Cricket news round-up – December 7: Angry Virat Kohli masterclass powers India

Virat Kohli was fuelled by fire in the first T20I against West Indies, as he stroked his way to a career-best score in the format to give India a 1-0 lead. Elsewhere, Naseem Shah is in the Pakistan U19 squad, and CSA’s troubles deepen.

Kohli does it again as India chases down big total

An angry Virat Kohli starred in one of India’s great T20I chases as they shot down West Indies’ target of 208 with 8 balls to spare, with the captain starring with a brilliant 50-ball 94 not out.

Kohli struggled initially, scoring 3 off 9 balls and then scraping to a run-a-ball 20. However, he then switched gears, and with a prominent bottom hand, stroked his way to a career-best score, making the most of the foundation laid earlier by KL Rahul, who had scored a 40-ball 62.

West Indies were earlier led by Evin Lewis (40 off 17), Shimron Hetmyer (56 off 41) and Kieron Pollard (37 off 19) as they posted 207/5 in their 20 overs.

Naseem Shah in Pakistan U19 World Cup squad

Pakistan have named Naseem Shah, their 16-year-old international quick, in their squad for the Under 19 World Cup 2020 in South Africa next month.

Shah recently made his Test debut in Australia, but will return to the junior side to play the flagship tournament. The 15-man squad will be captained by Rohail Nazir, but the most eye-catching player in the side is the 14-year-old Mohammad Shahzad.

Shahzad is one of four all-rounders in the side, and his exploits at an U16 domestic tournament, where he scored 175 runs and took 6 wickets, caught the selectors’ eye.

CSA chief Thabang Moroe suspended

Cricket South Africa’s controversial chief executive, Thabang Moroe, has been suspended, according to a report by Cricbuzz.

The report cites a letter sent by CSA to their staff, which states that Moroe was “put … on precautionary suspension with pay, effective 6 December 2019, on allegations of misconduct, pending further investigations”.

CSA president Chris Nenzani, according to the report, will now meet with former ICC chief executive Dave Richardson with a view to appointing an acting CSA chief executive to serve during Moroe’s absence.

‘Our pride is hurt’ – Azhar Ali rues Pakistan’s collapse in Australia

After suffering two innings defeats in Brisbane and Adelaide, Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has said the “pride” of the cricketing nation had been hurt by the performances of the team Down Under.

“We are a proud cricketing nation and definitely our pride has been hurt,” Azhar said after the team reached home. “We did prepare to the best of our abilities, we went there with positive intent but unfortunately sometimes results don’t come as per your expectations.”

The team will now take on Sri Lanka in a monumental two-match Test series at home.