Sunday’s India-Pakistan T20 World Cup showdown draws keen audience

Fans gather in New York to hear Sachin Tendulkar speak at the T20 World Cup fan park. (AN Photo/Azeem Rafiq)
1 / 2
Fans gather in New York to hear Sachin Tendulkar speak at the T20 World Cup fan park. (AN Photo/Azeem Rafiq)
Fans gather at the T20 World Cup fan park. (AN Photo/Azeem Rafiq)
2 / 2
Fans gather at the T20 World Cup fan park. (AN Photo/Azeem Rafiq)
Short Url
Updated 08 June 2024
Follow

Sunday’s India-Pakistan T20 World Cup showdown draws keen audience

Sunday’s India-Pakistan T20 World Cup showdown draws keen audience
  • Cricket has yearned to crack America for decades and, after the US’s success in the opening match of the tournament, Sunday’s showdown could go a long way to doing that

NEW YORK CITY: Whenever the fixtures for any International Cricket Council men’s global tournament are published it is the one between India and Pakistan that is the most eagerly anticipated.

It guarantees a packed house, millions more watching on TV and hand-held devices. It is also an opportunity for both sets of players to become heroes or villains. This was the case in the first ever men’s T20 Cup Final between Pakistan and India in Johannesburg in 2007. Chasing 158 to win, Pakistan needed 13 runs from the last over with one wicket remaining. Misbah ul Haq narrowed this down to six runs from four balls only to infamously choose to deploy a scoop shot, which led to his downfall and India becoming champions.

Following this victory the Board of Control for Cricket in India announced that a franchise-based Twenty20 competition, known as the Indian Premier League, would begin in 2008. As we now know, it has changed the landscape of cricket and paved the way for India’s current dominance in world cricket. However, India’s status as the most powerful nation in the world game has not translated into winning regular international trophies. There have been several near misses, most recently in the ODI World Cup Final in November 2023 against Australia.

In T20I cricket, India has failed to win the World Cup since 2007, reaching the final in 2014 only to be beaten by Sri Lanka. Pakistan won the 2009 final, beating England, to whom they lost in the 2022 final. In terms of Indian and Pakistani rivalry, India has enjoyed the upper hand, winning six of the seven occasions where the two countries have gone toe-to-toe in T20I World Cup matches. Pakistan’s sole success was a thumping ten-wicket victory in the group stage of the 2021 World Cup, while the first meeting in 2007, prior to the final, ended as a tie.

On current form, the match between the two teams at the temporarily erected Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York is likely to see Indian success continue. However, what has gone before can sometimes be irrelevant and most pertinent may be who can handle their nerves on the day. Nevertheless, it is difficult to envisage Pakistan’s success as the team has been affected by a series of adverse issues.

Chaos has dominated Pakistan on and the off the field since the first half of the Asia Cup in September 2023. The captaincy has passed from Babar Azam to Shaheen Shah Afridi and then back to Babar, which has had a massive impact on team dynamics and morale. The coaching staff has been changed several times from Mickey Arthur to Mohammad Hafeez, and now a combination of Azhar Mahmood and Gary Kirsten.

None of this uncertainty aids player preparation, although most involved in Pakistan cricket are accustomed to off-field dramas ruining any chance of success on the pitch. It takes a special individual and team to block out the noise and focus on winning matches. Disappointingly, this group of Pakistan players has largely failed to do that, both as individuals and as a squad.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi are the standout world-class talents. Many of the other players have not achieved their full potential, some of them going backwards since the Asia Cup. If Pakistan are to have any chance in the competition, Shaheen needs the pace support of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.

There is a big question mark around the spin attack, with Shadab’s bowling a serious concern. There is always strong opinion around selection and any controversy around Pakistan cricket, but one current consensus is the outdated nature of Pakistan’s style of play. The team lacks power-hitters and wicket-taking spin, two key pieces in any successful T20 team’s jigsaw puzzle.

In comparison, Indian are a well-rounded outfit, packed with experience, and its players come into the tournament off the back of another successful IPL. They look full of different options and match sharpness, although how they balance the team and get players in the correct positions will be a challenge. However, this is not a bad place to be.

Virat Kohli was at his fiery best during the IPL, topping the batting charts with 741 runs at an average of 61.75 but, more significantly, a strike rate of 154.69. He will be supported in the batting department by India’s captain Rohit Sharma and the next generation of Indian stars in Yashashvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant, with strike rates in excess of 150.

Then there is the hugely exciting talent of Shivam Dube, who is reminiscent of Yuvraj Singh and is my one-to- watch. Dube could have fun with the small boundaries and slow pitches, while his power game could become the X-factor that his country needs to lift the trophy.

India has a wealth of spinners in its squad, which gives Rohit plenty of options in the field. Added to this is the pace and experience of Jasprit Bumrah, who will be eager to make an impression after missing the 2022 tournament.

Form and ability point to Indian success. The team easily saw off Ireland by eight wickets in its first match, while Pakistan were shocked by the US in one of the sport’s biggest shocks. But no Pakistan cricket team should ever be written off. They can be at their scintillating best when nothing is expected from them. Yet, this just feels a step too far this time. The conditions in New York are likely to play a big role too. The drop in pitch and the outfield have come under significant criticism. The pitch displayed signs of uneven bounce, while the outfield was slow. The India v Pakistan match will be the fifth to be played at the ground, which gives both teams an opportunity to plan accordingly.

No one could have predicted how much that 2007 win for India over Pakistan would change the face of world cricket. The ICC and the international game will be hoping a little bit of that Johannesburg magic can resurface in New York City.

Cricket has yearned to crack America for decades and, after the US’s success in the opening match of the tournament, Sunday’s showdown could go a long way to opening up that potentially lucrative market. If it does, the temporary stands and drop-in pitch at the Nassau may become more of a permanent reminder of this T20 World Cup. Time will tell.


France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup

France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup
Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup

France denies match-fixing allegations at Futsal World Cup
  • Les Bleus and Iran played an indolent first half before Iran easily prevailed after France conceded a soft opening goal in the second half, triggering angry reactions from other teams.

PARIS: France brushed off allegations of match-fixing after their 4-1 defeat against Iran sent them into the softest part of the draw at the Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan.
Les Bleus and Iran played an indolent first half before Iran easily prevailed after France conceded a soft opening goal in the second half, triggering angry reactions from other teams.
“Iran and France, coaches and players alike, have disgraced my sport. You are a disgrace to the world,” Thailand coach Miguel Rodrigo wrote on X.
Retired Brazil great Falcao was quoted by French media as saying: “It shows a lack of respect for the World Cup. The match was clearly fixed from the first minute.”
Both France and Iran were already qualified for the last 16 but the result meant that world number 10 France, second in Group F, will take on Thailand, ranked ninth before a potential quarter-final against 13th-ranked Paraguay.
Iran, the world number four, will be up against sixth-ranked Morocco ahead of a possible last-eight clash against world number one Brazil.
“It was Iran’s responsibility to be in charge of the game. The draw is more open for us but our main goal was not to get booked and to avoid injuries,” France coach Raphael Reynaud said.
The French football federation and world governing body FIFA were not immediately available for comment.


Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’

Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’
Updated 25 September 2024
Follow

Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’

Dmitry Bivol, Artur Beterbiev ready for crunch battle in Kingdom’s ‘IV Crown Showdown’
  • Rivals bid to become undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world  

LONDON: Boxers Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev both said on Wednesday they were fully prepared and ready to become the undisputed light-heavyweight champion of the world in their clash in Saudi Arabia next month.

The event on Oct. 12, dubbed the “IV Crown Showdown,” referring to the four belts on the line, will headline the opening ceremony of the 2024 Riyadh Season.

Russian-Canadian Beterbiev, who holds the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Organization and World Boxing Council belts, has knocked out all of his 20 opponents.

Russian Bivol, who has an undefeated 23-0 record, has won three fights since his victory over Canelo Alvarez in 2022, and is putting his World Boxing Association title on the line in the fight in Riyadh.

Bivol said at a press conference in London on Wednesday that he was eager to unify all belts, and added: “Oct. 12 will be an unforgettable night for boxing fans. Competing at Kingdom Arena, one of the world’s top venues, is an honor, and I’m grateful to Riyadh Season for this opportunity.”

Beterbiev also praised Riyadh Season’s contributions in taking boxing to new levels, and added: “I’m ready to claim another belt and become the undisputed champion.”

Tickets for the highly anticipated showdown went on sale on Wednesday. Fans can secure tickets for the event via the WeBook platform, organizers said.

The event will boast a seven-match undercard, including Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker taking on Liam Cameron in the light-heavyweight division, and Riyadh Season’s first women’s fight between Australian Skye Nicolson and Britain’s Raven Chapman.

Saudi boxer Mohammed Al-Aqel also features in a bout against Mexico’s Jesus Gonzalez in the welterweight category.


Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur

Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur
Updated 25 September 2024
Follow

Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur

Son says Spurs team-mate Bentancur ‘almost cried’ over alleged racial slur
  • Bentancur was charged by the Football Association earlier this month with an alleged misconduct breach in relation to a media interview on Uruguayan TV
  • Bentancur apologized to Tottenham captain Son, who said his team-mate had “made a mistake“

LONDON: Son Heung-min said Tottenham team-mate Rodrigo Bentancur “almost cried” when he apologized over an alleged racist remark about the South Korean.
Bentancur was charged by the Football Association earlier this month with an alleged misconduct breach in relation to a media interview on Uruguayan TV.
The former Juventus midfielder had been asked in June by the host of the Canal 10 show for a Spurs player’s shirt, to which he replied: “Sonny’s? It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”
Bentancur apologized to Tottenham captain Son, who said his team-mate had “made a mistake.”
But because the wording of the charge refers to an “aggravated breach,” he could reportedly be banned for six to 12 domestic matches.
Son, speaking ahead of Thursday’s Europa League home tie against Qarabag, said he could not say much at the moment because of the “FA process.”
“But I love Rodrigo, I love him. We’ve a lot of good memories, we started playing together when he joined (in January 2022),” he said.
“He knew. He apologized straight afterwards when we had holiday. I was at home. I didn’t even realize what was going on. He sent me a long message and you could feel it was coming from his heart.
“When we came back for pre-season, he felt really sorry and he almost cried when he apologized publicly and personally as well. He felt like he was really sorry. We are all human and all make mistakes and we learn from it.”
Son is one of only two players, along with Ben Davies, left at Tottenham from the squad that reached the Champions League final in 2019.
Defeat in Madrid to Liverpool extended the club’s trophy drought and it now stands at 16 years, but the South Korean forward is determined to end the wait for silverware this season.
“Yeah, it’s a dream. There is no hiding this. That’s what we work for,” Son said.
“Obviously, we are looking for another big competition that everybody wants to win. It’s going to be tough, a tough competition, a lot of games and a lot of traveling, which makes it even harder.”


Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach

Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach
Updated 25 September 2024
Follow

Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach

Shakib available for second India Test, says Bangladesh coach
  • Media reports suggested Shakib Al Hasan played first Test with finger injury
  • Shakib faces alleged murder case at home after Bangladesh plunged into political crisis

KANPUR, India: Star Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has no injury concerns and remains in line to play the second Test against India, coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said on Wednesday.

Media reports suggested Shakib played the first of two Tests with a finger injury when India handed Bangladesh a 280-run thrashing in Chennai.

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Hathurusinghe said “there was no doubt” over Shakib’s participation in the second Test, which begins on Friday.

“At the moment I have not heard anything about any sort of injury — neither from the physio nor from anyone else,” Hathurusinghe told reporters in Kanpur, where the Test will be played.

“And he is eligible for selection. If there are any changes (in the team) then it’s depending on the surface.”

The heat has been on Shakib, a 37-year-old former lawmaker who faces a case of alleged murder back home after Bangladesh was plunged into political crisis by student-led protests that led to the ouster of autocratic former leader Sheikh Hasina.

The left-hander, who bats in the middle-order and bowls spin, played a key role in his team’s historic Test series sweep in Pakistan.

He then went back to England to play county cricket for Surrey instead of returning home ahead of the India tour.

Shakib made 32 and 25 with the bat in the first Test but went wicketless with the ball.

“I’m not upset about his performance, but our overall performance. I am sure he also thinks he can perform better. We all know what he is capable of,” Hathurusinghe said.

“I think he batted really well in the second innings. He couldn’t go on, not because of lack of pride but for the sheer quality of the opposition.”

Bangladesh were bowled out for 149 and then 234 to lose the match inside four days.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, will be looking to extend their advantage at the top of the World Test Championship rankings after their emphatic first Test performance.

They will host New Zealand for three Tests starting next month before their high-profile tour of Australia, where they will play five matches.

But Rookie Akash Deep — a new addition to India’s fast bowling riches of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj — said he was focused on the task at hand.

“As a player, you need to understand yourself and know your strengths,” said Deep, who took two wickets in the previous match, which was just his second Test.

“What can we add to the bowling? Just simple stuff and no added pressure about going to Australia and all that.”

“It is a huge responsibility to deliver the goods like the bowlers who have contributed for India before you,” he said.

The pitch at Kanpur’s Green Park stadium is expected to be slow and low, with spin expected to play a part by day three.

Irrespective of the surface, Deep said his job would be to “keep the ball in good areas and get wickets.”


Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal

Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal
Updated 25 September 2024
Follow

Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal

Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal

RIYADH: Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to play for Al-Hilal, the club’s head coach has announced.
The Brazilian star signed for the Riyadh team in August 2023 but played just five games when he underwent surgery after rupturing his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while on international duty in October.
After Neymar, 32, returned to training in July, speculation grew that he was close to a return but coach Jorge Jesus dampened expectations in a post-match media conference.
“Neymar is an important player for Al-Hilal and the league in general,” Jesus, who led Al-Hilal to a 19th league title in May, said on Tuesday. “I can’t, however, specify a date as to when he will return but we will look at the situation in January.”
Neymar will be able to be registered by Al-Hilal in January for the second half of the Saudi Pro League (SPL ) season.
With SPL teams allowed to register a maximum of eight foreign players over the age of 21, Neymar’s place in the roster for the first half of the league campaign was taken by Marcos Leonardo, signed from Benfica earlier in September.
Upon return to fitness Neymar, whose two-year contract ends next August, is eligible, however, to appear in Al-Hilal’s ongoing AFC Champions League Elite campaign as the continental competition has no restrictions on the number of foreign players allowed.