As the Asian Games 2023 gears up for its grand commencement on September 23, cricket enthusiasts have a significant reason to celebrate. Cricket is back as a major sport at the event, and this time, it’s in the exhilarating T20 format. After its last appearance in 2014, the return of cricket to the Asian Games adds an extra layer of excitement to the sporting spectacle.

The venue for this cricketing extravaganza is Hangzhou, China, where teams from across Asia will compete for glory. The men’s cricket tournament, featuring 15 teams, is scheduled to begin on September 27, promising fierce competition and thrilling cricket moments. The pinnacle of the cricket event, the bronze and gold medal matches, is slated for October 7.

Among the notable teams, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have secured direct berths into the quarter-finals, setting the stage for thrilling cricket action reminiscent of the Asia Cup 2023. Here, we take a look at the top 5 be??st-ranked teams gearing up for this exciting competition.

1. Indian cricket’s young leadership at the Asian Games

• Ruturaj Gaikwad: A new captain’s debut

In a bid to infuse fresh energy into Indian cricket, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been handed the responsibility of captaining the team at the Asian Games. This marks his maiden leadership role in a significant international event. With seasoned players occupied with the World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are eager to explore young talents and Gaikwad’s appointment is a testament to this approach.

• IPL stars shine bright: Squad selection

The squad for the Asian Games boasts some of the brightest stars from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rahul Tripathi, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar and Prabhsimran Singh have earned their spots in the 15-member contingent. Their impres?sive performances in the IPL have earned them this opportunity to represent India on a grand stage.

• Cricketing excellence at the Asian Games

These young talents will aim to make history at the continental event, showcasing their cricketing skills. India’s goal is to secure the gold medal, and these players will play a pivotal role in achieving that objective. Their journey begins with the knockout round on October 3, and India’s Quarter Final game will take place at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou. The opponent for this crucial fixture will be determined after the completion of the group stage fixtures.

Also READ: Manish P?andey stars in Karnataka’s triumph over Asian Games-bound Team India i?n a warm-up game

2. Emerging cricket stars: Pakistan’s charge at the Asian Games

• Captaincy debut for Qasim Akram:

Pakistan are gearing up for the Asian Games 2023 in Hangzhou, China, with a fresh perspective under the leadership of the young and talented Qasim Akram. At just 20 years old, Qasim has an impressive cricketing resume, including captaining Pakistan at the 2022 Under-19 World Cup and leading his team to ??victory in the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup 2023 against arch-rivals India.

• Second-string squad due to World Cup commitment:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send a second-string squad to the Asian Games, allowing their main team to focus on the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. The senior team’s involvement in the World Cup underscores the depth of talent in Pakistani cricket.

• Key players in the roster:

The Hangzhou-bound Pakistan squad features promising talents like Omair Bin Yousuf as vice-captain, along with established names such as Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Shahnawaz Dahani, Khushdil Shah, Aamir Jamal, Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Qadir, all of whom have had international exposure. This blend of youth and experience forms the core of Pakistan’s challenge at the marquee event.

• Road to glory: schedule and ambitions:

Pakistan’s journey at the Asian Games commences from the quarter-final stage on October 3 and 4. The semi-finals will be held on October 6, and the competition will culminate with the bronze medal game and the final on October 7. Pakistan aims to shine on the continental stage, demonstrating their cricketing prowess and determination.

3. Sri Lanka’s cricket legacy at the Asian Games 2023

• Golden history in Asian Games cricket:

Sri Lanka enters the Asian Games cricket competition with a rich history of triumph. In the last appearance of cricket at the Asian Games in 2014, Sri Lanka clinched the gold medal in the men’s cricket event by defeating Afghanistan by a convincing margin of 68 runs. This victory underscored their prowess on the international cricketing stage.

• Sahan Arachchige to lead the charge:

The leadership of the 15-member Sri Lankan squad for this prestigious tournament has been entrusted to the talented Sahan Arachchige. Arachchige, a key member of the Asia Cup 2023 final squad, will now don the captain’s armband. His experience and leadership qualities position him as a valuable asset as Sri Lanka seeks to leave an indelible mark in the Asian Games cricket competition.

• T20 skills and emerging talents:

With the impending World Cup, Sri Lanka, like other participating nations, has opted to field a second-string side. The team boasts a reservoir of T20 specialists who have the potential to shine in the upcoming Asian tournament. In the absence of their star pl?ayers, young talents will be eager to seize the opportunity to shine in Hangzhou.

• The journey begins:

Sri Lanka are set to embark on its Asian Games 2023 campaign on October 4th, where they will face the qualifier in the third quarterfinal. The tournament offers a platform for Sri Lanka’s emerging talents to showcase their skills and continue the nation’s cricketing legacy in this prestigious event.

4. Bangladesh’s cricketing history at the Asian Games 2023

• Bronze triumph in 2014:

In the 2014 Asian Games, Mashrafe Mortaza led Bangladesh to a commendable third-place finish on the points table. Their campaign featured two victories in three games, earning them a well-deserved bronze medal. The Bangladeshi side returned home with this prestigious medal, securing victory over Hong Kong in the Bronze Medal match.

• Saif Hassan to lead the charge:

Opening batter Saif Hassan has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Bangladesh side for the Asian Games 2023. The team boasts a mix of experienced campaigners like Yasir Ali and Mosaddek Hossain, adding depth to their lineup.

• The emerging talent of Tanzim Hasan Sakib:

Keep an eye on Tanzim Hasan Sakib, an exciting prospect who made a sparkling international debut against India in the Asia Cup. Sakib’s ability to swing the ball in both directions sets him apart and makes him one of the players to watch in the tournament.

• The journey begins:

Bangladesh’s journey in the multi-nation event kicks off with their participation in the quarterfinals on October 4th. As they aim to replicate their success from the past and potentially secure another medal, Bangladesh’s cricketing future looks promising under the leadership of Saif.

5. Afghanistan’s cricket charge at the Asian Games 2023

• Gulbadin Naib to lead the charge:

Afghanistan’s cricket aspirations at the global showpiece event rest in the capable hands of seasoned all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, who has been entrusted with the captaincy. With a wealth of international experience, Naib’s leadership will be crucial for Afghanistan’s campaign.

• A squad of recognized talents:

The Afghanistan squad features a lineup of well-known cricketing talents who have previously represented their nation at the international level. The likes of Mohammad Shahzad, Karim Jannat, Sediqullah Atal, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Qais Ahmad and Afsar Zazai bring a wealth of experienc??e and skill ?to the team.

• A glorious silver in 2014 – A quest for gold in 2023:

Cricket made its debut in the Asian Games in 2014, and Afghanistan’s spirited performance earned them the Silver medal. However, this time, the Afghan cricketing contingent aims to go one step further and clinch the coveted gold medal. Their past success serves as motivation to excel in Hangzhou.

• Challenging path to quarters:

Unlike the other four Asian teams who have secured direct entry to the quarterfinals, Afghanistan faces the initial challenge of defeating Mongolia to earn their spot in the knockout stage. This hurdle adds an exciting dimension to Afghanistan’s journey, as they strive to make their mark on the continental stage.

Also READ: Afghanistan Cricket Board announces?? 15-member strong squad for the 19th Asian Games; Gulbadin Naib to lead the side

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Malaysia’s Syazrul Idrus made history on Wednesday during the opening game of the T20 World Cup Asia B Qualifier at Bayuemas Oval. The right-arm seamer became the first male cricketer to pick seven wickets in a T20 International. His exceptional figures of 7 for 8 played a crucial role in Malaysia’s commanding eight-wicket victory over China.

Idrus, aged 32, had previously represented Malaysia in 22 T20Is, but his latest performance set a new record for the best bowling figures in men’s T20Is. He surpassed Nigerian Peter Aho’s previous record of 6 for 5, with all of Idrus’ dismissals coming via bowled deliveries.

Among full ICC members, India’s Deepak Chahar holds the record for the best bowling figures in a T20I, with 6 for 7??? against Bangladesh in 2019.

Idrus’ extraordinary achievement is now the joint-third best overall, along with Dinesh Nakrani of Uganda.

Prior to Idrus’ feat, only 12 bowlers had achieved six-wicket hauls in men’s T20Is, including renowned names like India’s  Yuzvendra Chahal and Deepak Chahar, Australia’s Ashton Agar and Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis. However, none had managed to take seven wickets until Idrus’ exceptional display.

READ More:? Candice Warner makes sensational revelations about David’s fight with Jonny ?Bairstow

In the match against China, who elected to bat first, the Chinese team encountered severe difficulties and were bowled out for a paltry 23 in 11.2 overs. Idrus single-handedly dismantled their batting line-up, with none of their players reaching double-digit scores. Opener Wei Guo Lei top-scored with just 7 runs, while?? six Chinese batters were dismissed without adding any runs to the board. Malaysia comfortably chased down the low target, reaching 24 for 2 in only 4.5 overs to secure an emphatic victory.

The stakes are high in the T20? World Cup Asia B Qualifier as the winner will advance to the Asia Regional Final in Nepal scheduled for November. The top two teams from the Regional Final will qualify for the prestigious T20 Wo??rld Cup in 2024, making every match crucial for the participating teams.

Best bowling figures in Men’s T20I

• 7/8 – Syazrul Idrus (Malaysia) vs China, (Kuala Lumpur, 2023)
• 6/5 – Peter Aho (Nigeria) vs Sierra Leone (Lagos, 2021)
• 6/7 – Deepak Chahar (India) vs Bangladesh (Nagpur, 2019)
• 6/7 – Dinesh Nakrani (Uganda) vs Lesotho (Kigali, 2021)
• 6/8 – Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka) vs Zimbabwe (Hambantota, 2012)
• 6/10 – JJ Smit (Namibia) vs Uganda (Windhoek, 2022)

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The COVID-19 pandemic, thus far, has infected as many as 1??0.3 million people worldwide and i?s responsible for five lakh deaths.

The Indian ?government is currently fire-fighting with the pand??emic situation in the numerous hotspots across the country.

The health care inefficiency has been exposed in metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, where the?? contraction is increasing exponentially.

Currently, India is the fourth-most badly hit country in the world w?ith over 5.5 lakh confirmed cases and almost 17,000 deaths??.

The United States of America (USA) remains the mo?st severely hit state with more than 26 lakh confirmed cases and a whopping tally of 1.28 lakh deaths.

To make matters worse, China is threatening another pandemic situation in the form of a more ‘infectious�?swine flu. The scientists have found a new virus in China, which is carried by pi??gs and can be transmitted to ??humans.

The virus is known as G4 EA H1N1 ?and is similar to the infection of 2009 swine flu. Scientists h??ave already warned that the available vaccine might not be sufficient to curb the outbreak.

China is already at t?he forefront of criticism for the outbreak of COVID-19 virus, which originated from a wet market in Wuhan. Also, China was lambasted for not sharing critical information with the World Health Organization (WHO) regard??ing the deadly virus.

Indian off-spinner, Harbhajan Singh, recently took to T??witter to slam China for ‘readying�?another pandemic amid COVID-19 crisis.

“While the whole world is still struggling to deal with Covid ?19 they have made another virus ready for us,�?Bhajji wrote on Twitter.

While the whole world is still struggling to deal with Covid 19 they have made another virus ready for us..🤒🤬😡 //t.co/kCBwajGD2n

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 30, 2020

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Amidst economic turmoil, fighting again??st ??COVID-19, the Indian government now has a brand new set of challenges to deal with the LAC situation against China.

On Thursday, June 16, Indian Army lost 20 soldiers including a Commanding Officer in the violent?? face-off w?ith the Chinese Army at Galwan Valley, in Ladakh.

The region falls in dispute with the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which?? is an ??overlapped region of control and has a different map for both India and China.

However, Chi?na managed to annex the land according to the public release by the Chinese M?inistry of External Affairs.

Now, out of favour Indian international Harbhajan Singh, recently took to Twi??tter, to promote the boycott? of Chinese goods.

The Made in China products flooded the market, not only in India but around the world, in appliances, electronics, software applicat?ions, social media ?apps, and integrated-circuit technology.

It is also part of the ‘Atma-Nirbhar Campaign’ floated around by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, while announcing the lockdown extensions.

“If we want to be self-reliant, the boycott is probably the right thing. Everything can be made in India. We have a lot of capabilities. If we want to ban Chinese goods, we should. If they are attacking India and our soldier brothers, then ban their goods. Why should their country run via our money? I am with all those who say Chinese products should be banned,” Harbhajan told Sportstar during a chat.

Also, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council (GC), announced that it would look at its title sponsorship of ‘Vivo’, which is of Chinese origin.

“Many people point out that celebrities endorse many products; I can assure you, I won’t be among them. In the absence of Chinese sponsors, there could be many others. We have to decide whether the IPL is bigger or the brand. IPL doesn’t need any brand, IPL in itself is a big brand,” Bhajji concluded.

Ban all Chinese products #BoycottChineseProducts //t.co/nzaNc3DyoE

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) June 16, 2020

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Superstar cricketers, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma among others, have paid their respects to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley after a face-off with the Chinese Army on Monday night.

In the statement, released by Indian Army, it was stated: “During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place yesterday night with casualties on both sides. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers. Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation.”

The bloody clash, which h?as soared the ongoing tension between India and China, ??has left many in shock.

“Salute and deepest respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country in the Galwan Valley. NO one is more selfless and brave than a soldier. Sincere condolences to the families. I hope they find peace through our prayers at this difficult time,” tweeted Kohli.

Salute and deepest respect to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect our country in the Galwan Valley. NO one? is more selfless and brave than a soldier. Sincere condolences to the families. I hope t?hey find peace through our prayers at this difficult time. 🙏

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 17, 2020

“Salute to our REAL HEROES who laid their lives protecting and honouring our border. May god give their families utmost strength #GalwanValley,” wrote Rohit.

Salute to our REAL HEROES who laid their lives protecting and honouring our border. May god give their families utmost strength #GalwanValley

— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) June 17, 2020

A host of other cri?cket stars such as Sachin Tendulkar, ?Gautam Gambhir also reacted on the news.

Our martyrs will continue to live through the lives that they have inspired with the heroic acts to protect our motherland. A nation mourns its brave jawans and stands by their selfless parents and families.
Deepest condolences and may you all rest in peace. ?🙏🏼

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 17, 2020

Like every Indian right now, I feel extreme pain. Our soldiers, like always have displayed exemplary courage. Damage has been inflicted on both sides but India never hides the sacrifice of soldiers for fake perception! Nation stands with the bereaved families! #WeStandFirm

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) June 17, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to Col. Santosh Babu who made the Supreme Sacrifice in action at the#GalwanValley . At a time, when the world is dealing with a serious pandemic, this is the last thing we need. I hope Cheeni sudhar jaayein. pic.twitter.com/PlvE9WStEY

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 16, 2020

I salute the courage of our Indian soldiers who have been martyred at #GalwanValley

All these atrocities must stop and hope we c?an have a?? peaceful world where human life is valued.

My thoughts are with the?? bereaved families, I pray for their strength 🙏🏻

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 16, 2020

My condolences to the families of soldiers who’ve laid their lives fighting for motherland at #GalwanValley. We are extremely indebted to the brave soldiers for their supreme sacrifices. Let us salute their valour. May the bravehearts live in jannat.
Jai Hind 🇮🇳

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 16, 2020

A sacrifice that will never be forgotten by the nation. Heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the Indian Army officer and the two soldiers. Saluting your bravery, Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 #GalwanValley pic.twitter.com/Kk2Wt0WdSs

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 16, 2020

R.I.P our brave warriors. Thoughts and prayers with the families and loved ones…. #ChinaIndiaFaceoff pic.twitter.com/sUDdN1DXV9

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 16, 2020

Heartfelt condolences to Col. Santhosh Babu ‘s Family , and the other jawans who lost their lives, real heroes of our country Jaihind 🇮🇳 #Galwanvalley #IndiaChinaFaceoff

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) June 16, 2020

A big salute to our bravehearts who have been fighting for our motherland day and night, only to protect us. My condolences and prayers to the family! Om Shanti! 🙏 #indiachinastandoff

— Ishant Sharma (@ImIshant) June 17, 2020

My condolences to the families of the soldiers who laid their lives down at #GalwanValley. Myself & the entire nation will never ever forget your sacrifice. I salute your bravery. #JaiHind 🙏. pic.twitter.com/LtcsaVeDXl

— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) June 16, 2020

We will always be indebted to our jawans of #IndianArmy who lost their lives in #GalwanValley #JaiHind

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 16, 2020

I salute the real heroes who laid down their life fighting for our motherland🇮🇳 #IndianArmy #GalwanValley

— Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) June 16, 2020

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