Cricket news round-up – 21 May: Pakistan name World Cup squad, India likely to stay unchanged

It was an eventful day in the world of cricket. Pakistan announced its World Cup team. According to the reports, Indian team will be unchanged for the tournament post the return of Kedar Jadhav. County Championship saw some twists.

Pakistan squad announced – World Cup 2019

On Monday Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the final 15-member squad for upcoming World Cup 2019. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the chief selector said that the final decision has been made after discussing with the captain and coach. “There is no panic. I spoke to the captain and coach before taking these decisions.”

Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, and Asif Ali made it to the final selection replacing Junaid Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Abid Ali. Shadab Khan who couldn’t play in the series against England due to illness has been included in the squad.

The squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Wahab Riaz, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik.

India retain squad

According to a report published on ESPNCricinfo, Indian cricket team for World Cup will remain unchanged. Post the shoulder injury of Kedar Jadhav, the names of Rishabh Pant and Ambati Rayudu were rumored as his replacement. But Kedav has been declared fit by physiotherapist Patrick Farhart. So the selectors have made up their mind and will be sending the squad announced earlier for the tournament.

Asif Ali’s daughter passes away

Just after the series loss against England, the news of the demise of Asif Ali’s daughter shook the cricket world. Asif just before the England tour shared on Twitter about her daughter’s treatment in the United States. The 19-month old was suffering from cancer.

During the initial stage of Pakistan Super League, 2019 the cancer was detected. Meanwhile, Asif has been named in the final Pakistan cricket team for the World Cup. He will probably not play the warm matches following the tragedy. Inzamam-ul-Haq informed that updates regarding the player’s WC activities will be provided.

Copper replaces Dottin

Britney Cooper has been included in the West Indies women’s cricket team as the replacement for Deandra Dottin the Ireland and England tours. According to Cricket West Indies, Dottin is suffering from a shoulder injury and will require corrective surgery. They didn’t mention any timeline for her return.

West Indies will play three T20Is against Ireland on May 26, 28 and 29. Then they will be traveling to England for the three ICC Women’s Championship ODIs that are scheduled for June 6, 9 and 13. This will be followed by a three-match T20I series on June 18, 21 and 25.

Squad for Ireland and England tours: Stafanie Taylor (c), Hayley Matthews (vc), Britney Cooper, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell, Shemaine Campbell, Natasha McLean, Stacy Ann King

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Region Final

Nigeria could score 105/5 with AM Oyede being the top scorer (27* off 27). Shem Ngoche from Kenya picked two wickets. In reply, Kenya chased down the target within 13th over. DM Gondaria (47* off 31) led the chase. This was a 15-over match, delayed due to rain.

5th Match- The low scoring match between Ghana and Namibia saw Ghana scoring 91/7 at the end of 20 overs. Their batting almost collapsed and only S Ateak (26 off 22) could hold the innings for a while. Z Groenewald and JN Frylinck scalped thee and two wickets each. Namibia with the help of the captain SJ Baard (52* off 34) and N Davin (38 off 28) scored the required run.

6th Match- Uganda scored 142/7 led by A Otwani (44 off 27), HB Kayondo (30 off 31) and Riazat Ali Shah (24 off 21). Botswana managed to score 90. Two wickets each by C Waiswa and F Nsubuga and two run outs did the wonder for Uganda.

County Updates

Six County Championship matches started today with Surrey and Sussex making merry with the bat on day one. Surrey posted 420/9 with Will Jacks scoring his maiden First-Class century and supported by 95 from Scott Borthwick and 87 from Rikki Clarke. Sussex scored 370/6 with Ben Brown and Chris Jordan scoring unbeaten 153 and 158 respectively. They came together at 68/6 and added 302 in an unbroken partnership.

The match between Somerset and Warwickshire saw 17 wickets on Day One at Taunton. In response to Somerset’s 209, Warwickshire are struggling at 110/7 as Chris Overton took 3 wickets. Oliver Hannon-Dalby had earlier taken 5 wickets in Somerset innings.

The Durham vs Gloucestershire and Worcestershire vs Lancashire both saw 15 wickets falling on Day One with James Anderson took 5/25 in 17 overs for Lancashire.

The match between Hampshire and Nottinghamshire saw Hampshire posting 288/6.