West Indies middle-order batsman, Nkrumah Bonner, has recalled drawing inspiration from gritty India batsman Cheteshwar Pujara in wake of the team’s recent triumph over Bangladesh.
Pujara earned widespread commendation for a gutsy performance against Australia last month, where the India batman took hits to the head, elbows, hands, and ribs. In total, ten balls crashed into him throughout his 211-ball innings. His stubborn 56, however, was crucial to a historic win for an understrength India, in Australia.
Bonner may not have had to put up with as much physical punishment from the Bangladesh bowlers, but certainly showed plenty of determination in his gritty 86 from 245. The knock, alongside a cracking 212 from Kyle Mayers, was critical in anchoring an understrength West Indies to a surprise win, in Bangladesh. Bonner admits he has been taking close note of the India batsman and tries to emulate a few of his qualities.
“I like to see how he goes about his batting. I think he is very tough mentally and it’s something that I’ve taken from him,” Bonner told members of the media, via a Zoom press conference on Tuesday.
“There is nothing that really troubles him, so I idolize him a lot,” he added.
Matthew Nandu's century in vain as Harpy Eagles, CCC Marooners contest end in No-result
Guyana Harpy Eagles and Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners were robbed an opportunity to bounce back from opening defeats in the CG United Super50 Cup as their second contest ended in a no result due to inclement weather at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday.
With the encounter initially reduced to 45 overs per side, the Harpy Eagles got their innings in and posted a competitive 271-7, thanks to a century from Canada-born Matthew Nandu (116), and half-centuries from captain Tevin Imlach (51) and Kemol Savory, who was left unbeaten on an even 50 off 42 balls.
Nandu’s knock came off 103 balls and included five sixes and seven fours, as he partnered with Imlach in a 123-run second wicket stand after Tagenarine Chanderpaul (13) went cheaply. Imlach struck five fours in his brisk 58-ball knock before he fell to Abhijai Mansingh, who also accounted for Kevlon Anderson (11).
Nandu and Savory then posted another 52 runs for the fourth wicket to keep the momentum going, but the former became the first of three quick wickets as the Marooners gradually pulled things back. Still, Savory pressed on in a dynamic knock that had two fours and one six to put the Harpy Eagles in a decent position.
Mikkel Govia (4-42) did the most damage for the Marooners with support from Mansingh (2-42).
The Marooners run chase started positively with Kamil Pooran (20) and Kieran Powell (8 not out) posting 32 for the first wicket before the rain had the final say after a mere 6.5 overs.
This no result means both teams are still left to play catch up, as the Harpy Eagles lost their first contest by one wicket to Windward Islands Volcanoes, while the Marooners went down by 60 runs to reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.
Jansen, Coetzee return as Rabada rested for South Africa’s T20 series against India
Fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen have been included in the South Africa squad for their four-match home T20I series against India scheduled to begin on November 8.
The duo will make their return after injury lay-offs, but Cricket South Africa have rested Kagiso Rabada along with Lungi Ngidi with a home Test series against Sri Lanka to follow later next month.
Aiden Markram will captain the side against India, who beat the Proteas to win the T20 World Cup in Barbados earlier this year, while David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj are all included.
All-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana has received his maiden call-up, while uncapped Andile Simelane is also part of the roster.
“It’s both an exciting and important series for us as we continue to build towards the T20 World Cup in 2026,” said South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter.
Brisbane Heat hand Matthews and Dottin’s Melbourne Renegades second loss to begin WBBL
Hayley Matthews produced a strong all-round performance but it wasn’t enough to help the Melbourne Renegades avoid a 28-run defeat against the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League in Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday.
The West Indian skipper first picked up 2-21 from her three overs as the Heat posted 169-8 from their 20 overs after being put in to bat.
Matthews was supported by Sophie Molineux who grabbed 2-35 from four overs while fellow West Indian Deandra Dottin took 1-27 from her four.
Georgia Redmayne led the Heat with 44 while Laura Harris made 31.
With the bat, Matthews made a 23-ball 35 at the top of the order in support of Naomi Stalenberg who led the Renegades with 38.
In the end, they could only manage 141-9 from their 20 overs thanks to some excellent bowling from the Heat.
Player of the match Grace Parsons led the way with 3-22 from her four overs while Shikha Pandey took 2-27 from four overs in support.
The Renegades now have two losses in as many games this season and will look to bounce back on Friday when they face the Perth Scorchers in Melbourne.
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