Shanaka: Participating in the Qualifiers is always challenging. However, if we go through the process with the talented team we have, we are confident in our ability to qualify. We acknowledge the credit to other teams, as some of them provided us with tough competition. Nevertheless, we believe we are the stronger side. Madushanka has been exceptional, and this group of players possesses their skills, effectively utilizing the prevailing conditions. Recognizing our strengths is crucial for achieving success. We approach each game step by step, without underestimating any opponent. We will not take the next game lightly; instead, we aim to demonstrate our superiority. It’s a significant accomplishment, and as we have done in previous World Cups, Sri Lanka needs to feature on the grand stage. Our primary focus lies on the upcoming World Cup, and we eagerly await the opportunity to deliver there as well.

Ervine: It was expected to be a difficult task batting first. Additionally, we had a couple of dismissals that could have been avoided. Losing three wickets early in the innings put us at a disadvantage. Theekshana, who has been instrumental for Sri Lanka on multiple occasions, caused significant trouble for us in the middle. The partnership between Williams and Raza helped us recover and get back into the game. However, Theekshana’s performance turned the tide against us. As for our upcoming match against Scotland, there’s no need to change our preparation approach. We will continue with our existing strategies and game plan.

Theekshana | Player of the Match: We had some solid plans in place. However, we didn’t execute them effectively after the first ten overs. I discussed this with Dasun and decided to make adjustments to the field placements. Since we lost Lahiru, I was aware that I would be bowling with the new ball. Dilshan’s three-wicket haul was crucial. Sikandar and Sean were batting exceptionally well during that phase, so I understood the importance of taking a wicket. I believe I executed the plan successfully and performed admirably. It was clear to us that we needed to win all the games in this tournament. We still have two matches remaining, and we need to secure victories in those as well.

The Sri Lankan dressing room was filled with smiles. Nissanka received a pat on the back from Mendis, who played a significant role in helping him reach his century. The run chase proved to be a comfortable stroll for them, as they cruised to victory with plenty of time to spare. Once again, it was Sri Lanka’s bowling that shone brightly. The bowling unit has been pivotal in maintaining an impeccable winning record throughout the tournament. Winning the toss today was advantageous, and both Madushanka and Theekshana delivered exceptional performances at different stages of the match. Madushanka impressed with the new ball, while Theekshana dominated later on, ultimately dismissing Zimbabwe for a mere 165 runs. Zimbabwe had little chance of defending such a total, and their hopes were dashed by Sri Lanka’s formidable opening partnership. As Sri Lanka secures their ticket to the World Cup, Zimbabwe, and Scotland will likely engage in a tense battle for the remaining spot.

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In a thrilling turn of events, England showcased their batting prowess by piling on 278 runs, despite facing unexpected dismissals. Meanwhile, Australia faced apprehension as Nathan Lyon suffered an injury and was forced to leave the field of play.

The day commenced with Steve Smith etching his name in history by achieving his 32nd Test century. Remarkably, he achieved this milestone in fewer innings than any other player in Test cricket’s illustrious history.

However, equipped with the second new ball, England swiftly claimed the remaining five wickets, restricting Australia to a modest first-inning total of 416.

In response, England’s top three batsmen each surpassed 40 runs, propelling their team to a strong start in their innings. Additionally, Joe Root surpassed Allan Border, securing the tenth position in the all-time Test run-scorers list.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett Form Highest Opening Partnership in an Ashes Test Since 2010/11, Ending with Crawley’s Stumping on Lyon’s Sole Wicket

England enjoyed a remarkable opening partnership as Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett amassed a commanding 91 runs, marking England’s highest opening stand in an Ashes Test since 2010/11. However, their partnership was brought to a halt when Crawley charged down the pitch against Nathan Lyon, only to be stumped for 48.

Interestingly, Lyon’s wicket of Crawley would be his solitary success of the day. Unfortunately, Lyon’s presence on the field was short-lived as he was compelled to depart after delivering 13 overs.

Following the conclusion of his spell, Lyon was asked to chase a ball towards the boundary. It was during this pursuit that he abruptly pulled up, exhibiting signs of a potential calf injury.

Regrettably, Lyon did not reemerge on the field for the remainder of the day. In response to his injury, Australia issued a statement affirming that Lyon will undergo further assessment to determine the extent of his condition.

Ollie Pope Defies Shoulder Problem to Score 42, Strengthening England’s Dominant Position at 188/1, While Australia Faces Bowler Shortage

Despite battling a shoulder problem, Ollie Pope displayed resilience and contributed a valuable 42 runs, further consolidating England’s commanding position at 188/1. The absence of a bowler for Australia added to England’s advantage.

However, the tide shifted dramatically during the evening session when Cameron Green was introduced into the attack. With a strategic shift towards consistent short-pitched bowling, an extraordinary hour of play unfolded, injecting a new level of intensity into the game.

Ricky Ponting Expresses Concerns Over England’s Ashes Approach | The ICC Review

Australia’s cricket legend, Ricky Ponting, has raised several question marks regarding England’s preparations leading up to the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Ponting believes there are uncertainties surrounding England’s game plan and performance.

The first casualty for England was Ollie Pope, who fell into the trap set by Cameron Green, holing out to backward square. Similarly, the impressive Ben Duckett succumbed to the same tactic, departing a mere two runs shy of a century. Duckett’s frustration was evident as he berated himself for missing out on the significant milestone. However, England remained undeterred and continued their aggressive approach against the short-pitched deliveries.

Joe Root, fortunate to survive an early dismissal due to a no-ball from Green, embarked on frenetic innings of 10 runs before falling victim to a clean catch by Steve Smith off Mitchell Starc’s bowling.

In the midst of the chaos, it was Ben Stokes who provided stability and curbed the scoring rate. Demonstrating caution against the barrage of short-pitched deliveries, Stokes remained unbeaten on 17 from 57 deliveries by the end of the day’s play.

Following his captain’s example, Harry Brook mirrored Stokes’ approach after a rapid start, concluding the day’s proceedings unbeaten on 45 from 51 deliveries.

On Day Two, Australia Resumes at 339/5, Loses Early Wicket, and Faces Tail-End Struggles

Australia began Day Two at a solid 339/5, having dominated proceedings on the previous day. However, their fortunes took a downturn when Alex Carey fell early to Stuart Broad’s seam delivery, with the new ball striking his back pad. The decision was upheld upon review, and Carey was dismissed for 22.

Unfortunately for Australia, their lower-order batsmen failed to provide the desired resistance. Only Pat Cummins managed to reach double figures, remaining unbeaten on 22, while the remaining four tail-enders struggled to contribute significantly.

Meanwhile, James Anderson, who had put in considerable effort on Day One, finally reaped the reward as he induced an edge from Mitchell Starc (6), resulting in a catch by Jonny Bairstow.

Following the departure of star batsman Steve Smith, it was Ollie Robinson who polished off Australia’s tail, claiming the wickets of Nathan Lyon (7) and Josh Hazlewood (4).

As the third day’s play approaches on Friday, Australia will be eager to replicate their strong start, with England placed at 278/4 and trailing by 138 runs.

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The tournament will reach its pinnacle at the very same venue, with the highly-anticipated final slated for November 19th. Cricket fans around the world eagerly await this grand culmination of the World Cup, where the new champions will be crowned.

The International Cricket Council unveiled the fixtures for the upcoming 50-over tournament during an event held in Mumbai. The announcement came less than four months before the tournament’s commencement, indicating a slight delay. This delay can be attributed, in part, to the strained political relations between India and Pakistan.

The recent disagreement between India and Pakistan arose due to India’s decision not to visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup scheduled for August-September. The long-standing rivalry between these neighboring nations means that they only face each other in tournaments involving multiple teams.

Here is the full schedule for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023

In response, Pakistan issued a warning that they would consider boycotting the World Cup if they were not given the opportunity to host a portion of the Asia Cup matches on their home turf.

Earlier this month, the deadlock was ultimately resolved as Pakistan reached an agreement to share matches with Sri Lanka. As part of this arrangement, India will play their Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka.

The highly-anticipated clash between the arch-rivals is scheduled to take place on October 15, a match that holds immense significance in the tournament. The venue for this thrilling encounter will once again be Ahmedabad. Additionally, on October 8, the hosts India will face off against the five-time champions Australia in Chennai.

England’s opening match against New Zealand presents a rematch of the 2019 final, a contest that remains memorable due to the controversial boundary count rule, which has since been discarded. In that thrilling encounter, the match went into a super over after Ben Stokes unintentionally deflected a ball from the field, resulting in four additional runs while diving to reach the crease.

Geoff Allardice, the chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC), expressed his anticipation for what is hoped to be the most extraordinary Men’s Cricket World Cup to date, with millions of fans worldwide eagerly participating. Recognizing the distinctively electric atmosphere in India, Allardice expects the teams to be immersed in an unparalleled cricketing experience.

Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), expressed immense pride and honor in hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup across various cities in India. This presents an opportunity to showcase the rich diversity of the country. Shah acknowledged the unparalleled fervor and passion for cricket in India and emphasized the excitement both within the nation and among fans worldwide, eagerly anticipating the tournament’s return to India for the first time since 2011 when the Indian team triumphed, becoming the first to lift the trophy on home soil.

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The final call to award Eden Gardens the semifinal came during a meeting held on Monday (June 26) between the state associations of the host cities, officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and representatives from the International Cricket Council (ICC). A total of 12 associations were present at this crucial gathering.

Among the factors contributing to the decision was the potential weather conditions in Chennai during October-November, when the tournament is scheduled. The Tamil Nadu capital typically experiences the North-East monsoon during these months, raising concerns about hosting a knockout game in such circumstances. However, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) will still have the opportunity to host several World Cup matches, ensuring the state board’s involvement in the prestigious event. The representative from TNCA was present at the meeting held in Mumbai, where all participating associations were briefed about the operational responsibilities expected from a host city.

With this unexpected change, Eden Gardens in Kolkata now takes center stage as the preferred choice to hold the World Cup semifinal. Renowned for its grandeur and historic significance, this legendary venue has witnessed countless memorable cricketing encounters over the years. Its iconic stature, coupled with its world-class facilities, makes it an ideal setting to host such a high-stakes match.

Cricket enthusiasts and fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the thrilling contest that will unfold at Eden Gardens during the World Cup. As the tournament approaches, excitement fills the air, and all eyes turn towards Kolkata, eagerly awaiting the clash of cricketing titans on this illustrious stage.

The decision to award Eden Gardens the semifinal not only recognizes its rich heritage and iconic status but also reflects the trust placed in its ability to deliver a truly remarkable experience for players and spectators alike. As the preparations intensify and the countdown begins, Kolkata prepares to welcome the cricketing world to its hallowed grounds, promising an unforgettable semi final encounter that will leave an indelible mark in the history of the sport.

Get ready to witness the magic and drama as Eden Gardens in Kolkata assumes its rightful place as the host of the World Cup semifinal. With its passionate crowds, electric atmosphere, and world-class facilities, this iconic stadium is set to provide an unparalleled cricketing spectacle that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.

In an exciting turn of events, the prestigious Eden Gardens stadium has been chosen as the venue for a highly anticipated World Cup semifinal match. The cricketing world is buzzing with anticipation as teams from across the globe gear up for a monumental showdown at this iconic ground.

Eden Gardens, located in the bustling city of Kolkata, India, has long been revered as one of the most hallowed cricketing arenas. Its rich history and electric atmosphere have witnessed some of the most gripping encounters in the sport, captivating fans worldwide. Now, this legendary venue is all set to add another glorious chapter to its storied legacy.

With its vast seating capacity, Eden Gardens promises to provide an unforgettable experience for spectators, who will fill the stands with their unwavering support and fervor. The venue’s iconic architecture, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities, ensures that players and fans alike will be treated to a world-class sporting spectacle.

As the countdown begins, the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the clash of titans on this hallowed turf. The semifinal match will bring together cricketing superstars from different nations, as they compete for a place in the coveted World Cup final. The stage is set for a gripping contest that will test the skills, resilience, and determination of these elite athletes.

Cricket enthusiasts from around the world will have their eyes fixed on Eden Gardens, eagerly anticipating the magic and drama that often unfolds in such high-stakes encounters. The roar of the crowd, the deafening applause, and the collective gasps of astonishment will reverberate throughout the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere that only adds to the thrill of the game.

Eden Gardens, with its rich heritage and unparalleled cricketing tradition, is the perfect stage for this momentous occasion. It embodies the spirit of the sport and has played witness to countless cricketing legends etching their names into history. Now, it stands ready to embrace the world as it hosts a World Cup semifinal match that promises to leave an indelible mark on the annals of cricketing glory.

So, mark your calendars and prepare for a cricketing extravaganza like no other. As Eden Gardens opens its gates to the world, it invites fans, players, and enthusiasts alike to be a part of history in the making. The World Cup semifinal at this iconic stadium is sure to be a spectacle of epic proportions, one that will be etched in the memories of cricket lovers for years to come.

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With India’s upcoming tour of the West Indies scheduled for next month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently disclosed the squads for the Test and ODI series. Rohit Sharma has been appointed as the captain for both formats, with Ajinkya Rahane and Hardik Pandya selected as his deputies for Tests and ODIs, respectively. In a significant development, veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been excluded from the team due to his underwhelming performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Providing insights into India’s squad, former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal expressed his opinions on the forthcoming tour.

Akmal commented that although Rohit Sharma has performed admirably as India’s Test captain in his brief tenure, he should display more authority on the field, emulating his predecessor, Virat Kohli.

“It’s a well-balanced team. The Indian squad needs a strong start. I urge Rohit Sharma to elevate his captaincy performance. Show the commanding presence on the field, reminiscent of Virat Kohli’s leadership. He has been given an opportunity. Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma has done a commendable job thus far, considering the circumstances surrounding the Kohli situation,” Akmal expressed on his YouTube channel.

While acknowledging the selectors’ efforts, Akmal raised concerns over the omission of Sarfaraz Khan and Umran Malik.

“When it comes to squad selection, there’s always room for debate about one or two players. One player who immediately comes to mind, considering his records, is Sarfaraz Khan. It may not have been possible to include him in the playing XI, but he should have been given the opportunity to travel with the team. Just a gesture to let him know that he is not being ignored and there remains a chance for him in the future. This tour would have been the perfect opportunity to have him in the squad. Additionally, Umran Malik, with his impressive pace, could have been a potent weapon. The pitches in West Indies tend to be dry, and with the Dukes ball, there’s a good chance of obtaining reverse swing,” he elaborated.

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The scene was like a work of art, flawlessly crafted. The sun peeked through the clouds of the afternoon sky, its rays reflecting off Ecclestone’s vibrant, disco-like blue sunglasses. With an aura reminiscent of a rock star, she strode confidently towards the crease, unleashing a series of deliveries that yielded two wickets without conceding a single run. This remarkable feat revitalized England’s hopes in a game that seemed to be slipping away from them.

On a cloudy afternoon in Nottingham, Heather Knight’s team found themselves on the brink of a daunting task after Australia won the toss and chose to bat. As the rain interrupted play, England struggled to claim a crucial wicket, with Ellyse Perry dominating the crease and approaching a Test century while Australia stood at 226 for three.

However, Ecclestone, England’s highly regarded specialist spinner in the women’s game, had different plans. With three fierce deliveries, she found the edge of Jess Jonassen’s bat, causing the ball to pop up and land safely in the hands of Tammy Beaumont. Then, she dismissed Alyssa Healy, Australia’s captain, for a duck – her third consecutive one in Test matches. This breakthrough injected much-needed energy into the English team.

Exploiting Australia’s sudden vulnerability, Lauren Filer, who had already dismissed Beth Mooney and performed exceptionally well on her memorable Test debut, captured the prized wicket of Australia’s leading batter on 99, denying her a third Test century. Perry had been in superb form but mistimed her shot, resulting in a catch at gully by Nat Sciver-Brunt. Three wickets for just 12 runs in 24 balls left Australia shaken and unsettled.

“It’s just one of those things,” Perry commented. “Getting out is always disappointing, but the game moves on, and so does life, certainly.”

There has been much discussion about this England team and their captivating brand of cricket, which they aim to display under the guidance of their new head coach, Jon Lewis. Interestingly, Lewis had previously served as a pace coach for England’s men and was closely associated with Brendon McCullum.

Thus far, the indications suggest that England possesses the capability to challenge Australia throughout this multi-format series. While Ecclestone will undoubtedly attract attention with her performance, another notable positive was the fearless 22-year-old, Filer, who, despite apparent nerves, exhibited remarkable composure.

England began the match brightly, swiftly dismissing Phoebe Litchfield, Australia’s talented 20-year-old batter, with Kate Cross claiming the wicket on her Test debut. However, the hosts seemed to lack ideas until the Dukes ball was handed over to Filer, who quickly made an impact.

The young cricketer infused the game with renewed energy, displaying a level of skill and composure that made it seem as if she had been playing Test cricket for years. In a nearly dream-like start, she delivered a swift ball to Perry, who, on the historic occasion of becoming the first woman to participate in 10 Ashes series, had the instinct to anticipate being saved from an lbw dismissal.

Despite the scarcity of Test matches in women’s cricket, Filer was determined to make the most of her opportunity. She skillfully enticed Mooney into a shot, resulting in a catch by Cross. With Australia at 83 for two, England’s confidence soared.

A five-day Test match allows for more time at the crease, a prospect that the champion Australian team, excelling in all formats of the game, would certainly relish. After the lunch break, Australia surged forward, with the seasoned Perry finding her rhythm following the early scare from Filer and reaching a well-deserved half-century. England, meanwhile, struggled to secure another wicket.

Stumps: AUS 328/7

The opening day of the Ashes proved to be a captivating and fluctuating contest. Australia won the toss on a docile pitch and initially asserted their dominance, cruising to 202/2 with Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath in control. However, the exceptional Sophie Ecclestone swiftly turned the tide, claiming three crucial wickets before and after a rain delay. This flurry of dismissals left Australia in a precarious position at 238/6, compounded by Lauren Filer’s lively debut performance, which saw her catch Perry in the gully for 99.

Ash Gardner and Annabel Sutherland displayed composure as they calmly rebuilt the Australian innings. Nevertheless, the balance of the day’s play appears fairly even, with Australia possibly holding a slight advantage due to the pitch already showing signs of turn and variable bounce.

Australia’s standout performers were Perry and McGrath, who combined for a rapid partnership of 61 runs. Meanwhile, England’s bowling star was undoubtedly Ecclestone, whose immaculate deliveries yielded figures of 31-6-71-3. However, the most eye-catching performance came from debutant Filer, whose raw pace accounted for Beth Mooney and Perry herself. Filer appears to be a promising discovery for the England team.

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In a thrilling final match of the Women’s Emerging Asia Cup 2023 held on Wednesday (June 21) at the Mission Road Ground, India A achieved a remarkable victory over Bangladesh A by 31 runs. The slow and challenging pitch witnessed the mesmerizing spells of off-spinner Shreyanka Patil (4 wickets for 13) and slow left-arm orthodox bowler Mannat Kashyap (3 wickets for 20). These exceptional performances created history as India A defended their competitive total of 127 runs, having lost 7 wickets while batting first after winning the toss. Bangladesh was bowled out for a mere 96 in 19.2 overs, succumbing to the skillful bowling attack. Off-break bowler Kanika Ahuja (2/23) also made valuable contributions with two wickets.

Bangladesh Struggles Against India’s Spin Trio as India’s Batsmen Shine

The Bangladeshi batters found themselves at a loss facing India’s formidable spin trio comprising Shreyanka, Mannat, and Kanika. Nahida Akhtar managed to top-score for Bangladesh with an unbeaten 17, while Shobhana Mostari contributed 16 runs. Unfortunately, no Bangladeshi batter was able to individually surpass the 20-run mark.

In the first innings, Dinesh Vrinda led the charge for India, delivering an impressive performance with a top-score of 36 off 29 balls. Kanika also made a valuable contribution with an unbeaten 30 off 23 balls. The Bangladesh bowlers maintained pressure on the Indian batsmen by taking wickets at regular intervals.In addition to Vrinda and Kanika, only wicket-keeper Chetry managed to reach double figures with a score of 22, while captain Shweta Sehrawat contributed 13 runs. Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Nahida impressed with two wickets for 13 runs, and off-spinner Sultana Khatoon also claimed two wickets for 30 runs.

India secured their spot in the final on Tuesday (June 20) when their semi-final match against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain without a single ball being bowled. Remarkably, a total of eight matches in the tournament were affected by rain and ultimately washed out.

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Introduction to BCCI’s Women’s Cricket Committee

The BCCI’s Women’s Cricket Committee plays a crucial role in shaping and developing women’s cricket in India. The committee comprises experienced and knowledgeable individuals who are dedicated to nurturing young talent, providing equal opportunities, and ensuring the overall growth of women’s cricket.

The New Appointments

Under the dynamic leadership of the BCCI, the Women’s Cricket Committee has recently welcomed new members who bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise in the cricketing world. These appointments reflect the BCCI’s commitment to elevating women’s cricket to new heights.

1. Chairperson – A Visionary Leader

The position of Chairperson of the Women’s Cricket Committee has been entrusted to a visionary leader who has dedicated her life to the promotion of women’s cricket. Her deep understanding of the game, coupled with her passion for empowering young female cricketers, makes her the ideal choice to steer the committee towards success.

2. Expert Coaches – Shaping the Future Stars

Recognizing the importance of quality coaching, the BCCI has appointed a team of expert coaches who will play a pivotal role in nurturing and honing the skills of budding cricketers. These coaches bring a wealth of experience and will create an environment conducive to the development of young talents.

3. Selection Panel – Discovering Hidden Gems

The newly formed selection panel comprises individuals with a keen eye for talent. Their responsibility is to identify promising players and provide them with the opportunity to represent their state and eventually the national team. This process ensures a strong talent pool and enables the growth of women’s cricket across all levels.

BCCI’s Junior Cricket Committee

Apart from the Women’s Cricket Committee, the BCCI also recognizes the significance of promoting junior cricket. The Junior Cricket Committee is responsible for nurturing young talents and laying the foundation for future stars of Indian cricket. Let’s delve deeper into the appointments made by the BCCI in this regard.

1. Committee Head – An Experienced Guide

The Junior Cricket Committee will be led by a seasoned individual who has a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in junior cricket. With years of experience in mentoring young cricketers, this individual will provide the necessary guidance and support to ensure the holistic development of junior players.

2. Development Programs – Shaping the Future

To strengthen the grassroots of Indian cricket, the BCCI has introduced comprehensive development programs. These programs will focus on providing quality infrastructure, specialized coaching, and exposure to competitive tournaments. Such initiatives will enhance the skills and capabilities of junior cricketers across the country.

3. Talent Identification – Unearthing Young Gems

Identifying and nurturing young talent is a key aspect of the Junior Cricket Committee’s responsibilities. Through rigorous scouting and selection processes, the committee will identify exceptional young players who exhibit the potential to excel at higher levels. This emphasis on talent identification will pave the way for a bright future for Indian cricket.

Conclusion

The recent appointments made by the BCCI to the Women’s and Junior Cricket Committees mark a significant step forward in the promotion and development of women

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India, leading the table with a superior run rate compared to their arch-rivals Pakistan, showcased their dominance in their first encounter against Hong Kong. Choosing to bowl first, the Indian team delivered an exceptional performance, restricting Hong Kong to a mere 34 runs in 14 overs. Shreyanka Patil emerged as the standout player of the match, taking a remarkable 5-wicket haul while conceding only 2 runs in 3 overs. Parshavi and Mannat Kashyap also made significant contributions, each securing 2 wickets. India efficiently chased down the target in just 5.2 overs, with Uma Chetry and Gongadi Trisha remaining unbeaten on 16 and 19 runs respectively.

On the flip side, Sri Lanka commenced their campaign with a victory against UAE. Choosing to bowl first, the Sri Lankan bowlers exhibited a splendid performance, dismissing UAE for a meager total of 95 runs in 19.3 overs. Madushika Meththananda shone with her exceptional bowling skills, claiming 4 wickets in a mere 3.3 overs. Additionally, Malsha Shehani and Nimasha Meepage contributed significantly by securing 2 wickets each. Their combined efforts proved instrumental in limiting UAE’s scoring opportunities. Sri Lanka displayed 

confidence as they successfully chased down the target in 19.5 overs, with Vishmi Gunaratne leading the charge with 21 runs.

Bangladesh, another formidable team, demonstrated their dominance in their opening match against Malaysia. Opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted an impressive total of 148/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Murshida Khatun played a scintillating inning, smashing 57 runs off just 44 balls to showcase her exceptional skills. Building on their team’s strong performance, the Bangladeshi bowlers restricted Malaysia to a mere 51/8 in their 20 overs.

The stage is now set for the thrilling semi-finals, scheduled to take place on Monday, June 19, with a reserve day scheduled for June 20 in case of adverse weather conditions. The clash between India and Sri Lanka promises to be a battle of skills, with India aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak and Sri Lanka seeking redemption after their abandoned matches. In the other semi-final, Pakistan and Bangladesh will fiercely compete, with both teams hungry for victory and eager to showcase their mettle on the grand stage. With anticipation building, cricket fans worldwide can look forward to an electrifying exhibition of talent, determination, and sportsmanship from these emerging cricketing giants. Marking the pinnacle of the tournament, the final is set to take place on Wednesday, June 21. The quest for championship glory in the ACC Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 guarantees an enthralling journey, keeping cricket enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

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The defending champions, Sri Lanka, will aim to defend their title against tough competition from the other participating nations. Notably, this edition of the Asia Cup will adopt a hybrid model, marking a first in its history. Four matches will be held in Pakistan, while the remaining nine matches are scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka. This innovative hosting arrangement adds an exciting element to the tournament and offers fans in both countries the opportunity to witness high-quality cricket action firsthand.

The upcoming Asia Cup will feature the participation of the five full members of the Asian Cricket Council: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Joining them will be Nepal, who secured their spot by emerging victorious in the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup. This marks Nepal’s debut in the ACC Asia Cup, as they have qualified for the tournament for the first time, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition.

In January 2023, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) unveiled the pathway structure and calendar for 2023 and 2024, confirming the tournament’s dates and format. Originally slated for 2021, the Asia Cup had to be postponed to 2023 due to a congested schedule. Pakistan was designated as the host nation for the tournament, ensuring an exciting cricketing spectacle awaits fans.

Tournament History and Significance.

Following discussions held in June 2020 between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), it was decided that Sri Lanka would host the 2020 Asia Cup. This decision was made due to India’s reluctance to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. The ACC released a statement acknowledging the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stated that the final decision on the venue options for the Asia Cup would be made in due course.

In July 2020, the ACC officially announced the postponement of the 2020 edition. The tournament was rescheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in June 2021. However, in March 2021, the tournament faced the risk of another postponement as India qualified for the final of the World Test Championship, which clashed with the proposed dates in June. Consequently, the Asia Cup was further postponed to 2023.

In May 2021, the ACC confirmed that there would be no Asia Cup held in 2021, and the tournament was deferred until 2023. Initially, Pakistan was set to host the 2022 edition after retaining the hosting rights. However, after a meeting with the ACC in October 2021, it was confirmed by Ramiz Raja that Pakistan would host the tournament in 2023, while Sri Lanka would host the 2022 edition.

In October 2022, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), announced that India would not be traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023 due to the ongoing political tension between the two countries. Despite Pakistan being initially confirmed as the host nation, Shah stated that the tournament would be held at a neutral venue.

The statement made by Jay Shah prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to request an emergency meeting of the ACC board to address this important and sensitive matter. The PCB expressed concerns that India’s decision could have repercussions on Pakistan’s participation in the 2023 Cricket World Cup and other ICC events scheduled to be held in India from 2024 to 2031.

In December 2022, Ramiz Raja, the then Chairman of the PCB, indicated that Pakistan might consider withdrawing from the tournament if their hosting rights were revoked due to India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan. However, in January 2023, the ACC confirmed the teams and groups for the tournament, assuring the participation of both India and Pakistan.

In March 2023, a proposal was put forth to keep Pakistan as the host nation for the Asia Cup, but with all India matches, including a minimum of two India-Pakistan contests, to be played at a neutral venue that was yet to be determined. This hybrid model, suggested by Pakistan, faced opposition from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, who rejected the proposal.

In response, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Najam Sethi, presented two alternative options. The first option suggested that India play all their matches at a neutral venue while Pakistan hosts the remaining teams. The second option proposed that four group stage matches take place in Pakistan, while the subsequent phase, including matches involving the Indian team and leading up to the final, be played at a neutral venue. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh agreed to the second option.

On June 15, 2023, the Asian Cricket Council officially announced that the Asia Cup would be hosted in a hybrid model. Four matches would be held in Pakistan, while the remaining nine matches would take place in Sri Lanka. This decision ensured a balanced distribution of matches between the two host countries.

Format and Structure of Asia Cup.

On January 9, 2023, the groups and format for the tournament were unveiled, outlining an exciting competition structure. The six participating teams have been divided into two groups of three each. A total of 13 matches will be played throughout the tournament, comprising six league matches, six Super 4 matches, and a final showdown.

Group A consists of India, Pakistan, and Nepal, who earned their place by becoming champions of the 2023 ACC Men’s Premier Cup qualifier event. On the other hand, defending champions Sri Lanka find themselves in Group B alongside Bangladesh and Afghanistan. This grouping sets the stage for intense clashes and fierce rivalries.

The tournament’s progression will see the top two teams from each group advance to the Super 4 stage. Within the Super 4, the leading two teams will face off in a thrilling final match, showcasing their skills and determination to claim the prestigious Asia Cup title. The format ensures a competitive and captivating journey for the participating teams and cricket fans alike.

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