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The highly-anticipated ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States of America and West Indies will commence on Sunday morning (IST) with hosts USA and West Indies facing Canada and Papua New Guinea respectively in the opening fixtures. A total of 20 teams are divided into four groups of five teams each.
In this article, we’ll look at all the big news that took place on Friday, May 31, but before that, let's check the matches scheduled for the day.
Today's match preview
ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-Up Games:
- Bangladesh vs India: After losing the three-match T20I series against the USA followed by an abandoned warm-up clash against the same side due to rain, Bangladesh will face India in the T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up clash. The two sides will clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Saturday at 08.00 p.m. IST.
Major cricket events that happened on May 31
Dasun Shanaka's all-round performance helps Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 41 runs
In the T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up clash between Sri Lanka and Ireland, the 2014 T20 World Cup winners defeated the latter by 41 runs. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 163 runs at a loss of eight wickets with Angelo Matthews scoring an unbeaten 32-off-30 followed by skipper Wanindu Hasaranga (26) and Dasun Shanaka (23). Ireland lost quick wickets during the chase with Dasun Shanaka picking up four while the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga picked up two wickets each. Sri Lanka bowled out Ireland on 122 runs in the 19th over.
Gulbadin Naib's 69 guides Afghanistan to 55-run win over Scotland
With just one day left from the beginning of the T20 World Cup, Afghanistan and Scotland squared off at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad on Friday with the former winning the fixture by 55 runs. Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib smashed 69 runs off 30 balls with 6 sixes and 5 fours while Azmatullah Omarzai scored 48 off 36 as their side posted 178 runs on the board. In the second innings, Afghanistan bowlers took control as Mujeeb ur Rahman and Karim Janat picked up 2 wickets each while 5 bowlers picked up a wicket each.
Wasim Akram gives cheeky response on absence of Indian T20WC players in IPL 2024 Final
Wasim Akram, the Pakistan cricketing legend, made a cheeky remark on the 15-member Indian T20 World Cup 2024 squad in regards to how none of them reached the IPL final just a few days ago. The 57-year-old hilariously stated that the Indian players were “thinking ahead” in terms of focusing their attention on the upcoming ICC tournament, and it could prove to be a “blessing in disguise” for them.
BCCI to 'not shut the door' on 3 Retention & 1 RTM rule for IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Reports
After the conclusion of IPL 2024, a report surfaced about the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) eyeing the existing 3 + 1 retention rule for the upcoming Mega Auction for the 2025 season of the tournament. Unlike other major sporting leagues, the IPL functions with a three-year cycle at the end of which teams can technically retain four players and release the others into the auction. The process was brought in to ensure parity in the league and continue generating more interest towards the auction.
Shakib Al Hasan lauds Rohit Sharma ahead of IND-BAN T20WC 2024 Warm-up match
The former Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, has heaped praises on the Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, ahead of their warm-up match in the T20 World Cup 2024 in New York. The 37-year-old stated that all the players respect Rohit Sharma as a leader while talking about how good he has been in the captaincy role for India in the last few years.
Ramiz Raja lambasts Pakistan Cricket team after poor show against England
Former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja went all out and slammed the team’s management after a poor show against England. The Men in Green, under the captaincy of Babar Azam, toured England right before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for a four-match series. Pakistan, who aimed to make the most of the opportunity, registered an embarrassing 0-2 defeat against the reigning T20 world champions.
Mitchell Marsh to not bowl in T20 World Cup 2024 match against Oman, confirms Andrew McDonald
The 2021 T20 World Cup champions, Australia registered a 35-run defeat against co-hosts West Indies on Friday, May 31 in their build-up to the T20 World Cup 2024. The Mitchell Marsh-led side, who fielded a depleted squad due to a shortage of players, fell short by 35 runs to surpass the West Indies challenge in their second warm-up match. Marsh, who will be leading the side, will not be bowling in the match against Oman and will play as a specialist batter, confirmed Australia Head Coach Andrew McDonald.
South Africa Women announce Test and ODI squad for India tour; Laura Wolvaardt to lead
Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday, May 31 announced their women’s squad for the upcoming India tour. The Proteas Women will travel to India for a multi-format tour, starting from June 16. The series will feature a one-off Test, three ODIs and as many T20Is. While the ODIs are scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, the one-off Test and the T20I series will be held in Chennai. Laura Wolvaardt will lead the Proteas women in the series against India.
