Delhi: After India’s defeat in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, former cricketer Wasim Jaffer has issued a warning to the Indian cricket team. Jaffer acknowledged that Sri Lanka played better cricket and deserved to win the series. However, he pointed out that India's upcoming challenges are significant, with only three ODIs left before the Champions Trophy next year. India’s next ODI series is scheduled for February as part of England's tour of India. Reports suggest that the Champions Trophy will begin in late February. India’s next cricket series is set to start next month against Bangladesh.
In the third ODI against Sri Lanka, India suffered a heavy defeat by 110 runs. Sri Lanka, batting first, scored 248 runs for the loss of seven wickets. In response, India was bowled out for just 138 runs, with captain Rohit Sharma being the top scorer for India with 35 runs.
Pakistan Announces Squad for Bangladesh Series; Babar, Rizwan, Afridi Included
Rawalpindi: Pakistan has announced its cricket squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh, which starts on the 21st of this month. Despite indications of changes in the Pakistan team following a disappointing T20 World Cup performance, key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been retained in the squad. According to suggestions from the coaching staff, including Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, there will be no immediate action against the players.
Shan Masood will lead the Pakistan team. Masood had previously captained Pakistan in the series against Australia. Saud Shakeel has been appointed as the vice-captain. Newcomers Mohammad Huraira and Kamran Ghulam have also been included in the squad, with the selectors citing their strong performances in domestic cricket as the reason for their selection.
Pakistan Team: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shehzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi.
A Series Loss Won’t End the World: Rohit Sharma
Colombo: Indian captain Rohit Sharma has downplayed the significance of the series loss, stating that losing a series is not the end of the world. India suffered a heavy defeat by 110 runs in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, leading to a 2-0 series loss. Rohit analyzed the Indian team’s performance, emphasizing that while losing to spin is not a major concern, it is still a matter to be taken seriously.
"No one plays for India with a lackadaisical attitude, and there is no chance of that happening while I am captain. We must applaud teams that perform better in series, and this time Sri Lanka played better than us," Rohit said. He added that the Indian team was selected based on the pitch conditions, and several players needed to be given opportunities. While there are many positives even in defeat, there are also several areas that require attention. "Losing a series is not the end of the world. Over the past few years, all the players have played consistently. Losses can happen at any time, but the main thing is how we bounce back from defeat," Rohit concluded.
India Suffers Another Spin Collapse, Sri Lanka Clinches ODI Series
Colombo: India faced a massive defeat in the final match of the ODI series against Sri Lanka, losing by 110 runs. Chasing a target of 249 set by Sri Lanka, India was bowled out for just 138 runs in 26.1 overs. Dunith Wellalage's five-wicket haul destroyed India's batting lineup. With this victory, Sri Lanka claimed the series 2-0, marking their first series win against India in 27 years.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka scored 248 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando put up a solid opening stand of 89 runs. Nissanka was dismissed for 45 by Axar Patel, giving India a breakthrough. However, Avishka, along with Kusal Mendis, added 72 runs for the second wicket. Riyan Parag trapped Avishka (59) in front of the stumps, and after his dismissal, Sri Lanka’s innings began to collapse. Charith Asalanka (10), Sadeera Samarawickrama (0), Janith Liyanage (8), and Dunith Wellalage (2) were unable to contribute significantly. Kusal Mendis continued to fight, partnering with Kamindu Mendis to give Sri Lanka a respectable score. Kusal Mendis was dismissed for 59 by Kuldeep Yadav in the 49th over. Kamindu remained unbeaten with 3 runs alongside Mahesh Theekshana (3).
For India, Riyan Parag took three wickets, while Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav each took one wicket. India’s chase got off to a poor start, losing Shubman Gill (6) early in the fifth over, bowled by Asitha Fernando. Captain Rohit Sharma was the only Indian batsman who showed some resistance, scoring 35 runs off 20 balls before being dismissed by Wellalage in the seventh over.
Rishabh Pant (6) was dismissed by Mahesh Theekshana in the 10th over. Wellalage then went on to dismiss Virat Kohli (20), Axar Patel (2), and Shreyas Iyer (8). Riyan Parag (15) and Shivam Dube (9) were also dismissed by Jeffrey Vandersay. India’s innings ended at 138 in the 27th over when Wellalage trapped Kuldeep Yadav (6) in front of the stumps. Washington Sundar’s 30-run knock was the only consolation for India, slightly reducing the margin of defeat.
A Chance to Prove Ourselves in Crucial Situations: Washington Sundar Before the Third ODI
Colombo: Ahead of the third ODI against Sri Lanka, Indian cricketer Washington Sundar stated that the upcoming match was a crucial opportunity for the team to prove itself in critical situations. Sundar emphasized that India has several big tournaments coming up and that the team must be prepared to win on spin-friendly pitches like those in Sri Lanka.
"We have to bounce back from what has happened in this series so far. Our focus is solely on winning the third ODI. The Indian team knows how to play well against spinners, and we have played on similar spin-friendly pitches in India. I believe our players can perform well against the Sri Lankan spinners," Sundar remarked. The third ODI between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take place today at 2:30 PM. The first ODI ended in a tie, while Sri Lanka won the second match. If India loses today, they will lose the series, which Sri Lanka is aiming to win for the first time in 27 years.
Under-19 World Cup Winner to Play for Kerala in Domestic Cricket
Chennai: Under-19 World Cup-winning Indian cricketer Baba Aparajith has announced that he will be playing for Kerala in the upcoming domestic cricket season. Aparajith was a part of the Indian team led by Unmukt Chand that won the Under-19 World Cup in 2012, contributing 33 runs in the final. The 30-year-old cricketer hails from the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Aparajith expressed his excitement about playing for Kerala, stating that he began discussions with Kerala cricket in mid-June. He acknowledged the challenges ahead and expressed his desire to contribute in all three formats of the game.
"Kerala cricket has been growing year by year. I have heard many good things about Kerala cricket. This is a different kind of challenge for me as an individual. I am looking forward to having a great season. I know all the players in the Kerala team well and have a good relationship with them," Aparajith said.
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