Weekly CRICKET Review - Li | Pathum Magnificent Nissanka

So, how is the World of Cricket treating you? It's an action-packed schedule these days. You already know that I am sharing a weekly wrap-up of what is happening within the Cricket community. So, it's the 51st edition now!!

In last week's, edition, I shared with you a comprehensive summary of some exciting ongoing series and about how ICC Awards turn out. So, let's dig into what's happening right now!

Using Canva & Getty Images

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Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2024

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• It's a 3-match T-20, 3 ODI matches, and a Test match. Sri Lanka is playing under new captains of De Silva in Test matches and Mendis in the other two formats. The Test match was comprehensively won by the hosts by 10 wickets.

• The first ODI match was the show in Pallekale stadium. It was a freaking good batting display by both teams scoring 700+ runs combined.

• Sri Lanka started the batting and the opening duo put an 182-run partnership upfront, inside 26 overs. Awishka departed first scoring 88 runs and Nissanka carried the innings making history in ODI Cricket.

• Nissanka became the first Sri Lankan and tenth overall batter to register a double ton, in ODI Cricket history. He passed 189 runs of legendary Sanath against India, which was the previous highest for Sri Lanka. He achieved the milestone in just 136 balls, making it the third fastest.

• In the end, Sri Lanka put in a total of 381 runs, and in the chase, the Afghans couldn't start the innings well. They lost 5 wickets within 10 overs for just 55 runs. But then Azmatullah and Nabi came to the rescue.

• These two put together a 242-run partnership which became the second-highest for the sixth wicket or below in ODIs, and also the highest stand for any side ending in a losing cause. Anyway, the Afghans ended up scoring 339/6, Nabi with 136 runs and Azmatullah unfortunately stayed out for 149 runs.

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South Africa tour of New Zealand, 2024

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• It's a two-match Test series and the first one was a one-sided one from NZ against more young SA team. Started the batting in the first match, NZ out a mammoth total of 511 runs. The new superstar Rachin Ravindra scored his maiden double ton in his fourth match. His and Kane's partnership almost scattered the chance for SA. SA's new captain Neil Brand took 06 wickets in his debut.

Rachin

• In the chase SA could only put 162 runs. Once again NZ declared the innings giving a target of 529 runs. But SA ended up scoring just 247 runs.

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West Indies tour of Australia

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• It's a full tour of 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20s. Australia clean-swept WI in the ODI and won the first Test and first T20 also. But the second Test match was something amazing.

• In Gabba stadium, Shamar Joseph made history by leading to West Indies' first Test win in Australia in 27 years. His 7-68 resulted in an 8-run thrilling victory for the visitors.

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• Scoring first, WI put a total of 311 runs. Anyway, batting was not easy for the hosts in overcast conditions as ROach and Alzari collapsed them. Anyway, Cummins, Carry, and Khawaja took the game moving, But Cummins made an odd decision declaring the inning for 289/9.

• In the second innings WI could only score 191 runs giving a 216 runs target. Shamar Joseph started troubling the batsmen upfront. When only Smith held his side, others got troubled. After getting hit on the toe, Shamar got injured on the last evening and nobody believes he can do this type of magic. Anyway, he shocked the world and gave a memorable evening for West Indies fans.

• And it was lovely the reaction of Lara and Gilchrist and the legendary commentator Ian Smith.

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Ongoing and Upcoming Series

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• England tour of India
• West Indies tour of Australia
• Afghanistan tour of Sri Lanka, 2024
• South Africa tour of New Zealand, 2024
• ICC Under 19 World Cup
• International League T20
• SA20
• Bangladesh Premier League

Until the next time! Enjoy!

Thank you.
Best Regards!