, Ronaldo was seen celebrating wildly and cupping his ears to Al Ettifaq end.
Following the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Messi spoke to reporters about his latest accolade and was asked if he had cemented his status as the greatest player in the history of the sport, above long-time rival Ronaldo.
“As I always said, I do not know if I am the best player in history or not,” he replied, as per TalkSPORT. “If I am one of the best, then this is a wonderful thing.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo was among the footballing stars to snub the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony as Lionel Messi lifted the top men’s prize for the eighth time.
Ronaldo was not nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time since 2003, and the Al Nassr star decided not to attend the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Messi won his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or, with Ronaldo behind him in second on five wins.
But the 38-year-old is in action on Tuesday, with Al Nassr taking on Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Arabia King Cup of Champions – meaning he would not have been able to attend the ceremony even if he had wanted to.
There were stars that did not turn up in Paris despite being nominated, however – though some were absent for the same reason as Ronaldo.
Karim Benzema, who placed 12th in the final rankings, will be involved when his Al Ittihad side play in the same competition.
Harry Kane also wasn’t present, with Bayern Munich in DFB Pokal action against Saarbrucken on Tuesday.
But other nominees simply decided not to make the trip, it appears.
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who finished in fourth place for the men’s award, didn’t travel to Paris, although team-mates Rodri, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland were all present.
And Real Madrid’s Luka Modric, who won the 2018 award, also wasn’t in Paris to see himself rank 10th, but team-mates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior did make the trip.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who finished in eighth for the men’s award, also declined to travel.
For the women’s award, England quartet Mary Earps, Rachel Daly, Georgia Stanway and Millie Bright were all unable to make the ceremony in-person, as the Lionesses are in Nations League action against Belgium on Tuesday.
Chelsea and Australia star Sam Kerr, who finished in second place behind winner Aitana Bonmati, also wasn’t present in Paris.
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WC: Rohit, Shami shine as India hammer woeful England

Lionel Messi spoke about the possibility of a return to Barcelona in the future after picking up the Ballon dOr for a record eighth time.
The GOAT was denied a proper farewell when he left for PSG in 2021, and Joan Laporta has talked up the possibility of a proper tribute to the legend.
Messi admits he didnt like the way he left the club and would be more than happy to come back to the club and see the fans again.
There was a bitter taste when I left and I dont like that, he said. Id like to change the way the story ended.
I deserve to say goodbye to the people that gave me so much joy. Barcelona is my home, I love the club and the people. If it [tribute game] happens, I would be happy to be there…
Its been rumoured that Barcelona could organise something for Messi when the Camp Nou reopens after renovation work is completed in the famous old stadium.

Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is the only one that has remained unbeaten in the ongoing ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, winning all 6 matches. They are leading the ICC World Cup point tally with 12 points and have a net run rate of +1.405. Till now, India has defeated New Zealand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia and England. In all the previous 5 matches India chased and won, but with England, India batted first and thrashed the defending champions by a whopping 100 runs, bowling out the English team for 129 in 34.5 overs.
Though India are the favourites to make in to the semi-finals after the win over England on 29 October, mathematically they are yet to qualify for the next round.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2023 top run-scorers: Rohit Sharma enters top 5, South Africa’s de Kock on top; check others on list
Why India is yet to qualify for Semis:
Looking at the points tally, India currently have 12 points and can be joined by South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Afghanistan in the next scheduled matches. Though, it will be tough for Pakistan or Bangladesh to outscore India in points.
Even if India fails to win the remaining three matches against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Netherlands, they will retain the 12 points. So to fix a spot in the semis, India needs to win at least one of their three matches, securing 14 points.
How can India make it into the World Cup semis?
Considering India’s current form, with batters like skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul in superb form, combined with the best bowling attack by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, beating India would not be an easy task for opponents.
India are all set to face Sri Lanka on 2 November, South Africa on 5 November, and the Netherlands on 12 November. Looking at the current chances, India may defeat Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, while the match with South Africa would be a top-notch one, as the latter have lost only one match and are in the second spot in the points table.
So cricket fans supporting India can rejoice thinking India will continue its form and win against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on 2 November, securing its semi-final berth.
Meanwhile, the World Cup 2023 semi-finals will take place on 14 November in Mumbai (1 vs 4) and 16 November (2 vs 3) in Kolkata. The final is scheduled for 19 November in Ahmedabad.
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Halloween has arrived, and individuals are enthusiastically embracing the holiday spirit by donning costumes for pranks, parties, and trick-or-treating. People from across the world are sharing pictures and videos showcasing their Halloween attire. Now, Ritika Sajdeh, wife of cricketer Rohit Sharma, shared pics of what her daughter wore this year for Halloween.
Rohit Sharma and Ritika Sajdehs daughter in her Halloween attire. (Instagram/@ritssajdeh)
The first picture shows Ritika and Rohits daughter Samaira Sharma wearing Team Indias fan jersey while clutching a candy bag which is in the shape of a Halloween pumpkin ghost skull. The text accompanying the picture playfully exclaims, Look who went as Rohit Sharma for Halloween.
The next picture shows the little one with her back facing the camera, proudly flaunting the number 45 and Rohit emblazoned on the jersey.
Take a look at the pictures shared by Ritika Sajdeh here:
Pictures shared by Ritika Sajdeh on Instagram. (Instagram/@ritssajdeh)
About Halloween
Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31. The day before Halloween is called All Hallows Eve, which came to be known as Halloween. This festival has its origins in the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, originally a harvest festival. It was believed that during this time, the boundary between the world of the living and that of the dead would blur, allowing the spirits of the departed to visit their loved ones.
Many celebrate the festival by decking up their homes and cooking delicious meals to welcome the spirits of their ancestors. They also light bonfires to ward off evil spirits and dress up as demons and witches to avoid being recognised.