ArdorComm Media Group

Media Entertainment & Art Community

Rohit Sharma Urges Calm as India Prepares for T20 World Cup Final Against South Africa

India captain Rohit Sharma has called for calm and composure from his team as they aim to secure their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title against South Africa on Saturday. India secured their spot in the T20 World Cup final with a commanding 68-run victory over England in Guyana on Thursday. They will now face South Africa, the only other unbeaten team in the tournament, at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Rohit emphasized the importance of maintaining the same mindset that has brought them success so far in the tournament. He stressed that staying calm and composed is crucial for making good decisions throughout the game. The experienced skipper is determined to break India’s recent drought at ICC tournaments and add a second T20 World Cup trophy to their collection, the first being in 2007 in South Africa. “We’ve been very calm as a team,” Rohit said after India’s semi-final victory. “We do understand the occasion (in the final), but for us, it’s important to keep calm and composed. That helps us make good decisions. We need to make good decisions through the 40 overs. In this game too, we were steady and calm, and didn’t panic too much. That has been the key for us. Yes, we do understand the occasion is important, but we need to play good cricket as well.” Rohit led from the front in the semi-final, top-scoring for India with a well-compiled half-century at the top of the order. Suryakumar Yadav supported with a crucial cameo of 47, helping India post a competitive total of 171/7 after being put in to bat first by England captain Jos Buttler. India’s spinners played a pivotal role in the match, with Kuldeep Yadav (3/19), Axar Patel (3/23), and Ravindra Jadeja (0/16) taking six wickets between them and keeping England’s chase in check. Rohit praised his spinners for their calm execution under pressure. “They are gun spinners,” the India skipper said. “When conditions are like that in front of them, it’s very difficult to play some shots. Yes, the pressure is on them to execute those balls, but they were very calm and knew what to bowl. We had a chat after the first innings: the plan was to hit the stumps as much as possible and keep the stumps in play and that’s what they did.”

India vs Bangladesh, T20 World Cup 2024: Playing XI Prediction, Head-to-Head Stats, Pitch Report, and Weather Update

After starting their Super Eight campaign with a thumping 47-run victory against Afghanistan, the Rohit Sharma-led India will take on Bangladesh in their second match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Saturday. Bangladesh produced their best-ever showing at the T20 World Cup by winning three matches in the group stage to qualify for the Super Eights. However, the Tigers were handed a 28-run DLS defeat by Australia in their opening Super Eight fixture. They take on India next. Here’s a look at the Playing XI predictions, head-to-head stats, venue records, pitch, and weather updates ahead of the IND vs BAN match. India Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah. India Player to Watch: Virat Kohli’s form has been a concern for India in the ongoing tournament. The former India captain has mustered only 29 runs in four matches so far. Kohli, who is opening with Rohit Sharma, will be looking to get some runs under his belt against Bangladesh. Bangladesh Predicted XI: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman. Bangladesh Player to Watch: The underperformance of openers Litton Das and Tanzid Khan has compounded Bangladesh’s woes. Tanzid Hasan’s form is a concern since, despite striking an unbeaten 58 to help Bangladesh prevent a 3-0 whitewash against the USA late last month, he has reached double digits only twice in six innings. India vs Bangladesh Squads: India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya (vc), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj. Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman, Jaker Ali, Tanvir Islam, Shoriful Islam, Soumya Sarkar. India vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head: Matches Played: 13, India Won: 12, Bangladesh Won: 1. India vs Bangladesh Pitch Report: Bangladesh’s 140 versus Australia suggests there was something in the surface, but Australia managed to score at almost nine an over in the chase. India vs Bangladesh Weather Report: According to weather.com, between 10 AM to 2 PM local time, during which the match should ideally finish, the temperature will be around 30 degrees Celsius. The weather will be mostly sunny, and there is no chance of rain. IND vs BAN Livestreaming Details: The India vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup match will be streamed on the Hotstar App and telecast on the Star Sports Network on June 22, Saturday from 8 PM IST.

India vs Afghanistan Highlights T20 World Cup 2024: Bumrah, Arshdeep Help India Beat Afghanistan by 47 Runs

India secured a convincing 47-run victory over Afghanistan in their Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The Indian bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, played a crucial role in restricting Afghanistan’s batting efforts. India’s batting performance was led by Rohit Sharma, who scored 43 runs off 30 balls. The Indian captain’s innings was supported by Virat Kohli, who contributed 34 runs off 24 balls. The duo’s partnership helped India post a respectable total of 185 runs. In response, Afghanistan’s batting struggled to gain momentum. Their top-order batsmen, including Hazratullah Zazai and Usman Ghani, failed to make significant contributions. The Afghan team managed to score only 138 runs in their allotted 20 overs, ultimately falling short of the target by 47 runs. Bumrah and Arshdeep were the standout bowlers for India, taking three and two wickets respectively. The Indian duo’s impressive bowling display helped to restrict Afghanistan’s scoring and secure the win. India’s victory over Afghanistan has boosted their chances of advancing to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup 2024. The team will look to continue their winning momentum in their upcoming matches.  

Pakistan May Face T20 World Cup Elimination Due to “State of Emergency”

Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight stage hinge on their match against Ireland on Sunday. Even a narrow win could secure their spot, provided the USA loses to Ireland on Friday. However, the situation is complicated by the state of emergency declared in Fort Lauderdale due to life-threatening flash floods in Florida. The severe weather has disrupted many aspects of life in Fort Lauderdale, including the grounding of hundreds of flights. The Sri Lankan cricket team, participating in the T20 World Cup, is currently stranded in the city. Fort Lauderdale, one of the three venues in the USA scheduled to host the T20 World Cup matches, has already seen one game washed out due to heavy rain. “Preliminary reports indicate that the rainfall and flooding has affected and may continue to impact the operational capability of critical infrastructure, including major interstates, state and county roadways, airports, schools, and other critical infrastructure throughout these counties,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the emergency declaration. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis also declared a state of emergency. The Sri Lankan team was scheduled to fly to the Caribbean islands on Wednesday, but their departure was delayed due to the adverse weather. Sri Lanka is set to play the Netherlands in their final group game on Monday, June 17, in St. Lucia. Why Pakistan Might Get Knocked Out Due to “State of Emergency”? The Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale is scheduled to host key games this week, including matches involving Pakistan and the USA, both vying for a place in the next round from Group A. If the USA beats Ireland or if their match gets washed out, they will advance to the Super 8 along with India, knocking Pakistan out of contention. India currently leads Group A with six points from three games (NRR +1.137) and is assured of a Super 8 berth. The USA, with four points from three games, holds the second spot, but their NRR has dropped to +0.127, which is good news for Pakistan as their NRR is now better than the USA’s. This means that Pakistan can still qualify for the Super Eight stage even with a narrow win against Ireland on Sunday, but only if the USA loses to Ireland on Friday.  

India vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup Match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium

India faces Pakistan in a highly anticipated T20 World Cup match at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Eisenhower Park, New York. The pitch conditions and security measures are crucial for the event. When the old rivals square off on Sunday, a confident and well-adjusted India will attempt to exploit Pakistan’s unpredictability and lack of familiarity with the challenging conditions in New York. The flagship match is expected to draw the tournament’s largest crowd at the recently constructed 34,000-seat stadium. The stadium’s 22-yard pitch has been a hot topic due to its unpredictability, which the ICC has acknowledged. In the three games played so far, teams have struggled to score more than 100 runs in six innings. Concerns have been raised about whether the low-scoring format can help promote cricket in the United States. Damian Hough, the Adelaide Oval groundskeeper, oversaw the installation of the venue’s four drop-in pitches in April, but they have not yet fully settled. The uneven bounce of the pitch has raised safety concerns, particularly after Indian captain Rohit Sharma had to stop batting during the opening match against Ireland due to a shoulder injury. “I don’t know what to expect from the pitch, to be honest. We will prepare as if the conditions are going to be like this (for the Pakistan game). This is going to be a game where all XI of us will need to contribute,” Rohit said after the match against Ireland. The ICC issued a statement acknowledging the issues with the pitches: “The ICC recognises that the pitches used so far at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium have not played as consistently as we would have all wanted.” Pakistan has not yet adjusted to the stadium’s conditions. After losing to tournament newcomers USA, they flew into New York and took a rest day. Babar Azam and his team have had little time to adapt, which could be a disadvantage in this crucial match. A loss to India could severely impact their chances of qualifying. India may maintain their strategy of including an additional specialist fast bowler, but they might consider including Kuldeep Yadav due to his recent performance and favorable matchups against Pakistani batters. If included, one of Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel might miss out. The batting order is expected to remain with Rohit and Virat Kohli as openers and Rishabh Pant at No. 3. Pakistan will aim to recover from their loss to the USA. Babar Azam will need to improve his performance, as his 43 runs from 44 deliveries were below the expected strike rate for T20 cricket. The team will hope for a strong performance from their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi.  

USA vs Pakistan Highlights, T20 World Cup 2024: USA Secures Shocking Victory Over Pakistan in Super Over

In a stunning turn of events at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, the United States defeated Pakistan in a thrilling T20 World Cup match on Thursday. The match, which went into a Super Over after both teams ended with tied scores, saw the USA emerging victorious. Match Summary Pakistan Innings: Total: 159 for 7 in 20 overs Key Performances: Babar Azam: 44 off 43 balls Shadab Khan: Crucial partnership with Babar, contributing significantly to the score Shaheen Afridi: 23 not out off 16 balls Bowling Highlights: Nosthush Kenjige: 3 wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs Pakistan, after being invited to bat first, faced early setbacks and were struggling at 26 for 3 within 4.4 overs. Babar Azam and Shadab Khan stabilized the innings with a 72-run partnership. Shaheen Afridi’s late surge ensured Pakistan reached a competitive total. USA Innings: Total: 159 for 3 in 20 overs Key Moments: Final ball drama: Nitish Kumar hit a four off Haris Rauf’s last delivery to tie the match and push it into a Super Over Chasing a target of 160, the USA kept up with the required run rate but needed 5 runs off the final ball to win. Nitish Kumar’s boundary off the last ball leveled the scores, leading to a Super Over. Super Over: USA Set Target: 19 runs Pakistan’s Reply: 13 runs In the Super Over, the USA set a challenging target of 19 runs. Pakistan, in their response, could only manage 13 runs, handing the USA a shocking and memorable victory. Highlights Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas Match Decider: Super Over Player of the Match: Nosthush Kenjige for his impressive bowling performance This victory marks a significant achievement for the USA cricket team, showcasing their growing capabilities in the international cricket arena. The match was filled with intense moments and ended in a dramatic finish, making it a memorable encounter in the T20 World Cup 2024.

West Indies Display Dominance with Convincing Victory over Australia in Warm-up Match

The West Indies showcased their strength ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a commanding 35-run triumph over Australia in a warm-up encounter in Trinidad. Led by Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 75, the Caribbean side posted a formidable total of 257/4, setting the stage for a resounding victory. Pooran’s blistering knock, embellished with eight sixes, set the tone for the West Indies’ power-packed batting display. Supported by captain Rovman Powell (52), Sherfane Rutherford (47*), and opener Johnson Charles (40), the West Indies treated their home crowd to a spectacle of aggressive stroke-play, amassing a staggering 18 sixes in total. Despite a valiant effort from Australia’s Josh Inglis (55), Nathan Ellis (39), and Ashton Agar (28), the target proved insurmountable for the 2021 T20 World Cup champions. The West Indies bowlers, spearheaded by Gudakesh Motie (2/31) and Alzarri Joseph (2/44), restricted Australia to 222/7, securing a convincing victory. In another warm-up fixture, Namibia clinched a narrow three-run win over Papua New Guinea in a rain-affected encounter. Despite Papua New Guinea’s Assad Vala’s inspired spell (2/17), Namibia managed to edge past their opponents, reaching 93/6 before rain halted play at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The West Indies’ dominant performance against Australia signals their readiness for the upcoming T20 World Cup, bolstering their confidence as they aim to make a strong impression in the tournament.  

Hollywood’s AI Anxiety Heightens Amid Scarlett Johansson’s OpenAI Feud

Scarlett Johansson’s public spat with OpenAI over the alleged replication of her voice for their AI model, ChatGPT, has reignited Hollywood’s fears of artificial intelligence encroaching on creative realms. The controversy stems from Johansson’s accusation that OpenAI mimicked her voice without permission, echoing her performance in the film “Her.” This incident has unsettled entertainment executives, particularly as Hollywood explores potential collaborations with OpenAI. While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman maintains that the voice was not intended to resemble Johansson’s, the dispute underscores broader concerns within the industry. Some fear that AI models trained on copyrighted works could infringe on intellectual property rights, hindering collaboration between content creators and tech companies. This clash highlights the evolving legal landscape surrounding digital likeness rights. Johansson’s case mirrors past legal battles over celebrity endorsements and sound-alikes, prompting discussions about federal regulations to protect voice and likeness rights. As Hollywood grapples with the implications of AI in content creation, the dialogue surrounding deep fakes and digital rights intensifies, signaling the need for comprehensive legal frameworks in the era of advanced AI technology.  

BCCI Uses Google Form to Invite Applications for Indian Cricket Team’s Head Coach

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially opened applications for the position of head coach of the senior men’s cricket team. With current coach Rahul Dravid’s tenure ending after the T20 World Cup in the Americas this June, the BCCI has shared the announcement on social media platform X, providing a link to the detailed qualifications required for the role. What has caught the public’s attention is the BCCI’s use of a Google Form for the application process, a tool widely known for its simplicity and efficiency. The application form can be accessed at Google Form link. Google Forms, part of the Google Suite, is a free online tool that allows users to create and share forms, quizzes, surveys, and other web forms. It enables real-time collaboration and analysis, making it a practical choice for collecting applications and responses efficiently. Applicants can easily add, edit, or format text, images, and videos in the form, streamlining the submission process. The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for submitting applications for the prestigious coaching position. This innovative approach using Google Forms has gone viral, showcasing how modern technology can simplify and enhance traditional processes.

Disney’s Streaming Profit Surprises Amidst Decline in Traditional TV Business

Disney’s unexpected profit in its streaming entertainment division contrasted with a downturn in its traditional TV business and weaker box office performance, causing its shares to drop 6% before the market opening on Tuesday. The company’s streaming division, including Disney+ and Hulu, reported operating income of $47 million for the January-March period, a significant improvement from a loss of $587 million a year earlier. However, the combined streaming business, including ESPN+, still reported a loss of $18 million, though narrower compared to the prior year’s loss of $659 million. While streaming showed promise, revenue from Disney’s traditional television business declined by 8% to $2.77 billion, with operating profit falling 22% from a year ago. Despite this, CEO Bob Iger expressed confidence in the company’s direction, emphasizing the transition to a new era marked by solid performance and global content creation. Iger, who returned from retirement in November 2022, implemented cost-cutting measures expected to reach $7.5 billion by September. Additionally, Disney announced a significant investment in theme parks and plans for a standalone ESPN streaming app. The unexpected profit from streaming was attributed to aggressive cost management, with Disney+ adding over 6 million customers during the quarter. Despite streaming’s growth, costs associated with streaming cricket may lead to a loss in the current quarter but a return to profit in the following period. Looking ahead, Disney anticipates that the combined streaming unit will generate a profit in the fiscal fourth quarter, becoming a significant growth driver for the company with improved profitability expected for fiscal 2025. In summary, Disney’s latest earnings report reflects a mixed performance, with streaming showing promise amidst challenges in the traditional TV business. However, the company remains optimistic about its future prospects, buoyed by strong results in theme parks and ongoing efforts to enhance its streaming offerings.