FROM THE WORLD OF CRICKET
Former Australia batter Stuart Law has been appointed head coach of the USA men's national team. Law will be in charge for the 2024 T20 World Cup which is being held in the USA and West Indies in June. The 55-year-old has previously coached Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, West Indies and Afghanistan. "It is an exciting opportunity to join USA cricket at this time," said Law. USA kicks off the World Cup against Canada in the tournament's opening match in Dallas on June 2.
New Zealand levelled the five-match T20 International series 1-1 against Pakistan, thanks to a brilliant 42-ball 87 by Mark Chapman. Pakistan batted first and put up a solid score of 178 for the loss of four wickets from its 20 overs, with contributions coming from the top-order and a quickfire 20-ball cameo of 41 by Shadab Khan towards the end of the innings. However, New Zealand, led by Chapman, chased down the target with 10 balls to spare.
Chamari Athapaththu smashed the third-highest individual score in women's ODIS to help Sri Lanka pull off the highest-ever successful run-chase in women's ODIS in Potchefstroom to level the three-match ICC Women's Championship ODI series. Chasing 302, Athapaththu led Sri Lanka’s fightback with an unbeaten 195, the third-highest score in women’s ODIS, as the visitor overhauled the target with 33 balls to spare.
Nida Dar became the second Pakistani woman to reach 100 ODI wickets. She achieved this feat during Pakistan's match against the West Indies in Karachi. Dar claimed 4/52, which brought her tally to 103. Despite Pakistan's score of 223, the West Indies managed to win the match in the last ball with a boundary from Karishma Ramharack, securing a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The West Indies also earned two crucial points in the ICC Women's Championship.
Zimbabwe women's team has hired former West Indies pacer Courtney Walsh as a coaching consultant in a bid to qualify for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh. Zimbabwe women are yet to make an appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup. “We count ourselves fortunate and privileged to be able to bring in Courtney as a technical consultant for our campaign," Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said.