Picture Credit: X
The Rohit Sharma-led Team India are hosting England in the five-match Test series at home. After being invited to field first, the Ben Stokes-led England have put 302/7 at Stumps on Day 1 of the fourth Test in Ranchi. Moreover, the much-awaited Women’s Premier League kick tarted with the last year finalists once again taking the field in the opener on Friday, February 23.
Here in this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Friday, February 23, but before that, let’s check the matches scheduled for the day.
WPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bangalore Women vs UP Warriorz
Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore Women will take on Alyssa Healy’s UP Warriorz at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. IST. While the UP Warriorz finished third in the points table and were eliminated by the MI Women in the Eliminator in WPL 2023.
PSL 2024: Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings
Shaheen Shah Afridi-led Lahore Qalandars will host the Shan Masood’s Lahore Qalandars in match 10 of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024. The match is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. IST at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both the teams are coming off contrasting results. While the Karachi Kings won their last fixture against Peshawar Zalmi by 7 wickets, Qalandars lost to Sultans by 5 wickets.
Major cricket events that happened on February 23
Bowler help Australia T20I series against New Zealand; beat by 72 runs
Adam Zampa picked four while rest of the Australia bowlers all chipped away with wickets to down New Zealand comprehensively in the second T20I and complete a series win. With this win, Australia clinched the series 2-0 with a match still to go.
Rehan Ahmed withdraws from India Test series; returns home
With the five-match Test series moving to Ranchi, the Ben Stokes-led England were handed a massive blow. Ahead of the fourth Test, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) informed that Rehan Ahmed will miss the remainder of the series. "Rehan Ahmed will return home for personal reasons with immediate effect. He will not be returning to India," the statement read.
WATCH: Rohit Sharma reacts after cameraman shows him on big screen
During the second session of IND vs ENG 4th Test Day 1, the hosts lost all three reviews in a span of 60 minutes. In one of such instances, the cameraman panned out at Rohit Sharma, leaving the Indian skipper agitated on the gesture. In the viral video, Rohit can be seen gesturing the cameraman to take away the focus off him and show the review.
WATCH: Joe Root does Stokes' little finger celebration after 10th ton
Joe Root, who reached his half-century in 49th over on Day 1 of 4th Test, completed his 10th Test ton against India in the 84th over. Soon after reaching his ton, he removed his helmet and kissed the badge. Ben Stokes, who also stood up to celebrate Root’s ton, raised his little finger, to which the centurion reciprocated with a similar gesture.
Rishabh Pant to lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024: Parth Jindal
Delhi Capitals co-owner, Parth Jindal spoke on the team, highlighting Rishabh Pant’s availability for the entire tournament. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, DC co-owner said, “Rishabh is batting. He’s running. He has started his wicketkeeping. He is likely to be fully fit for the IPL.” Jindal also confirmed that Pant will not be keeping wickets for the Delhi’s first seven games but assured that he will be leading the side.
Jhye Richardson to miss initial half of IPL 2024, confirms DC owner
Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal on Thursday confirmed that Australian pacer Jhye Richardson will miss the first half of the tournament as he continues to struggle with an injury he sustained during BBL 2023-24. "He's touch and go but will definitely be available for some part of IPL," DC co-owner Parth Jindal said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
WATCH: Rishabh Pant asked to cry in IPL 2024 ad; his response goes viral
A video of Rishabh Pant arguing over an ad script has been circulating all over the social media. In the video, Pant could be seen getting miffed over an advertisement script and demanded the director to change it. Pant was seen telling the production member to change the script as he was not happy with the fact that he was being asked to cry on screen.
