T20 World Cup 2022

Electing to bat first, New Zealand ended with a sub-par score of 168 all out in 48.1 overs, with Lauren Down making 53 as apart from Amelia Kerr's 30, no other batter could make a substantial contribution. The opening pair of Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates departed early while Amelia attempted to revive the innings with Maddy Green through a 37-run partnership before the latter fell for 14

The two teams have already qualified to play in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa next year by virtue of securing a place in the final of the Qualifier. Electing to bat first in the Qualifier final, Bangladesh posted a below-par 120/8 that was helped by Fargana Hoque's 61 off 55 balls.

15 years on, the memories of the victorious day are still fresh in the minds of not only the fans but of the players as well, like former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, one of the major contributors in the title triumph. "I can't believe that it has been 15 years since we won the T20 World Cup

Earlier, Ireland booked their place in the showpiece event in South Africa with a four-run win over Zimbabwe. Defending 113/5 on Friday evening, built mainly on Murshida Khatun's 26 and Rumana Ahmed's unbeaten 28, Bangladesh managed to restrict Thailand Women to 102/6, with Natthakan Chantham being the lone ranger for the side, scoring 64 off 51 deliveries.

In a truncated eight-overs-a-side match, Rohit Sharma slammed a 20-ball 46, while chasing Australia's 90/5 as India won by six wickets with four balls to spare. Rohit started the fireworks as he blasted Josh Hazelwood for back-to-back sixes in the first over -- the second one a superb effort as he pulled it over the deep square boundary when the bowler chased him to the leg side.

Australia will enter the eighth edition of the T20 World Cup, starting from October 16, as defending champions after winning their maiden title in 2021, defeating New Zealand in the final played in Dubai. With the final scheduled for Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 13, the Aaron Finch-led side are backed by many, including Saba Karim, to defend their title at home.

One hopes to see the Indian women's team on the Lord's balcony, very much in the style of Kapil Dev's victorious 1983 World Cup side. The image of that victory is still etched in the minds of millions of Indian cricket fans and has been the inspiration for young Indian boys to take up the sport seriously.

While right-handed Karthik can boast about being a specialist finisher in the shortest format of the game, left-handed Pant's enormous talent has seen him get the back of many experts. Now, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes India should look to field both Karthik and Pant in the same eleven, something which has happened on a few occasions in the past.

The 15-member side also includes leg-spin all-rounder Chris Greaves, who made his Scotland debut at last year's T20 World Cup and came into limelight by scoring a match-winning 45 against Bangladesh in first round. The squad also features the uncapped Brandon McMullen who impressed at the Regional series and A team matches with both bat and ball as a genuine all-rounder.

"The Lord's game (on Saturday) is very special for us because it's Jhulan's retirement and we wanted to enjoy that game without any pressure and I'm really happy that we were able to win today and now we can just have fun in that game," said Harmanpreet after India defeated England by 88 runs in second ODI at Canterbury.