NEW YORK: Suryakumar Yadav hit an unbeaten half-century and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh claimed a career-best 4-9 as India defeated the United States by seven wickets to reach the T20 World Cup second round on Wednesday.
Chasing 111 to win the Group A clash, India were rattled at 15-2 and then 44-3 before Yadav (50) and Shivam Dube (31) put on an undefeated fourth-wicket stand of 67 to secure a third win in three games for Rohit Sharma’s team with 10 balls to spare.
Despite the defeat, the United States are still well-placed to join India in the Super Eights as they have four points while Pakistan and Canada are on two.
India were stunned by Mumbai-born fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar who had superstar batsman Virat Kohli caught behind for nought off the first ball he faced.
Rohit was then caught by Harmeet Singh at mid-off, again off the bowling of the 32-year-old Netravalkar in the third over.
Rishabh Pant’s 18-run cameo was ended when his stumps were uprooted by Ali Khan in the eighth over.
However, Yadav went to his 18th international T20 half-century from 49 balls with two fours and a pair of sixes.
Left-hander Dube’s 31 came off 35 deliveries and featured a boundary and a six on the same notoriously tricky and slow Nassau County International Cricket Stadium pitch where India had made just 119 in a six-run win over Pakistan at the weekend.
Earlier, Arshdeep removed recalled opener Shayan Jahangir lbw off the first ball and had Andries Gous (two) caught in the deep five balls later as the USA found themselves 3-2 after the opening over.
Big-hitting skipper Aaron Jones, who clubbed an undefeated 94 in the hosts’ opening win over Canada in Dallas, made just 11 before he fell to Hardik Pandya.
That left the US on 25-3 before opener Steven Taylor (24) and top-scorer Nitish Kumar (27) put on 31 for the fourth wicket.
Nitish became Arshdeep’s third victim, smartly caught on the boundary by Mohammed Siraj.
Former New Zealand star Corey Anderson (15) was the sixth man out with the score on 96 thanks to a running catch by wicket-keeper Pant off Pandya who completed a wicket-maiden.
With the Americans looking to push the total into three figures, Arshdeep had Harmeet Singh caught behind for 10.
Shadley van Schalkwyk (11) and Jasdeep Singh (two) ensured the United States posted what they hoped would have been a defendable total.
Both teams went into the game with a perfect four points from two wins with the USA having stunned Pakistan in a famous Super Over triumph last time out.
India join Australia and South Africa as the three teams to have so far booked their places in the next stage.
Yadav, Arshdeep star as India beat USA to reach T20 World Cup second round
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Yadav, Arshdeep star as India beat USA to reach T20 World Cup second round
- Despite the defeat, the United States are still well-placed to join India in the Super Eights as they have four points while Pakistan and Canada are on two
- India were stunned by Mumbai-born fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar who had superstar batsman Virat Kohli caught behind for nought off the first ball he faced
New Zealand crush England by 423 runs in third Test
HAMILTON, New Zealand: New Zealand tore through England’s batting Tuesday to post a crushing 423-run third Test win and send seamer Tim Southee into retirement on a winning note.
The hosts completed a dominant performance in Hamilton by claiming seven wickets in 41.2 overs on day four as England crumbled for 234 to complete their fourth biggest Test defeat in terms of runs.
It was New Zealand’s equal-highest victory by runs, representing a complete reversal from the first two Tests, which England won easily to clinch the three-match series.
Southee finished with 2-34 in his 107th and final Test, ending the career of one of New Zealand’s finest players.
He finishes with 391 Test wickets, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee among New Zealanders.
New Zealand only needed to take nine second-innings wickets for victory as Ben Stokes did not bat.
The England captain suffered a hamstring injury on Monday and a team spokesperson said he would only bat “if required.”
After resuming at 18-2, England never threatened their enormous target of 658, their hopes dwindling further when losing Jacob Bethell for 76, Joe Root for 54 and Harry Brook for just one before lunch.
They looked comfortable for the first hour before Root departed, having put on 104 for the third wicket with Bethell.
England’s greatest run-scorer was trapped lbw, attempting to sweep left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.
Having been given not out, New Zealand successfully reviewed, with ball-tracking showing the ball would have hit the middle stump.
It left 33-year-old Root 28 runs short of becoming the fifth player to score 13,000 Test runs.
Brook, who scored match-winning centuries in each of the first two Tests, was out cheaply for the second time at Seddon Park, caught behind off a sharply rising Will O’Rourke delivery.
Left-hander Bethell batted fluently, striking 13 fours and a six, until he swung at a wide Southee delivery to be caught at deep point
Ollie Pope (17) was bowled attempting to reverse scoop pace bowler Matt Henry before Gus Atkinson’s hard-hit 43 ended when caught in the deep off Santner.
Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse fell cheaply, also trying to hit Santner out of the ground.
All-rounder Santner justified his recall by taking 4-85 to finish with seven wickets in the match, alongside scores of 76 and 49 with the bat.
NEOM, Rajasthan Royals celebrate cricket program’s second season
- Program records 85 percent increase in participation and closes with a thrilling final
NEOM: The second season of the NEOM and Rajasthan Royals’ cricket program for NEOM employees and contractors drew to a successful close over the weekend (Dec. 13) with a thrilling men’s final.
The spectacular finish, hosted by Alfanar Global Development at the cricket ground in NEOM, capped a great season, with an 85 percent increase in participation compared with the first season, said a press release issued on Monday.
The cricket program is part of NEOM’s multiyear partnership with Rajasthan Royals, a popular Indian Premier League team.
Building on the 2023 pilot program, the Season T10-style tournament contest featured 146 matches and 84 teams from more than 150 companies, with some exceptional talent on show and the tournament taking another step forward in NEOM’s commitment to nurturing a physically active society.
In an exciting final played in front of 2,000 spectators and cricketing legends Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, Tabuk Tigers emerged victorious against NESMA Fighters in the final game of the six month competition.
The curtain-raiser to the decider featured an exhibition match between two women’s teams in recognition of NEOM’s inaugural women’s cricket initiative, which was introduced this season.
Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, said: “We are delighted to support NEOM’s cricket partnership with the Rajasthan Royals, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of developing and growing the sport at every level.
“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and to further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions.”
Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, said: “NEOM's partnership with Rajasthan Royals is reflective of our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and driving lasting social impact through sport. Building on the success of last year’s pilot program, we are thrilled to continue developing cricket as a platform for growth, inclusion and opportunity across NEOM.
“Together with the SACF and the Rajasthan Royals, we are creating pathways for men, women, boys and girls to actively engage in cricket while strengthening community ties and contributing to the growth of the sport across the Kingdom,” Paterson added.
Manoj Badale, lead owner of Rajasthan Royals, said: “Transforming society through cricket is central to everything the Royals do, and our partnership with NEOM aligns perfectly with this purpose. Beyond the boundaries of the game, this collaboration is about fostering participation, inclusivity, and active lifestyles.
“Over the past couple of years, cricket has shown its ability to connect and inspire communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of this mega initiative that has brought the NEOM communities closer.”
Capturing the spirit of community and competition, NEOM and Rajasthan Royal’s cricket program supports NEOM’s vision in the development of cricket and redefining livability by placing sport and physical wellness at the center of lifestyles, in alignment with the Kingdom’s national sports strategy.
NEOM’s partnership with Rajasthan Royals highlights its drive to become a global destination for sports through collaborations with renowned organizations, championing livability for its residents and contributing to NEOM’s dynamic economy.
Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program
- Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies
NEOM: The Tabuk Tigers edged out NESMA Fighters to take the honors in the second season of the NEOM cricket program, held in partnership with Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals.
The final, played in front of a 2,000-strong audience that included cricketing icons Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, marked the end of a six-month competition featuring 146 matches. The day also featured an exhibition match between two all-female teams.
Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies competing in a fast-paced T10 format.
Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, emphasized the broader significance of the program.
“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions,” he said.
Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, added: “This partnership with the Rajasthan Royals underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and using sport as a platform for growth and opportunity.
“By creating pathways for men, women and young people to engage in cricket, we’re strengthening community ties and advancing NEOM’s vision of a physically active society.”
Manoj Badale, owner of the Rajasthan Royals, said: “This collaboration is about more than cricket, it’s about fostering participation, inclusivity and active lifestyles. Cricket has the power to inspire communities, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that has brought NEOM’s residents closer.”
With 84 teams and a growing community of players, NEOM’s cricket program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national sports strategy, which aims to promote sporting participation and enhance quality of life.
‘A mess’ — how cricket’s power dynamics are playing out in a congested calendar
- The game gives the appearance of having been hijacked by national, commercial and self-interests
Over the past two weeks this column has observed the storm clouds gathering menacingly above the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Mostly, they gave dim hope of clearance. Suddenly, on Dec. 6, they rolled back and light seemed to shine through.
Avoidance of the head-on collision between India’s unblinking refusal to play in Pakistan and the latter’s refusal to accept a hybrid model seemed possible, allowing preparations to proceed.
India’s inalienable position, based on security fears, provided it with the balance of negotiating power, quite apart from its commercial strength. Pakistan backed itself into a corner by failing to accept the hybrid model. Under that proposal, India will play its matches on neutral territory, possibly the UAE.
Pakistan’s logic for denial was expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who, in discussion with chair of the Pakistan Cricket Broad and Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi, said: “Pakistan’s honor comes first, and everything else follows.”
The only way out of this deadlock, other than the nuclear options of postponement, cancellation or total change of location, was a shift in stance. The first was the PCB’s suggestion that its players would not be safe in India. This was rebuffed by India, as Pakistan played there in 2023. Secondly, the PCB proposed an extended hybrid model by which Pakistan would not travel to India to play in two future ICC tournaments hosted there — the Women’s 2025 ODI World Cup and 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted with Sri Lanka. In these tournaments, the PCB seeks to be treated on the basis of equality and respect.
This translates into repudiation of “one-sided arrangements,” whereby Pakistan traveled to play in ICC events in India, such as the 2023 ODI World Cup, but India did not reciprocate by playing in Pakistan. It is a bold call, seeking to challenge India’s pre-eminent position in cricket’s power politics.
Some may argue that it is overdue. It is unlikely the PCB has forgotten the humiliation which it suffered in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the 2023 ODI World Cup group match. The 132,000-capacity arena was populated entirely by blue shirted, partisan Indians.
It seems a little bit of respect might resolve the issue but it is slow to emerge. In an attempt to have the extended hybrid model codified, the PCB is understood to have requested a written assurance from the ICC that it would be implemented for events to be hosted by India up to 2027. The request has caused ridicule on Indian social media and an impasse in relations between parties.
There have been abundant behind the scenes meetings, cancelled meetings, negotiations and discussions between ICC and country board members. The crisis is a drama featuring a new chair and a new order at the ICC, entwinement of board chairs and politicians, deep, long-lasting nationalist pride and sentiment, power and influence and, not least, money, driven by broadcasting contracts.
Somewhere in all of this lies the game. Cricket gives the appearance of having been hijacked by national, commercial and self-interests. The ICC’s outgoing chair does little to dispel that judgement.
Greg Barclay was in post for four years. During his tenure, the international game has become impossibly congested, a “mess” in his words. Even he admitted being unable to keep abreast of all the matches and tournaments taking place simultaneously.
The feeling is shared. This is the price of growth, so coveted by the game. It is not going away because there is nothing to stop it, other than the removal of funding.
Earlier in the year, Barclay described the ICC as not fit for purpose, a remarkably forthright indictment of the impotency of the organization he led. The view seems to be based on concerns over an outdated financial model which may fail to generate sufficient funds to sustain growth.
Furthermore, internal change is hampered by an imbalanced structure which comprises 12 full members and 96 associates, each with an agenda, three more dominant than the others and possessing superior voting rights. The ICC is unlikely to dissolve itself, so the future lies along the same structure but now with a highly connected Indian in charge.
In this context, Pakistan’s lone wolf approach must be judged. Naqvi has said: “We will do whatever’s best for cricket” and “We need to settle this once and for all.” What may be best for cricket can be interpreted in several ways. Attempting to curb India’s power may be one. A lack of desire to rock the boat too energetically in return for some respect may be another. Recognition that the only real solution is a hybrid model tempered by commensurate compensation for Pakistan is most plausible.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s schedule is still to be released. The parting of clouds was temporary and the ICC was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. In that vacuum, mischief appeared on Dec. 9 in a promotional feature released by the tournament broadcaster, Star Sports, which failed to mention Pakistan as the host nation. Unsurprisingly, social media tensions were inflamed to boiling point.
Despite Pakistan’s push back, the power balance remains firmly with India. The national and diplomatic tensions between the two spill over into relations between the respective cricket boards. Having been granted hosting rights, Pakistan has its pride and aspiration to protect, as well as infrastructure investment. In attempting to exercise its rarely given hosting rights, it has challenged the status quo, a risky venture.
A believer in conspiracy theory might suggest that India laid a trap by delaying, or being allowed to delay, its decision not to travel to Pakistan until the last minute. Pakistan does seem trapped, assailed by Indian media. It stands to lose heavily if it does not participate in the tournament. Last week, common sense might have saved the situation. This week, respect is required to avoid Pakistan being shrugged off.
The mess to which Barclay referred is not limited to the international schedule. It clearly applies to the Champions Trophy.
Even reserves are ‘world-class players’ — Azam Khan on the intensity of the DP World ILT20
- The Desert Vipers batsman is focused on victory for his team and helping the next generation of UAE cricketers
DUBAI: Renowned hard-hitting Desert Vipers’ batter Azam Khan is upbeat about the DP World ILT20 Season 3 after playing a pivotal role in his team’s previous campaign, which saw them narrowly miss out on a playoff berth.
The right-handed Pakistan international said: “I’m really excited for the next season. I had a great season last year, which brings the same excitement to go out and play for the Desert Vipers again. There will be new challenges, but we’ll focus on executing on the ground and winning for the team.”
DP World ILT20 Season 2 saw the power-hitter register the fastest half-century in the competition’s history. Khan reached the milestone in just 18 balls, studded with five fours and four sixes, to power the Vipers to victory against the Gulf Giants.
Looking back on the achievement and shedding light on his approach to the game, Khan added: “I’ve always said that cricket is a game that won’t just give you success, but it’ll also bring failures in your career. For me, it’s about going out there and dominating the other side. That’s what I always try to do whenever I go out there.”
Khan’s reputation as one of the most aggressive batters in the game today has made him a fan favorite; in season two, the crowd chanted his name during his stints.
“It’s a great adrenaline rush for me whenever I go out to bat and hear the crowd roaring,” said the 25-year-old. “It’s an amazing feeling for any player, any batter. I’ll try to make sure I bring the same excitement for the fans this year as well.”
Khan also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the DP World ILT20.
“I’ve been talking to many players about the competition, and with nine international players in one team, I think it makes it very tough for the players to perform. Even the guys sitting on the bench are world-class players, so it gets difficult for the guys,” he said.
Khan believes the unique structure serves as a catalyst for the development of UAE cricketers and the grassroots program.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the UAE youngsters, especially as they can share the dressing room with the legends and greats of the game,” he said. “It’s very good for their future, and they can learn from them, try to execute the feedback they get, and use it in their daily life to work on it.
“I know some of them personally, and it feels very nice when all these young guys come to you and ask for opinions. It feels nice that they want suggestions from me, and I’m always there for them.”
With the Desert Vipers set to begin their campaign on Jan. 12 against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders — in an away game in the UAE capital — Khan is urging the fans to lend their support.
“Just come out and support us and we’ll try to win the tournament this year. I can’t promise that, but I’ll make sure that whenever I go in the ground, I’ll give my 100 percent,” he said.
The third season of the DP World ILT20 will run from Jan. 11 to Feb. 9 next year.
