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UAE and Nepal score emphatic victories in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier opener

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By K.R. Nayar Reporting for the International Cricket Council website. Click https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/uae-and-nepal-score-emphatic-victories-in-the-icc-u19-women-s-t20-world-cup-asia-qualifier-opener Kuwait crash to UAE’s Lavanya Keny’s allround show while Nepal’s Puja Mahato and Rachanna Kumari Chaudhary’s topple Thailand Ajman.  Lavanya Keny’s allround performance helped UAE record an emphatic 106 runs win over Kuwait in the opening match of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 at the Seven District Sports Club in Ajman. In the second match, Nepal registered an easy 67 runs win through skipper  Puja Mahato’s alllround display  and Rachanna Kumari Chaudhary’s four wicket spell. Unbeaten half centuries from Keny and UAE skipper Samaira Dharnidharka UAE posted 143 for 1 in 20 overs through unbeaten half centuries from Keny and her skipper Samaira Dharnidharka. Keny remained unbeaten on 77 off 57 balls studded with 10 boundaries while Dharnidharka

Stage set for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 in Ajman

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By K.R. Nayar Reporting for the International Cricket Council website. Click  https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/stage-set-for-the-icc-u19-women-s-t20-world-cup-asia-qualifier-2024-in-ajman for detailed coverage of ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 UAE, Kuwait, Nepal, and Thailand vie for top spot to qualify for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025    Ajman. Hosts UAE, Kuwait, Nepal and Thailand will contest in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 which will be played at the Seven District Sports Club in Ajman, UAE, from November 6 to November 13, 2024. The top team from this eight-day competition will earn a spot in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, set to be held in Malaysia.   Captains of the four teams. Photo ICC Each of the four teams will play six matches in a double-league format—facing each opponent twice. Two matches will be held daily, with the first match starting at 9:30 am and the second at 1:30 pm. Hosts UAE will

The harsh reality of India’s massive defeat to New Zealand

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By K.R. Nayar Team India has been thrashed by New Zealand through a clean 3-0 sweep in the Test series at home. It’s time to face certain realities about cricket. However, this is not the time to accuse Team India players or tarnish their reputations.   Before we analyze the defeat, a critical question that must be asked to the Indian fans is: Is India a team that should never get thrashed at home?     New Zealand players celebrate their historic triumph  Is India a team that should never get thrashed?     Expectations from fans of the Indian team are such that it’s hard for them to accept they could lose Test matches at home, even wrapping up within three days. What’s even harder to accept is that New Zealand played superior cricket in India. We must acknowledge this is possible in cricket, and New Zealand has shown that a collective effort, with players executing their roles to perfection, can overcome even the toughest opponents in unfamiliar conditions.   Run machine

Former Kerala cricketers create waves of cricket camaraderie in Goa through decade-long Friendship Cup

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By K.R. Nayar Like diamonds are forever, friendships too are enduring. The Friendship Cup cricket event, now celebrating its 10th season, exemplifies this sentiment. Played between The Kerala Overseas Cricketers (KOC) and Kerala Young Veterans (KVC), this tournament tells the story of cricketers-turned-friends who continue to pursue their love for the game by nurturing their bonds.   The 10th edition took place at the SAG grounds in Chicalim, Goa, although all these players have roots in Kerala and have represented the Kerala state team at various levels. Life may have taken these players to different parts of the world, but they ensure a reunion every year. In 2016, I had the privilege of traveling with them to Trivandrum to witness the third edition. The spirit with which they played reminded me of Helen Keller's famous words, “True friends are never apart; maybe in distance, but never in heart.” The KYC team captained by Sunil Kumar that won the T20 match Since its establi

Meeting Alastair Cook after his Hall of Fame induction and his message for youngsters

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By K.R. Nayar The ICC Hall of Fame event was held alongside the ICC and Emirates Cricket Board gala dinner at the Hilton on October 19, the day before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final. One of the inductees into the Hall of Fame was Alastair Cook. It was wonderful to meet him and get a message from him for young aspiring cricketers.     With Alastair Cook after he was inducted into the Hall of Fame  I have witnessed some of Cook’s remarkable performances during his playing days. Alongside Brian Lara and Kumar Sangakkara, he ranks as one of the three finest left-handers I regard very highly. In the 2015 three-Test series against Pakistan, he amassed 450 runs, including a memorable knock of 263 in Abu Dhabi, scores of 65 and 10 in Dubai, and 49 and 63 in Sharjah. During that series, I had several opportunities to speak to him, and upon his recent Hall of Fame induction, I reminded him of my good fortune to have witnessed many of his great innings.   My column in 2018 when he re

Stunning chase through centuries from Jayesh Patel and Ankur Kassal steer East Central Zone to Over 40s Masters Cricket USA title

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By K.R. Nayar From Sevens Stadium, Dubai At the Sevens Stadium’s Oval Ground 2, few believed East Central Zone would emerge as champions of the Over 40s Masters Cricket USA, especially after North Zone posted an impressive 234 runs in 40 overs. However, two determined batsmen, Jayesh Patel and Ankur Kassal, chased down the challenging target, leading their team to an eight-wicket victory in just 34.3 overs. East Central Zone Over 40s team celebrate after receiving the trophy. Photo by K.R. Nayar  Jayesh paved the way with a remarkable knock of 122 off 106 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes. Kassal, playing a supportive role, remained unbeaten on 102 off 90 balls, studded with nine boundaries and three sixes, ensuring his team reached the target.   Jayesh Patel (left) and Ankur Kassal crack centuries to lead their  team to victory. Photo by K.R. Nayar   East Central Zone celebrated a double victory, as minutes earlier, their Over 50s team had also claimed the Over 50s