Top Stories: Your Daily News Roundup – 5th of July 2019

Hello, we’re here with the daily news roundup for Friday (July 5). Here’re some of the top news stories that subsequently grabbed eyeballs around the world.

Let’s have a look at what is taking place in the cricketing world:

Mohammad Azharuddin Backs Ravindra Jadeja for semi-final clash:

Former Team India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin has thrown support behind all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Meanwhile, Jadeja is yet to feature in the ongoing World Cup apart from his on-field contribution as a substitute.

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While terming Jadeja as a ‘utility’ cricketer, Azharuddin asserted that Jadeja would be vital in such English conditions.

Of late, the tracks in England and Wales turned on the slower side as the game progressed.

Also, Azharuddin urged Team India and management to consider Jadeja for the Sri Lanka game which in itself is a dead rubber.

On the other side, Harbhajan Singh has also backed Jadeja for the Lions game in Leeds on Saturday (July 6).

Michael Holding Believes Pakistan Should Have Been in Semis Ahead of Kiwis:

Windies legend Michael Holding conceded that Pakistan deserved a place in the final four ahead of New Zealand.

The widely-acclaimed cricket commentator Holding further made his point by saying the net run-rate should be considered as the last option.

The former Windies’ pacer believes if the teams have equal points and victories, then the game between those two particular teams should come into play.

Pertinently, The Men in Green have beaten the Black Caps by six wickets. Pakistan won the game on the 26th of July at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

MS Dhoni Should Play for Another One or Two Years: Malinga

Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga has made a bold statement regarding MS Dhoni, who has been questioned for his batting approach following India’s loss at the hands of England on June 30.

Malinga, who’s the part of Sri Lankan team at the ongoing ICC World Cup, feels Dhoni is still the best in giving finishing touches.

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On those lines, Malinga feels Dhoni should represent India for a maximum of two years. He has also credited Dhoni for imparting knowledge to the youngsters.

Babar Azam pips Javed Miandad:

Pakistan top-order batsman Babar Azam has surpassed former Pakistan batter Javed Miandad to become leading Pakistani run scorer in any of the solitary World Cup editions.

Babar, who holds the record of scoring most runs in the single World Cup edition. He achieved the milestone while facing Bangladesh at iconic Lord’s on Friday (July 5).

In eight matches Babar accumulated 474 runs at an average of 67.71.

Well, veteran Miandad has garnered 437 during Pakistan’s maiden World Cup triumph in 1992 under the leadership of Imran Khan.

Lasith Malinga Hails Jasprit Bumrah’s Consistency:

Back in those Indian Premier League (IPL) days for Mumbai Indians (MI), young Jasprit Bumrah has walked onto the ground to seek help from the star bowler Lasith Malinga in 2013.

Also, after a six-year gap, Malinga is proud to see one of his wards ruling the roost. Malinga, in his recent interview, told Sportstar that if Bumrah continues to improve and analyse a game for 12-odd months, then nobody would be able to beat Bumrah.

Malinga has also hailed Bumrah consistency while asserting that his confidence has boosted him a lot.

While reflecting on pressure, Malinga reiterated that Bumrah doesn’t let it take a toll on him, which is eventually his secret to success.

New Zealand Officially Qualifies for the World Cup Semis:

On Friday (July 5), New Zealand led by Kane Williamson has officially become the fourth team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019.

Earlier, Australia, India and England had already qualified for the knockout stages. Whereas, Pakistan and New Zealand were in the race for the fourth spot. But following Kiwis loss at the hands of England by 119, the equation had made the situation mathematically improbable for Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side.

In their ongoing match against Bangladesh, Pakistan set a target of 316 at Lord’s. Interestingly, Pakistan required to dismiss the Tigers on just six which was never going to happen.