Cricket Update: Key Matches and Player of the Month
On July 8, 2024, the Sri Lanka Under-19 team started their tour of England with the first Youth Test. At stumps, Sri Lanka Under-19 had scored 177 for 5 in 42.4 overs. England Under-19 has yet to bat.
In the New Zealand Women’s tour of England on July 9, 2024, the second T20I saw England Women secure a victory over New Zealand Women by 23 runs using the DLS method. England Women posted 89 for 6 in 9 overs, while New Zealand Women could only manage 42 for 5 in 6.4 overs.
The ICC T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier B on the same day featured Jersey overpowering Switzerland. Jersey set a challenging total of 219 for 9 in 20 overs, and Switzerland was all out for just 52 in 12.1 overs, losing by 167 runs.
The South Africa Women’s tour of India continued on July 9, 2024, with the third T20I. India Women easily defeated South Africa Women by 10 wickets. South Africa Women were dismissed for 84 runs in 17.1 overs, and India Women chased down the target, reaching 88 without loss in 10.5 overs.
Also, in the ICC T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier B, Germany narrowly beat Sweden by 2 runs. Germany posted 220 for 4 in 20 overs, and Sweden scored 218 for 9 in 20 overs.
The Kenya Quadrangular Cup saw two matches abandoned due to unforeseen circumstances. Zambia’s match against Rwanda and Malawi’s match against Kenya were both called off.
On July 8, 2024, the ICC T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier B had Norway securing a victory over Sweden by 53 runs. Norway scored 185 for 8 in 20 overs, while Sweden managed 132 in 17 overs.
In another match, Croatia defeated Belgium by 6 runs (DLS method). Croatia put up 140 for 6 in 20 overs, and Belgium fell short, scoring 100 for 6 in 15.1 overs.
Upcoming matches include the Kenya Quadrangular Cup 3rd/4th place play-off between Zambia and Rwanda and the final between Kenya and Malawi. The ICC T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier B will see Serbia face Croatia and Jersey taking on Belgium. The first Test of the West Indies tour of England and the third T20I of India’s tour of Zimbabwe will also take place.
In a significant recognition, India’s Smriti Mandhana has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June 2024. Mandhana’s stellar performances in three ODIs and a Test match on home soil were instrumental in securing this accolade, the first of her international career. She edged out England’s Maia Bouchier and Sri Lanka’s Vishmi Gunaratne for this honor.
Mandhana, renowned as one of the world’s best top-order players, showcased her prowess during India’s ODI series win over South Africa in Bengaluru and a Test match in Chennai. She scored centuries in the first two ODIs with 113 and 136 runs and added a score of 90 in the third ODI. Transitioning to the red-ball format, Mandhana played a pivotal role in India’s Test victory over South Africa. Partnering with Shafali Verma, she helped put on a 292-run opening stand. Mandhana scored 149 runs off 161 deliveries, contributing to India’s imposing first innings total of 603 for 6 declared. India ultimately won the Test by 10 wickets.
Upon receiving the award, Mandhana expressed her satisfaction with her and the team’s performances, expressing a desire to continue contributing to India’s success. She stated, “I’m glad to be named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for June. I’m really happy with the way the team has performed, and I’m happy to contribute to our victories in the ODI and Test series. Hopefully, we can continue our form, and I can further contribute to winning matches for India.”
These matches and recognitions highlight the ongoing excitement and talent in international cricket, with players and teams showcasing their skills and competing at the highest levels.