Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan receive warm welcome in Kolkata

The Pakistan cricket team arrived in Kolkata amid tight security © Getty

International Cricket Council (ICC), Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials heaved a collective sigh of relief as the 15-member Pakistan squad, led by Shahid Afridi, arrived in Kolkata on Saturday (March 12) evening to take part in the World T20 championship.

The Pakistan team, which was originally scheduled to land in New Delhi on March 9 and arrive in Kolkata the same evening, took an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi that touched down at the NSC Bose International airport at 7.45 pm on Saturday, ending speculation over their participation in the high-profile WT20 event, the pinnacle of glory in the game's shortest format.

Hundreds of fans, who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of their heroes from across the western border, chanted 'Boom Boom Afridi' as Pakistan players trooped out of the airport building and got into the team bus. Afridi acknowledged the cheering fans along with Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Irfan, who was easy to spot because of his 7'1" frame. The team bus was escorted to the hotel amid tight security. Afridi will address the media at the team hotel on Sunday (March 13) before hitting the nets at the Eden Gardens.

Pakistan will have to make do with only one warm-up match - against Sri Lanka on Monday at the Eden Gardens - after they failed to arrive in time to take on a Bengal XI in a practice tie scheduled on Saturday.

Pakistan open their WT20 campaign at the Eden Gardens on March 16 against the winner of Sunday's Bangladesh-Oman qualifier. Afridi's brigade will face India next in a high-voltage clash on March 19 after the match was shifted from Dharamshala to Kolkata by the ICC because of security issues. Pakistan will play their last two Super 10 Group I league matches - vs New Zealand (March 21) and vs Australia (March 26) - in Mohali.

Veteran Mohammad Bashir, the self-proclaimed cheerleader of the Pakistan cricket team for over four decades, arrived in the city, via New Delhi, on Saturday afternoon to support his team. Fondly known as 'Chacha', the Pakistani veteran with flowing white beard is sure to be in the stands, waving the Pakistan flag to boost the morale of his team in what should be a cracker of a contest.

Pak eves arrive almost unnoticed

With the entire hype around the arrival of Shahid Afridi & Co. in Kolkata, the Pakistan women's team landed in Chennai on Saturday to take part in the women's World T20, almost unnoticed. A day after the government gave them green light, the Pakistani women flew in to Chennai from Dubai. Led by Sana Mir, it took almost an hour for the 15-member squad to clear immigration before they came out of the airport.

The Pakistan women's team will start their campaign at the Chepauk against West Indies on Wednesday before playing their last match on March 27 at the same venue.

Will never forget what Martin told me, says Guptill

Martin Guptill is one of New Zealand's trump cards in the World T20 2016 © Getty

A couple of years ago, very few would've imagined this low-profile Kiwi to be the batsman to watch out for in the 2016 edition of World T20, but so sensational has Martin Guptill's form been in recent times, that he now can easily be labelled as New Zealand's biggest trump card in this tournament. Guptill spoke to TOI on the sidelines of a business networking reception hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

You've been in phenomenal form. What's the secret?

Whoever I'm batting with, I try to create a good partnership.We're just having fun with each other. It seems to be working. I don't take things too seriously and just enjoy myself.

Did you seek anyone's advice?

I know what you're trying to get out here! Obviously , I've been very close to Martin Crowe for the last couple of years. He's been instrumental in how my game has turned out for the last couple of years. I'm very grateful for the work that we've put together and the time he was able to share with me. I'm never going to forget what he told me.

Brendon McCullum has led the turnaround in NZ's fortunes...

He turned this team around. A few years ago, we weren't getting the results we wanted. What Brendon has done for the team is put it on the right track and created a very good culture within the group, and everyone's striving to be better, bouncing off each other with different ideas, where previously people were a little more insular I guess.

Has Brendon's attacking style rubbed off on you?

I guess it has. You know, the way he plays his cricket is all or nothing. He was very good in the way he played. Being at the other end, I probably had the best seat in the house! I was very fortunate this season to be at the top order and watch him and then when he was injured, I was able to take over.

237 not out against the Windies (in the World Cup quarterfinal).You were on fire that day...

That whole day was a blur. It went so quickly. I can't remember what was going on! It just sort of happened! I just struck each ball as it came down, and that seemed to have worked that day. I'd love to be able to do that again, but you know, those kind of days are few and far between.

You suffered a bad accident in childhood (he lost three toes when his brother accidentally drove a forklift truck over him). How difficult was it to overcome?

It wasn't too difficult. I think I was playing three months after it happened, so I was back pretty quickly. It didn't hold me back.

Who inspired you to get back to the sport you love?

I always just wanted to play cricket, since I was a kid, so it wasn't too hard to get back (to the game). I don't like talking about it too much.People just think it's remarkable, but it isn't really. It's just part of life.

Who was your cricketing hero?

Nathan Astle. He went after the bowling at the top of the innings, and that always appealed to me.

© TNN

Bangla women keen to make an impact in World T20

For Fargana Hoque the decision to pursue cricket changed the scenario at home © Getty

For many players in the Bangladesh women's cricket team, the visit to Bengaluru for the opening phase of their World T20 campaign has been an eye-opener. It is a rare exposure to a big city, where they have arrived with dreams of punching above their weight. The journey to India may have been short but they have taken a road less travelled by womenfolk of their country. Their path is dotted with social pressures and lack of opportunities. But the Jahanara Alam-led side is determined to make a positive impression.

Their first victory came on Saturday when they thumped Ireland by eight wickets in a warm-up game. It was sweet revenge against the Irish who had beaten them in the final of the qualifier for this tournament, in Thailand last year.

With women's sport still at a nascent stage in Bangladesh, each win matters for this team which earned its one-day debut in 2007. The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. Its biggest strength is that the players back each other on the field and emotionally off it.

For Fargana Hoque or Pinky as she fondly called, the decision to pursue cricket changed the scenario at home. Pinky's father strongly opposed her decision to become a sportsperson but her paternal grandmother came to her rescue. "We are four children and my father is a strict man. He didn't like the idea of me playing sport, particularly cricket which we played with boys. There used to be constant fights at home. But for my grandmother's support I wouldn't be here," said the 21-year-old from Gaibandha district in northern Bangladesh.

The right-hand top-order bat, who has been an integral part of the national side since making her debut in 2011, said: "People added fuel to the fire saying a girl of marriageable age should be reined in. My teammates have been a huge source of comfort for me. Now my father is gradually accepting my choice of sport."

The Bangladesh men's team too has been supportive. "When we meet at practice they discuss cricket with us and tell us how to go about our game," said the AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli fan.

GRANDMA'S SUPPORT

"I love cricket." This came as a selfintroductory line from 18-year-old Nigar Sultana. The wicketkeeper-batter from Dhaka too found a supporter in her grandmother when her father asked her to choose studies over cricket.

"International cricket has changed our lives a lot. When we went to Thailand for the qualifiers, I bought a leather bag for my mother with her name on it. She had tears in her eyes and has since showed it off to all those willing to see it," smiled Sultana.

Players like skipper Jahanara Alam, who hails from an affluent family from Khulna city, 400km away from Dhaka, have been lucky when it comes to family support. "My family supported me but there were people who urged my parents to get me married. But I'm grateful I was allowed to chase my dreams," said the former volleyball and handball player.

A majority of the Bangladesh cricketers enjoy Bollywood movies with Shah Rukh Khan being a favourite. But for now, the song and dance can wait as the girls are gearing up for the opener against India on Tuesday.

© TNN

England well-placed to end sub-continental hoodoo

This squad has all boxes ticked. © Getty

Not many pundits and fans would fancy England to make an impact in a world tournament that is being held at the sub-continent. After the 1987 World Cup (where they made it to the final) there have been five major tournaments held at this part of the world with England failing to make it to the semi-finals on all occasions.

But this time around, they are buoyed and are confident of putting up a good show in the World T20 2016. Twelve months ago, things were different as they got thumped by Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup in Australia. And now, the limited-overs misfits have been removed from the side and there is a sudden influx of young and exciting players who are ideally suited to this format. Their brand of cricket has changed and despite losing the two-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series in South Africa recently, they look ready.

ICYMI:

The selectors did throw a surprise by picking an uncapped spinner in the 15-member squad. Hampshire's Liam Dawson bowled well for England Lions against Pakistan A in the UAE and considering the spinner-friendly surfaces that would be on offer in India, he was selected as the backup spinner.

"I went to one or two of the Lions practices and saw him in the nets. From a bowling point of view, he gets a bit on the ball and he looks as though he's got something about him personality-wise. He can bat as well and he's a good fielder apparently," coach Trevor Bayliss had said.

England also chose to ignore senior pacer Stuart Broad for the tournament despite his recall to the limited-overs squads recently. Even though he has been in good form of late, Kevin Pietersen was not considered as well.

KEY POINTS:

Recent form: England lost the two-match T20I series against South Africa last month but that should not deter them. They fought back brilliantly to almost win the first game before Chris Morris took it away in the final over and then were comprehensively beaten by an AB de Villiers special in the second. Prior to this, they faced Pakistan last year in November where they put up an incredible performance to win the series 3-0. Considering that series was played in similar conditions that they would encounter in India, that win was vital.

Strengths: The presence of two spinners who are ideally suited to this format is a huge plus for England. Moeen Ali's tidy off-spin and Adil Rashid's leg-spin will be crucial and the latter has been in good form as he demonstrated his prowess in the Big Bash. The batting line up looks fearsome as it boasts of some big power hitters who can play around the consistent Joe Root, who himself can launch an assault if needed.

Weakness: Inexperience in the seam bowling department, especially in these challenging conditions will test England. Reece Topley and David Willey will have their task cut out, especially against batting heavy sides. Also, this current line-up has not featured in a lot of high-pressure knock-out clashes, which again could prove to be vital.

Big backroom presence: England smartly recruited the services of former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as a consultant for the tournament. He knows more about playing spin in these conditions and his presence is a massive boost considering the fact that he was part of the victorious side that won the tournament two years ago in Bangladesh. They also have Paul Collingwood, the only English captain to have tasted success on the global stage, in their ranks. The 2010 World Cup winner has played plenty of cricket here and his inputs will be valuable.

Batting order conundrum: Despite possessing a strong batting line-up, England seem to be a little unsettled on the order. Moeen Ali, especially has found life hard at number 7 after finding success early in his career batting at the top order. Will we see him return there? In that case, what about Jos Buttler who is arguably their best batsman in this format. The management cannot afford him to come in too late and run out of deliveries. They need to take a call on that before the first game.

SPOTLIGHT'S ON:

Eoin Morgan was desperately looking for runs in the series against South Africa and finally got some in the second game. He will have to lead from the front considering he is their most experienced batsman. He is also their only batsman to have played a few games in the Indian Premier League and knows these conditions better.

This will be a huge test for Ben Stokes. His bowling will be in focus as much as his batting. His slower bouncers and off-cutters will be on display more often on these surfaces. If he delivers, more often than not, England win.

SCHEDULE:

March 16, Wednesday: versus West Indies, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

March 18, Friday: versus South Africa, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

March 23, Wednesday: versus Afghanistan, Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

March 26, Saturday: versus Sri Lanka, Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

EXPERT OPINION:

"I think England will win it, genuinely. I look at the team and the way in which they play. It's going to be tough in India. I think India are the favourites along with Australia but I think that will work in our advantage. I don't think anyone is expecting England to win and sometimes that's really nice. It frees you up and you can just play and go about your business. If you look at the side every department is covered." - Andrew Flintoff certainly expects a lot from his countrymen.

PREDICTION: Semi-final

Paired with South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Afghanistan, England are expected to reach the last-four stage above Sri Lanka and even the Windies considering their lacklustre form recently combined with the absence of key players. From there on, anything can happen on the given day as India and to an extent, South Africa look to be their only stumbling block.

© Cricbuzz