After a delayed release, Rediff.com's Most Valuable Player Index for the T20 World Cup 2024 is finally out, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Marcus Stoinis, and Nicholas Pooran leading the pack. Coming as a surprise, Afghanistan has three players in the top 10 while Pakistan only has one in the top 50. India, on the other hand, boasts of two players in the top 10 with Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya putting up impressive performances. With an average par score of 140 being set, every wicket in this World Cup is valued at 14 runs, creating a thrilling and competitive atmosphere for the players.
Afghanistan Cricket Team's Rise and Glenn Maxwell's Impact
The Afghanistan national cricket team has made significant strides in recent years, becoming a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Their rise coincided with the emergence of star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
Afghanistan's Success
Afghanistan's national cricket team was established in 1995 and granted Associate Member status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2001. They made their international debut in 2001 but gained prominence after receiving ODI status in 2009 and Test status in 2017.
Under the leadership of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, the team has enjoyed several notable achievements:
Glenn Maxwell's Contribution
Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, has played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's development. He has captained Australia in T20 internationals and has been actively involved in mentoring Afghan players. Maxwell's experience and leadership have been invaluable to the team's growth.
2024 ICC Cricket World Cup
The next ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be held in 2024 in the West Indies and the United States. Afghanistan is one of 14 teams set to participate, and they will be determined to make a strong showing.
According to the Most Valuable Player Index released by Rediff.com, Afghanistan has a strong chance of success in the tournament. Three Afghan players – Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi – are ranked in the top 10.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is the captain of the Afghanistan national cricket team? Mohammad Nabi
2. What is Glenn Maxwell's role with the Afghanistan team? Mentor and former captain
3. What was Afghanistan's highest ranking in the ICC ODI rankings? 10th (February 2020)
4. Which Afghan player is known as "Mr. 360"? Rashid Khan
5. How many matches has Glenn Maxwell played for the Afghanistan team? None (he only mentored the team)
Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the Founder of KIIT and KISS, has been awarded the Grand Cross Award by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) for his remarkable contributions to the development of sports, particularly volleyball. This prestigious recognition was presented to him during the 39th FIVB World Congress, attended by representatives from 222 countries. Dr. Samanta's dedication and efforts in promoting sports at national and global levels have been highly appreciated, making him a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
The Founder of KIIT and KISS, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, has been awarded the Grand Cross Award, the highest honour from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). The recognition was given for his admirable efforts in promoting and developing sports, with a focus on volleyball. The prestigious award was presented to him by FIVB President Dr. Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Portugal, attended by representatives from 222 countries.
Dr Samanta, the founder of KIIT and KISS, was presented with the Grand Cross Award by FIVB President Dr Ary Graca at the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Dr Samanta's outstanding contributions in promoting sports, particularly volleyball. Representatives from 222 countries praised his remarkable achievements in sports and education as he dedicated the award to Lord Jagannath and all sports enthusiasts and athletes of India.
In an intense and exciting match, Portugal's Joao Felix secured their victory against Croatia with a beautiful goal. Fans were on the edge of their seats as Portugal maintained their lead against a tough opponent until the final whistle. Despite some substitutions, including Leao being replaced by Fabio Silva, Portugal's strong performance led them to their second win in the UEFA Nations League.
With two games left in the Oceania semi-finals, New Zealand's All Whites coach Darren Bazeley is determined to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup in North America. After finishing top of their group with a dominant 8-0 victory over Samoa, the team faces Fiji in their semi-final match in March. Bazeley recognizes the challenge of facing weaker opposition, but remains optimistic and determined to prepare his team for success.
Spain's La Roja are set to face Switzerland in their final Nations League group match as they aim to secure another title. With progress to the quarter-finals already confirmed, Spain may use this game as an opportunity to try out new strategies and players. Ayoze Perez, who scored the winner for Spain in their last match, is a doubt for tonight's clash due to an injury. Meanwhile, several younger players could make their debut for the European champions.
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Romanian and Kosovar Football Federations following a walk-out by Kosovo players during a Nations League match. The match, which was suspended due to reports of offensive chanting by Romanian fans, marks the second time a meeting between the two teams has been disrupted. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but has faced resistance from countries like Romania, which refuse to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. This incident raises concerns about the future of both teams and their relations on the football field.
Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez were the stars of the show as they led their team to a 2-1 victory over host Denmark and clinched the top spot in the UEFA Nations League Group A4. With key players missing, Oyarzabal and Perez stepped up to secure a place in the quarterfinals for their team, with Perez extending their lead on the counter in the 58th minute. This win solidifies Spain's dominance in the tournament and sets them up for a strong run in the playoffs.
Serbia and Denmark will face off in a crucial UEFA Nations League match on Monday night. After a disappointing European Championship, Serbia has yet to show significant improvement, making this match a must-win for them. On the other hand, Denmark has also been inconsistent, but a win over Serbia will secure their spot in the next round. The pressure is on for both teams as they battle it out at the Dubocica Stadium.
In a disappointing result for Switzerland, the team was relegated to the second tier of the UEFA Nations League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Serbia. Despite taking an early lead with Zeki Amdouni's goal, the Swiss were unable to hold on and secure a win. They now finish at the bottom of Group A4 with just two points from five matches.