Cricket in southern Asia evokes extreme passion and is almost a religion for the masses. The chill in the air provides the fitting backdrop for epic duels among the cricket-playing countries. No wonder all the major cricket-playing countries in the region are involved in bilateral Test outings. Cricket today is abuzz with exciting possibilities. Countries in the region are known to give no quarter and receive none on the cricket pitch. However, you must check out what is happening today.
India and New Zealand – the new rivals in cricket today:
The India and New Zealand cricket encounter is a continuing saga of rivalry vying for the top spot. The World Test Championship and the recently concluded T20 World Cup went New Zealand’s way. That lends a cutting-edge aura to their current bilateral cricket visit. Yet, Kane Williamson, the visiting captain who crafted both the victories, says they are the underdogs now. The first Test at Kanpur is evenly balanced as of now. However, you must check the sports news today highlights:
- India is looking to avenge the 8 wicket loss to New Zealand at the World Test Championship at Southampton last June.
- On the other hand, India came up trumps in the latest T20 series.
- Shreyas Iyer has scored a magnificent century on his debut.
- Ravindra Jadeja scored a half-century.
The Bangladeshi Tigers seek to beat Pakistan on home soil:
Bangladesh and Pakistan meet for the first Test in Chittagong from 26th November, when the former will make an all-out effort to turn the tables on the latter. Starting from the 3-0 drubbing in the T20 series, Bangladesh is likely to go all out to reverse the trend. While Pakistan looks organized, Bangladesh projects a team in disarray. However, Bangladesh hopes to see a change in fortunes in the longer format. The points to note for the impending duel are:
- The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury pitch is likely to hold for the five-day match.
- A mild temperature will bring out the best in both teams.
- Another ten wickets will be a hundred Test wickets milestone for Abbas.
Sri Lanka hopes to hold the momentum against West Indies in the second Test:
The Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne exuded happiness after defeating the West Indies in the first Test in the two-match series by a whopping 187 runs. He attributed the comprehensive victory to the team playing as a unit. The team is a blend of the young and experienced who have gelled well to the task at hand. The omens for the second Test are:
- It is an advantage for Sri Lanka, as the second Test is being played in the same Galle International Stadium.
- Ramesh Mendis scalped five wickets in the just-concluded Test and is the man in form for the Lankans.
Sports news today from across the world:
- It is shutters down for the Super League:
The International Cricket Council confirmed the end of the Cricket World Cup Super League after its inaugural edition. The death knell of the structured ODI competition featuring the ICC Full Members has been sounded. It awaits scrapping post the 2023 World Cup. The Associate Members are dismayed at the decision of robbing them of showcasing their skills in the future ODI World Cups.
- Mumbai Indians all set to enter the UAE T20 League:
The IPL franchise Mumbai Indians have confirmed their foray into the UAE T20 League, expected to kick-start early next year. The Emirate Cricket Board’s league will feature six teams. The other IPL franchisees that have already confirmed their presence are the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Delhi Capitals. The other three teams expected to feature in the upcoming Super League are the Glazer family’s UK-based Manchester United, Sydney Sixers from Australia, and Capri Industries from the UAE.
- Tim Paine’s cricket sabbatical:
Australia’s beleaguered Test captain announced his sabbatical from all forms of cricket in the “foreseeable future”. His decision is influenced by the “sexting” scandal that led to his resignation as the country’s Test captain. His indefinite break from the game is the outcome of prolonged discussions.
Conclusion: Cricket fans all over the world cannot have enough news about cricket today. Everything and anything about cricket is lapped up in India eagerly. After the major Indian festivals, the winter months provide the ideal weather conditions for grueling cricket contests in the subcontinent. Right through the New Year, the cricket season continues, adding to the Christmas festivities, and is the best time to dish out sports news today.
