After starting the day on a high with Afghanistan creating history as they reached their first-ever ICC and T20 World Cup semifinals, many thought the day would be boring. Frankly, nothing could live up to the adrenaline-pumping Afghanistan vs Bangladesh match. But some important news came out. Team India is going to leave for Zimbabwe on July 1, but only 10 players will travel together. The India vs England semifinal may be under the threat of rain, and the umpires for the high-octane clash are set. Meanwhile, Babar Azam has also returned to Pakistan following a car crash during a T20 World Cup campaign and a little getaway to London.
Afghanistan create history
The Afghanistan cricket team has reached their first-ever ICC semifinal. 25 years ago, they weren’t even a team, and now they stand just two steps away from reaching the pinnacle. What a journey it has been! They’ve gone from being underdogs to dark horses and are now title contenders. The Rashid Khan-led side has done it the hard way, beating New Zealand and Australia on their way to the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal.
India to leave for Zimbabwe on July 1
Shubman Gill’s young Indian side is set to leave for Zimbabwe on July 1. The team will assemble in Mumbai and leave for Harare, where they play 5 T20Is from July 6 to 14. Gill himself won’t travel with the team, and four other players, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson and Khaleel Ahmed, will join the side after the T20 World Cup.
India vs England semifinal under threat
England would be very scared going into the semifinals. Not because of undefeated India’s performance but due to the rain threat in Guyana. We might see a washout at Providence Stadium with a 75% chance of rain on June 27. If the match ends in no result, India would be through to the final because they ended as table-toppers in Group 1, while England finished second in Group 2.
Dravid-Laxman-Agarkar to review BCCI’s new domestic structure
After revamping the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 90 years and making several other changes to the domestic circuit, the BCCI has decided to review whether the structural changes are having a positive effect. The review is being proposed by NCA Head VVS Laxman, current head coach Rahul Dravid, and BCCI Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar.
Babar Azam returns to Pakistan
Albeit disappointed, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has returned to Pakistan. After the Men in Green’s T20 World Cup took a wrong turn and they crashed out of the event from the group stage, Babar has finally come home. Although Pakistan was knocked out on June 16, the Pakistan skipper has returned home after a small vacation in London.
England take top spot in Group C, Denmark take second in strange fashion
England Football team played out a toothless draw against Slovenia. But with this draw the Three Lions top Group C with 5 points. On the other hand, Denmark and Serbia too played out a goalless draw. But interestingly, Denmark take second spot despite having equal points, and same goal difference. The Danes take second spot as they had higher rankings in European qualifiers.