India batsman KL Rahul has enjoyed a quietly productive Cricket World Cup so far and while he has failed to capitalise on several good starts he feels no need to try to play like opening partner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rohit-sharma-presents-injured-fan-with-yellow-autographed-bat-after-sixer-ball-hit-her-232572">Rohit Sharma</a>, who is in the form of his life.

Rohit produced another sublime innings to notch his fourth hundred of the tournament as India booked their semi-final place with a 28-run win over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-indias-yorker-specialist-jasprit-bumrah-reaps-benefits-of-net-practice-232568">Bangladesh </a>at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

The right-hander became only the second batsman, after Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, to score four tons&nbsp;at a single World Cup, prompting captain Virat Kohli to dub him the world's leading one-day player.

Rahul, who moved up the order in the absence of injured Shikhar Dhawan, admitted his transition has been easier as Rohit continues to find boundaries at will, easing the pressure in the opening powerplay.

"You would be a fool to be tempted to bat like Rohit because he is in a different class," Rahul told reporters. "He is from a different planet altogether when he gets going.''

"To bat with him is really easy because he takes the pressure off you. He keeps getting the boundaries and the scoreboard keeps ticking, I just have to keep there with him. It is great fun," he added.

Rahul, whose 77 against Bangladesh was his highest score of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-indias-most-passionate-fan-in-world-cup-skipper-virat-kohli-greets-her-232567">World Cup</a>, said he was pleased with his steady progress at the top of the order and feels a big score is around the corner.

"Personally, I feel I have been going well, but am not fully satisfied as I haven't carried on after some of the starts," he added.

"When I say 'convert' I mean getting to say 35 or 45 overs as often as I can because in these conditions it is the set batsmen who can do the most damage," said Rahul.

India batsman KL Rahul has enjoyed a quietly productive Cricket World Cup so far and while he has failed to capitalise on several good starts he feels no need to try to play like opening partner Rohit Sharma, who is in the form of his life.

India batsman KL Rahul has enjoyed a quietly productive Cricket World Cup so far and while he has failed to capitalise on several good starts he feels no need to try to play like opening partner Rohit Sharma, who is in the form of his life. Rohit produced another sublime innings to notch his fourth hundred of the tournament as India booked their semi-final place with a 28-run win over Bangladesh at Edgbaston on Tuesday. The right-hander became only the second batsman, after Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, to score four tons at a single World Cup, prompting captain Virat Kohli to dub him the world's leading one-day player. Rahul, who moved up the order in the absence of injured Shikhar Dhawan, admitted his transition has been easier as Rohit continues to find boundaries at will, easing the pressure in the opening powerplay. "You would be a fool to be tempted to bat like Rohit because he is in a different class," Rahul told reporters. "He is from a different planet altogether when he gets going.'' "To bat with him is really easy because he takes the pressure off you. He keeps getting the boundaries and the scoreboard keeps ticking, I just have to keep there with him. It is great fun," he added. Rahul, whose 77 against Bangladesh was his highest score of the World Cup, said he was pleased with his steady progress at the top of the order and feels a big score is around the corner. "Personally, I feel I have been going well, but am not fully satisfied as I haven't carried on after some of the starts," he added. "When I say 'convert' I mean getting to say 35 or 45 overs as often as I can because in these conditions it is the set batsmen who can do the most damage," said Rahul.

World Cup: Rohit Sharma's batting on a different planet, says KL Rahul

For someone as flamboyant off the pitch as on it, it is fitting that Hardik Pandya's transformation into India's reliable fifth bowler has been nothing less than spectacular at this year's Cricket World Cup.

The 25-year-old, known for his flashy clothes and love for bling, arrived in <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-41-england-vs-new-zealand-232709">England </a>with many wondering if he was good enough for the fifth bowler's job in his maiden World Cup.

The seam-bowling all-rounder has since effortlessly dispelled any shred of doubt with a string of stellar performances with the ball.

He bowled his full 10 overs against Australia, Afghanistan, England and Bangladesh. India's opening fixture against South Africa was the only match where the opposition lasted 50 overs and Pandya did not complete his quota.

He now inspires so much confidence in Virat Kohli that the India captain went with only five bowlers in Tuesday's victory against Bangladesh which secured their place in the semi-finals.

"We experienced that Hardik, when put under pressure has, come back really well in this tournament..." Kohli said of what prompted his "gamble" with the bowling attack.

"He finds a way to contain the runs and get you wickets. He's really looking forward to do stuff for the team, that's really helping his cricket," Kohli said.

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-beat-bangladesh-by-28-runs-to-make-semis-232562">Pandya claimed 3-60</a> on Tuesday and his victims included Bangladesh talisman Shakib Al Hasan, who top-scored for his side with 66, and Liton Das, who he dismissed with a trademark short ball.

WISER PANDYA

The all-rounder has fine-tuned his bowling and appears to have returned wiser from a brief suspension earlier this year for his comments about women on a television show in January.

Kohli suggested that underneath Pandya's casual exterior lies a cerebral cricketer who draws from his experience as an all-rounder to outwit batsmen.

"When he comes to bowl, he thinks like a batsman," Kohli said. "He actually wants the ball under pressure because he thinks like a batter, so he can check their body language and know what to bowl and when. He's bowling really well for us."

Bowling coach Bharat Arun had earlier explained how much <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-waugh-compares-hardik-pandya-with-lance-klusener-after-blistering-innings-against-australia-226198&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ54TX55jjAhVBjuYKHbrTCKEQFjAIegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0QofF89EULJi3jfRk1-6S1">Pandya </a>had evolved to fit the fifth bowler's role.

"It was a big challenge for him to bowl those 10 overs, and he realised that to be able to bowl those 10 overs 'I need to develop a certain armoury in my bowling'," Arun said in Manchester last month.

"And that's what he's worked on. He's worked on his slow balls, his slow bouncers, and he’s also worked on perfecting his bouncers. All these put together have given him the confidence to go through those 10 overs," said Arun.

For someone as flamboyant off the pitch as on it, it is fitting that Hardik Pandya's transformation into India's reliable fifth bowler has been nothing less than spectacular at this year's Cricket World Cup.

For someone as flamboyant off the pitch as on it, it is fitting that Hardik Pandya's transformation into India's reliable fifth bowler has been nothing less than spectacular at this year's Cricket World Cup. The 25-year-old, known for his flashy clothes and love for bling, arrived in England with many wondering if he was good enough for the fifth bowler's job in his maiden World Cup. The seam-bowling all-rounder has since effortlessly dispelled any shred of doubt with a string of stellar performances with the ball. He bowled his full 10 overs against Australia, Afghanistan, England and Bangladesh. India's opening fixture against South Africa was the only match where the opposition lasted 50 overs and Pandya did not complete his quota. He now inspires so much confidence in Virat Kohli that the India captain went with only five bowlers in Tuesday's victory against Bangladesh which secured their place in the semi-finals. "We experienced that Hardik, when put under pressure has, come back really well in this tournament..." Kohli said of what prompted his "gamble" with the bowling attack. "He finds a way to contain the runs and get you wickets. He's really looking forward to do stuff for the team, that's really helping his cricket," Kohli said. Pandya claimed 3-60 on Tuesday and his victims included Bangladesh talisman Shakib Al Hasan, who top-scored for his side with 66, and Liton Das, who he dismissed with a trademark short ball. WISER PANDYA The all-rounder has fine-tuned his bowling and appears to have returned wiser from a brief suspension earlier this year for his comments about women on a television show in January. Kohli suggested that underneath Pandya's casual exterior lies a cerebral cricketer who draws from his experience as an all-rounder to outwit batsmen. "When he comes to bowl, he thinks like a batsman," Kohli said. "He actually wants the ball under pressure because he thinks like a batter, so he can check their body language and know what to bowl and when. He's bowling really well for us." Bowling coach Bharat Arun had earlier explained how much Pandya had evolved to fit the fifth bowler's role. "It was a big challenge for him to bowl those 10 overs, and he realised that to be able to bowl those 10 overs 'I need to develop a certain armoury in my bowling'," Arun said in Manchester last month. "And that's what he's worked on. He's worked on his slow balls, his slow bouncers, and he’s also worked on perfecting his bouncers. All these put together have given him the confidence to go through those 10 overs," said Arun.

Hardik Pandya uses experience as all-rounder to outwit players, says India skipper Virat Kohli

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/indias-ambati-rayudu-announces-retirement-from-all-forms-of-cricket-232677">Ambati Rayudu</a> on Wednesday retired from all forms of cricket after spending 25 years on the field.

The cricketing fraternity sympathised with the former India middle-order batsman, who was overlooked by the team management, which picked Mayank Agarwal as a replacement player for an injured Vijay Shankar in India's 15-man World Cup squad.

Former batsman Virender Sehwag in a tweet said that being ignored by the management must be painful for Rayudu.

He further wished him good luck for his future endeavours.

"Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the World Cup for #AmbatiRayudu but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement," Sehwag wrote.

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Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the WorldCup for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmbatiRayudu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmbatiRayudu</a> but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1146365823461838848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mohammad Kaif, the former batsman, said that Rayudu did everything he could to make a comeback in the team. He further added that the World Cup snub has hurt him deeply.

"Have to feel for #AmbatiRayudu, did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement," Kaif tweeted.

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Have to feel for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmbatiRayudu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmbatiRayudu</a> , did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohammadKaif/status/1146363159554527232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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VVS Laxman, the former cricketer, felt sorry for in-form Rayudu and wished him happiness and peace in his second innings.

"Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings," Laxman said.

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Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. 
I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/1146359636288823298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Chennai&nbsp;IPL franchise wished the retirement news was not true. It took to Twitter and said, "Rayudon't! Wish it wasn't true! #AmbatiRayuduRetires."

Rayudu made a decision to step away from cricket earlier today.

In a <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/heres-what-ambati-rayudu-wrote-in-retirement-letter-to-bcci-232763">letter to the BCCI</a>, he said, "I have come to decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game."

Rayudu was a regular member in the Indian squad for the past one year and averaged 47.05 in the ODI format.

He had been team's number four batsman since the Asia Cup last year. He had scored one century and four half-centuries since then.

Rayudu even scored 113-ball 90 in New Zealand earlier this year paving the way for India's victory.

But he fell off the wagon of late as he was not able to replicate his good performances in the ODI series against Australia.

The batsman played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.06.

Ambati Rayudu on Wednesday retired from all forms of cricket after spending 25 years on the field. The cricketing fraternity sympathised with the former India middle-order batsman, who was overlooked by the team management, which picked Mayank Agarwal as a replacement player for an injured Vijay Shankar in India's 15-man World Cup squad.

Ambati Rayudu on Wednesday retired from all forms of cricket after spending 25 years on the field. The cricketing fraternity sympathised with the former India middle-order batsman, who was overlooked by the team management, which picked Mayank Agarwal as a replacement player for an injured Vijay Shankar in India's 15-man World Cup squad. Former batsman Virender Sehwag in a tweet said that being ignored by the management must be painful for Rayudu. He further wished him good luck for his future endeavours. "Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the World Cup for #AmbatiRayudu but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement," Sehwag wrote. Must definitely be very painful at being ignored for the WorldCup for #AmbatiRayudu but I wish him all the very best in life after retirement. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 3, 2019 × Mohammad Kaif, the former batsman, said that Rayudu did everything he could to make a comeback in the team. He further added that the World Cup snub has hurt him deeply. "Have to feel for #AmbatiRayudu, did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement," Kaif tweeted. Have to feel for #AmbatiRayudu , did everything he could to make a comeback, did well in the opportunities he got but the World Cup snub must have hurt him really deeply. Wish him the best in retirement. — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 3, 2019 × VVS Laxman, the former cricketer, felt sorry for in-form Rayudu and wished him happiness and peace in his second innings. "Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings," Laxman said. Can understand the pain and anguish Ambati Rayudu may be feeling after the World Cup snub even after performing well. I wish him lots of happiness and peace in his second innings. — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 3, 2019 × Chennai IPL franchise wished the retirement news was not true. It took to Twitter and said, "Rayudon't! Wish it wasn't true! #AmbatiRayuduRetires." Rayudu made a decision to step away from cricket earlier today. In a letter to the BCCI, he said, "I have come to decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game." Rayudu was a regular member in the Indian squad for the past one year and averaged 47.05 in the ODI format. He had been team's number four batsman since the Asia Cup last year. He had scored one century and four half-centuries since then. Rayudu even scored 113-ball 90 in New Zealand earlier this year paving the way for India's victory. But he fell off the wagon of late as he was not able to replicate his good performances in the ODI series against Australia. The batsman played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.06.

Sehwag, Laxman, Kaif sympathise with Ambati Rayudu after his retirement

Ambati Rayudu on Wednesday made a decision to step away from cricket and retired from all forms and levels of the game.

In a letter to the BCCI, former India middle-order batsman said, "I have come to decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game."

The 33-year-old expressed his gratitude to the national governing body for cricket and all the state associations including Hyderabad, Baroda, Andhra and Vidharbha, and IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians for their support.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BCCI&nbsp;and all the state associations that I have represented which include Hyderabad, Baroda, Andhra and Vidharbha. I also would like to thank the two IPL franchises MI and CSK&nbsp;for their support," he continued.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-ambati-rayudu-announces-retirement-from-all-forms-of-cricket-232677">Rayudu </a>also thanked captains MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli under whom he played.

"It has been an honour and privilege to have represented our country. I would like to thank the captains I have played under, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and especially Virat Kohli who always had shown great belief in me throughout my career with the Indian team," he said.

The former middle-order batsman signed off, saying he learned from every up and down in his career at various levels. He also thanked his family and well-wishers for their continued support.

"It has been a wonderful journey of playing the sport and learning from every up and down it brought upon for the last 25 years at various different levels. Finally, I would like to thank my family and all the wellwishers who have been with me throughout this wonderful journey," he concluded.

The cricketer was snubbed from the World Cup squad and in place of him, all-rounder <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/vijay-shankar-is-three-dimensional-looking-him-at-no-4-msk-prasad-after-naming-indias-world-cup-squad-210607&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXjKKU1JjjAhXBBKYKHUvWBeAQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2djmUPMIhOWcK1oKjiPoYj">Vijay Shankar</a> was given a chance in the team.

While announcing the squad, chief selector MSK Prasad had said, "After the Champions Trophy, we tried a lot of middle-order batsmen, which includes (Dinesh) Karthik as well. We gave Rayudu many chances, but Shankar gives us the ability with the three dimensions (bowling, batting, fielding). If the conditions are suitable, he can come in as an all-rounder. Shankar is a batsman who can bowl, we are looking to play him at number four."

Following the announcement, Rayudu took Twitter and posted a cheeky message.

"Just Ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup," Rayudu had tweeted.

Even after injuries to Shikhar Dhawan and Shankar in the ongoing World Cup, Rayudu was not called into the squad.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-indias-shikhar-dhawan-ruled-out-due-to-thumb-fracture-228686&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi8yaOg1JjjAhUP3Y8KHXDCBCgQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mS-bm7mdctQ6EA_3D8s2Z">Dhawan </a>and Shankar were replaced by Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal, respectively.

Rayudu was a regular member in the Indian squad for the past one year and averaged 47.05 in the ODI format.

He had been team's number four batsman since the Asia Cup last year. He had scored one century and four half-centuries since then.

Rayudu even scored 113-ball 90 in New Zealand earlier this year paving the way for India's victory.

But he fell off the wagon of late as he was not able to replicate his good performances in the ODI series against Australia.

The batsman played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.06.

Ambati Rayudu on Wednesday made a decision to step away from cricket and retired from all forms and levels of the game. In a letter to the BCCI, former India middle-order batsman said, "I have come to decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game.

Ambati Rayudu on Wednesday made a decision to step away from cricket and retired from all forms and levels of the game. In a letter to the BCCI, former India middle-order batsman said, "I have come to decision to step away from the sport and retire from all forms and levels of the game." The 33-year-old expressed his gratitude to the national governing body for cricket and all the state associations including Hyderabad, Baroda, Andhra and Vidharbha, and IPL franchises Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians for their support. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BCCI and all the state associations that I have represented which include Hyderabad, Baroda, Andhra and Vidharbha. I also would like to thank the two IPL franchises MI and CSK for their support," he continued. Rayudu also thanked captains MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli under whom he played. "It has been an honour and privilege to have represented our country. I would like to thank the captains I have played under, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and especially Virat Kohli who always had shown great belief in me throughout my career with the Indian team," he said. The former middle-order batsman signed off, saying he learned from every up and down in his career at various levels. He also thanked his family and well-wishers for their continued support. "It has been a wonderful journey of playing the sport and learning from every up and down it brought upon for the last 25 years at various different levels. Finally, I would like to thank my family and all the wellwishers who have been with me throughout this wonderful journey," he concluded. The cricketer was snubbed from the World Cup squad and in place of him, all-rounder Vijay Shankar was given a chance in the team. While announcing the squad, chief selector MSK Prasad had said, "After the Champions Trophy, we tried a lot of middle-order batsmen, which includes (Dinesh) Karthik as well. We gave Rayudu many chances, but Shankar gives us the ability with the three dimensions (bowling, batting, fielding). If the conditions are suitable, he can come in as an all-rounder. Shankar is a batsman who can bowl, we are looking to play him at number four." Following the announcement, Rayudu took Twitter and posted a cheeky message. "Just Ordered a new set of 3d glasses to watch the world cup," Rayudu had tweeted. Even after injuries to Shikhar Dhawan and Shankar in the ongoing World Cup, Rayudu was not called into the squad. Dhawan and Shankar were replaced by Rishabh Pant and Mayank Agarwal, respectively. Rayudu was a regular member in the Indian squad for the past one year and averaged 47.05 in the ODI format. He had been team's number four batsman since the Asia Cup last year. He had scored one century and four half-centuries since then. Rayudu even scored 113-ball 90 in New Zealand earlier this year paving the way for India's victory. But he fell off the wagon of late as he was not able to replicate his good performances in the ODI series against Australia. The batsman played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.06.

Here's what Ambati Rayudu wrote in retirement letter to BCCI

Bangladesh's all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan scripted a record on Tuesday as he became the first player in the history to score more than 500 runs and take 10 wickets in a single World Cup campaign.

He achieved the feat against India in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

Against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-beat-bangladesh-by-28-runs-to-make-semis-232562">India</a>, Shakib scored 66 runs and took one wicket, but this performance by him was not enough for Bangladesh as they lost the match by 28 runs.

With this loss, Bangladesh semi-final hopes came out to an end.

Shakib has been in tremendous form in the tournament so far and he is just two runs behind India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-rohit-sharmas-batting-on-a-different-planet-says-kl-rahul-232610">Rohit Sharma</a> in the leading run-scorer list in the ongoing World Cup.

The left-handed batsman has scored 542 runs in the tournament. He has scored two centuries and three half-centuries.

Shakib scored back-to-back centuries against England and West Indies. The 32-year-old has been in good form with the ball as well.

The all-rounder has bowled economical spells throughout the tournament. Shakib has a total of 11 wickets in the World Cup so far.

He went on to take a five-wicket haul against Afghanistan and as a result, he became the second player after India's Yuvraj Singh to score 50 runs and take five wickets in the same World Cup match.

In the match between India and Bangladesh, the former won the toss and elected to bat first.

Indian openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul provided a solid start to the team as they put up a 180-run stand.

Rahul was dismissed for 77 but Sharma went on to register his fourth century in the tournament.

After Sharma's dismissal, Bangladesh bowlers were able to peg the Indian batsmen back and they restricted the side to 314/9 in 50 overs.

Chasing 315, Bangladesh kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and as soon as Shakib was dismissed, the team faced an uphill battle.

Sabbir Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin played lower-order cameos, but in Bangladesh fell short by 28 runs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-indias-yorker-specialist-jasprit-bumrah-reaps-benefits-of-net-practice-232568">Jasprit Bumrah</a> starred for India with the ball as he scalped four wickets.

Bangladesh will play against Pakistan in their final match of the tournament on July 5.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan scripted a record on Tuesday as he became the first player in the history to score more than 500 runs and take 10 wickets in a single World Cup campaign.

Bangladesh's all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan scripted a record on Tuesday as he became the first player in the history to score more than 500 runs and take 10 wickets in a single World Cup campaign. He achieved the feat against India in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Against India, Shakib scored 66 runs and took one wicket, but this performance by him was not enough for Bangladesh as they lost the match by 28 runs. With this loss, Bangladesh semi-final hopes came out to an end. Shakib has been in tremendous form in the tournament so far and he is just two runs behind India's Rohit Sharma in the leading run-scorer list in the ongoing World Cup. The left-handed batsman has scored 542 runs in the tournament. He has scored two centuries and three half-centuries. Shakib scored back-to-back centuries against England and West Indies. The 32-year-old has been in good form with the ball as well. The all-rounder has bowled economical spells throughout the tournament. Shakib has a total of 11 wickets in the World Cup so far. He went on to take a five-wicket haul against Afghanistan and as a result, he became the second player after India's Yuvraj Singh to score 50 runs and take five wickets in the same World Cup match. In the match between India and Bangladesh, the former won the toss and elected to bat first. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul provided a solid start to the team as they put up a 180-run stand. Rahul was dismissed for 77 but Sharma went on to register his fourth century in the tournament. After Sharma's dismissal, Bangladesh bowlers were able to peg the Indian batsmen back and they restricted the side to 314/9 in 50 overs. Chasing 315, Bangladesh kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and as soon as Shakib was dismissed, the team faced an uphill battle. Sabbir Rahman and Mohammad Saifuddin played lower-order cameos, but in Bangladesh fell short by 28 runs. Jasprit Bumrah starred for India with the ball as he scalped four wickets. Bangladesh will play against Pakistan in their final match of the tournament on July 5.

Shakib Al Hasan becomes first player to score 500 runs, take 10 wickets in World Cup history

Players to watch out for in India vs Bangladesh World Cup clash

Cricket World Cup 2019: Asian dominance in Britishers' game

Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif while referring to the inclusion of Mayank Agarwal, on Tuesday said that the number of matches being played should be considered as a factor to be selected in India's World Cup squad.

"The only problem I have with players is that I need to see how many matches they have been playing regularly. Whether they are in touch or not, " Kaif told ANI.

Top-order batsman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/twitterati-express-dissent-on-mayank-agarwals-choice-over-ambati-rayudu-as-vijay-shankars-replacement-232055&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwizsdPTiJbjAhVJvI8KHff7BBAQFjAAegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Zj_DmnLRNifIKf-N7nahY">Mayank </a>replaced all-rounder Vijay Shankar in the 15-man squad as Shankar was ruled out after sustaining a toe injury.

Mayank has featured in two Tests and is yet to make an ODI debut.

Kaif further said Rishabh Pant, who made his World Cup debut against England, is not used to the handling the pressure at the ongoing marquee event in the UK.

"Same thing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-rishabh-pant-makes-world-cup-debut-231715">Rishabh Pant.</a> Of course, he had some practice session but the only factor is that he is not in touch of the condition so much and handling the pressure," Kaif said.

India's unbeaten winning streak at the ongoing tournament ended as they fell 31 runs short of England's mighty target 338 runs.

The former batsman, however, came in support of the team, saying India fought well and they just had a bad day.

He also praised England for playing really well in their must-win match.

"India played well. They just lost one game so it's not a big deal. Any team can lose one game. They've been playing well. If you talk about batsman, chasing 338 is a big task. It's not happened in the World Cup so far. India just had a bad day. England played really well. There was a saying they are tournament favourites, " he remarked.

KL Rahul has been promoted to open in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, who was ruled out earlier due to a left-hand injury.

When asked should Rahul return to the much-talked-about position, Kaif dodged the question, saying, "I don't know what's the plan. Let's see. I can't say. Even Kohli doesn't know."

India needs to win one of its two remaining matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, respectively, to secure semi-finals berth.

Kaif said that the national team is balanced and players are in form.

He also stressed that injury cannot be helped but India have got back up players who can do the job well.

"We have a balanced side and players are in form. There are just a few areas where India need to work on. There have been injury concerns like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-indias-vijay-shankar-ruled-out-of-tournament-with-toe-injury-231984">Vijay Shankar</a> is out. Injury cannot be helped but I think we have got the backups, " Kaif said.

Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif while referring to the inclusion of Mayank Agarwal, on Tuesday said that the number of matches being played should be considered as a factor to be selected in India's World Cup squad.

Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif while referring to the inclusion of Mayank Agarwal, on Tuesday said that the number of matches being played should be considered as a factor to be selected in India's World Cup squad. "The only problem I have with players is that I need to see how many matches they have been playing regularly. Whether they are in touch or not, " Kaif told ANI. Top-order batsman Mayank replaced all-rounder Vijay Shankar in the 15-man squad as Shankar was ruled out after sustaining a toe injury. Mayank has featured in two Tests and is yet to make an ODI debut. Kaif further said Rishabh Pant, who made his World Cup debut against England, is not used to the handling the pressure at the ongoing marquee event in the UK. "Same thing with Rishabh Pant. Of course, he had some practice session but the only factor is that he is not in touch of the condition so much and handling the pressure," Kaif said. India's unbeaten winning streak at the ongoing tournament ended as they fell 31 runs short of England's mighty target 338 runs. The former batsman, however, came in support of the team, saying India fought well and they just had a bad day. He also praised England for playing really well in their must-win match. "India played well. They just lost one game so it's not a big deal. Any team can lose one game. They've been playing well. If you talk about batsman, chasing 338 is a big task. It's not happened in the World Cup so far. India just had a bad day. England played really well. There was a saying they are tournament favourites, " he remarked. KL Rahul has been promoted to open in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, who was ruled out earlier due to a left-hand injury. When asked should Rahul return to the much-talked-about position, Kaif dodged the question, saying, "I don't know what's the plan. Let's see. I can't say. Even Kohli doesn't know." India needs to win one of its two remaining matches against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, respectively, to secure semi-finals berth. Kaif said that the national team is balanced and players are in form. He also stressed that injury cannot be helped but India have got back up players who can do the job well. "We have a balanced side and players are in form. There are just a few areas where India need to work on. There have been injury concerns like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijay Shankar is out. Injury cannot be helped but I think we have got the backups, " Kaif said.

Kaif doubtful of Mayank Agarwal's form after his inclusion in World Cup squad

Rohit Sharma admitted there were "lessons" to be learnt from England's bowlers after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-england-end-indias-unbeaten-run-to-revive-semis-hopes-231858">India suffered their first defeat</a> of this World Cup against the hosts on Sunday.

Sharma hit 102 - his third century of the tournament - but India fell short of their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-yuzvendra-chahal-completes-his-most-expensive-bowling-spell-in-indian-world-cup-history-231815">338-run target in 31-run loss</a> at Edgbaston.

The Indian vice-captain defended his batsmen while stressing the England bowlers made it hard for both Dhoni and Jadhav, who were both booed by a large Indian crowd in Birmingham.

"When MS and Kedar were batting, I think they were trying to hit, but they were not able to because of the slowness of the pitch," said the Indian vice-captain.

"You've got to give credit to English team because they used the conditions really well. They used the longer boundary really well."

MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav were criticised for their lack of intent in the final five overs when the duo managed just 39 runs.

It is not the first time that Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 42 off 31 deliveries, and Jadhav, who made 12 not out, have got flak for batting slowly.

Jonny Bairstow led England's charge with his 111 off 109 balls to set up an England victory that got them a step closer to booking a semi-finals berth.

Bowlers led by Chris Woakes then bowled a disciplined line to choke India in the final overs despite a 138-run second-wicket stand between Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli.

"They played better cricket throughout this match. While batting they had not one but three partnerships. On the other side we had only one big partnership," Sharma told reporters after India's first loss in seven matches.

"They mixed the short ball and the slower ball and forced us to hit at the longer boundaries which was a lesson for us for our next game."

India need to win one of their remaining two group matches to clinch their semi-final berth, with their next clash against Bangladesh slated for Tuesday back in Birmingham.

Virat Kohli's side looked capable of making a record World Cup run chase at 198 for two from 36 overs, only to lose the plot in the last 10 overs.

England paceman Liam Plunkett took three key wickets, including the prized scalp of Kohli for 66.

Woakes struck early to send back KL Rahul trudging back to the pavilion for nought and later cut short Sharma's innings in the 37th over.

"Losing an early wicket always puts you under pressure, and we lost KL right at the start, and they bowled pretty well in the first 10 overs," said Sharma.

Kohli was not too pleased with the ground in Birmingham having a very short boundary on one side, saying the toss became crucial due to this factor.

"The toss was vital, especially since the boundary was that short. It is a coincidence that it just falls under the limitations of the shortest boundary you can have," Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

"It is quite bizarre on a flat pitch. It is crazy things fall in place like that randomly."&nbsp;

"If the batsmen are able to reverse sweep you for six on a 59 metre boundary there is not much you can do. And one side was 82 metres."

Rohit Sharma admitted there were "lessons" to be learnt from England's bowlers after India suffered their first defeat of this World Cup against the hosts on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma admitted there were "lessons" to be learnt from England's bowlers after India suffered their first defeat of this World Cup against the hosts on Sunday. Sharma hit 102 - his third century of the tournament - but India fell short of their 338-run target in 31-run loss at Edgbaston. The Indian vice-captain defended his batsmen while stressing the England bowlers made it hard for both Dhoni and Jadhav, who were both booed by a large Indian crowd in Birmingham. "When MS and Kedar were batting, I think they were trying to hit, but they were not able to because of the slowness of the pitch," said the Indian vice-captain. "You've got to give credit to English team because they used the conditions really well. They used the longer boundary really well." MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav were criticised for their lack of intent in the final five overs when the duo managed just 39 runs. It is not the first time that Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 42 off 31 deliveries, and Jadhav, who made 12 not out, have got flak for batting slowly. Jonny Bairstow led England's charge with his 111 off 109 balls to set up an England victory that got them a step closer to booking a semi-finals berth. Bowlers led by Chris Woakes then bowled a disciplined line to choke India in the final overs despite a 138-run second-wicket stand between Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli. "They played better cricket throughout this match. While batting they had not one but three partnerships. On the other side we had only one big partnership," Sharma told reporters after India's first loss in seven matches. "They mixed the short ball and the slower ball and forced us to hit at the longer boundaries which was a lesson for us for our next game." India need to win one of their remaining two group matches to clinch their semi-final berth, with their next clash against Bangladesh slated for Tuesday back in Birmingham. Virat Kohli's side looked capable of making a record World Cup run chase at 198 for two from 36 overs, only to lose the plot in the last 10 overs. England paceman Liam Plunkett took three key wickets, including the prized scalp of Kohli for 66. Woakes struck early to send back KL Rahul trudging back to the pavilion for nought and later cut short Sharma's innings in the 37th over. "Losing an early wicket always puts you under pressure, and we lost KL right at the start, and they bowled pretty well in the first 10 overs," said Sharma. Kohli was not too pleased with the ground in Birmingham having a very short boundary on one side, saying the toss became crucial due to this factor. "The toss was vital, especially since the boundary was that short. It is a coincidence that it just falls under the limitations of the shortest boundary you can have," Kohli said in the post-match presentation. "It is quite bizarre on a flat pitch. It is crazy things fall in place like that randomly." "If the batsmen are able to reverse sweep you for six on a 59 metre boundary there is not much you can do. And one side was 82 metres."

World Cup 2019: Dhoni, Jadhav booed by India supporters as Rohit reflects on poor show against England

World Cup: Key battles in India vs England encounter

Out of the reckoning from the ongoing World Cup, skipper Faf du Plessis rued that had South Africa got an easier fixture at the beginning of the tournament things might have panned out differently for his team.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-thump-sri-lanka-by-9-wickets-in-world-cup-231309&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLwfGEko7jAhUW4o8KHTfLAeUQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KPaTtTXgMFGzkGDjTH-KS">South Africa</a>'s first three games were against hosts England, Bangladesh and favourites India in the span of one week.

They lost all three encounters, severely denting their confidence.

"That first week was really tough for us. But that's the sport we play. I think it is crucial, especially for a team like us in tournaments like these, that you need to start well," du Plessis said after his side's nine-wicket victory to Sri Lanka.

"If you start well, your confidence in your team will grow and then from there, anything is possible. But to start the way we did, you come here already with an expectation of needing to do well and then you go zero from three, and that expectation becomes a weight on your shoulders. That is a heavy burden to carry," du Plessis said.

South Africa registered only their second win of the tournament by defeating Sri Lanka by nine wickets in their penultimate game at The Riverside on Friday.&nbsp;

They now face Australia in their final match of the World Cup.

Talking about the match against Sri Lanka, the skipper said although the team will come together and enjoy the win, the victory feels "pretty hallow".

Du Plessis made particular mention of Dwaine Pretorius, who came off the bench to take 3/25, after not playing since the opening match against England.

"We were looking for someone that was accurate. It is about doing your job and the basics extremely well and that is not needing to bowl at 160kph or swinging the ball both ways consistently," he said.

Pretorius set the tone for South Africa to dismiss Sri Lanka cheaply and then bat without pressure in chase of a small target.

The top-order enjoyed the opportunity to spend time in the middle and both Hashim Amla and du Plessis scored unbeaten half-centuries, something that had been missing from South Africa's performances thus far.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-beat-south-africa-by-49-runs-to-end-proteas-world-cup-dream-229844&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiLwfGEko7jAhUW4o8KHTfLAeUQFjAEegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2lCtEvGMX0v-K8efKsbVoL">South Africa</a>'s comfortable victory cannot change that they will exit early. Despite their disappointment, they are starting to reflect on the tournament.

"It's been a remarkable tournament where different teams on their day can beat anyone and it shows you that if you are not on top of your game, in international cricket. The margins are so small. We haven't been great this tournament, but we certainly haven't been that far off the ball," du Plessis said.

Out of the reckoning from the ongoing World Cup, skipper Faf du Plessis rued that had South Africa got an easier fixture at the beginning of the tournament things might have panned out differently for his team.

Out of the reckoning from the ongoing World Cup, skipper Faf du Plessis rued that had South Africa got an easier fixture at the beginning of the tournament things might have panned out differently for his team. South Africa's first three games were against hosts England, Bangladesh and favourites India in the span of one week. They lost all three encounters, severely denting their confidence. "That first week was really tough for us. But that's the sport we play. I think it is crucial, especially for a team like us in tournaments like these, that you need to start well," du Plessis said after his side's nine-wicket victory to Sri Lanka. "If you start well, your confidence in your team will grow and then from there, anything is possible. But to start the way we did, you come here already with an expectation of needing to do well and then you go zero from three, and that expectation becomes a weight on your shoulders. That is a heavy burden to carry," du Plessis said. South Africa registered only their second win of the tournament by defeating Sri Lanka by nine wickets in their penultimate game at The Riverside on Friday. They now face Australia in their final match of the World Cup. Talking about the match against Sri Lanka, the skipper said although the team will come together and enjoy the win, the victory feels "pretty hallow". Du Plessis made particular mention of Dwaine Pretorius, who came off the bench to take 3/25, after not playing since the opening match against England. "We were looking for someone that was accurate. It is about doing your job and the basics extremely well and that is not needing to bowl at 160kph or swinging the ball both ways consistently," he said. Pretorius set the tone for South Africa to dismiss Sri Lanka cheaply and then bat without pressure in chase of a small target. The top-order enjoyed the opportunity to spend time in the middle and both Hashim Amla and du Plessis scored unbeaten half-centuries, something that had been missing from South Africa's performances thus far. South Africa's comfortable victory cannot change that they will exit early. Despite their disappointment, they are starting to reflect on the tournament. "It's been a remarkable tournament where different teams on their day can beat anyone and it shows you that if you are not on top of your game, in international cricket. The margins are so small. We haven't been great this tournament, but we certainly haven't been that far off the ball," du Plessis said.

World Cup: Easier fixtures in beginning might have helped South Africa, says Faf du Plessis

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistans-shaheen-afridi-tears-through-new-zealand-top-order-230632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKl6yEho7jAhVGinAKHW24CYcQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Gsdoe9oOzCWZnfBnqCcPv">Pakistan </a>have spared no effort in their preparations to take on Afghanistan's spinners in Saturday's World Cup clash that could be crucial to their hopes of making the semi-finals, batsman Haris Sohail said on the eve of the contest.

Back-to-back wins against South Africa and New Zealand have given the former champions a chance of making the knockouts but they must beat Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their final two games and hope other results go their way to advance.

Sohail, who was dropped after their opening defeat by West Indies but returned to the side scoring 89 and 68 in the last two matches, said Pakistan had to keep a close eye on spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman who could hurt their chances.

"We've kept it very simple. We're going from match to match. They have quality spinners and we've seen a lot of videos and we've worked from them. And hopefully, we'll see a good match," Sohail told reporters.

Sohail scored only one run when <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-on-identical-1992-world-cup-path-after-beating-new-zealand-230750&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiKl6yEho7jAhVGinAKHW24CYcQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hhfaaBh0Biiw4FwpQ8nDt">Pakistan </a>lost their warm-up match to Afghanistan last month, but the 30-year-old said he had no doubts about his ability on the big stage.

"From the last series against Australia I have been playing very well, and this time they've given me the different role... bat at four or five," Sohail added.

"I'm going with my plan and we have to assess the situation and I will play accordingly," he said.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-coach-phil-simmons-outburst-exposes-troubles-in-afghanistan-team-228705&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiliOiaho7jAhWMtY8KHekoDt8QFjAHegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1c1uAZ-3ynTPWg-1HEGYMJ">Afghanistan </a>skipper Gulbadin Naib said his team will fancy their chances on a Headingley wicket that could assist his spinners.

Afghanistan are looking to finish on a high after losing all their seven games.

"If you look at similar conditions, it is certainly in our favour, it's good for our spinners," he said.

"Sohail played really well in the last two games and Babar Azam too. Rashid is a different spinner, a different bowler to other spinners. So it's difficult to pick him," said Naib.

Pakistan have spared no effort in their preparations to take on Afghanistan's spinners in Saturday's World Cup clash that could be crucial to their hopes of making the semi-finals, batsman Haris Sohail said on the eve of the contest.

Pakistan have spared no effort in their preparations to take on Afghanistan's spinners in Saturday's World Cup clash that could be crucial to their hopes of making the semi-finals, batsman Haris Sohail said on the eve of the contest. Back-to-back wins against South Africa and New Zealand have given the former champions a chance of making the knockouts but they must beat Afghanistan and Bangladesh in their final two games and hope other results go their way to advance. Sohail, who was dropped after their opening defeat by West Indies but returned to the side scoring 89 and 68 in the last two matches, said Pakistan had to keep a close eye on spinners Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman who could hurt their chances. "We've kept it very simple. We're going from match to match. They have quality spinners and we've seen a lot of videos and we've worked from them. And hopefully, we'll see a good match," Sohail told reporters. Sohail scored only one run when Pakistan lost their warm-up match to Afghanistan last month, but the 30-year-old said he had no doubts about his ability on the big stage. "From the last series against Australia I have been playing very well, and this time they've given me the different role... bat at four or five," Sohail added. "I'm going with my plan and we have to assess the situation and I will play accordingly," he said. Meanwhile, Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib said his team will fancy their chances on a Headingley wicket that could assist his spinners. Afghanistan are looking to finish on a high after losing all their seven games. "If you look at similar conditions, it is certainly in our favour, it's good for our spinners," he said. "Sohail played really well in the last two games and Babar Azam too. Rashid is a different spinner, a different bowler to other spinners. So it's difficult to pick him," said Naib.

World Cup: Pakistan keeping close eye on Afghanistan's spinners, says Haris Sohail

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has spent plenty of time with Australian batsman <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-i-thrive-on-crowd-booing-i-love-it-says-australias-david-warner-230818&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_rMvZ_Y3jAhUIP48KHfrbBkY4ChAWMAF6BAgOEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0I5NFSkHL0D3RgDTN3mf7y">David Warner</a> over the years and needed no reminding on Friday of the danger faced in Saturday's World Cup clash at Lord's.

The pair have played together in Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

"Day-in, day-out, he's one of the top players for a reason," Williamson told reporters.

"He's been instrumental on the Australian side, he's adapted his game and been able to help put his side in a position of strength,'' said Williamson.

"We know he's a very good player. We want to still worry about us and what we want to achieve with the ball in hand, with the bat, and always importantly for us, it's how we operate with our attitude in the field as well," he added.

Australia have already secured their spot in the last four while neighbours New Zealand, unbeaten in their first six games of the tournament, are third in the standings but have yet to play hosts England.

A win over Australia would see the Black Caps through and represent a strong recovery from their six-wicket loss to Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Warner currently heads the runs table with 500, ahead of Australia captain Aaron Finch on 496. Williamson ranks fifth on 414.

"It will be a really good atmosphere," promised Williamson, who said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistans-shaheen-afridi-tears-through-new-zealand-top-order-230632&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjR_azs_Y3jAhVLrY8KHfwlCtAQFjABegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Wlh3LfXmSCzB-0Jm8WmbI">New Zealand</a> would assess the conditions carefully before confirming the side.

"Sometimes I think we've seen in the last few games that looking to blast teams out, perhaps with the use of seam movement and these sorts of things, it hasn't quite been there, and it's been about playing the long game a little bit," he said.

"They have been playing really good cricket... but when you come to a World Cup, or any tournament, anybody can beat anybody and we've seen that on different occasions already in this tournament," Williamson said.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has spent plenty of time with Australian batsman David Warner over the years and needed no reminding on Friday of the danger faced in Saturday's World Cup clash at Lord's.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has spent plenty of time with Australian batsman David Warner over the years and needed no reminding on Friday of the danger faced in Saturday's World Cup clash at Lord's. The pair have played together in Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League. "Day-in, day-out, he's one of the top players for a reason," Williamson told reporters. "He's been instrumental on the Australian side, he's adapted his game and been able to help put his side in a position of strength,'' said Williamson. "We know he's a very good player. We want to still worry about us and what we want to achieve with the ball in hand, with the bat, and always importantly for us, it's how we operate with our attitude in the field as well," he added. Australia have already secured their spot in the last four while neighbours New Zealand, unbeaten in their first six games of the tournament, are third in the standings but have yet to play hosts England. A win over Australia would see the Black Caps through and represent a strong recovery from their six-wicket loss to Pakistan at Edgbaston on Wednesday. Warner currently heads the runs table with 500, ahead of Australia captain Aaron Finch on 496. Williamson ranks fifth on 414. "It will be a really good atmosphere," promised Williamson, who said New Zealand would assess the conditions carefully before confirming the side. "Sometimes I think we've seen in the last few games that looking to blast teams out, perhaps with the use of seam movement and these sorts of things, it hasn't quite been there, and it's been about playing the long game a little bit," he said. "They have been playing really good cricket... but when you come to a World Cup, or any tournament, anybody can beat anybody and we've seen that on different occasions already in this tournament," Williamson said.

World Cup: Australia take on New Zealand in Trans-Tasman clash

Kevin Pietersen, former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/worlde-cup-favourites-tag-doesnt-bother-england-ahead-of-clash-against-india-231454">England </a>batsman has tweeted some squad advice for Indian captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri ahead of Sunday's big match against England.

Pietersen, who was supporting youngster Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the Indian squad after opener Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the World Cup due to thumb injury has now taken a U-turn.

"Shikha OUT the World Cup. Get Pant on the plane ASAP. KL Rahul to open and Pant at number 4," Pietersen had tweeted.&nbsp;

Pietersen now suggests India should stick with Vijay Shankar at the number four spot instead of looking to replace him with Rishabh Pant.

"Dear Virat &amp; Ravi - please don't drop Vijay Shankar. I think he's coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow's game. Don't think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side. Thanks, boys," Pietersen tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear Virat &amp; Ravi - please don’t drop Vijay Shankar. 
I think he’s coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow’s game. 
Don’t think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side. 
 
Thanks, boys!
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1144892629932490754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bairstows-england-comments-pathetic-says-michael-vaughan-231428">England </a>are in a tough spot in the tournament as they find themselves in a must-win situation against India.

England are placed fourth at the points table with eight points from four wins in seven matches and their qualification is under threat by Pakistan and Bangladesh sitting under them by a difference of just one point.&nbsp;

England will have to face India on June 30 and New Zealand on July 3, both of their opponents who are above them on the points table.

It's an uphill climb to qualify for the World Cup hosts.

Kevin Pietersen, former England batsman has tweeted some squad advice for Indian captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri ahead of Sunday's big match against England.

Kevin Pietersen, former England batsman has tweeted some squad advice for Indian captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri ahead of Sunday's big match against England. Pietersen, who was supporting youngster Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the Indian squad after opener Shikhar Dhawan was ruled out of the World Cup due to thumb injury has now taken a U-turn. "Shikha OUT the World Cup. Get Pant on the plane ASAP. KL Rahul to open and Pant at number 4," Pietersen had tweeted. Pietersen now suggests India should stick with Vijay Shankar at the number four spot instead of looking to replace him with Rishabh Pant. "Dear Virat & Ravi - please don't drop Vijay Shankar. I think he's coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow's game. Don't think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side. Thanks, boys," Pietersen tweeted. Dear Virat & Ravi - please don’t drop Vijay Shankar. I think he’s coming into his own and would potentially win you tomorrow’s game. Don’t think about Pant. He needs another 3 weeks prep before I think he can get into your World Cup side. Thanks, boys! — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) June 29, 2019 × England are in a tough spot in the tournament as they find themselves in a must-win situation against India. England are placed fourth at the points table with eight points from four wins in seven matches and their qualification is under threat by Pakistan and Bangladesh sitting under them by a difference of just one point. England will have to face India on June 30 and New Zealand on July 3, both of their opponents who are above them on the points table. It's an uphill climb to qualify for the World Cup hosts.

Kevin Pieterson gives devious advice to Virat Kohli ahead of England clash

England are still in control of their destiny at the Cricket World Cup and the mood is pretty good in the camp despite "external pressures", wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler said ahead of Sunday's blockbuster clash against India.

Eoin Morgan's men entered the tournament as the number one one-day team on a mission to end <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-people-are-waiting-for-us-to-fail-says-englands-jonny-bairstow-231113">England's </a>agonising wait for a first 50-overs World Cup title, that too on home soil.

Back-to-back defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia have not only cost them their top ODI rankings but also jeopardised their semi-final prospects in their home World Cup.

Buttler conceded the team were feeling the pressure but assured they were not panicking.

"Mood in the camp is still very good," Buttler told reporters at Edgbaston.

"Naturally there are some external pressures. It would be naive to say we got blinkers on and not aware of things going on outside or the pressure of the tournament,'' Buttler said.

"We know we didn't perform well enough in the previous two games to be beaten but we still got the opportunity to put that right and the guys turned up with smile on their faces and ready for a big week," Buttler added.

The straightforward way to reach the semi-finals will be to beat India and New Zealand -&nbsp;teams they have not defeated at the World Cup since 1992 - while even one loss would put them at the mercy of other results.

Lasith Malinga's four-wicket masterclass in Leeds derailed England's chase against Sri Lanka and Australia outplayed them next to compound their crisis.

"Against Sri Lanka, we're very disappointed with the way we played, we should have got over the line in that game," Buttler said of his team's failure to chase down 233 in that match,'' Buttler said.

"Against Australia, we, unfortunately, did not get the early wickets that we were hoping to and they did get those early wickets. That was big phase of the game and credit to Australia. We got two massive fixtures to come, obviously a huge game on Sunday. Everything is still within our hands, these are stuff we can control and that's what we will be aiming to do," he added.

Buttler's assertion notwithstanding, teammate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bairstows-england-comments-pathetic-says-michael-vaughan-231428">Jonny Bairstow</a> has betrayed signs of pressure as he flayed former players for criticising the team's performance in the last two matches.

Asked if England had surrendered the favourite's tag to India, who remain the tournament's only unbeaten team so far, Buttler said labels were the last thing on their mind.

"I don't think 'favourite' or 'underdog' means too much for us. We know we need to play better, we know we are capable of playing better, and we look forward to the challenge of facing a very strong Indian team," Buttler said.

England are still in control of their destiny at the Cricket World Cup and the mood is pretty good in the camp despite "external pressures", wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler said ahead of Sunday's blockbuster clash against India.

England are still in control of their destiny at the Cricket World Cup and the mood is pretty good in the camp despite "external pressures", wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler said ahead of Sunday's blockbuster clash against India. Eoin Morgan's men entered the tournament as the number one one-day team on a mission to end England's agonising wait for a first 50-overs World Cup title, that too on home soil. Back-to-back defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia have not only cost them their top ODI rankings but also jeopardised their semi-final prospects in their home World Cup. Buttler conceded the team were feeling the pressure but assured they were not panicking. "Mood in the camp is still very good," Buttler told reporters at Edgbaston. "Naturally there are some external pressures. It would be naive to say we got blinkers on and not aware of things going on outside or the pressure of the tournament,'' Buttler said. "We know we didn't perform well enough in the previous two games to be beaten but we still got the opportunity to put that right and the guys turned up with smile on their faces and ready for a big week," Buttler added. The straightforward way to reach the semi-finals will be to beat India and New Zealand - teams they have not defeated at the World Cup since 1992 - while even one loss would put them at the mercy of other results. Lasith Malinga's four-wicket masterclass in Leeds derailed England's chase against Sri Lanka and Australia outplayed them next to compound their crisis. "Against Sri Lanka, we're very disappointed with the way we played, we should have got over the line in that game," Buttler said of his team's failure to chase down 233 in that match,'' Buttler said. "Against Australia, we, unfortunately, did not get the early wickets that we were hoping to and they did get those early wickets. That was big phase of the game and credit to Australia. We got two massive fixtures to come, obviously a huge game on Sunday. Everything is still within our hands, these are stuff we can control and that's what we will be aiming to do," he added. Buttler's assertion notwithstanding, teammate Jonny Bairstow has betrayed signs of pressure as he flayed former players for criticising the team's performance in the last two matches. Asked if England had surrendered the favourite's tag to India, who remain the tournament's only unbeaten team so far, Buttler said labels were the last thing on their mind. "I don't think 'favourite' or 'underdog' means too much for us. We know we need to play better, we know we are capable of playing better, and we look forward to the challenge of facing a very strong Indian team," Buttler said.

World Cup: 'Favourites' tag doesn't bother England ahead of clash against India

Top all-rounders to watch out for in Cricket World Cup 2019

KL Rahul is "disappointed" at not being able to convert his starts but not at all "worried" as he believes that he is doing a lot of things right.

Rahul had scores of 26, 11 not out, 57, 30 and 48 in five completed games and barring the one against Australia where he came in at the fag end of the innings, he has got out after getting set.

"It's a bit disappointing," the talented Karnataka batsman said, accepting that he should have gone on to score a few more runs.&nbsp;I am doing the hard work in getting through the first 10 or 15 overs, or as an opening batsmen, scoring the first 25, 30 runs, which is the hardest. (But then getting out) when the time comes to accelerate and maybe take the game deeper, so a bit disappointed that I have not been able to do that," Rahul lamented.

He will certainly assess and do the course correction but he does not want to brood over what has already done.

"But again I can sit, I will sit and assess, but it won't worry me that much because there are a lot of things I'm doing right, and I know that the mistakes I've made I can learn from them and get better," Rahul said at the post-match press conference after India beat the West Indies by 125 runs on Thursday.

He got out playing a reverse sweep to off-spinner Mohammed Nabi against Afganistan and versus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-is-legend-of-the-game-we-always-back-him-says-indian-skipper-virat-kohli-231009">West Indies</a>, it was a pitched up delivery from Jason Holder that brought about his downfall.

"Against Afghanistan, I would not say it (reverse sweep) was a bad shot. It was a shot I play all the time. And more often than not I hit it for four, so I get it away. But unfortunately, I did not execute it," Rahul said.

"But the planning and the timing of that shot maybe was questionable because I needed to stitch up a partnership with Virat," he admitted.

"And today (vs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-india-crush-west-indies-by-125-runs-230985">West Indies</a>), as a batsman, it disappoints you but then again you know bowlers are allowed to bowl good balls. And you do make mistakes. And I can't sit back and break my head about it. I just go on and try to start fresh in Birmingham and try to get a big one," Rahul said.&nbsp;

He was always "ready" to juggle up and down the order, and Shikhar Dhawan's untimely injury did not change much for him.

"I know that Shikhar getting injured was unfortunate. And I had to go to the top of the order. But not that I never prepared for opening the batting. In my head, the last one or two years I have been preparing for whatever might be my role," the 27-year-old right-handed batsman said.

In fact, he is more comfortable opening the batting as that has been his natural slot in all forms of cricket.

"I had to prepare hard for number four because that's not where I batted all my life. I did that. And now to come back to open the batting again, it's just a bit more comfortable and easier for me because I've batted it all my life," Rahul said.

On India's not so impressive batting show in the past two games, Rahul said that both wickets weren't easy for scoring runs.

In fact, he revealed that when he and Rohit were batting, they had sent a message to the dressing room that the wicket was two-paced and 260 was a par-score.

Asked about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-team-india-currently-only-unbeaten-team-in-cricket-world-cup-2019-230997">Virat Kohli</a> once again looking like a different player compared to all others who struggled, Rahul said it's his special ability to get runs irrespective of the conditions.

"I don't think he's doing anything different. He has been doing the same thing for how long I can remember since the time he started playing cricket, this is what he has been doing, performing consistently," he observed.

"And no matter what condition, what wicket condition, who the bowlers are, he always finds a way to get runs, always finds a way to put the bowlers under pressure," Rahul added.

KL Rahul is "disappointed" at not being able to convert his starts but not at all "worried" as he believes that he is doing a lot of things right. Rahul had scores of 26, 11 not out, 57, 30 and 48 in five completed games and barring the one against Australia where he came in at the fag end of the innings, he has got out after getting set.

KL Rahul is "disappointed" at not being able to convert his starts but not at all "worried" as he believes that he is doing a lot of things right. Rahul had scores of 26, 11 not out, 57, 30 and 48 in five completed games and barring the one against Australia where he came in at the fag end of the innings, he has got out after getting set. "It's a bit disappointing," the talented Karnataka batsman said, accepting that he should have gone on to score a few more runs. I am doing the hard work in getting through the first 10 or 15 overs, or as an opening batsmen, scoring the first 25, 30 runs, which is the hardest. (But then getting out) when the time comes to accelerate and maybe take the game deeper, so a bit disappointed that I have not been able to do that," Rahul lamented. He will certainly assess and do the course correction but he does not want to brood over what has already done. "But again I can sit, I will sit and assess, but it won't worry me that much because there are a lot of things I'm doing right, and I know that the mistakes I've made I can learn from them and get better," Rahul said at the post-match press conference after India beat the West Indies by 125 runs on Thursday. He got out playing a reverse sweep to off-spinner Mohammed Nabi against Afganistan and versus West Indies, it was a pitched up delivery from Jason Holder that brought about his downfall. "Against Afghanistan, I would not say it (reverse sweep) was a bad shot. It was a shot I play all the time. And more often than not I hit it for four, so I get it away. But unfortunately, I did not execute it," Rahul said. "But the planning and the timing of that shot maybe was questionable because I needed to stitch up a partnership with Virat," he admitted. "And today (vs West Indies), as a batsman, it disappoints you but then again you know bowlers are allowed to bowl good balls. And you do make mistakes. And I can't sit back and break my head about it. I just go on and try to start fresh in Birmingham and try to get a big one," Rahul said. He was always "ready" to juggle up and down the order, and Shikhar Dhawan's untimely injury did not change much for him. "I know that Shikhar getting injured was unfortunate. And I had to go to the top of the order. But not that I never prepared for opening the batting. In my head, the last one or two years I have been preparing for whatever might be my role," the 27-year-old right-handed batsman said. In fact, he is more comfortable opening the batting as that has been his natural slot in all forms of cricket. "I had to prepare hard for number four because that's not where I batted all my life. I did that. And now to come back to open the batting again, it's just a bit more comfortable and easier for me because I've batted it all my life," Rahul said. On India's not so impressive batting show in the past two games, Rahul said that both wickets weren't easy for scoring runs. In fact, he revealed that when he and Rohit were batting, they had sent a message to the dressing room that the wicket was two-paced and 260 was a par-score. Asked about Virat Kohli once again looking like a different player compared to all others who struggled, Rahul said it's his special ability to get runs irrespective of the conditions. "I don't think he's doing anything different. He has been doing the same thing for how long I can remember since the time he started playing cricket, this is what he has been doing, performing consistently," he observed. "And no matter what condition, what wicket condition, who the bowlers are, he always finds a way to get runs, always finds a way to put the bowlers under pressure," Rahul added.

World Cup: Disappointed on my conversion rate, says India's KL Rahul after West Indies win

World Cup: Fourth week was all about qualification and knockouts

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav says <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohlis-team-india-currently-only-unbeaten-team-in-cricket-world-cup-2019-230997">India </a>have showed they can defend relatively smaller totals with victories over West Indies and Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-disappointed-on-my-conversion-rate-says-indias-kl-rahul-after-west-indies-win-231084">Indian </a>attack defended 224 against Afghanistan and 268 against West Indies on Thursday, with almost all the bowlers playing a part in these wins.

The all-round efforts show that India's bowling attack is not just about the world's number one bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

"Jasprit has been bowling really well and has been for a couple of years since his international debut," said Kuldeep, who took 1/35 including the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran for 28 against the West Indies.

"Then you have (Mohammed) Shami, who was only playing his second game and bowled really well. We've got a good fast bowling attack, as well as spinners. We're just looking for the team combination. We're doing really well as a bowling attack and that is important. In the last game (against Afghanistan) we defended 225 and showed we can defend a total like this," said Kuldeep.

Although the match finally turned out to be one-sided, the West Indies seemed in the hunt at the halfway stage.

Kemar Roach's three wickets had helped them put India under pressure, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-is-legend-of-the-game-we-always-back-him-says-indian-skipper-virat-kohli-231009">Mahendra Singh Dhoni</a> (56 not out) and Hardik Pandya (46) made crucial contributions.

"We played really well. At one moment we were looking at 250 and then Mahendra and Hardik gave us a good total," Kuldeep said.

"270 was really good on this track. Later the ball was spinning a bit and that gave us momentum. Shami picking up two early wickets was huge for us, then Hardik got one and I got one so it was a really satisfying performance," added Kuldeep.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav says India have showed they can defend relatively smaller totals with victories over West Indies and Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup.

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav says India have showed they can defend relatively smaller totals with victories over West Indies and Afghanistan in the ongoing World Cup. The Indian attack defended 224 against Afghanistan and 268 against West Indies on Thursday, with almost all the bowlers playing a part in these wins. The all-round efforts show that India's bowling attack is not just about the world's number one bowler Jasprit Bumrah. "Jasprit has been bowling really well and has been for a couple of years since his international debut," said Kuldeep, who took 1/35 including the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran for 28 against the West Indies. "Then you have (Mohammed) Shami, who was only playing his second game and bowled really well. We've got a good fast bowling attack, as well as spinners. We're just looking for the team combination. We're doing really well as a bowling attack and that is important. In the last game (against Afghanistan) we defended 225 and showed we can defend a total like this," said Kuldeep. Although the match finally turned out to be one-sided, the West Indies seemed in the hunt at the halfway stage. Kemar Roach's three wickets had helped them put India under pressure, but Mahendra Singh Dhoni (56 not out) and Hardik Pandya (46) made crucial contributions. "We played really well. At one moment we were looking at 250 and then Mahendra and Hardik gave us a good total," Kuldeep said. "270 was really good on this track. Later the ball was spinning a bit and that gave us momentum. Shami picking up two early wickets was huge for us, then Hardik got one and I got one so it was a really satisfying performance," added Kuldeep.

World Cup: Indian bowling attack can defend small totals, says Kuldeep Yadav

England's players-turned-pundits are paid to criticise the team and are waiting for the hosts to fail at the Cricket World Cup, opening batsman Jonny Bairstow has said.

Defeats to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia have left England in a precarious position and they are yet to seal a semi-final spot with two group stage matches remaining against India and New Zealand.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-england-skipper-eoin-morgan-says-fielding-let-team-down-in-loss-against-pakistan-224075&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWtfrp2IvjAhUW3Y8KHb-zDlEQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1wUKURUkBUq7mUzhK6XAGO">England </a>have not defeated either side at the World Cup since 1992 and former skipper Michael Vaughan suggested it could be the hosts' worst-ever campaign in the tournament if they are knocked out.

"People are waiting for us to fail. They are not willing us on to win. In many ways, they are waiting for you to lose so they can jump on your throat. It's just showbiz, they are paid to have an opinion and if they don't have an opinion they get sacked,'' Bairstow said.

"I was in a radio interview and was surprised with a clip of Vaughan's comments. Bloody hell, that's pretty rich. Everyone is talking like we are eighth or ninth in the table. Bloody Nora, chill out... You're panicking. The comments and things like that, you can give it too much air time and then all of a sudden, before you know it, it's a big thing and it's actually really not," he added.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-beat-afghanistan-by-150-runs-in-cricket-world-cup-228503&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWtfrp2IvjAhUW3Y8KHb-zDlEQFjAGegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0gx9ceuGy8X3qS-2z7pwPc">England's </a>next game is at Edgbaston on Sunday against an unbeaten Indian side that leapfrogged the hosts to become the number one ranked one-day international (ODI) side this week.

England prevented India from winning a 10th consecutive bilateral ODI series when Virat Kohli's side toured the country last year.

Despite criticism about their approach at the World Cup, Bairstow said England would stick to their style and play the same aggressive cricket that has brought them success.

"It's going to be interesting against India, we obviously know the following that they've got and it should be a cracking atmosphere," the 29-year-old added.

"Last summer we played really good cricket against them and we won that series and we won it well, so I think we go about it the same way we went about it and have been going about our cricket. Our method doesn't change," Bairstow said.

England's players-turned-pundits are paid to criticise the team and are waiting for the hosts to fail at the Cricket World Cup, opening batsman Jonny Bairstow has said.

England's players-turned-pundits are paid to criticise the team and are waiting for the hosts to fail at the Cricket World Cup, opening batsman Jonny Bairstow has said. Defeats to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia have left England in a precarious position and they are yet to seal a semi-final spot with two group stage matches remaining against India and New Zealand. England have not defeated either side at the World Cup since 1992 and former skipper Michael Vaughan suggested it could be the hosts' worst-ever campaign in the tournament if they are knocked out. "People are waiting for us to fail. They are not willing us on to win. In many ways, they are waiting for you to lose so they can jump on your throat. It's just showbiz, they are paid to have an opinion and if they don't have an opinion they get sacked,'' Bairstow said. "I was in a radio interview and was surprised with a clip of Vaughan's comments. Bloody hell, that's pretty rich. Everyone is talking like we are eighth or ninth in the table. Bloody Nora, chill out... You're panicking. The comments and things like that, you can give it too much air time and then all of a sudden, before you know it, it's a big thing and it's actually really not," he added. England's next game is at Edgbaston on Sunday against an unbeaten Indian side that leapfrogged the hosts to become the number one ranked one-day international (ODI) side this week. England prevented India from winning a 10th consecutive bilateral ODI series when Virat Kohli's side toured the country last year. Despite criticism about their approach at the World Cup, Bairstow said England would stick to their style and play the same aggressive cricket that has brought them success. "It's going to be interesting against India, we obviously know the following that they've got and it should be a cracking atmosphere," the 29-year-old added. "Last summer we played really good cricket against them and we won that series and we won it well, so I think we go about it the same way we went about it and have been going about our cricket. Our method doesn't change," Bairstow said.

World Cup: 'People are waiting for us to fail', says England's Jonny Bairstow

Players to watch out for in India vs West Indies World Cup clash

Twenty-seven years and a generation apart, Pakistan's World Cup bears striking similarities with their 1992 campaign -&nbsp;when they started slowly but ended up lifting the trophy in Melbourne.&nbsp;

An identical sequence of wins and losses and other eerie parallels have struck a chord with millions of fans who believe that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistan-keep-semi-final-hopes-alive-after-defeating-new-zealand-by-six-wickets-230695">Pakistan </a>could be set to come out on top once again.

In both World Cups, Pakistan started with a one-sided defeat to the West Indies, before recovering to win their second game -&nbsp;against Zimbabwe in 1992, and England this time around.

At both tournaments, their third game was rained off and they then went on to lose their next two games and win the following two.

Not only that, but the final win in both sequences was against New Zealand, who were unbeaten in both 1992 and 2019 until they ran into Pakistan.

"It was same, the same sequence of results, points and then we wanted Australia to beat the West Indies for us to qualify," said legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, who played for Pakistan in 1992.

"Then also we beat New Zealand – who was unbeaten then too. A lot of similarities, I hope the end result is also similar now and we win the World Cup," said Wasim, now a TV commentator.

In another similarity, Wasim was the leading wicket-taker in 1992 with 18 and another Pakistan left-arm pacer, Mohammad Amir, is second on the bowler's chart with 16 so far.

"I am not sure if players are following all these (discussions) but this should motivate them," said Wasim.

But Pakistan skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-saw-my-wife-crying-after-watching-the-fat-shaming-video-sarfaraz-ahmed-230683">Sarfaraz Ahmed</a> played down any parallels with 1992.

"That's history but after we won against New Zealand someone told me that even in 1992 we chased down New Zealand's target with five balls to spare," said Sarfaraz, whose team reached their 238-run target in 49.1 overs on Wednesday.

Fans are now hoping that the similarities don't end there, and even that they continue beyond the World Cup.

"Imran Khan was Pakistan captain in 1992 World Cup and 26 years after that triumph he became country's prime minister, so Sarfaraz should also join politics and become premier in 2045," said one comment on social media.

Twenty-seven years and a generation apart, Pakistan's World Cup bears striking similarities with their 1992 campaign - when they started slowly but ended up lifting the trophy in Melbourne.

Twenty-seven years and a generation apart, Pakistan's World Cup bears striking similarities with their 1992 campaign - when they started slowly but ended up lifting the trophy in Melbourne. An identical sequence of wins and losses and other eerie parallels have struck a chord with millions of fans who believe that Pakistan could be set to come out on top once again. In both World Cups, Pakistan started with a one-sided defeat to the West Indies, before recovering to win their second game - against Zimbabwe in 1992, and England this time around. At both tournaments, their third game was rained off and they then went on to lose their next two games and win the following two. Not only that, but the final win in both sequences was against New Zealand, who were unbeaten in both 1992 and 2019 until they ran into Pakistan. "It was same, the same sequence of results, points and then we wanted Australia to beat the West Indies for us to qualify," said legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram, who played for Pakistan in 1992. "Then also we beat New Zealand – who was unbeaten then too. A lot of similarities, I hope the end result is also similar now and we win the World Cup," said Wasim, now a TV commentator. In another similarity, Wasim was the leading wicket-taker in 1992 with 18 and another Pakistan left-arm pacer, Mohammad Amir, is second on the bowler's chart with 16 so far. "I am not sure if players are following all these (discussions) but this should motivate them," said Wasim. But Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed played down any parallels with 1992. "That's history but after we won against New Zealand someone told me that even in 1992 we chased down New Zealand's target with five balls to spare," said Sarfaraz, whose team reached their 238-run target in 49.1 overs on Wednesday. Fans are now hoping that the similarities don't end there, and even that they continue beyond the World Cup. "Imran Khan was Pakistan captain in 1992 World Cup and 26 years after that triumph he became country's prime minister, so Sarfaraz should also join politics and become premier in 2045," said one comment on social media.

Pakistan on identical 1992 World Cup path after beating New Zealand

The June 16 clash between neighbours India and Pakistan attracted 229 million television viewers in India, accounting for over 60 per cent&nbsp;of the screen audience for the first three weeks of the World Cup in the cricket-crazy nation.

The first 27 matches in the 10-team quadrennial tournament, which is being played in England and Wales, attracted 381 million viewers, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) of India.

The Virat Kohli-led side had four matches -- including the washout against New Zealand -- slotted in during that period, drawing a combined total of 321 million viewers.

The rain-hit, stop-start World Cup match at Old Trafford, Manchester, between <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-indias-historic-world-cup-win-over-pakistan-in-manchester-227794&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEhtWZ5onjAhVFPI8KHfeeC2o4ChAWMAN6BAgPEAE&amp;usg=AOvVaw2oo5kqksH8Jnp6iHIjMKsV">the rivals</a> drew a massive global audience and organisers received nearly 800,000 applications for tickets at the 23,000-capacity stadium.

The broadcaster's live streaming platform Hotstar saw 100 million daily active users during the India-Pakistan match, making it the highest-ever single day reach for the platform.

India and Pakistan have not hosted a cricket series between their countries since 2013.&nbsp;However, the national teams have faced each other in tournaments such as the 2017 Champions Trophy and 2018 Asia Cup held in neutral venues.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-beat-pakistan-by-89-runs-at-world-cup-227784&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEhtWZ5onjAhVFPI8KHfeeC2o4ChAWMAh6BAgCEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0z_q-UOfgT7z195HRRmFmn">India extended their unblemished</a> World Cup record against Pakistan to 7-0 after securing an 89-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method in the June 16 encounter.

The June 16 clash between neighbours India and Pakistan attracted 229 million television viewers in India, accounting for over 60 per cent of the screen audience for the first three weeks of the World Cup in the cricket-crazy nation.

The June 16 clash between neighbours India and Pakistan attracted 229 million television viewers in India, accounting for over 60 per cent of the screen audience for the first three weeks of the World Cup in the cricket-crazy nation. The first 27 matches in the 10-team quadrennial tournament, which is being played in England and Wales, attracted 381 million viewers, according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) of India. The Virat Kohli-led side had four matches -- including the washout against New Zealand -- slotted in during that period, drawing a combined total of 321 million viewers. The rain-hit, stop-start World Cup match at Old Trafford, Manchester, between the rivals drew a massive global audience and organisers received nearly 800,000 applications for tickets at the 23,000-capacity stadium. The broadcaster's live streaming platform Hotstar saw 100 million daily active users during the India-Pakistan match, making it the highest-ever single day reach for the platform. India and Pakistan have not hosted a cricket series between their countries since 2013. However, the national teams have faced each other in tournaments such as the 2017 Champions Trophy and 2018 Asia Cup held in neutral venues. India extended their unblemished World Cup record against Pakistan to 7-0 after securing an 89-run victory via the Duckworth-Lewis method in the June 16 encounter.

Pakistan World Cup clash draws 229 million TV viewers in India

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner admitted that his team could not read the pitch properly and missed the services of a second spinner against Pakistan in Wednesday's World Cup match.

Santner said the Kiwis thought the wicket would suit pace bowlers at Edgbaston.

"Obviously, there was a bit of turn out there, probably more than we thought there would be. Obviously at the toss, only going with one spinner, we thought it might be a bit better than that," Santner said.

In the absence of legspinner Ish Sodhi, New Zealand went with the part-time off-spin of skipper Kane Willaimson, who returned with figures of 1-39.

The Kiwis were visibly helpless and frustrated as they could not break the 126-run stand between Haris Sohail and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-babar-azam-says-belief-is-key-for-pakistan-230779"> Babar Azam</a> until the penultimate over when it was too late as Pakistan needed just two runs off 10 balls.

Santner, however, credited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-on-identical-1992-world-cup-path-after-beating-new-zealand-230750">Pakistan's </a>batting in the middle overs.

He also lauded the match-winning partnership between Haris and Babar.

"It's the spinner's role to take wickets on a surface like that but I think credit has to go to the way Pakistan batted throughout the middle. That partnership through the middle there was pretty special. There were a couple of chances there but it's about trying to build up pressure from both ends and stuff like that, but the way they were able to manipulate the field, and get their ones, when you're only chasing 230, is the way to go about it," Santner said.

On the third ball of the 49th over, Haris fell short of his ground as Martin Guptill ran him out.

However, on the first ball of the last over, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-pakistan-keep-semi-final-hopes-alive-after-defeating-new-zealand-by-six-wickets-230695">Pakistan </a>skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed hit the winning boundary in a match that was must-win for the Men in Green.

"I think we fought pretty well to the end and I guess they only got it in the last over. It was obviously a tough surface and we just had to stick at it. If we could put a couple on it, a couple of wickets on throughout that chase it might have been a little bit different," he said.

Had New Zealand won the match they would have booked their spot in the semi-finals.

The Kiwis would aim to beat Australia on June 29 at Lord's to enter the knock-out stage.

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner admitted that his team could not read the pitch properly and missed the services of a second spinner against Pakistan in Wednesday's World Cup match.

New Zealand's Mitchell Santner admitted that his team could not read the pitch properly and missed the services of a second spinner against Pakistan in Wednesday's World Cup match. Santner said the Kiwis thought the wicket would suit pace bowlers at Edgbaston. "Obviously, there was a bit of turn out there, probably more than we thought there would be. Obviously at the toss, only going with one spinner, we thought it might be a bit better than that," Santner said. In the absence of legspinner Ish Sodhi, New Zealand went with the part-time off-spin of skipper Kane Willaimson, who returned with figures of 1-39. The Kiwis were visibly helpless and frustrated as they could not break the 126-run stand between Haris Sohail and Babar Azam until the penultimate over when it was too late as Pakistan needed just two runs off 10 balls. Santner, however, credited Pakistan's batting in the middle overs. He also lauded the match-winning partnership between Haris and Babar. "It's the spinner's role to take wickets on a surface like that but I think credit has to go to the way Pakistan batted throughout the middle. That partnership through the middle there was pretty special. There were a couple of chances there but it's about trying to build up pressure from both ends and stuff like that, but the way they were able to manipulate the field, and get their ones, when you're only chasing 230, is the way to go about it," Santner said. On the third ball of the 49th over, Haris fell short of his ground as Martin Guptill ran him out. However, on the first ball of the last over, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed hit the winning boundary in a match that was must-win for the Men in Green. "I think we fought pretty well to the end and I guess they only got it in the last over. It was obviously a tough surface and we just had to stick at it. If we could put a couple on it, a couple of wickets on throughout that chase it might have been a little bit different," he said. Had New Zealand won the match they would have booked their spot in the semi-finals. The Kiwis would aim to beat Australia on June 29 at Lord's to enter the knock-out stage.

World Cup: Needed a second spinner, says Mitchell Santner after loss to Pakistan

India dethroned World Cup hosts England to be placed on top of the ICC Men's One-day International (ODI) rankings, with India on 123 points in comparison to England who are now on 122 points.

In the ongoing edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a>, England have lost two back-to-back matches against Sri Lanka and Australia and are in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-australia-reach-semis-with-64-run-win-over-arch-rivals-england-230432">danger of not making to the semi-finals</a>.&nbsp;

As a result, England lost two rating points and India, who were just one point behind them on the points table and automatically became the new table toppers.&nbsp;

New Zealand are placed third in the table with 116 points and Australia are fourth with 112 points.

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Here's what the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC ODI Rankings table looks like as we near an exciting finish to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> group stage ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/oAnZeKT5sl">pic.twitter.com/oAnZeKT5sl</a>
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India, the newly ranked number one team will take on England on June 30.

India dethroned World Cup hosts England to be placed on top of the ICC Men's One-day International (ODI) rankings, with India on 123 points in comparison to England who are now on 122 points.

India dethroned World Cup hosts England to be placed on top of the ICC Men's One-day International (ODI) rankings, with India on 123 points in comparison to England who are now on 122 points. In the ongoing edition of World Cup, England have lost two back-to-back matches against Sri Lanka and Australia and are in danger of not making to the semi-finals. As a result, England lost two rating points and India, who were just one point behind them on the points table and automatically became the new table toppers. New Zealand are placed third in the table with 116 points and Australia are fourth with 112 points. Here's what the @MRFWorldwide ICC ODI Rankings table looks like as we near an exciting finish to the #CWC19 group stage ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/oAnZeKT5sl — ICC (@ICC) June 27, 2019 × India, the newly ranked number one team will take on England on June 30.

India topple England, become top-ranked ODI team in ICC rankings

David Warner says he's living the dream playing for Australia at the World Cup and no amount of booing from England fans eager to remind him of his one-year ban for ball tampering is going to spoil his mood.

The left-handed batsman shared an opening stand of 123 with his captain Aaron Finch as the defending champions beat hosts and pre-tournament favourites England at Lord's on Tuesday to book a place in the semi-finals.

It was <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-century-means-a-lot-as-a-batsman-david-warner-226679&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0ae2oInjAhULa94KHXJmDkUQFjAAegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1gNLJ8k39J8oxapR3YvxKE">Warner's </a>seventh match for Australia after returning from the ban for his part in the Newlands scandal and his innings of 53 runs took his tournament tally to 500 at an average of 83.33.

There were <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-english-crowds-stupid-to-boo-david-warner-says-manager-224097&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0ae2oInjAhULa94KHXJmDkUQFjAGegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3khnEIvZC8-dVi_P8eivTh">boos for Warner</a> and his former captain Steve Smith when they took the field but the 32-year-old from the tough southeastern Sydney suburbs was not letting it bother him.

"At the end of the day. People have the right to come in here, they pay their dollars and if they want to boo us, they can. As I said before, I thrive on that stuff, I love it. I went out to the corner there... and copped it&nbsp;," Warner told reporters at Lord's.

"At the end of the day you have to smile -- they pay their money to come and watch us and we are grateful for them to come and sit down and watch us. I always just smile. I take my glasses off and look everyone in the eye and just smile,'' Warner said.

"That is what it's about, I am living the dream, I am out here at Lord's, playing cricket for my country," he added.

Warner said 12 months out of international cricket and returning to his Randwick-Petersham club had effected a change in his outlook on his sport.

"For me, it is about enjoying the game. When it is taken away from you, you realise what it is all about. Going back to grassroots was fantastic," he said.

"I really saw smiles on people's faces to be out there on a Saturday afternoon, all the volunteers that come down and put time and effort in, whether it is making the drinks, making the lunches,'' said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-david-warner-hits-166-as-australia-rack-up-381-against-bangladesh-229016&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf0ae2oInjAhULa94KHXJmDkUQFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ajJzv8ta5EITyTV0s3WlU">Warner</a>.

"People's parents, my mum, my dad coming down, it is just great. You can't take that for granted. I am just grateful for the second opportunity to come back here and represent my country and do the country proud. You know I am just excited to be back here and playing World Cup cricket for Australia," added Warner.

Australia's next match is back at Lord's on Saturday against New Zealand, who they beat in the final to win the 2015 World Cup.

David Warner says he's living the dream playing for Australia at the World Cup and no amount of booing from England fans eager to remind him of his one-year ban for ball tampering is going to spoil his mood.

David Warner says he's living the dream playing for Australia at the World Cup and no amount of booing from England fans eager to remind him of his one-year ban for ball tampering is going to spoil his mood. The left-handed batsman shared an opening stand of 123 with his captain Aaron Finch as the defending champions beat hosts and pre-tournament favourites England at Lord's on Tuesday to book a place in the semi-finals. It was Warner's seventh match for Australia after returning from the ban for his part in the Newlands scandal and his innings of 53 runs took his tournament tally to 500 at an average of 83.33. There were boos for Warner and his former captain Steve Smith when they took the field but the 32-year-old from the tough southeastern Sydney suburbs was not letting it bother him. "At the end of the day. People have the right to come in here, they pay their dollars and if they want to boo us, they can. As I said before, I thrive on that stuff, I love it. I went out to the corner there... and copped it ," Warner told reporters at Lord's. "At the end of the day you have to smile -- they pay their money to come and watch us and we are grateful for them to come and sit down and watch us. I always just smile. I take my glasses off and look everyone in the eye and just smile,'' Warner said. "That is what it's about, I am living the dream, I am out here at Lord's, playing cricket for my country," he added. Warner said 12 months out of international cricket and returning to his Randwick-Petersham club had effected a change in his outlook on his sport. "For me, it is about enjoying the game. When it is taken away from you, you realise what it is all about. Going back to grassroots was fantastic," he said. "I really saw smiles on people's faces to be out there on a Saturday afternoon, all the volunteers that come down and put time and effort in, whether it is making the drinks, making the lunches,'' said Warner. "People's parents, my mum, my dad coming down, it is just great. You can't take that for granted. I am just grateful for the second opportunity to come back here and represent my country and do the country proud. You know I am just excited to be back here and playing World Cup cricket for Australia," added Warner. Australia's next match is back at Lord's on Saturday against New Zealand, who they beat in the final to win the 2015 World Cup.

World Cup: I thrive on crowd booing, I love it, says Australia's David Warner

Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood questioned New Zealand's ability to win the biggest matches ahead of World Cup clash in Birmingham, while Mitchell Santner said New Zealand could not afford to take "dangerous" Pakistan lightly.

Pakistan have a good record in matches between the two sides, winning six of their eight World Cup encounters, including semi-final victories in 1992 and in the 1999 edition, also in England. 
 
Kane Williamson's side are undefeated at the tournament in England and Wales, with five wins in six games, plus one no result.

In contrast, <a href="http://13.232.42.114/sports/world-cup-wanted-to-commit-suicide-mickey-arthur-after-pakistans-defeat-against-india-230449">Pakistan </a>must win the match at Edgbaston if they are to maintain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals after a poor start to the tournament.

Mahmood, a former all-rounder who played in three World Cups for Pakistan, said New Zealand had a good record early in tournaments but often wilted under pressure at the business end.

"New Zealand's history is such that they get there winning, winning and then when a crunch situation comes up, in the semi-final, or quarter-final, they don't do that well," Mahmood said on Tuesday.

"It can happen to any team. Everyone has to have a bad day. Hopefully New Zealand have it tomorrow," Mahmood said.

Mahmood praised in-form paceman Mohammad Amir, who has taken 15 wickets in five matches.

"His skills and ability have always been exceptional," added&nbsp;Mahmood.&nbsp; 
 
Mitchell Santner said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-new-zealands-fiery-ferguson-eager-to-unsettle-west-indies-big-hitters-229435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMtou-uobjAhUJKo8KHenPBhEQFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0H0Z-4JijpDn086p-g7lpu">New Zealand</a> could not afford to take "dangerous" Pakistan lightly as they attempt to seal their place in the World Cup semi-finals in Birmingham.

Unbeaten New Zealand have 11 points from five victories and a rained-off game while Pakistan must win to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the last four.

Santner praised Pakistan's varied bowling attack.

"Their bowling attack, on the whole, is very good. They've got some very good seam bowlers as well as spin bowlers. We're aware of their strengths, and I think Wahab (Riaz) back into their team is very good for them.(Mohammad) Amir is bowling very well as well," said Santner.

"When they're hot, they're really hot. We have to, obviously, find ways of trying to cool them down when they're like that," Santner added.&nbsp;

Santner said Pakistan, who have lost three matches at the World Cup so far, had the ability to raise their game despite their troubles.

"They took down England and took down South Africa the other day," he said.

Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood questioned New Zealand's ability to win the biggest matches ahead of World Cup clash in Birmingham, while Mitchell Santner said New Zealand could not afford to take "dangerous" Pakistan lightly.

Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood questioned New Zealand's ability to win the biggest matches ahead of World Cup clash in Birmingham, while Mitchell Santner said New Zealand could not afford to take "dangerous" Pakistan lightly. Pakistan have a good record in matches between the two sides, winning six of their eight World Cup encounters, including semi-final victories in 1992 and in the 1999 edition, also in England. Kane Williamson's side are undefeated at the tournament in England and Wales, with five wins in six games, plus one no result. In contrast, Pakistan must win the match at Edgbaston if they are to maintain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals after a poor start to the tournament. Mahmood, a former all-rounder who played in three World Cups for Pakistan, said New Zealand had a good record early in tournaments but often wilted under pressure at the business end. "New Zealand's history is such that they get there winning, winning and then when a crunch situation comes up, in the semi-final, or quarter-final, they don't do that well," Mahmood said on Tuesday. "It can happen to any team. Everyone has to have a bad day. Hopefully New Zealand have it tomorrow," Mahmood said. Mahmood praised in-form paceman Mohammad Amir, who has taken 15 wickets in five matches. "His skills and ability have always been exceptional," added Mahmood. Mitchell Santner said New Zealand could not afford to take "dangerous" Pakistan lightly as they attempt to seal their place in the World Cup semi-finals in Birmingham. Unbeaten New Zealand have 11 points from five victories and a rained-off game while Pakistan must win to keep alive their chances of qualifying for the last four. Santner praised Pakistan's varied bowling attack. "Their bowling attack, on the whole, is very good. They've got some very good seam bowlers as well as spin bowlers. We're aware of their strengths, and I think Wahab (Riaz) back into their team is very good for them.(Mohammad) Amir is bowling very well as well," said Santner. "When they're hot, they're really hot. We have to, obviously, find ways of trying to cool them down when they're like that," Santner added. Santner said Pakistan, who have lost three matches at the World Cup so far, had the ability to raise their game despite their troubles. "They took down England and took down South Africa the other day," he said.

World Cup: Pakistan face battle of survival against unbeaten New Zealand

The weather forecast for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-new-zealands-fiery-ferguson-eager-to-unsettle-west-indies-big-hitters-229435&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiCr4Cqw4bjAhWJvI8KHf_6A9MQFjAGegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0hJxbvixGNnEt3PjYkS3Ew">New Zealand</a>&nbsp;vs&nbsp;Pakistan match at Edgbaston in Birmingham looks to please the players and fans as the full game of 50-overs a side is expected without any interruptions by rain.

Kane Williamson's side are undefeated at the World Cup, with five wins in six games, plus one no result and will be looking to seal a spot in the semi-finals with a win at Edgbaston.

In contrast, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-wanted-to-commit-suicide-mickey-arthur-after-pakistans-defeat-against-india-230449&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwib9NSaw4bjAhVPinAKHQIaBasQFjAGegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1diEjgcS2yHFzvEXQD4GbF">Pakistan </a>must win this&nbsp;match at Edgbaston if they want to maintain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals after a poor start to the tournament.

There was rain in Birmingham on Tuesday but the skies are expected to be clear for the match today.&nbsp;

Weather forecasts show that there would be cloud cover in the morning but that they shall clear away around noon and that skies will continue to clear leading up to the match.

The chances of rain are negligible and a full 50-overs a side contest will take place between Pakistan and New Zealand.

The game is likely to be played without any stoppages due to bad weather.

The weather forecast for New Zealand vs Pakistan match at Edgbaston in Birmingham looks to please the players and fans as the full game of 50-overs a side is expected without any interruptions by rain.

The weather forecast for New Zealand vs Pakistan match at Edgbaston in Birmingham looks to please the players and fans as the full game of 50-overs a side is expected without any interruptions by rain. Kane Williamson's side are undefeated at the World Cup, with five wins in six games, plus one no result and will be looking to seal a spot in the semi-finals with a win at Edgbaston. In contrast, Pakistan must win this match at Edgbaston if they want to maintain a realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals after a poor start to the tournament. There was rain in Birmingham on Tuesday but the skies are expected to be clear for the match today. Weather forecasts show that there would be cloud cover in the morning but that they shall clear away around noon and that skies will continue to clear leading up to the match. The chances of rain are negligible and a full 50-overs a side contest will take place between Pakistan and New Zealand. The game is likely to be played without any stoppages due to bad weather.

World Cup: Birmingham weather forecast for New Zealand vs Pakistan clash

Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed on Wednesday revealed that he saw his wife Khushbakht Shah crying in the hotel room after his fat-shaming video went viral.

Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that the anger of the Pakistan fans is valid after they lost the match against India and they are same fans who give them a lot of love and respect when they win matches.

In the viral video, the fan could be purportedly seen telling Sarfaraz to shed some kilos as he had gained weight. He also made a derogatory remark on the skipper, calling him a “pig.”

"It was not because of me. It was because of my son Abdullah who was with me at that time. That’s why it hurt me even more,” he said in an official ICC interview.

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🇵🇰 captain <a href="https://twitter.com/SarfarazA_54?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SarfarazA_54</a>, in a disarmingly honest chat with our insider <a href="https://twitter.com/ZAbbasOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZAbbasOfficial</a>, admits that fan reactions after the loss to India hurt him, but thanks those who stood by him and his team.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeHaveWeWill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeHaveWeWill</a> <a href="https://t.co/f6Q8yBeBgu">pic.twitter.com/f6Q8yBeBgu</a>
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“I was very angry at that moment, if I would have reacted at that time and gotten into an argument, people would have not seen the truth and I would have been seen in a negative light instead. That’s why I felt not reacting to the incident was the best response and left it to God. Everything happens due to God’s will, the video went viral and everyone supported me,” he said in the interview.

However, the fan has extended an apology.

Ever since losing the match against India in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team has been facing severe criticism from all quarters.

On June 16, Pakistan lost against arch-rivals India by 89 runs and as a result, it faced severe backlash. The team went on to become the butt of all jokes and many fans criticised players fitness and their training regime.

Several videos had surfaced on the internet after Pakistan lost against India and the fans can be seen dejected with the team’s performance.

India maintained their clean sheet against Pakistan in the World Cup and now the Men in Blue have a 7-0 record against them. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed on Wednesday revealed that he saw his wife Khushbakht Shah crying in the hotel room after his fat-shaming video went viral.

Pakistan cricket team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed on Wednesday revealed that he saw his wife Khushbakht Shah crying in the hotel room after his fat-shaming video went viral. Sarfaraz Ahmed has said that the anger of the Pakistan fans is valid after they lost the match against India and they are same fans who give them a lot of love and respect when they win matches. In the viral video, the fan could be purportedly seen telling Sarfaraz to shed some kilos as he had gained weight. He also made a derogatory remark on the skipper, calling him a “pig.” "It was not because of me. It was because of my son Abdullah who was with me at that time. That’s why it hurt me even more,” he said in an official ICC interview. 🇵🇰 captain @SarfarazA_54, in a disarmingly honest chat with our insider @ZAbbasOfficial, admits that fan reactions after the loss to India hurt him, but thanks those who stood by him and his team.#WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/f6Q8yBeBgu — ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2019 × “I was very angry at that moment, if I would have reacted at that time and gotten into an argument, people would have not seen the truth and I would have been seen in a negative light instead. That’s why I felt not reacting to the incident was the best response and left it to God. Everything happens due to God’s will, the video went viral and everyone supported me,” he said in the interview. However, the fan has extended an apology. Ever since losing the match against India in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the Pakistan cricket team has been facing severe criticism from all quarters. On June 16, Pakistan lost against arch-rivals India by 89 runs and as a result, it faced severe backlash. The team went on to become the butt of all jokes and many fans criticised players fitness and their training regime. Several videos had surfaced on the internet after Pakistan lost against India and the fans can be seen dejected with the team’s performance. India maintained their clean sheet against Pakistan in the World Cup and now the Men in Blue have a 7-0 record against them. (With inputs from agencies)

I saw my wife crying after watching the fat-shaming video: Sarfaraz Ahmed

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar Wednesday picked pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar over fellow speedster <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-mohammed-shami-hat-trick-seals-narrow-india-win-over-afghanistan-229641&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC5pC1m4fjAhUBinAKHWJwCfIQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1AQi7s6R9azhNsuZGEYLCL">Mohammed Shami</a>, who took a sensational last over hat-trick against Afghanistan when an unbeaten India take on West Indies in their World Cup game at Manchester Thursday.

The Master Blaster picked 'Bhuvi', as pacer is commonly known, for his sheer ability to trouble swashbuckling West Indies batsman Chris Gayle.

"It's great news for India that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fit. I have seen his body language which showed that he is really confident," Tendulkar said.

Kumar (29) had sustained an injury against Pakistan and missed the game against Afghanistan, which <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-28-india-vs-afghanistan-229477&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiC5pC1m4fjAhUBinAKHWJwCfIQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1G-es0aYAXKiJjOIBWfsM6">India won by 11 runs</a> on June 22.

Shami (29), who was drafted in the team in place of Kumar, took a hat-trick in the 50th over of Afghanistan's innings, becoming just the second Indian, after pacer Chetan Sharma, to achieve the feat in a World Cup match.

"For the upcoming match between India and West Indies, if I had to choose between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, I would definitely pick Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

"The only reason being, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can bowl to Chris Gayle at the outer angle and that is what makes Chris Gayle uncomfortable. I still remember how uncomfortable Chris Gayle was when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was bowling at him in the last Test I played," added Tendulkar, who holds numerous records to his name.

The 46-year-old batting legend played his last of 200th Test, a world record, at Mumbai in 2013.

"I know it will be a little unfortunate for Mohammed Shami but I believe for this game, Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be picked," Tendulkar signed off.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-hard-fought-win-over-afghanistan-was-important-for-us-virat-kohli-229642">India</a>, unbeaten in the World Cup till now, will take on an ousted-yet-dangerous West Indies in the sixth league phase encounter of the showpiece event.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar Wednesday picked pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar over fellow speedster Mohammed Shami, who took a sensational last over hat-trick against Afghanistan when an unbeaten India take on West Indies in their World Cup game at Manchester Thursday.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar Wednesday picked pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar over fellow speedster Mohammed Shami, who took a sensational last over hat-trick against Afghanistan when an unbeaten India take on West Indies in their World Cup game at Manchester Thursday. The Master Blaster picked 'Bhuvi', as pacer is commonly known, for his sheer ability to trouble swashbuckling West Indies batsman Chris Gayle. "It's great news for India that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fit. I have seen his body language which showed that he is really confident," Tendulkar said. Kumar (29) had sustained an injury against Pakistan and missed the game against Afghanistan, which India won by 11 runs on June 22. Shami (29), who was drafted in the team in place of Kumar, took a hat-trick in the 50th over of Afghanistan's innings, becoming just the second Indian, after pacer Chetan Sharma, to achieve the feat in a World Cup match. "For the upcoming match between India and West Indies, if I had to choose between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, I would definitely pick Bhuvneshwar Kumar. "The only reason being, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can bowl to Chris Gayle at the outer angle and that is what makes Chris Gayle uncomfortable. I still remember how uncomfortable Chris Gayle was when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was bowling at him in the last Test I played," added Tendulkar, who holds numerous records to his name. The 46-year-old batting legend played his last of 200th Test, a world record, at Mumbai in 2013. "I know it will be a little unfortunate for Mohammed Shami but I believe for this game, Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be picked," Tendulkar signed off. India, unbeaten in the World Cup till now, will take on an ousted-yet-dangerous West Indies in the sixth league phase encounter of the showpiece event.

Tendulkar picks Bhuvneshwar Kumar over hat-trick man Mohammed Shami for West Indies clash

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has finally opened up about the incident, where a fan body-shamed him, saying that the situation hurt him more because it occurred in front of his son, Abdullah.

"This was playing on my mind, but I didn't pay much heed as I thought he won't do this as his family was also with him. I spoke to his family. One of his family members also apologized on his behalf. But when the video became viral my body language was demotivated. It was not because of me. It was because of my son Abdullah who was with me at that time. That's why it hurt me even more," Thenews.com.pk quoted Ahmed as saying.

Pakistan had faced a humiliating 89-run defeat against India in the ongoing World Cup and the defeat was followed by immense criticism for the whole team.

In the viral video, Ahmed was seen in a mall with his son when a fan <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-former-pakistan-pacer-shoaib-akhtar-calls-sarfaraz-ahmed-fat-and-unfit-223491&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja64GYkofjAhVPfXAKHRKfBqcQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0XIGfkvL8BkxSxRHKa9J_Q">body-shamed</a> him.

However, after the video went viral on social media, the fan apologised for it.

"I saw my video when I was there (at the mall) and saying something to Pakistani captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. After I had shot the video, he met me and was annoyed. I apologised to him and deleted the video. But I genuinely don't know how the video got uploaded and became viral. I apologise from my side to those who have been offended," the fan said.

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has finally opened up about the incident, where a fan body-shamed him, saying that the situation hurt him more because it occurred in front of his son, Abdullah.

Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has finally opened up about the incident, where a fan body-shamed him, saying that the situation hurt him more because it occurred in front of his son, Abdullah. "This was playing on my mind, but I didn't pay much heed as I thought he won't do this as his family was also with him. I spoke to his family. One of his family members also apologized on his behalf. But when the video became viral my body language was demotivated. It was not because of me. It was because of my son Abdullah who was with me at that time. That's why it hurt me even more," Thenews.com.pk quoted Ahmed as saying. Pakistan had faced a humiliating 89-run defeat against India in the ongoing World Cup and the defeat was followed by immense criticism for the whole team. In the viral video, Ahmed was seen in a mall with his son when a fan body-shamed him. However, after the video went viral on social media, the fan apologised for it. "I saw my video when I was there (at the mall) and saying something to Pakistani captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. After I had shot the video, he met me and was annoyed. I apologised to him and deleted the video. But I genuinely don't know how the video got uploaded and became viral. I apologise from my side to those who have been offended," the fan said.

Body-shaming incident hurt me because it happened in front of my son Abdullah: Pak captain Sarfaraz

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