Wednesday, April 29
India's T20 World Cup preparations are on track with a dominant series win against New Zealand. Suryakumar Yadav's side has showcased ruthless batting, with Abhishek Sharma and the captain himself finding form. While the batting order shows depth, Sanju Samson faces pressure. Bowlers like Bumrah and Bishnoi have impressed, setting a strong tone for the upcoming tournament.
Hardik Pandya stole the spotlight in the fourth T20I against New Zealand with a brilliant direct-hit run-out of captain Mitchell Santner in Visakhapatnam. The moment came in the 18th over and halted New Zealand’s late momentum. Despite strong knocks from Tim Seifert and Devon Conway, India stayed competitive through sharp bowling and energetic fielding, with Pandya’s effort proving a key turning point.
Former Pakistan cricketers and officials are urging the PCB to participate in the T20 World Cup, warning against a boycott in solidarity with Bangladesh. They emphasise prioritising Pakistan's cricketing interests and maintaining good relations with the International Cricket Council and member boards. Concerns are raised about potential logistical and financial repercussions.
Fifth seed Elena Rybakina defeated world number two Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-1 to reach the Australian Open semi-finals. The victory ended Swiatek's bid for a career Grand Slam, as she continues to seek a title at Melbourne Park. Rybakina, in strong form, advanced to her fourth Grand Slam semi-final.
Former India coach Rahul Dravid believes India is a strong contender to win the upcoming T20 World Cup. He praises the team's current approach and their consistent performance. Dravid also credits Rohit Sharma for transforming India's white-ball cricket. He emphasizes that despite their strength, T20 cricket demands peak performance on the day.
