India&#39;s tour to South Africa has entered in the final phase where both the teams will meet for a three-match T20 International series which will start from&nbsp;today at the Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Recently, India had created history, winning the six-match ODI series by 5-1 on South African soil,&nbsp;Indian team outplayed South African side in all departments,&nbsp;fielding, batting and bowling.

Virat led team remained very calm and composed throughout the ODI series and perform brilliantly.

Earlier, South Africa started the most awaited tour by winning the Test series by 2-1 but later, in the limited overs format, they lost the momentum.

Though, they have suffered a thrashing ODI&nbsp;defeat but still have the potential to outplay India in the T20 series.

Squad (TBC)

India: &nbsp;Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(wk), Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lokesh Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur&nbsp;

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, JJ Smuts, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy(c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen(wk), Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Junior Dala, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Farhaan Behardien, Christiaan Jonker, Tabraiz Shamsi

JP Duminy will lead the Proteas and has made few changes in the squad. The T20 line up looks entirely different from what South Africa had in ODI.

As South Africa has to host Australia for a four-Test match series from February 22, hence, the bigs guns are resting for the T20 series.

For India, the major change is that they have called back Suresh Raina. Raina played his last international T20 match almost a year&nbsp;ago against England at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Feb 01, 2017.

All eyes are on Suresh Raina as he is one of the favourites when it comes toT20 format. In IPL, Raina was retained by Chennai Super Kings for an amount of 11 crores.

Raina is desperate to rejoin Indian cricket team ahead&nbsp;of World Cup 2019, and his performance&nbsp;will act as a decider.

&nbsp;

Raina played his last international T20 match a year ago against England at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 01, 2017

India's tour to South Africa has entered in the final phase where both the teams will meet for a three-match T20 International series which will start from today at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Recently, India had created history, winning the six-match ODI series by 5-1 on South African soil, Indian team outplayed South African side in all departments, fielding, batting and bowling. Virat led team remained very calm and composed throughout the ODI series and perform brilliantly. Earlier, South Africa started the most awaited tour by winning the Test series by 2-1 but later, in the limited overs format, they lost the momentum. Though, they have suffered a thrashing ODI defeat but still have the potential to outplay India in the T20 series. Squad (TBC) India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(wk), Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Lokesh Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, JJ Smuts, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy(c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen(wk), Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Junior Dala, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Farhaan Behardien, Christiaan Jonker, Tabraiz Shamsi JP Duminy will lead the Proteas and has made few changes in the squad. The T20 line up looks entirely different from what South Africa had in ODI. As South Africa has to host Australia for a four-Test match series from February 22, hence, the bigs guns are resting for the T20 series. For India, the major change is that they have called back Suresh Raina. Raina played his last international T20 match almost a year ago against England at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Feb 01, 2017. All eyes are on Suresh Raina as he is one of the favourites when it comes toT20 format. In IPL, Raina was retained by Chennai Super Kings for an amount of 11 crores. Raina is desperate to rejoin Indian cricket team ahead of World Cup 2019, and his performance will act as a decider.

1st T20 India vs South Africa: All eyes on Suresh Raina

South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl&nbsp;in the first&nbsp;T20 match against India&nbsp;at the Wanderers, Johannesburg.

An absolute splendid start for team India was registered by the batsmen, though opener Rohit Sharma lost his wicket early but displayed some mesmerising shots and scored 21 runs off 9 balls before&nbsp;leaving the ground.

In the fourth over, Suresh Raina lost his wicket as he hit the ball with the top edge and the ball went straight&nbsp;up in the air and landed in the hands of Junior Dala but&nbsp;Raina marked his presence today by playing some lovely shots. He played with a strike rate of 214.29.

Shikhar Dhawan played brilliantly and scored 72 runs to cruise his team to a mammoth score of 2013.

Though, Virat got an early lifeline when his catch was dropped but eventually lost his wicket after scoring 26 runs.

Manish Pandey (29) and Hardik Pandya (13) remained unbeaten.

Recently, India had created history, winning the six-match ODI series by 5-1 on South African soil,&nbsp;Indian team outplayed South African side in all departments,&nbsp;fielding, batting and bowling.

Virat led team remained very calm and composed throughout the ODI series and perform brilliantly.

Earlier, South Africa started the most awaited tour by winning the Test series by 2-1 but later, in the limited overs format, they lost the momentum.

Though, they have suffered a thrashing ODI&nbsp;defeat but still have the potential to outplay India in the T20 series.

Playing XI:

South Africa:&nbsp;JJ Smuts, Reeza Hendricks, Jean-Paul Duminy(c), David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

India:&nbsp;Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni(w), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

&nbsp;

Shikhar Dhawan showcased cricketing brilliance and knocked 72 runs off 39 balls

South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl in the first T20 match against India at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. An absolute splendid start for team India was registered by the batsmen, though opener Rohit Sharma lost his wicket early but displayed some mesmerising shots and scored 21 runs off 9 balls before leaving the ground. In the fourth over, Suresh Raina lost his wicket as he hit the ball with the top edge and the ball went straight up in the air and landed in the hands of Junior Dala but Raina marked his presence today by playing some lovely shots. He played with a strike rate of 214.29. Shikhar Dhawan played brilliantly and scored 72 runs to cruise his team to a mammoth score of 2013. Though, Virat got an early lifeline when his catch was dropped but eventually lost his wicket after scoring 26 runs. Manish Pandey (29) and Hardik Pandya (13) remained unbeaten. Recently, India had created history, winning the six-match ODI series by 5-1 on South African soil, Indian team outplayed South African side in all departments, fielding, batting and bowling. Virat led team remained very calm and composed throughout the ODI series and perform brilliantly. Earlier, South Africa started the most awaited tour by winning the Test series by 2-1 but later, in the limited overs format, they lost the momentum. Though, they have suffered a thrashing ODI defeat but still have the potential to outplay India in the T20 series. Playing XI: South Africa: JJ Smuts, Reeza Hendricks, Jean-Paul Duminy(c), David Miller, Farhaan Behardien, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dane Paterson, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi India: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni(w), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

1st T20 IND vs SA: Dhawan shines, India set 203 as target

Joe Root today pulled out of England&#39;s Twenty20 tri-series against Australia and New Zealand, as Ben Stokes confirmed his return to international cricket would be delayed by a court appearance.

Test captain Root, who has played in all five Ashes matches and the first three ODIs against Australia this month, will return to England before playing in the one-day international series against New Zealand in late February.

Root said he did not like missing games but made a decision to &quot;have a little break&quot;. His replacement has not yet been named.

&quot;I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing for England and I don&#39;t like missing games of cricket,&quot; the 27-year-old Yorkshire batsman said in a statement.

&quot;I had a long chat with (coach) Trevor Bayliss about things and there&#39;s obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket still to be played.

&quot;It&#39;s going to be really important to make sure that I&#39;m available for all of that.&quot;

Stokes is due in court to face charges of affray on February 13, the same day England play New Zealand in the T20 series.

The 26-year-old missed England&#39;s Ashes series defeat in Australia after he was suspended from international duty by the England and Wales Cricket Board following his involvement in an incident outside a nightclub in September.

He was last week included in the squad to play the triangular T20 tournament.

&quot;As has been confirmed in the media a first hearing date at court has been set for 13th February,&quot; Stokes tweeted Tuesday.

&quot;In the circumstances, I have decided that it would not be right to join my teammates until after attending court on the 13th.&quot;

The news came ahead of this year&#39;s Indian Premier League auction set for January 27-28 in Bangalore, with both Root and Stokes lining up as among the top-ranking players the eight teams can bid for.

Australian captain Steve Smith has been rested for the T20 games ahead of the crucial Test tour to South Africa, with David Warner stepping up to lead the team.

The T20 tri-series takes place in Australia and New Zealand from February 3-21.

England&#39;s five-match ODI series against New Zealand runs from February 25 to March 10.&nbsp;

Root's replacement has not yet been named

Joe Root today pulled out of England's Twenty20 tri-series against Australia and New Zealand, as Ben Stokes confirmed his return to international cricket would be delayed by a court appearance. Test captain Root, who has played in all five Ashes matches and the first three ODIs against Australia this month, will return to England before playing in the one-day international series against New Zealand in late February. Root said he did not like missing games but made a decision to "have a little break". His replacement has not yet been named. "I came into this tour wanting to play everything. I love playing for England and I don't like missing games of cricket," the 27-year-old Yorkshire batsman said in a statement. "I had a long chat with (coach) Trevor Bayliss about things and there's obviously a big summer ahead and a lot of cricket still to be played. "It's going to be really important to make sure that I'm available for all of that." Stokes is due in court to face charges of affray on February 13, the same day England play New Zealand in the T20 series. The 26-year-old missed England's Ashes series defeat in Australia after he was suspended from international duty by the England and Wales Cricket Board following his involvement in an incident outside a nightclub in September. He was last week included in the squad to play the triangular T20 tournament. "As has been confirmed in the media a first hearing date at court has been set for 13th February," Stokes tweeted Tuesday. "In the circumstances, I have decided that it would not be right to join my teammates until after attending court on the 13th." The news came ahead of this year's Indian Premier League auction set for January 27-28 in Bangalore, with both Root and Stokes lining up as among the top-ranking players the eight teams can bid for. Australian captain Steve Smith has been rested for the T20 games ahead of the crucial Test tour to South Africa, with David Warner stepping up to lead the team. The T20 tri-series takes place in Australia and New Zealand from February 3-21. England's five-match ODI series against New Zealand runs from February 25 to March 10.

Ahead of IPL XI auction, Joe Root pulls out of England's T20 tri-series

Suresh Raina has finally made a comeback to the Indian team setup after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa.

The T20I series will start on February 18.

Raina&#39;s induction into the Indian squad came after February 2017, almost a year when he last played in a T20I against England. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> for T20I series vs SA: Virat (Captain) Rohit (vc), Shikhar, KL Rahul, Raina, MSD (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik, Manish, Axar, Chahal, Kuldeep, Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah, Unadkat, Shardul Thakur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/957492388590600192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last year in December, Raina announced on Twitter that he had finally cleared the difficult &#39;Yo-Yo&#39; endurance test at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.&nbsp;

Watch live: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-ipl-auction-2018-30948" target="_blank">Jaydev Unadkat earns massive 11.5 cr, costliest buy on day 2 so far</a>

The southpaw displayed tremendous form in the recently-concluded Syed Mustaq Ali T20 tournament, where he scored a 49-ball century.&nbsp;

Pacer Jaydev Unadkat also got a ticket to South Africa as well after performing admirably against Sri Lanka last year.&nbsp;

He was also awarded the man of the series for his fine show against the Islander.&nbsp;

Today in the IPL auction, Unadkat was sold for big bucks as he was sold for Rs 11.5 Cr to Rajasthan Royals because of his excellent show in T20s recently.

Meanwhile, Ajinky Rahane has once again been overlooked for the T20I series.

The T20I series will start on February 18.

Suresh Raina has finally made a comeback to the Indian team setup after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa. The T20I series will start on February 18. Raina's induction into the Indian squad came after February 2017, almost a year when he last played in a T20I against England. #TeamIndia for T20I series vs SA: Virat (Captain) Rohit (vc), Shikhar, KL Rahul, Raina, MSD (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik, Manish, Axar, Chahal, Kuldeep, Bhuvneshwar, Bumrah, Unadkat, Shardul Thakur #SAvIND — BCCI (@BCCI) January 28, 2018 × Last year in December, Raina announced on Twitter that he had finally cleared the difficult 'Yo-Yo' endurance test at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore. Watch live: Jaydev Unadkat earns massive 11.5 cr, costliest buy on day 2 so far The southpaw displayed tremendous form in the recently-concluded Syed Mustaq Ali T20 tournament, where he scored a 49-ball century. Pacer Jaydev Unadkat also got a ticket to South Africa as well after performing admirably against Sri Lanka last year. He was also awarded the man of the series for his fine show against the Islander. Today in the IPL auction, Unadkat was sold for big bucks as he was sold for Rs 11.5 Cr to Rajasthan Royals because of his excellent show in T20s recently. Meanwhile, Ajinky Rahane has once again been overlooked for the T20I series.

Suresh Raina returns to India's T20I squad against South Africa, Jaydev Unadkat also included

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in the first of three matches between T20I in Wellington on Monday.

Pakistan is currently under immense pressure as its top batting order was smashed&nbsp;and New Zealand bowlers restricted them at a total of 105 runs.

Tim Southee got his first wicket in the second over and saw off Fakhar Zaman, later he took Mohammad Nawaz&#39;s (7) and Faheem Ashraf&#39;s (7) wicket in the fourth and fourteenth over respectively.

Besides Tim Southee, Seth Rance also destroyed Pakistani line up by taking three wickets of Umar Amin (0), Hasan Ali (23) and Mohammad Amir (3). Anaru Kitchen got one wicket of Haris Sohail (9).

In the last over, Colin Munro&nbsp;got Babar Azam&#39;s wicket.

Babar Azam&nbsp;scored 41 runs for the team and tried to push the run rate before Munro got him out in the hands of Tom Bruce.

Babar found a determined ally in Hasan Ali and together they made 30 runs at a very crucial point but the latter lost his wicket to Seth Rance in the 17th over.

Adding to the destruction, Mitchell Santner out bowled Sarfraz Ahmed and the next ball was caught behind for a golden duck claiming Shadab Khan&#39;s wicket that ends Pakistan&#39;s every possible hope of resurrection.

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Anaru Kitchen is in the middle of everything in Wellington! 
Two early catches and now a wicket as the dangerous Haris Sohail picks out Guptill at cover. Pakistan 24-4 after the opening 6 over PP. Card | <a href="https://t.co/MgHaD9EmkS">https://t.co/MgHaD9EmkS</a> &hellip; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/YW7NYxoeE7">pic.twitter.com/YW7NYxoeE7</a>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/955281508188618753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Blackcaps are already on a high having just swept the one-day series against Pakistan and are backing themselves to continue that form as they switch to the shortest form of the game.

However, they suffered a setback hours before the match when captain Kane Williamson was withdrawn as a precautionary measure after complaining of a tight thigh.&nbsp;

Stand-in skipper Tim Southee said it was &quot;not a typical&quot; wicket at Westpac Stadium but he opted to bowl &quot;as hopefully, we will get something out of it early on.&quot;

New Zealand is resting fast bowlers Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson for the match.

Pakistan will be without Shoaib Malik who is out of the series after a delayed concussion suffered during the fourth ODI.

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The BLACKCAPS have won the toss and opted to bowl first at Westpac Stadium! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nzvpak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nzvpak</a> <a href="https://t.co/W8fMwT4oNu">pic.twitter.com/W8fMwT4oNu</a>
&mdash; BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/955266962161979393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Squad:

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Anaru Kitchen, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (capt), Ish Sodhi, Seth Rance.

Pakistan: Umar Amin, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashradf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

New Zealand requires 106 runs to win the first match of T20I series

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in the first of three matches between T20I in Wellington on Monday. Pakistan is currently under immense pressure as its top batting order was smashed and New Zealand bowlers restricted them at a total of 105 runs. Tim Southee got his first wicket in the second over and saw off Fakhar Zaman, later he took Mohammad Nawaz's (7) and Faheem Ashraf's (7) wicket in the fourth and fourteenth over respectively. Besides Tim Southee, Seth Rance also destroyed Pakistani line up by taking three wickets of Umar Amin (0), Hasan Ali (23) and Mohammad Amir (3). Anaru Kitchen got one wicket of Haris Sohail (9). In the last over, Colin Munro got Babar Azam's wicket. Babar Azam scored 41 runs for the team and tried to push the run rate before Munro got him out in the hands of Tom Bruce. Babar found a determined ally in Hasan Ali and together they made 30 runs at a very crucial point but the latter lost his wicket to Seth Rance in the 17th over. Adding to the destruction, Mitchell Santner out bowled Sarfraz Ahmed and the next ball was caught behind for a golden duck claiming Shadab Khan's wicket that ends Pakistan's every possible hope of resurrection. Anaru Kitchen is in the middle of everything in Wellington! Two early catches and now a wicket as the dangerous Haris Sohail picks out Guptill at cover. Pakistan 24-4 after the opening 6 over PP. Card | https://t.co/MgHaD9EmkS … #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/YW7NYxoeE7 — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 22, 2018 × Blackcaps are already on a high having just swept the one-day series against Pakistan and are backing themselves to continue that form as they switch to the shortest form of the game. However, they suffered a setback hours before the match when captain Kane Williamson was withdrawn as a precautionary measure after complaining of a tight thigh. Stand-in skipper Tim Southee said it was "not a typical" wicket at Westpac Stadium but he opted to bowl "as hopefully, we will get something out of it early on." New Zealand is resting fast bowlers Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson for the match. Pakistan will be without Shoaib Malik who is out of the series after a delayed concussion suffered during the fourth ODI. The BLACKCAPS have won the toss and opted to bowl first at Westpac Stadium! #nzvpak pic.twitter.com/W8fMwT4oNu — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 22, 2018 × Squad: New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Tom Bruce, Ross Taylor, Anaru Kitchen, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (capt), Ish Sodhi, Seth Rance. Pakistan: Umar Amin, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed, Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashradf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Rumman Raees.

New Zealand vs Pakistan 1st T20I: Pakistan under pressure, 105 all out

New Zealand on Monday defeated Pakistan by seven wickets to win the first T20 International at Westpac stadium in Wallington.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in the first of three-match series.&nbsp;

The tourists&#39; batting horrors on their New Zealand tour continued after they were bowled out for 105 by the Kiwis.&nbsp;

The top order succumbed to a series of wild shots.

Pakistan&#39;s hopes crippled at 7-53, after it took Babar Azam (41 off 41 balls) and Hasan Ali (23 off 12) to ensure they surpassed their previous lowest T20I score of 74.

No other batsman reached double figures.

For black caps, Colin Munro was the star with an unbeaten 49 runs as the hosts recovered following Ruman Raees&rsquo; two early wickets.

Munro was also declared the Man of the Match for his wonderful knock.

New ball pair Tim Southee (3-13) and Seth Rance (3-26) set the scene while spinner Mitchell Santner (2-15) was the other outstanding bowler for the Black caps.

With this win, New Zealand would be hoping to seal the series in the second Twenty20 International at Auckland on January 25 
&nbsp;

The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in the first of three-match series

New Zealand on Monday defeated Pakistan by seven wickets to win the first T20 International at Westpac stadium in Wallington. The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan in the first of three-match series. The tourists' batting horrors on their New Zealand tour continued after they were bowled out for 105 by the Kiwis. The top order succumbed to a series of wild shots. Pakistan's hopes crippled at 7-53, after it took Babar Azam (41 off 41 balls) and Hasan Ali (23 off 12) to ensure they surpassed their previous lowest T20I score of 74. No other batsman reached double figures. For black caps, Colin Munro was the star with an unbeaten 49 runs as the hosts recovered following Ruman Raees’ two early wickets. Munro was also declared the Man of the Match for his wonderful knock. New ball pair Tim Southee (3-13) and Seth Rance (3-26) set the scene while spinner Mitchell Santner (2-15) was the other outstanding bowler for the Black caps. With this win, New Zealand would be hoping to seal the series in the second Twenty20 International at Auckland on January 25

New Zealand beat Pakistan by 7 wickets to win first T20

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that India will tour to Ireland ahead of&nbsp;to play two&nbsp;T20I matches against the Irish.

Both games will be played in the Dublin suburb of Malahide, with the first encounter scheduled for&nbsp;Wednesday, June 27&nbsp;and the second match two days later on&nbsp;Friday, June 29.

India will tour to England in the month of July to play&nbsp;three T20I, five Test matches and three ODIs.

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NEWS: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> to tour Ireland for T20Is. 
 
The two T20Is will be held in Dublin on June 27 &amp; June 29, 2018. 
 
More details - <a href="https://t.co/a7Cgcmg8Ty">https://t.co/a7Cgcmg8Ty</a> <a href="https://t.co/6105tP85jl">pic.twitter.com/6105tP85jl</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/951038641916162048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The games will be the first T20 internationals for Ireland head coach Graham Ford, and the South African is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against such high profile opposition.

&quot;It&#39;s fantastic news for the lads and fans alike,&quot; said Ford, who only took the reins of the Irish side last month.

&quot;The matches will, of course, be a huge challenge for the team, but what an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talents in front of a huge audience, both at the games and live on television,&quot; added the 57-year-old former South Africa head coach.

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It&#39;s official! <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> is coming and playing <a href="https://twitter.com/Irelandcricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Irelandcricket</a> in two T20I matches in <a href="https://twitter.com/MalahideCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MalahideCC</a> this June!!!<a href="https://t.co/Ef9GmtHJTr">https://t.co/Ef9GmtHJTr</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackingGreen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackingGreen</a>
&mdash; Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/Irelandcricket/status/951040715890610176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I&#39;m sure the players will respond positively to the occasion with the added incentive of knowing eye-catching displays could result in a possible IPL contract,&quot; said Ford.

&quot;We haven&#39;t played our best cricket in the format in recent years which is reflected in the rankings, but what better time to start climbing the ladder again.

&quot;We have a number of players ideally suited to the short-form and on home soil, it&#39;s a great opportunity to cause a shock or two,&quot; added Ford.

&nbsp;

India and Ireland will play two T20I matches in Dublin on June 27 and 29 respectively

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that India will tour to Ireland ahead of to play two T20I matches against the Irish. Both games will be played in the Dublin suburb of Malahide, with the first encounter scheduled for Wednesday, June 27 and the second match two days later on Friday, June 29. India will tour to England in the month of July to play three T20I, five Test matches and three ODIs. NEWS: #TeamIndia to tour Ireland for T20Is. The two T20Is will be held in Dublin on June 27 & June 29, 2018. More details - https://t.co/a7Cgcmg8Ty pic.twitter.com/6105tP85jl — BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2018 × The games will be the first T20 internationals for Ireland head coach Graham Ford, and the South African is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against such high profile opposition. "It's fantastic news for the lads and fans alike," said Ford, who only took the reins of the Irish side last month. "The matches will, of course, be a huge challenge for the team, but what an opportunity for everyone to showcase their talents in front of a huge audience, both at the games and live on television," added the 57-year-old former South Africa head coach. It's official! @BCCI is coming and playing @Irelandcricket in two T20I matches in @MalahideCC this June!!!https://t.co/Ef9GmtHJTr#BackingGreen — Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) January 10, 2018 × "I'm sure the players will respond positively to the occasion with the added incentive of knowing eye-catching displays could result in a possible IPL contract," said Ford. "We haven't played our best cricket in the format in recent years which is reflected in the rankings, but what better time to start climbing the ladder again. "We have a number of players ideally suited to the short-form and on home soil, it's a great opportunity to cause a shock or two," added Ford.

India to tour Ireland in June confirms BCCI

New Zealand beat the West Indies by 119 runs in the third and final Twenty20 in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday to sweep the series.&nbsp;

Colin Munro smacked terrific century and became the first player to make three centuries in international Twenty20 cricket as New Zealand posted 243 for five.

The West Indies in reply made 124 for nine in 16.3 overs, with Shai Hope injured during the New Zealand innings and unable to bat.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-vs-west-indies-colin-munro-slams-whirlwind-century-in-3rd-t20i-28419">Colin Munro is given the Player of the Match</a> and also the Player of the Series. On which he said &quot;Lucky to get it off the middle today. Guptill has had a long break because of injuries but to come back and play that well was amazing. I was lucky enough to get a good start and when it&#39;s your night, it&#39;s your night. We&#39;ve played some good cricket throughout the summer. &quot;

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An emphatic victory by New Zealand sees them bowl West Indies out for 124 to win the 3rd <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvWI</a> T20I by 119 runs and win the series 2-0.<a href="https://t.co/eZWzcoucPO">https://t.co/eZWzcoucPO</a> <a href="https://t.co/ICu5Is6FsS">pic.twitter.com/ICu5Is6FsS</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/948479064100212736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Windies captain Brathwaite said &quot;We didn&#39;t execute well. Munro had a fantastic couple of months. We conceded 230 odd [sic] and lost a few early wickets. Disappointed with the performance. We had a few plans for Munro but he got past the ones we executed and some of it we didn&#39;t execute that well. New Zealand is a very very good team and they&#39;ve been together for a while. Credit must go to them.&quot;

New Zealand has returned to the top of the ICC T20I Team Rankings after winning the three-match series against the Windies by 2-0. New Zealand had entered the series against the Windies in third place behind Pakistan (124 points) and India (121 points) on 120 points.

New Zealand moved ahead of India after winning the first T20I by 47 runs and then leapfrogged Pakistan into the number-one position after clinching the third T20I by 119 runs.

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BREAKING: New Zealand are back on top of the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Rankings after their series victory over West Indies: <a href="https://t.co/ZIX664g2Ba">https://t.co/ZIX664g2Ba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvWI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvWI</a> <a href="https://t.co/QcZROBMRNM">pic.twitter.com/QcZROBMRNM</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/948481182127321093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

New Zealand is back on top of the ICC T20I Rankings after their series victory over West Indies

New Zealand beat the West Indies by 119 runs in the third and final Twenty20 in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday to sweep the series. Colin Munro smacked terrific century and became the first player to make three centuries in international Twenty20 cricket as New Zealand posted 243 for five. The West Indies in reply made 124 for nine in 16.3 overs, with Shai Hope injured during the New Zealand innings and unable to bat. Colin Munro is given the Player of the Match and also the Player of the Series. On which he said "Lucky to get it off the middle today. Guptill has had a long break because of injuries but to come back and play that well was amazing. I was lucky enough to get a good start and when it's your night, it's your night. We've played some good cricket throughout the summer. " An emphatic victory by New Zealand sees them bowl West Indies out for 124 to win the 3rd #NZvWI T20I by 119 runs and win the series 2-0.https://t.co/eZWzcoucPO pic.twitter.com/ICu5Is6FsS — ICC (@ICC) January 3, 2018 × Windies captain Brathwaite said "We didn't execute well. Munro had a fantastic couple of months. We conceded 230 odd [sic] and lost a few early wickets. Disappointed with the performance. We had a few plans for Munro but he got past the ones we executed and some of it we didn't execute that well. New Zealand is a very very good team and they've been together for a while. Credit must go to them." New Zealand has returned to the top of the ICC T20I Team Rankings after winning the three-match series against the Windies by 2-0. New Zealand had entered the series against the Windies in third place behind Pakistan (124 points) and India (121 points) on 120 points. New Zealand moved ahead of India after winning the first T20I by 47 runs and then leapfrogged Pakistan into the number-one position after clinching the third T20I by 119 runs. BREAKING: New Zealand are back on top of the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Rankings after their series victory over West Indies: https://t.co/ZIX664g2Ba #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/QcZROBMRNM — ICC (@ICC) January 3, 2018 ×

New Zealand beat West Indies by 119 runs in final T20, clinch series

Once again, Rohit Sharma has proved his mettle.

The 30-year-old right-handed batsman scored a magnificent century in just 35 balls slamming the fastest century in the history international cricket and sealing India&#39;s victory in the second T20 against Sri Lanka.

Sharma equalled the fastest century in T20, a&nbsp;record previously&nbsp;achieved by South African cricketer David Miller.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> 2nd T20i: Rohit Sharma scores a century in 35 balls, fastest century record in T20 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indore</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/944212262377611264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Sharma is also the second Indian batsman to score 1,500 runs in the T20 format.&nbsp;

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The joint fastest T20I century! 
 
35 balls 
11 fours 
8 sixes 
 
What an innings! Take a bow Rohit Sharma! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/qGiyvuqJXe">pic.twitter.com/qGiyvuqJXe</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/944211973369196544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Stand-in captain, Rohit Sharma, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-hits-double-ton-against-sri-lanka-26642">made headlines earlier for scoring a double century</a>, his third double ton in ODIs, against Sri Lanka in Mohali.&nbsp;

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Everytime you think you have seen it all, you see something incredible. Today, Rohit Sharma has shown us that. I admit I am gasping.
&mdash; Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/944213749086302208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Rohit scored his first ODI double ton against Australia back in November 2013.

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Can Someone Remind Rohit Sharma It&#39;s T20 Not ODI, We Don&#39;t Hit Double Tons In T20s. ?????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndvSL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a>
&mdash; Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirJadeja/status/944214521777881088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Twitter didn&#39;t even blink an eye to congratulate Sharma on his magnificent feat.&nbsp;

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Superb knock by rohit Sharma- congrats on the worlds fastest T20 century - well done
&mdash; Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) <a href="https://twitter.com/SinghaniaGautam/status/944212382208860161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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What a memorable innings by Rohit Sharma!!! 35-ball century for the Indian captain - 11 fours. 
8 sixes. Now holds the record joint-fastest century in T20Is.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSL</a> <a href="https://t.co/8aVIJZJxI5">pic.twitter.com/8aVIJZJxI5</a>
&mdash; Kaushal K Vidyarthee (@vidyarthee) <a href="https://twitter.com/vidyarthee/status/944213376883769344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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India beat Sri Lanka by 88 runs, taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three match series.

&nbsp;

Sharma is also the second Indian batsman to score 1,500 runs in the T20 format

Once again, Rohit Sharma has proved his mettle. The 30-year-old right-handed batsman scored a magnificent century in just 35 balls slamming the fastest century in the history international cricket and sealing India's victory in the second T20 against Sri Lanka. Sharma equalled the fastest century in T20, a record previously achieved by South African cricketer David Miller. #INDvSL 2nd T20i: Rohit Sharma scores a century in 35 balls, fastest century record in T20 #Indore — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2017 × Sharma is also the second Indian batsman to score 1,500 runs in the T20 format. The joint fastest T20I century! 35 balls 11 fours 8 sixes What an innings! Take a bow Rohit Sharma! #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/qGiyvuqJXe — ICC (@ICC) December 22, 2017 × Stand-in captain, Rohit Sharma, made headlines earlier for scoring a double century, his third double ton in ODIs, against Sri Lanka in Mohali. Everytime you think you have seen it all, you see something incredible. Today, Rohit Sharma has shown us that. I admit I am gasping. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 22, 2017 × Rohit scored his first ODI double ton against Australia back in November 2013. Can Someone Remind Rohit Sharma It's T20 Not ODI, We Don't Hit Double Tons In T20s. ?????? #IndvSL #INDvSL — Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) December 22, 2017 × Twitter didn't even blink an eye to congratulate Sharma on his magnificent feat. Superb knock by rohit Sharma- congrats on the worlds fastest T20 century - well done — Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) December 22, 2017 × What a memorable innings by Rohit Sharma!!! 35-ball century for the Indian captain - 11 fours. 8 sixes. Now holds the record joint-fastest century in T20Is.#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/8aVIJZJxI5 — Kaushal K Vidyarthee (@vidyarthee) December 22, 2017 × India beat Sri Lanka by 88 runs, taking an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three match series.

India vs Sri Lanka: Rohit Sharma slams fastest T20 century off 35 balls, clinches win for India

Australian captain Steve Smith on Saturday left his country&#39;s tour of India because of a shoulder injury, the team announced.

The 28-year-old batsman&#39;s injury is a new blow to Australia as they lost the one-day series in India and are preparing for a key Ashes series against England in two months.

They play their first T20 against the Indians in Ranchi on Saturday.

&quot;Smith landed awkwardly on his right shoulder whilst diving in the field during the fifth ODI against India last Sunday,&quot; the team doctor Richard Saw said in a statement.&nbsp;

&quot;Subsequently he has had an MRI scan which has excluded serious injury, but we believe the best course of action is for him to not continue to aggravate his shoulder and allow it to recover.&quot;

Australia said all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will take Smith`s place in the T20 squad for the three-match series and David Warner will captain the side.

 
&nbsp;

Australian captain Steve Smith on Saturday left his country's tour of India because of a shoulder injury, the team announced

Australian captain Steve Smith on Saturday left his country's tour of India because of a shoulder injury, the team announced. The 28-year-old batsman's injury is a new blow to Australia as they lost the one-day series in India and are preparing for a key Ashes series against England in two months. They play their first T20 against the Indians in Ranchi on Saturday. "Smith landed awkwardly on his right shoulder whilst diving in the field during the fifth ODI against India last Sunday," the team doctor Richard Saw said in a statement. "Subsequently he has had an MRI scan which has excluded serious injury, but we believe the best course of action is for him to not continue to aggravate his shoulder and allow it to recover." Australia said all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will take Smith`s place in the T20 squad for the three-match series and David Warner will captain the side.

Australia captain Steve Smith leaves India tour over injury

The dust hasn&#39;t settled yet on India&#39;s 2-1 T<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-beat-australia-by-8-wickets-in-fourth-test-clinch-series-2-1-13884">est series win</a> over Australia, but&nbsp;the country&#39;s cricketers are already busy preparing themselves for another season of the Indian Premier League. With the huge number of Twenty20 (T20)&nbsp;matches being played nowadays, is it influencing the way cricketers play the longer format of Test cricket? We look at 25 years of Test cricket data to find out.

Fewer runs totals over 600

One way to see if there has been any effect is to look at the kind of runs totals teams are putting up in Test cricket now. Given how frenetic T20 matches are, are teams losing the capability and patience&nbsp;to put up huge totals in Tests?&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/7dx2gls.png" style="width: 346px; height: 546px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/combined.csv">here</a>.&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

Looking at the kind of runs totals Test-playing nations have been amassing in their first innings over the past 20 years, we see that the past five years, ie. 2012-2016, have seen only 15 runs totals over 600. This is a decline from the 24 runs totals over 600 in the previous five-year periods of 2002-2006 and 2007-2011.&nbsp;

There is no way to be certain that this decline is down to T20 cricket but it&#39;s&nbsp;worth asking the question.

Batsmen still putting up double-&nbsp;and triple centuries

Teams as a whole may be putting up lower runs totals, but that doesn&#39;t seem to have affected individual batsmen.&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/lQeUGNl.png" style="width: 345px; height: 545px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/again_indiv_scores_v2.csv">here</a>.&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

Looking at how many times batsmen have scored a double-or triple century over the past 20 years, we see that the number has gone up over the past five years. It went up from 40 in 2007-2011 to 49 in 2012-2016.

The run rate has gone up

Let&#39;s look at this further by looking at the rate at which runs are being scored in Test matches. The assumption being that if the frenzy of T20 is creeping into Test cricket, than the run-rate would be higher than it was in the past.

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/WQXstRa.png" style="width: 350px; height: 549px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/again_run_rate.csv">here</a>.&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

If we see how many runs are scored for every 90 overs, a team would score 293 runs in 2016, compared to 268 in 1991. The runs scored per 90 overs&nbsp;has gone up to around the 300-run mark&nbsp;but it&#39;s been that way since&nbsp;2002, a few years before T20 cricket started becoming popular.&nbsp;So this upward trend may not have much to do with the shorter format.

There are sixes more often now

Again, the logic is that if the T20 format is affecting batsmanship, we should see people more willing to take risks, be less conservative&nbsp;and go for sixes in Test matches.

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/OTLJRu8.png" style="width: 346px; height: 545px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/again_sixes_rate.csv">here</a>. Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

So if we look at the frequency with which sixes are being scored, the data shows that in 2016, there was an average of one six every 44 overs. This is down significantly from 1992 when it was a six every 105 overs.

But the number of overs to see a six first went under 50 overs back in 2004, before T20 matches were&nbsp;being played internationally. So, again, the growth of T20 may not have much to do with how often we&#39;re seeing sixes now.

Wickets are falling more often

The idea is that if the T20 format is speeding up the pace of Test cricket, we should be seeing wickets fall more frequently now.

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/gngqKuC.png" style="width: 347px; height: 545px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/again_wicket_freq.csv">here</a>.&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

In 2016, you would have to wait an average of around 10 overs to see a batsman getting out. This is down from the average of 12 overs back in 1993. But this figure&nbsp;for the number of overs between dismissals has been around&nbsp;10 since the mid-1990s. So again, this trend may have little to do with T20 cricket.

Fewer batsmen are getting run out

So if Test cricket is getting more frenetic because of the impact of T20 cricket, we should be seeing more mix-ups between batsmen, more confusion and more run outs right?

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/Qa5c6Fp.png" style="width: 345px; height: 544px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/again_run_out.csv">here</a>.&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

Not really, according to the data. The percent of dismissals that are run outs has actually gone down over the years. 4.4 % or around one in 25 dismissals was a run out back in 1999. In 2016, 2.6%, or around one in 40 dismissals was a run out.&nbsp;

Not as many maiden overs

Again the assumption is that if we&#39;re seeing more runs because of the influence of T20, we should be seeing fewer maiden overs being bowled.

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/giKAdPI.png" style="width: 347px; height: 547px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/again_maide.csv">here</a>. Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

We are definitely seeing fewer maiden overs being bowled compared to the late 1990s. In 2016, 18.7% of overs bowled in test matches were maiden overs, compared to 25.5% in 2000. But here too, the downward trend started in 2004, when it first went under the 20% mark and came before the growth in T20 cricket.

Fewer test matches are being drawn

Another way to check if test cricket has been affected, is to look at whether Test matches have&nbsp;sped up so much that we are&nbsp;seeing fewer draws than&nbsp;we used to.

<img alt="" src="http://i.imgur.com/Aky17ba.png" style="width: 348px; height: 548px;" />

See data <a href="https://github.com/shijithpk/2017_04_03_t20_effect/blob/master/again_draw_percent.csv">here</a>.&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.cricketarchive.com">Cricketarchive.com</a>

That is certainly borne out by the evidence&nbsp;as last year saw 15% of Test matches being drawn, the lowest percentage since 2002.

Conclusion

After looking at the data from these different angles, we can definitely say that test cricket has changed from 25 years ago. But whether these changes&nbsp;are&nbsp;down to the growth in T20 cricket is open to debate.

(WION)

With the Indian Premier League starting this week, we find out whether Twenty20 matches are changing the way cricketers play Test matches

The dust hasn't settled yet on India's 2-1 Test series win over Australia, but the country's cricketers are already busy preparing themselves for another season of the Indian Premier League. With the huge number of Twenty20 (T20) matches being played nowadays, is it influencing the way cricketers play the longer format of Test cricket? We look at 25 years of Test cricket data to find out. Fewer runs totals over 600 One way to see if there has been any effect is to look at the kind of runs totals teams are putting up in Test cricket now. Given how frenetic T20 matches are, are teams losing the capability and patience to put up huge totals in Tests? See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com Looking at the kind of runs totals Test-playing nations have been amassing in their first innings over the past 20 years, we see that the past five years, ie. 2012-2016, have seen only 15 runs totals over 600. This is a decline from the 24 runs totals over 600 in the previous five-year periods of 2002-2006 and 2007-2011. There is no way to be certain that this decline is down to T20 cricket but it's worth asking the question. Batsmen still putting up double- and triple centuries Teams as a whole may be putting up lower runs totals, but that doesn't seem to have affected individual batsmen. See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com Looking at how many times batsmen have scored a double-or triple century over the past 20 years, we see that the number has gone up over the past five years. It went up from 40 in 2007-2011 to 49 in 2012-2016. The run rate has gone up Let's look at this further by looking at the rate at which runs are being scored in Test matches. The assumption being that if the frenzy of T20 is creeping into Test cricket, than the run-rate would be higher than it was in the past. See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com If we see how many runs are scored for every 90 overs, a team would score 293 runs in 2016, compared to 268 in 1991. The runs scored per 90 overs has gone up to around the 300-run mark but it's been that way since 2002, a few years before T20 cricket started becoming popular. So this upward trend may not have much to do with the shorter format. There are sixes more often now Again, the logic is that if the T20 format is affecting batsmanship, we should see people more willing to take risks, be less conservative and go for sixes in Test matches. See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com So if we look at the frequency with which sixes are being scored, the data shows that in 2016, there was an average of one six every 44 overs. This is down significantly from 1992 when it was a six every 105 overs. But the number of overs to see a six first went under 50 overs back in 2004, before T20 matches were being played internationally. So, again, the growth of T20 may not have much to do with how often we're seeing sixes now. Wickets are falling more often The idea is that if the T20 format is speeding up the pace of Test cricket, we should be seeing wickets fall more frequently now. See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com In 2016, you would have to wait an average of around 10 overs to see a batsman getting out. This is down from the average of 12 overs back in 1993. But this figure for the number of overs between dismissals has been around 10 since the mid-1990s. So again, this trend may have little to do with T20 cricket. Fewer batsmen are getting run out So if Test cricket is getting more frenetic because of the impact of T20 cricket, we should be seeing more mix-ups between batsmen, more confusion and more run outs right? See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com Not really, according to the data. The percent of dismissals that are run outs has actually gone down over the years. 4.4 % or around one in 25 dismissals was a run out back in 1999. In 2016, 2.6%, or around one in 40 dismissals was a run out. Not as many maiden overs Again the assumption is that if we're seeing more runs because of the influence of T20, we should be seeing fewer maiden overs being bowled. See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com We are definitely seeing fewer maiden overs being bowled compared to the late 1990s. In 2016, 18.7% of overs bowled in test matches were maiden overs, compared to 25.5% in 2000. But here too, the downward trend started in 2004, when it first went under the 20% mark and came before the growth in T20 cricket. Fewer test matches are being drawn Another way to check if test cricket has been affected, is to look at whether Test matches have sped up so much that we are seeing fewer draws than we used to. See data here. Source: Cricketarchive.com That is certainly borne out by the evidence as last year saw 15% of Test matches being drawn, the lowest percentage since 2002. Conclusion After looking at the data from these different angles, we can definitely say that test cricket has changed from 25 years ago. But whether these changes are down to the growth in T20 cricket is open to debate. (WION)

Analysis: Is T20 format ruining Test cricket?

A little-known batsman made headlines across India on Wednesday after scoring an unbeaten triple century in a Twenty20 match, a knock which included a staggering 39 sixes.

Mohit Ahlawat also smashed 14 fours in his 72-ball 300 -- thought to be the first T20 triple century -- which has earned him a trial with the Delhi Daredevils for next month&#39;s glitzy Indian Premier League (IPL).

Ahlawat, who hails from a family of farmers, hammered the hapless bowlers from a team called Friends XI to all corners of the ground in east Delhi on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old was playing for the Maavi XI, a semi-professional team which had invited him to join them for a league match at the last moment.

&quot;They invited me to play and I simply went. It&#39;s good that something like that has happened,&quot; Ahlawat told The Times of India newspaper.&nbsp;

&quot;When I reached 150, I told myself 250 was there for the taking. So I told my partner at the other end that I was going to take most of the strike.&quot;

His last 50 runs came off the final two overs, leaving him unbeaten on exactly 300 as his team finished on 416 for two. Friends XI only managed 200 in reply.

Sanjay Bhardwaj, Ahlawat&#39;s coach at the LB Shastri Cricket Academy in Delhi, said he was not surprised by his protege&#39;s heroics.

&quot;This doesn&#39;t surprise me. He is an aggressive batsman who hits it long but also has a clear sense of the game,&quot; Bhardwaj told AFP.&nbsp;

Bhardwaj, who has coached several Indian players including the opener Gautam Gambhir, said news of Ahlawat&#39;s barnstorming knock had spread so quickly that he had already been tapped up by the Delhi Daredevils.&nbsp;

&quot;You won&#39;t be able to reach him on the phone today as the Daredevils called him for a trial after they heard of his knock,&quot; Bhardwaj said.

It is the first time that anyone is believed to have hit a triple century in a T20 game, although it was not classified as a first class match.

The highest score recorded in a first-class T20 was the West Indian batsman Chris Gayle&#39;s 175 while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2013 IPL.

Australia&#39;s Aaron Finch holds the record for the highest score in a T20 international after hitting 156 against England in 2013.

(AFP)

Mohit Ahlawat smashed 39 sixes and 14 fours in his 72-ball 300. This has earned him a trial with the Delhi Daredevils for next month's IPL

A little-known batsman made headlines across India on Wednesday after scoring an unbeaten triple century in a Twenty20 match, a knock which included a staggering 39 sixes. Mohit Ahlawat also smashed 14 fours in his 72-ball 300 -- thought to be the first T20 triple century -- which has earned him a trial with the Delhi Daredevils for next month's glitzy Indian Premier League (IPL). Ahlawat, who hails from a family of farmers, hammered the hapless bowlers from a team called Friends XI to all corners of the ground in east Delhi on Tuesday. The 21-year-old was playing for the Maavi XI, a semi-professional team which had invited him to join them for a league match at the last moment. "They invited me to play and I simply went. It's good that something like that has happened," Ahlawat told The Times of India newspaper. "When I reached 150, I told myself 250 was there for the taking. So I told my partner at the other end that I was going to take most of the strike." His last 50 runs came off the final two overs, leaving him unbeaten on exactly 300 as his team finished on 416 for two. Friends XI only managed 200 in reply. Sanjay Bhardwaj, Ahlawat's coach at the LB Shastri Cricket Academy in Delhi, said he was not surprised by his protege's heroics. "This doesn't surprise me. He is an aggressive batsman who hits it long but also has a clear sense of the game," Bhardwaj told AFP. Bhardwaj, who has coached several Indian players including the opener Gautam Gambhir, said news of Ahlawat's barnstorming knock had spread so quickly that he had already been tapped up by the Delhi Daredevils. "You won't be able to reach him on the phone today as the Daredevils called him for a trial after they heard of his knock," Bhardwaj said. It is the first time that anyone is believed to have hit a triple century in a T20 game, although it was not classified as a first class match. The highest score recorded in a first-class T20 was the West Indian batsman Chris Gayle's 175 while playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2013 IPL. Australia's Aaron Finch holds the record for the highest score in a T20 international after hitting 156 against England in 2013. (AFP)

Cricket: Indian batsman becomes first to score 300 in T20 match

Chasing 203, England collapsed from 119 for two to 127 all out, mainly thanks to leg-spinner Chahal's career-best performance

India beat England by 75 runs to clinch the T20 series 2-1, handing Virat Kohli his first series win as a captain in this format of the sport. Put in to bat first at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium, India posted a healthy 202, powered by Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. England started the chase strongly but the spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Amit Mishra bamboozled the batsmen to put the match in the bag for India. From a healthy 119 for two, England collapsed like ninepins to end up getting all out for 127. Chahal, the man of the match, took the best-ever figure for an Indian bowler in a T20I, bettering the previous record held by Ravichandran Ashwin. India started the match slowly, losing their skipper Kohli in the second over of the match. KL Rahul and Raina flickered for a while before Dhoni joined the latter at the crease. But the fireworks started when Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni turned back the clock to score heaps of runs in the slog overs. India, in the end, managed to plunder 89 runs in the last six overs to post 202, what seemed at the time a par score. The English batsmen started strongly, racing away to 55 with the loss of one wicket in the first six overs. But Mishra pulled the game back for India while Chahal spun a web around the opponents. Captain Eoin Morgan and Root fought valiantly but once they fell, the English batsmen had no answer to the guiles of the spinners. Bumrah joined the party as well, scalping quick wickets to wrap up the English innings. Chahal was declared the man of the match and the man of the series. He thanked Virat Kohli for backing him and said he had never thought he'd take six wickets in the match. "I've bowled in the Powerplay before in the IPL. In the start, I plan that batsmen will want to go for their shots because it's a small ground, so I have a chance for wickets. I bowl a fuller length, so I have a chance for lbws if they miss the sweep and reverse-sweep. Never dreamed I'd get six wickets," Chahl said in the post-match talks. Virat Kohli was effusive in his praise for the old warhorses Dhoni and Yuvraj. He also credited his spinners for wresting the match away from England. "Mishra's two overs, and that one over from Jordan to Yuvi, that changed the momentum," he said, adding that he has had a "brilliant couple of months with the Indian team", referring to the fact that India beat England in all formats of the game in the last two months. A dejected Eoin Morgan said the wicket was perfect for batsmen but cited that this was England's "worst batting performance in the last two years." Following is the over-by-over commentary of the series-decider. England Innings: 1st Over: Nehra to begin proceedings. Roy and Billings to open the innings for England. Just 1 off the first over. India makes a strong start. 2nd Over: Chahal to bowl, SIX. Roy whacks him, reverse stroke. All the way over the boundary. Billings OUT, India get their first breakthrough. Bat, pad by Billings and Raina lunges forward at slips to give India their first breakthrough. Joe Root walks in. England: 12/1 3rd Over: Nehra to bowl. Roy guides that through leg-side for a boundary. England is determined to keep the momentum, Root thumps that one for a boundary through cover. England making it count here..last ball another boundary by Root. England: 25/1 4th Over: Chahal to bowl, Roy hits him for a boundary off the first ball. England have made a strong start here in reply to India's target of 203, can India get another breakthrough? No luck, England squeeze a single off the last ball. England: 33/1 5th Over: Change in the bowling, Bumrah introduced into the attack. Boundary, straight drive by Roy. England playing intelligent cricket here in the final T20, India seems to be out of ideas at the moment but hanging in there, the crowd is quite. Cut short, another boundary, Roy taking a toll on India. India is just not able to stop the flow of boundaries here. England: 43/1 6th Over: Nehra to bowl again, India isn't making any bowling changes unlike England who kept chopping and changing. Virat it seems is out of ideas at the moment. Roy hits another boundary, this is good batting by England. England raise their half-century with just one wicket down. Roy is burning bright. This time it is Root - another boundary. England is firing on all cylinders! England: 55/1 7th Over: Roy OUT, Mishra strikes! That was a vital wicket, Roy scored a quickfire 32 in 23 balls (4 boundaries and 1 Six), just 3 runs off the over and a wicket. England: 56/2 8th Over: Pandya to bowl, double bowling change. Will this work? Root hits a SIX, so Pandya gets a taste of some Root magic early on. Root is the man India wants! Morgan on strike now. Dot ball. Single of the last ball. England: 64/2 9th Over: Mishra to bowl, boundary by Morgan off the first ball. Another boundary, England is scoring at brisk rate, India needs a wicket quickly. England: 77/2 10th Over: Pandya to start a fresh over. Pandya keeping it tight, Root trying to cut loose and a SIX by Root. Last ball coming up,dot ball. England: 86/2 England need 117 runs off just 60 balls, India need to hold their nerves, England looking to Joe Root to take them home, can he? 11th Over: Mishra to bowl.He is keeping it tight, just 5 runs off the over. Last ball just a single, good over. England: 92/2 12th Over: India operating with spinners at both ends, Raina to bowl. SIX, SIX, Captain counterattacking, another one SIX. This over 1,6,6,0(wide), 6, 1. This over has changed things, England is set to charge at India now. England: 114/2 Virat Kohli has a quick chat with Dhoni... 13th Over: Mishra to bowl, catch dropped by Yuvraj...Big miss for India. Mishra keeps it tight to end the over. England: 117/2 14th Over: Chahal to bowl now. England looking to cut loose, pressure on spinners now. Chahal strikes, Pant takes the catch, Morgan OUT. The England captain scored 40 off 21 balls( 2 fours, 3 sixes). Joe Root, Double strike by India. This is the turning of the match. Root lbw for 42 off 37 balls(4 boundaries, 2 sixes) England: 119/4 15th Over: Bumrah strikes! Butler OUT. England 119/5. India is on a victory charge. Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes at the crease. England: 123/5 16th Over: India stikes again, Chahal gets another one! Double stike by India - Ali & Stokes gone! India on a victory march here.. Make that Triple Strike - Jordan OUT. The first five-wicket haul by an Indian spinner, well done Chahal! England: 127/8 India set to wrap up the match 17th Over: Bumrah to bowl the next over. All out, Bumrah strikes twice, Plunkett gone and Mills gone. England 127 all out England win the Toss and elect to bowl first India: RR Pant, KL Rahul, V Kohli(Captain), SK Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni(Wicket-keeper), HH Pandya, A Mishra, JJ Bumrah, A Nehra, YS Chahal England: JJ Roy, SW Billings, JE Root, EJG Morgan(Captain), BA Stokes, JC Buttler(Wicket-keeper), MM Ali, CJ Jordan, LE Plunkett, TS Mills, AU Rashid Wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant makes his debut for India, it will be interesting to see if he keeps wickets for India in the second session. Both teams coming out on the field for the national anthem. Now the national anthem of England is playing as the crowd rises.. Indian supporters at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore (AFP) × 1st Over: Kohli and KL Rahul to open.Mills to bowl the first over. Kohli on strike, just 2 runs off the first 2 balls. Now, Rahul on strike, India looking to make a cautious start. 2 dot balls by Rahul. Rahul opens his account with a single. Good bowling, Kohli didn't know where that ball went, he scraps a single. India: 4/0 2nd Over: Kohli run-out off the first ball bowled by Jordan. India 4/1. Raina walks in and takes a quick single. Leg-bye as Rahul scapes another single. England keeping it tight here. Raina to take strike now. Raina plays it third-man and takes a single. India: 8/1 3rd Over: Mills to continue, Wide ball. India getting runs in singles and wides at the moment. No boundary so far, Raina comes out of the crease to whack the ball but misses it completely. Another single, it is probably sensible batting as the wicket looks slow. India 10/1. Rahul on strike now. Another single as Rahul guides it to third man. Raina to face the last ball. Raina gives it a big thump- SIX, FINALLY! India: 17/1 4th Over: Liam Plunkett to bowl now. Rahul joins in on the act, two consecutive boundaries by Rahul. India on the way now..Raina tries to go for another one but manages a single only. Another single by Rahul. India: 29/1 5th Over: Ben Stokes to bowl. India opening up now, Raina lashes at that one but manages just 2 runs. Wide ball. India looking to fire. Raina scores - boundary ball. Wide ball. Stokes looks a bit nervous after that boundary. Dot ball. India: 39/1 6th Over: Jordan to bowl. Another SIX, Raina this time. India in a good position now to post a 150+ score, if they keep wickets in hand. India: 53/1 7th Over: Moeen Ali introduced into the attack. Rahul hits the third ball for a big SIX, India motoring now. Single and twos, India being sensible here. India: 64/1 8th Over: Ben Stokes comes in, so Morgan continues to chop and change his bowlers looking for a breakthrough. And he gets it, Rahul OUT, BOLD. Misses that one completely. Rahul scores 22 off 18 balls with 2 boundaries and a six. Big breakthrough for India. Dhoni walks in and quickly takes a single. Raina takes another single. Last ball stays low and Dhoni fails to connect. India: 67/2 9th Over: Moeen Ali to continue. India being a bit cautious against him, just 2 runs off the first 5 balls. India steal a single off the last ball. India: 70/2 10th Over: Leg-spinner Rashid introduced, England decide to attack with spin. Great shot, Raina plays that effortlessly through point - Boundary. Raina playing it cooly and rotating strike, India looking at atleast 160+..Dot of the last ball. India: 78/2 11th Over: Mooen Ali to continue. Raina takes a single. Dhoni comes out of the crease but manages just a single. India hungry for a few boundaries to keep the momentum, Moeen keeping it very tight. He has been England's stand out bowler in this T20 series. Last ball, no run India: 84/2 12th Over: Rashid to bowl. Raina takes a single off the second ball. Dhoni hits a big one - SIX, India doing the right thing. They are clearly attacking Rashid and keeping Moeen at bay - good tactics! Another SIX, Raina this time and a single to finish off the over. India: 99/2 13th Over: Moeen to bowl, SIX. India talking in sixes at the moment and Raina(63 off 43 balls - 5 sixes, 2 fours) leading from the front. Another boundary to finish it off, slipping down through vacant slips by Raina. India: 113/2 14th Over: Plunkett gets Raina with a slow ball, CAUGHT OUT! Raina 63 off 45 balls(2 fours, 5 sixes). Caught in the deep by captain Morgan. Next man in is Yuvraj. This will be a crucial partnership for India if India keep the momentum they could be looking at 180+ here.. India: 124/3 15th Over: Ben Stokes to bowl. Yuvraj off the mark with a single. Dhoni is the key here, if he gets going he can really help India get a big total in the last 5 overs. Both batsmen talking in singles at the moment. This is sensible batting from India, trying to save their ammunition for the final push. Class shot, Dhoni plays that one through the middle of point for a boundary bisecting two players and takes another single off the last ball. India: 132/3 16th Over: Mills to bowl. Dhoni slips that one through the leg side for a boundary, single off the next ball. Dhoni seems to have taken it on himself to take India to a competitive score. India looking at a 180+ score, Dhoni can push it beyond 190 if he stays around till the end. Wide ball, that helps India. Dhoni takes a single off the last ball. India: 142/3 17th Over: Ben Stokes to bowl this over. Straight hit, Dhoni hits a smart boundary to start the over. Dhoni has rocketed to 44 off 27 balls(3 fours, 2 sixes). Dhoni hits a flat boundary, that was nearly a sixer but fell short. India could touch 200 at this rate, single to finish the over. India: 153/3 18th Over: Dhoni raises his half-century with a single, his 50 comes off just 32 balls. Yuvraj hits SIX, big one this! Another SIX, Yuvraj joins the party, another one - boundary this time. Yuvraj on a roll. 6,6,4, 6. Another SIX, Yuvraj is hammering Jordan. He takes a single to finish off the over. India score 28 runs off the over. India: 177/1 19th Over: Yuvraj OUT, Mills gets him. Yuvi just plays it at the last moment, slow ball taken by the Keeper. Well played Yuvi, 27 runs off 10 balls( 1 boundary, 3 sixes). Mills is proving to be a great death bowler once again. Debutant Rishabh Pant walks in, left-hand batsman. Another slower ball, Wide. Pant scores a boundary off the last ball, that was a good one! India: 186/4 20th Over: Jordan to bowl. Dhoni hits this one for a boundary, power shot! Dhoni OUT, tries a big heave, caught by Rashid. Dhoni scores a brilliant 56 off 36 ball(5 fours, 2 sixes). Pandya first ball - SIX. India's 200 comes up, great going! Last ball Pandya tries a double, run out Pandya. India: 202/6

India beat England by 75 runs, clinch T20I series

India beat England by 5 runs in the second Twenty20 International to level the three-match series 1-1.

Sent into bat, India scored 144 for eight, and then restricted England to 139 for six in 20 overs.

Young Jasprit Bumrah shone in the death like never before as his excellent final over ensured India sensationally edged out England by five runs in the second Twenty20 International to level the three-match series here tonight.

Needing eight runs off six balls, Bumrah, all of 23, perhaps bowled the over of his life as he restricted England to just two runs and end their innings at 139 for six in pursuit of 145.

The match seemed to be in England&#39;s bag when Jos Buttler clobbered veteran Ashish Nehra for 16 runs with two sixes in the penultimate over. However, Bumrah had other ideas, eventually finishing with figures of 2/20 in 4 overs, while his senior colleague Nehra took 3/28.

This was after opener K L Rahul stood out with a breezy 71 on a surface where shot-making was difficult.

Put in to bat, Rahul&#39;s knock was the lone bright spot as India could manage a modest score before the bowlers turned the match around on its head.

England made light of the loss of openers Jason Roy and Sam Billings off successive balls in the fourth over bowled by left-arm pacer Nehra and were well on way to pull off the win when they rode on Root&#39;s run-a-ball 38 and Ben Stokes&#39; 38 and their fourth wicket partnership of 52 in 41 balls.

Root had been involved in an important third-wicket stand of 43 in 41 balls with his captain Eoin Morgan.

Nehra came back for his second spell and also broke through by dismissing Stokes leg before after the batsman had struck two sixes and two fours in his 33-ball knock and had been bowled off a no-ball by Amit Mishra.

Although Nehra was hit for 16 runs in his final over, Bumrah trapped Root leg before and then clean bowled Buttler in the final over to end the visitors&#39; hopes as Moeen Ali failed to connect the last ball with England needing six runs.

Earlier, Rahul finally struck form, but the Indian batting line-up floundered for the second match running.

India lost three wickets in the last over, including that of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to end at 144 for 8. Rahul&#39;s 47-ball knock contained two sixes and six fours and his partnership of 56 with fellow Karnataka mate Manish Pandey (30 in 26 balls) was the only notable stand.

Wearing black armbands to mourn the sudden demise of India&#39;s under 19 and A team trainer Rajeev Sawant and the father of fast bowler Mohammed Shami who is not part of the squad, the home team batsmen failed to get going in earnest.

England did surprise captain Virat Kohli and Rahul by using left arm slow bowler Liam Dawson, who had replaced fast bowler Liam Plunkett in the XI in the horses for courses change, to open the bowling with the Tymal Mills.

Kohli, in fact, had a charmed life as he top-edged Mills who worked up good pace behind the &#39;keeper for a four that eluded the left-handed grasp of Sam Billings on the boundary line and then survived a close leg before appeal against Chris Jordan in the next over.

Kohli struck Mills for a six and a four in successive balls in the next over after surviving the leg before appeal but then was deceived by a slower ball from Jordan and holed out to long off for 21.

(PTI)

Put in to bat, Rahul's knock was the lone bright spot as India could manage a modest score before the bowlers turned the match around

India beat England by 5 runs in the second Twenty20 International to level the three-match series 1-1. Sent into bat, India scored 144 for eight, and then restricted England to 139 for six in 20 overs. Young Jasprit Bumrah shone in the death like never before as his excellent final over ensured India sensationally edged out England by five runs in the second Twenty20 International to level the three-match series here tonight. Needing eight runs off six balls, Bumrah, all of 23, perhaps bowled the over of his life as he restricted England to just two runs and end their innings at 139 for six in pursuit of 145. The match seemed to be in England's bag when Jos Buttler clobbered veteran Ashish Nehra for 16 runs with two sixes in the penultimate over. However, Bumrah had other ideas, eventually finishing with figures of 2/20 in 4 overs, while his senior colleague Nehra took 3/28. This was after opener K L Rahul stood out with a breezy 71 on a surface where shot-making was difficult. Put in to bat, Rahul's knock was the lone bright spot as India could manage a modest score before the bowlers turned the match around on its head. England made light of the loss of openers Jason Roy and Sam Billings off successive balls in the fourth over bowled by left-arm pacer Nehra and were well on way to pull off the win when they rode on Root's run-a-ball 38 and Ben Stokes' 38 and their fourth wicket partnership of 52 in 41 balls. Root had been involved in an important third-wicket stand of 43 in 41 balls with his captain Eoin Morgan. Nehra came back for his second spell and also broke through by dismissing Stokes leg before after the batsman had struck two sixes and two fours in his 33-ball knock and had been bowled off a no-ball by Amit Mishra. Although Nehra was hit for 16 runs in his final over, Bumrah trapped Root leg before and then clean bowled Buttler in the final over to end the visitors' hopes as Moeen Ali failed to connect the last ball with England needing six runs. Earlier, Rahul finally struck form, but the Indian batting line-up floundered for the second match running. India lost three wickets in the last over, including that of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to end at 144 for 8. Rahul's 47-ball knock contained two sixes and six fours and his partnership of 56 with fellow Karnataka mate Manish Pandey (30 in 26 balls) was the only notable stand. Wearing black armbands to mourn the sudden demise of India's under 19 and A team trainer Rajeev Sawant and the father of fast bowler Mohammed Shami who is not part of the squad, the home team batsmen failed to get going in earnest. England did surprise captain Virat Kohli and Rahul by using left arm slow bowler Liam Dawson, who had replaced fast bowler Liam Plunkett in the XI in the horses for courses change, to open the bowling with the Tymal Mills. Kohli, in fact, had a charmed life as he top-edged Mills who worked up good pace behind the 'keeper for a four that eluded the left-handed grasp of Sam Billings on the boundary line and then survived a close leg before appeal against Chris Jordan in the next over. Kohli struck Mills for a six and a four in successive balls in the next over after surviving the leg before appeal but then was deceived by a slower ball from Jordan and holed out to long off for 21. (PTI)

India beat England by 5 runs in second T20 encounter, level series

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LIVE

18.1 Over: &nbsp;England has beaten India in the first match. Joe roots pounds Nehra for 2 consecutive boundaries. Great show by England. Our preview earlier had said England should not be underestimated. This sets up the series, so Virat Kohli who has taken over the T20 captaincy from MS Dhoni&nbsp;was unable to make a winning debut as skipper. England wrap-up the match with 11 balls remaining.

England 148/3, beat India by 7 wickets in&nbsp;T20 match at Kanpur.

Root: *46 runs(46 balls, 4 boundaries), *Ben Stokes: 2( 5 balls)

Welcome back, India will be keen to take wickets but England has ended the innings on a high, Let&#39;s see what happens. Keep following the match here!

1st Over: Billings to face Nehra, England make a cautious start. Just 4 runs from there over.

2nd Over: Bumrah to start proceedings. Boom boundary, this is proving to be expensive another one - boundary. SIX..Bumrah being slaughtered by Billings here. Another SIX and a boundary. This is a run feast unfolding at Greenpark. Bumrah destroyed in the first over. Kohli will have to change him.

England 24/0&nbsp;

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3rd Over: Nehra to bowl to Roy. SIX. Now Roy gets on the act. England have rocketed to 30/0.&nbsp;

4th Over: As expected Bumrah has been replaced by&nbsp;Yuzvendra Chahal. Roy hits him for a SIX, this is BIG. OUT, Roy dismissed. Chahal does it for India. England 42/1. Root walks in. Chahal gets another one - Billings OUT. India strike back.

England 43/2

5th Over:&nbsp;Yuzvendra Chahal is back in the attack. England&#39;s new pair - Root &amp; Morgan will take on the run chase now. This is crunch time for both teams. Both are now playing him cautiously. Just 2 runs from the over.

After 10 overs England is 79/2. Morgan &amp; Root holding the fort for England. India desperate to get a handle in the match with wickets.

11th Over: Pandya bowls to Root, great over, just 6 runs conceded.&nbsp;

This is interesting stuff, the match is on a knife&#39;s edge. Stay tuned for more.

12th Over: Raina bought into the attack, can he get a wicket for India? Morgan hits him for SIX, India feeling the heat now. England 92/1. Another single England reach 93/1.

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India is set to take on a resurgent England team in the first T20 match at Greenpark, Kanpur today.&nbsp;Eoin Morgan led from the front in the final ODI at Eden Gardens, Kolkata to deny India an ODI series whitewash. England might be underdogs but Virat&#39;s men cannot afford to take them lightly because they were the finalists in the World T20 less than a year ago which was hosted in India. Virat Kohli has a few combinations to work on, first is the opening conundrum - should he open, or is Raina a good deal? Maybe even KL Rahul&nbsp;- the captain must decide. The death overs has always been India&#39;s Achilles heal, Parvez Rasool&#39;s off-breaks could come in handy for India today, he along with Bumrah can probably cool&nbsp;Virat&#39;s nerves. The captain and the coach have to strategise together.

Statistically speaking, India is ranked 2nd in the ICC T20 rankings and England is ranked 5th. Interestingly, England leads India in T20s, the visitors have won 5 matches, India has managed to beat the English just thrice. Kanpur promises a riveting encounter, the weather is perfect for the game at 27 degrees with no possibility of rain.

The game starts at 4:30(India standard time)

WATCH OUT FOR LIVE ACTION.

England win toss, elect to bowl

India: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (capt),&nbsp;Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (wk),&nbsp;Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Parvez Rasool, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ashish Nehra,&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah

England: Sam Billings, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Plunkett, Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid

1st Over: So we have a surprise early onVirat Kohli will open with Rahul. This is exciting, the Indian captain has decided to take the bull by the horn and lead from the front.Tymal Mills to begin the first over. Just the third ball and Kohli hits the ball for a boundary, whoosh back of a length ball gone. Fifth ball now Rahul gets on the act, another boundary. India is on the way. Run feast ahead...

India 9/0

2nd Over: Chris Jordan starts the new over, the Indian captain plays and misses a few times. Another boundary by #Virat Kohli. It is a special day today as India celebrates its #68th #Republic Day. Will Kohli give us a #RepublicDay gift, will find out.

India 16/0

3rd Over: Mills finishes the over without much fireworks, he is holding one end up.

4th over:&nbsp;Plunkett now introduced into the attack, will Kohli take him on? First ball boundary, second ball boundary...this is BIG. The Indian captain is leading from the front, India rockets to 30/0. India takes 10 from the over.

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Virat Kohli has given India a flying start (AFP)
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5th over: Jordan to start the new over, can he provide the breakthrough? Out, he get Rahul, ball directed at the body, Rahul plays it, easily caught. India lose their first wicket. Raina comes in

6th over: Raina hammers Plunkett for a boundary. Another boundary, so Raina has started with a bang...Virat and Raina can really explode here, England better watch out.

India - 47/1 
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Virat Kohli made it back in the nick of time to watch his hero&#39;s hero, Federer win the semi finals<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsEng?src=hash">#IndvsEng</a>
&mdash; Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoredCricket/status/824583533851185152">January 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<center style="text-align: left;">7th Over: Surprise, surprise Moeen Ali introduced into the attack, this could be a real masterstroke. First ball - Virat Out. Caught at midwicket. This is a big one. A real genius move from Morgan to bring on Ali. Yuvraj comes in. India is now 55/2.</center>

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8th Over: Stokes back in the attack. Both players are relatively new at the crease, taking it easy. Yuvraj trying to settle&nbsp;down. Last ball, Raina whacks it for a boundary. India holding ground but England is keeping a lid on India.

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The old hunting pair is back <a href="https://twitter.com/msdhoni">@msdhoni</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRaina">@ImRaina</a> Hope we get a big total and they both remain not out.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsEng?src=hash">#IndvsEng</a>
&mdash; Shubham Kothari (@Shubhammsd7ftd) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shubhammsd7ftd/status/824586353270743040">January 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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9th Over: Moeen Ali to continue.&nbsp;Yuvraj and Raina are busy taking singles and mixing it up with boundaries. Another boundary by Yuvraj. India motors along 75/2.

10th Over: Yuvraj Out. Plunkett strikes. Top edge lands in Rashid&#39;s hand, this after Yuvraj just got the benefit of the doubt in the last ball. India continues to lose wickets. Dhoni is in now. India 82/3. Raina hammers another one to the boundary.

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It&#39;s India&#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash">#RepublicDay</a>. It is natural for Pakistan and England to fumble in the field. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvPak?src=hash">#AusvPak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvsEng?src=hash">#IndvsEng</a>
&mdash; Sagar (@sagarcasm) <a href="https://twitter.com/sagarcasm/status/824584256630317057">January 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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11th Over: #Suresh Raina has to hold the ground along with India&#39;s former T20 captain Dhoni. Ali continues to bowl, India is negotiating him carefully. Ali concedes just 7runs. India 88/3.

12th Over: #Raina OUT. He is bowled by Stokes. India 98/4. Indian wickets are tumbling here at Kanpur. England is doing the right thing, taking wickets and keeping India pegged back.

13th Over: Another Indian wicket falls, this time it is Manish Pandey. Ali is the star, he has taken 2 vital wickets. India 103/5. India now desperately needs a partnership.

14th Over: Plunkett to continue. Jadhav faces him. India is on the backfoot now. Dhoni and Pandya have to hold the fort for India now. India 105/5.
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16th Over: Mills gets Pandya, England is really shaking up India here! India is 122/6 now. India pegged back now. The hosts would be lucky to reach 160.

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18th Over:&nbsp;#Rasool &amp; #Dhoni at the crease. India has managed just 132 for the loss of 6 wickets. Mills is keeping it tight. India&#39;s last boundary came in the 15th over, so they are being really strangled here!

19th Over: Just 7 runs from this over, India is now depending on Dhoni to push India towards 150. The last over coming up.

20th Over: First ball - Dhoni dropped, this could prove costly. Jordan bowls another one, boundary and another one. Consecutive boundaries, Dhoni is the man, ice cool. Out, Rasool&nbsp;is Run-Out. Wasted effort in the last over. India manage two runs off the last ball.&nbsp;147/7, just below par but a good fight to get there!

England need 148 runs to win

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England take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T-20 series

LIVE 18.1 Over: England has beaten India in the first match. Joe roots pounds Nehra for 2 consecutive boundaries. Great show by England. Our preview earlier had said England should not be underestimated. This sets up the series, so Virat Kohli who has taken over the T20 captaincy from MS Dhoni was unable to make a winning debut as skipper. England wrap-up the match with 11 balls remaining. England 148/3, beat India by 7 wickets in T20 match at Kanpur. Root: *46 runs(46 balls, 4 boundaries), *Ben Stokes: 2( 5 balls) Welcome back, India will be keen to take wickets but England has ended the innings on a high, Let's see what happens. Keep following the match here! 1st Over: Billings to face Nehra, England make a cautious start. Just 4 runs from there over. 2nd Over: Bumrah to start proceedings. Boom boundary, this is proving to be expensive another one - boundary. SIX..Bumrah being slaughtered by Billings here. Another SIX and a boundary. This is a run feast unfolding at Greenpark. Bumrah destroyed in the first over. Kohli will have to change him. England 24/0 3rd Over: Nehra to bowl to Roy. SIX. Now Roy gets on the act. England have rocketed to 30/0. 4th Over: As expected Bumrah has been replaced by Yuzvendra Chahal. Roy hits him for a SIX, this is BIG. OUT, Roy dismissed. Chahal does it for India. England 42/1. Root walks in. Chahal gets another one - Billings OUT. India strike back. England 43/2 5th Over: Yuzvendra Chahal is back in the attack. England's new pair - Root & Morgan will take on the run chase now. This is crunch time for both teams. Both are now playing him cautiously. Just 2 runs from the over. After 10 overs England is 79/2. Morgan & Root holding the fort for England. India desperate to get a handle in the match with wickets. 11th Over: Pandya bowls to Root, great over, just 6 runs conceded. This is interesting stuff, the match is on a knife's edge. Stay tuned for more. 12th Over: Raina bought into the attack, can he get a wicket for India? Morgan hits him for SIX, India feeling the heat now. England 92/1. Another single England reach 93/1. India is set to take on a resurgent England team in the first T20 match at Greenpark, Kanpur today. Eoin Morgan led from the front in the final ODI at Eden Gardens, Kolkata to deny India an ODI series whitewash. England might be underdogs but Virat's men cannot afford to take them lightly because they were the finalists in the World T20 less than a year ago which was hosted in India. Virat Kohli has a few combinations to work on, first is the opening conundrum - should he open, or is Raina a good deal? Maybe even KL Rahul - the captain must decide. The death overs has always been India's Achilles heal, Parvez Rasool's off-breaks could come in handy for India today, he along with Bumrah can probably cool Virat's nerves. The captain and the coach have to strategise together. Statistically speaking, India is ranked 2nd in the ICC T20 rankings and England is ranked 5th. Interestingly, England leads India in T20s, the visitors have won 5 matches, India has managed to beat the English just thrice. Kanpur promises a riveting encounter, the weather is perfect for the game at 27 degrees with no possibility of rain. The game starts at 4:30(India standard time) WATCH OUT FOR LIVE ACTION. England win toss, elect to bowl India: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (capt), Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (wk), Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Parvez Rasool, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah England: Sam Billings, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Liam Plunkett, Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills, Adil Rashid 1st Over: So we have a surprise early onVirat Kohli will open with Rahul. This is exciting, the Indian captain has decided to take the bull by the horn and lead from the front.Tymal Mills to begin the first over. Just the third ball and Kohli hits the ball for a boundary, whoosh back of a length ball gone. Fifth ball now Rahul gets on the act, another boundary. India is on the way. Run feast ahead... India 9/0 2nd Over: Chris Jordan starts the new over, the Indian captain plays and misses a few times. Another boundary by #Virat Kohli. It is a special day today as India celebrates its #68th #Republic Day. Will Kohli give us a #RepublicDay gift, will find out. India 16/0 3rd Over: Mills finishes the over without much fireworks, he is holding one end up. 4th over: Plunkett now introduced into the attack, will Kohli take him on? First ball boundary, second ball boundary...this is BIG. The Indian captain is leading from the front, India rockets to 30/0. India takes 10 from the over. Virat Kohli has given India a flying start (AFP) × 5th over: Jordan to start the new over, can he provide the breakthrough? Out, he get Rahul, ball directed at the body, Rahul plays it, easily caught. India lose their first wicket. Raina comes in 6th over: Raina hammers Plunkett for a boundary. Another boundary, so Raina has started with a bang...Virat and Raina can really explode here, England better watch out. India - 47/1 Virat Kohli made it back in the nick of time to watch his hero's hero, Federer win the semi finals#IndvsEng — Gaurav Sethi (@BoredCricket) January 26, 2017 × 7th Over: Surprise, surprise Moeen Ali introduced into the attack, this could be a real masterstroke. First ball - Virat Out. Caught at midwicket. This is a big one. A real genius move from Morgan to bring on Ali. Yuvraj comes in. India is now 55/2. 8th Over: Stokes back in the attack. Both players are relatively new at the crease, taking it easy. Yuvraj trying to settle down. Last ball, Raina whacks it for a boundary. India holding ground but England is keeping a lid on India. The old hunting pair is back @msdhoni and @ImRaina Hope we get a big total and they both remain not out.#IndvsEng — Shubham Kothari (@Shubhammsd7ftd) January 26, 2017 × 9th Over: Moeen Ali to continue. Yuvraj and Raina are busy taking singles and mixing it up with boundaries. Another boundary by Yuvraj. India motors along 75/2. 10th Over: Yuvraj Out. Plunkett strikes. Top edge lands in Rashid's hand, this after Yuvraj just got the benefit of the doubt in the last ball. India continues to lose wickets. Dhoni is in now. India 82/3. Raina hammers another one to the boundary. It's India's #RepublicDay. It is natural for Pakistan and England to fumble in the field. #AusvPak #IndvsEng — Sagar (@sagarcasm) January 26, 2017 × 11th Over: #Suresh Raina has to hold the ground along with India's former T20 captain Dhoni. Ali continues to bowl, India is negotiating him carefully. Ali concedes just 7runs. India 88/3. 12th Over: #Raina OUT. He is bowled by Stokes. India 98/4. Indian wickets are tumbling here at Kanpur. England is doing the right thing, taking wickets and keeping India pegged back. 13th Over: Another Indian wicket falls, this time it is Manish Pandey. Ali is the star, he has taken 2 vital wickets. India 103/5. India now desperately needs a partnership. 14th Over: Plunkett to continue. Jadhav faces him. India is on the backfoot now. Dhoni and Pandya have to hold the fort for India now. India 105/5. 16th Over: Mills gets Pandya, England is really shaking up India here! India is 122/6 now. India pegged back now. The hosts would be lucky to reach 160. 18th Over: #Rasool & #Dhoni at the crease. India has managed just 132 for the loss of 6 wickets. Mills is keeping it tight. India's last boundary came in the 15th over, so they are being really strangled here! 19th Over: Just 7 runs from this over, India is now depending on Dhoni to push India towards 150. The last over coming up. 20th Over: First ball - Dhoni dropped, this could prove costly. Jordan bowls another one, boundary and another one. Consecutive boundaries, Dhoni is the man, ice cool. Out, Rasool is Run-Out. Wasted effort in the last over. India manage two runs off the last ball. 147/7, just below par but a good fight to get there! England need 148 runs to win

T-20: England beat India by 7 wickets

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped its plans to allow allrounder Shahid Afridi to play his final T20 series for Pakistan before he retires from all international cricket.&nbsp; 
 
PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq had earlier given approval to Afridi to travel to UAE as the 16th player for the final match against the West Indies, a source informed Indian news agency PTI.&nbsp; 
 
But the plan was dropped after a senior member of the board Najam Sethi objected to the method being followed. He said giving Afridi a final chance to play would set a &quot;wrong example&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Sethi made the point that the board would be setting a wrong example by including Afridi as the&nbsp;16th player just to give him a chance to play his farewell international match and it was not befitting for such a senior player,&quot; the source said. 
 
Sethi, according to the source, said the selectors would have allowed him in the 15-member squad for the West indies series had they felt Afridi was good enough to play for the country in T20 Internationals, reported &nbsp;PTI. 
 
&quot;Sethi&#39;s argument is logical and he made it clear that he would speak to Afridi himself and settle the matter. Sethi will now meet Afridi in last week of September and offer him the chance to accept a proper farewell event and announce his retirement,&quot; the source stated. 
 
&quot;Afridi might have played his final match for Pakistan if the plan given by Sethi is followed to the letter,&quot; he added. 
 
Shahid Afridi has appeared in 398 One-Day Internationals &nbsp;and 98 T20 internationals in his career. He decided to step down from captaincy after Pakistan&rsquo;s defeat in 2015 World T20. 
&nbsp; 
(WION with inputs from PTI)

A senior member of the board believed that giving the allrounder a chance to play a farewell T20I would set a 'wrong example'

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dropped its plans to allow allrounder Shahid Afridi to play his final T20 series for Pakistan before he retires from all international cricket. PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq had earlier given approval to Afridi to travel to UAE as the 16th player for the final match against the West Indies, a source informed Indian news agency PTI. But the plan was dropped after a senior member of the board Najam Sethi objected to the method being followed. He said giving Afridi a final chance to play would set a "wrong example". "Sethi made the point that the board would be setting a wrong example by including Afridi as the 16th player just to give him a chance to play his farewell international match and it was not befitting for such a senior player," the source said. Sethi, according to the source, said the selectors would have allowed him in the 15-member squad for the West indies series had they felt Afridi was good enough to play for the country in T20 Internationals, reported PTI. "Sethi's argument is logical and he made it clear that he would speak to Afridi himself and settle the matter. Sethi will now meet Afridi in last week of September and offer him the chance to accept a proper farewell event and announce his retirement," the source stated. "Afridi might have played his final match for Pakistan if the plan given by Sethi is followed to the letter," he added. Shahid Afridi has appeared in 398 One-Day Internationals and 98 T20 internationals in his career. He decided to step down from captaincy after Pakistan’s defeat in 2015 World T20. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Pakistan Cricket Board drops farewell match for Shahid Afridi

Glenn Maxwell scored a century to power Australia to 263, the highest score in T20I, to beat Sri Lanka by 85 runs in Pallekele. 
 
Making a comeback, the allrounder helped Australia cross the previous highest score of 260, which was incidentally scored by Sri Lanka against Kenya in 2007.&nbsp; 
 
Put in to bat, Australia asked Maxwell to open the innings with David Warner. The 27-year-old ensured that his maiden outing as an opener was an affair to remember as he hit nine sixes and 14 fours to set Sri Lanka a stiff target. 
 
Maxwell&#39;s&nbsp;century made him the first opener to score a T20I hundred in his first attempt. This was also the second-highest individual score in a T20I, falling just 11 runs short of teammate Aaron Finch&#39;s 156. 
 
Needing to score over 13 runs per over, Tillakaratne Dilshan was castled by Australian speedster MItchell Starc in the very first over of the innings. 
 
The opening blow proved too much for the rest of the Lankan batsmen to handle. Only Dinesh Chandimal (58) and Chamara Kapugedera (43) provided some resistance.&nbsp; 
 
(WION) 
 
 
 
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The allrounder's pyrotechnics helped his team beat Sri Lanka by 85 runs

Glenn Maxwell scored a century to power Australia to 263, the highest score in T20I, to beat Sri Lanka by 85 runs in Pallekele. Making a comeback, the allrounder helped Australia cross the previous highest score of 260, which was incidentally scored by Sri Lanka against Kenya in 2007. Put in to bat, Australia asked Maxwell to open the innings with David Warner. The 27-year-old ensured that his maiden outing as an opener was an affair to remember as he hit nine sixes and 14 fours to set Sri Lanka a stiff target. Maxwell's century made him the first opener to score a T20I hundred in his first attempt. This was also the second-highest individual score in a T20I, falling just 11 runs short of teammate Aaron Finch's 156. Needing to score over 13 runs per over, Tillakaratne Dilshan was castled by Australian speedster MItchell Starc in the very first over of the innings. The opening blow proved too much for the rest of the Lankan batsmen to handle. Only Dinesh Chandimal (58) and Chamara Kapugedera (43) provided some resistance. (WION)

Glenn Maxwell blitzkrieg powers Australia to highest ever T20I total

Unperturbed over the length of his contract as India&#39;s new head coach, former spinner Anil Kumble believes he has enough time and matches to make an impact. 
 
Kumble, whose only coaching experience has been as mentor of the Mumbai and Bangalore teams in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, was given a one-year term last week. 
 
For the post, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) received 57 applications which were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. 
 
The BCCI said Kumble was handed a one-year contract so they could review their options for one of world cricket&#39;s most challenging jobs at the end of that period. 
 
&quot;I am talking about a journey,&quot; former India skipper Kumble told reporters in his first press conference on Wednesday after bagging the job. &quot;There are 17 test matches in the next 12 months. 
 
&quot;I just look at that as an opportunity to gain experience and contribute to Indian cricket,&quot; he asserted.&nbsp; 
 
Confident about team&#39;s potential as he braces up for upcoming&nbsp;assignment&nbsp; 
 
Kumble&#39;s first assignment will be a four-test series in West Indies, after which India is set for a bumper season of home action when they will be playing 13 test matches, eight ODIs and three T20 internationals. 
 
These start with three tests against New Zealand, while England and Australia will play five and four matches respectively. Bangladesh will also play a one-off test. 
 
India won their last test series in the Caribbean 1-0 and Kumble was confident they would return victorious again. 
 
&quot;When I became captain, I never thought if I will be captain for a year or longer,&quot; the 45-year-old said. &quot;This team has potential and we will go for wins in those 17 matches. 
 
&quot;There will be some hard moments but I am sure we will come out of those.&quot; 
 
Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the International Cricket Council&#39;s (ICC) cricket committee, is believed to be India&#39;s most successful bowler, capturing 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. 
 
 
Kumble hopes to assist captain in terms of &#39;strategy&#39;, &#39;progression&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Taking 20 wickets in tests have always been a challenge for touring India side and Kumble hoped his experience would come in handy. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s important the bowling group believe that they are leaders, which they are... just the mindset and whatever needs to be done,&quot; he added. &quot;The experiences I have had as a captain or as a player will certainly help in sharing those. 
 
He further added saying, &quot;It&#39; s a different role... I understand the role of staying in the background and it&#39;s the captain who takes all the calls on the field.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I will only assist him by giving him whatever necessary information there is in terms of strategy, progression,&quot; Kumble stressed.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the ICC cricket committee, is believed to be India's most successful bowler

Unperturbed over the length of his contract as India's new head coach, former spinner Anil Kumble believes he has enough time and matches to make an impact. Kumble, whose only coaching experience has been as mentor of the Mumbai and Bangalore teams in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament, was given a one-year term last week. For the post, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) received 57 applications which were made available to an advisory panel that included former captains Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly and former batsman VVS Laxman. The BCCI said Kumble was handed a one-year contract so they could review their options for one of world cricket's most challenging jobs at the end of that period. "I am talking about a journey," former India skipper Kumble told reporters in his first press conference on Wednesday after bagging the job. "There are 17 test matches in the next 12 months. "I just look at that as an opportunity to gain experience and contribute to Indian cricket," he asserted. Confident about team's potential as he braces up for upcoming assignment Kumble's first assignment will be a four-test series in West Indies, after which India is set for a bumper season of home action when they will be playing 13 test matches, eight ODIs and three T20 internationals. These start with three tests against New Zealand, while England and Australia will play five and four matches respectively. Bangladesh will also play a one-off test. India won their last test series in the Caribbean 1-0 and Kumble was confident they would return victorious again. "When I became captain, I never thought if I will be captain for a year or longer," the 45-year-old said. "This team has potential and we will go for wins in those 17 matches. "There will be some hard moments but I am sure we will come out of those." Former leg-spinner Kumble, who heads the International Cricket Council's (ICC) cricket committee, is believed to be India's most successful bowler, capturing 619 wickets in 132 tests and 337 from 271 one-day internationals. Kumble hopes to assist captain in terms of 'strategy', 'progression' Taking 20 wickets in tests have always been a challenge for touring India side and Kumble hoped his experience would come in handy. "It's important the bowling group believe that they are leaders, which they are... just the mindset and whatever needs to be done," he added. "The experiences I have had as a captain or as a player will certainly help in sharing those. He further added saying, "It' s a different role... I understand the role of staying in the background and it's the captain who takes all the calls on the field." "I will only assist him by giving him whatever necessary information there is in terms of strategy, progression," Kumble stressed. (Reuters)

Indian coach Kumble: Enough time, matches for me to make impact

India&#39;s Kedar Jadhav blasted his highest score in Twenty20 internationals as they beat Zimbabwe by three runs in a tense finish to claim the three-match series 2-1 at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first, restricting the visitors to 138 for six in their 20 overs on a slow wicket as Jadhav top-scored with 58 from 42 balls. 
 
But the hosts battled to keep up with the scoring rate and went into the final over of the match, bowled by Barinder Sran (2-31), needing 21 for victory. 
 
When the first two balls of the over went for 12 runs, a sensational victory appeared possible, but Sran came back well and bowled Elton Chigumbura (16) off the last delivery of the innings to leave Zimbabwe agonisingly short of a series victory. 
 
It was the first time on India&#39;s six-match limited overs tour that they batted first and, after starts for Lokesh Rahul (22) and Ambati Rayudu (20), Jadhav provided the impetus the innings desperately needed as he blazed seven fours and a six. 
 
India&#39;s opening bowlers restricted the run-rate well as Zimbabwe reached 59-2 at the halfway mark of their innings, with Sran going for just 14 in his first three overs and Dhawal Kulkarni ending with figures of 2-23 in his allotted four. 
 
Vusi Sibanda (28 from 23 balls) top scored for the hosts as sevral batsmen made starts but could not match Jadhav&rsquo;s half-century heroics. 
 
India also won 3-0 in the one-day international series that preceded the 20-over games. 
 
(Reuters)

India's Kedar Jadhav provided the impetus the innings desperately needed as he blazed seven fours and a six

India's Kedar Jadhav blasted his highest score in Twenty20 internationals as they beat Zimbabwe by three runs in a tense finish to claim the three-match series 2-1 at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first, restricting the visitors to 138 for six in their 20 overs on a slow wicket as Jadhav top-scored with 58 from 42 balls. But the hosts battled to keep up with the scoring rate and went into the final over of the match, bowled by Barinder Sran (2-31), needing 21 for victory. When the first two balls of the over went for 12 runs, a sensational victory appeared possible, but Sran came back well and bowled Elton Chigumbura (16) off the last delivery of the innings to leave Zimbabwe agonisingly short of a series victory. It was the first time on India's six-match limited overs tour that they batted first and, after starts for Lokesh Rahul (22) and Ambati Rayudu (20), Jadhav provided the impetus the innings desperately needed as he blazed seven fours and a six. India's opening bowlers restricted the run-rate well as Zimbabwe reached 59-2 at the halfway mark of their innings, with Sran going for just 14 in his first three overs and Dhawal Kulkarni ending with figures of 2-23 in his allotted four. Vusi Sibanda (28 from 23 balls) top scored for the hosts as sevral batsmen made starts but could not match Jadhav’s half-century heroics. India also won 3-0 in the one-day international series that preceded the 20-over games. (Reuters)

India beat Zimbabwe by 3 runs in third T20

Mandeep Singh blasted a quick-fire unbeaten half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level the Twenty20 series on Monday. 
 
The result sets up a series decider in the third and final game that will also be played at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. 
 
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but could only muster 99 for nine in their 20 overs as the Indian bowlers strangled the run-rate. 
 
The tourists made short work of their reply, racing to their victory target off 13.1 overs as Mandeep Singh (52 from 40 balls) and fellow opener Lokesh Rahul (47 from 40 balls) put on a century stand. 
 
All the Zimbabwe batsmen struggled to score quick runs in their innings with none managing more than a run a ball. Peter Moor (31 from 32 balls) was the only one to muster any sort of resistance. 
 
Debutant seamer Barinder Sran took for wickets to lead the Indian charge, while fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets in his four overs. 
 
India also handed a debut to seamer Dhawal Kulkarni, though he was by far the most expensive of the bowlers as his one wicket cost 32 runs. 
 
(Reuters)

None of the Zimbabwean batsmen managed more than a run a ball

Mandeep Singh blasted a quick-fire unbeaten half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by 10 wickets to level the Twenty20 series on Monday. The result sets up a series decider in the third and final game that will also be played at the Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, but could only muster 99 for nine in their 20 overs as the Indian bowlers strangled the run-rate. The tourists made short work of their reply, racing to their victory target off 13.1 overs as Mandeep Singh (52 from 40 balls) and fellow opener Lokesh Rahul (47 from 40 balls) put on a century stand. All the Zimbabwe batsmen struggled to score quick runs in their innings with none managing more than a run a ball. Peter Moor (31 from 32 balls) was the only one to muster any sort of resistance. Debutant seamer Barinder Sran took for wickets to lead the Indian charge, while fellow paceman Jasprit Bumrah picked up three wickets in his four overs. India also handed a debut to seamer Dhawal Kulkarni, though he was by far the most expensive of the bowlers as his one wicket cost 32 runs. (Reuters)

India beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in 2nd T20, level series 1-1

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the crucial second T20 of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club today. 
 
As far as Playing XI is concerned, India have roped in Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran in place of Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan for the must-win match while the hosts have replaced Mutumbami with Peter Moor.Having lost the first T20 in a thrilling encounter, India will have to win the second match in order to keep the series alive. 
 
Meanwhile, the hosts, who suffered a whitewash in the ODI series, will aim to seal the series.Zimbabwe are currently leading the series 1-0 following their two-run win in the opening T20. 
 
India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.Zimbabwe Playing XI: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Peter Moor, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Taurai Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano. 
 
(ANI)

Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran make their debuts, replace Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan

Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first in the crucial second T20 of the three-match series at Harare Sports Club today. As far as Playing XI is concerned, India have roped in Dhawal Kulkarni and Barinder Sran in place of Jaydev Unadkat and Rishi Dhawan for the must-win match while the hosts have replaced Mutumbami with Peter Moor.Having lost the first T20 in a thrilling encounter, India will have to win the second match in order to keep the series alive. Meanwhile, the hosts, who suffered a whitewash in the ODI series, will aim to seal the series.Zimbabwe are currently leading the series 1-0 following their two-run win in the opening T20. India Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mandeep Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (captain), Axar Patel, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jasprit Bumrah, Barinder Sran, Yuzvendra Chahal.Zimbabwe Playing XI: Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza, Malcolm Waller, Elton Chigumbura, Peter Moor, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Graeme Cremer, Neville Madziva, Taurai Muzarabani, Donald Tiripano. (ANI)

Zimbabwe win toss, ask India to bowl first in second T20

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