2024 T20 World Cup news updates

England overcome West Indies in Super Eights opener

In both sides' first Super Eights encounter, defending champions England faced off against tournament co-hosts West Indies in St Lucia, the highest-scoring ground of the World Cup so far. Put in to bat, West Indies scored 180-4. In reply, England got off to a brisk start with 58 runs in the first six overs, chasing down the target with 15 balls to spare, courtesy a 97-run stand between Phil Salt (87*) and Jonny Bairstow (48*). The former also caught the eye as he smashed 30 runs off the 16th over, bowled by Romario Shepherd.

India begin Super Eights challenge against Afghanistan

On Thursday morning, India will play their first match of the Super Eights against Afghanistan. Both sides won their first three group matches, before India's match against Canada was washed out while Afghanistan suffered a 104-run drubbing at the hands of West Indies. The match will be played in Barbados. The last game at the venue saw a total of 366 runs scored, between Australia (201-7) and England (165-6).

Ugandan skipper Brian Masaba steps down

Following Uganda's debut T20 World Cup campaign which saw them eliminated after one win out of four matches in the group stage, the Cricket Cranes' captain Brian Masaba announced his decision to step down from the role.

A player capable of bowling both off-spin and leg-spin, the 32-year-old Masaba captained Uganda in 60 T20Is, with a win ratio of 75 percent. Speaking after returning home, he said in his farewell speech, "It's the biggest honour and privilege in my life to lead my country and also the guys. There has been a lot of growth for me as an individual and lessons I've learnt about leadership and sacrifice, which will stay with me for the rest of my life."

Global news updates

Former India international David Johnson passes away

On Thursday morning, news emerged from Bengaluru that fast bowler David Johnson, who represented India in two Test matches, had passed away at the age of 52. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) informed the Press Trust of India (PTI) that Johnson had fallen from his fourth-floor balcony.

Johnson's former teammate for Karnataka, Anil Kumble as well as BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed their condolences for the family on social media.

Kane Williamson set to play SA20 after turning down central contract

On Wednesday, New Zealand batter Kane Williamson declined New Zealand Cricket's offer of a central contract for the 2024/25 season, and stepped down as the captain of their ODI and T20I sides. He is still eligible to represent the team, but the decision sparked rumours of his increased participation in T20 franchise leagues across the world.

Earlier today, Williamson spoke to reporters in New Zealand about the decision, saying, "I want to play as long as I can. There's a number of great competitions during that time, but SA20 looks really exciting. Unfortunately, it meant turning down a central contract. My priority still is, absolutely, playing for New Zealand. Think I might miss maybe a handful of games over a three-week period."

New Zealand's centrally contracted cricketers are obligated to play the Super Smash, their domestic T20 franchise competition if not on international assignment. The SA20 takes place during the same window in the year, meaning players must choose one or the other, if they have the options.

Texas Super Kings sign Dwayne Bravo, Noor Ahmad for MLC Season 2

The second season of Major League Cricket is set to get underway after the end of the T20 World Cup. On Thursday, Texas Super Kings announced the addition of left-arm leg spinner Noor Ahmad to their squad, in place of Daryl Mitchell who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Another surprising move was announced as former West Indies pacer Dwayne Bravo was also brought in as a new signing. Bravo has played for and coached TSK's sister franchise, Chennai Super Kings and is currently working with the Afghanistan national team as a bowling consultant.

Shabnam Shakil called up to India squad

India secured a tense four-run win over South Africa in the second ODI of their bilateral series on Wednesday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. On Thursday afternoon, the BCCI announced that teenage pacer Shabnam Shakil would be added to the squad for the third ODI in Bengaluru, as well as the one-off Test and three T20Is to come in Chennai.

The Andhra Pradesh seamer turned 17 just three days ago, and was part of India's U19 T20 World Cup-winning squad earlier this year. She was also picked up by the Gujarat Giants for the 2024 Women's Premier League (WPL) season and caught the eye with four wickets in four matches, dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt, Alyssa Healy, Chamari Athapaththu and Shweta Sehrawat.

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