In cricket, sweepers make or break games. While we tend to drool over the attacking phase of the game, sweepers are at the heart of a team’s solidity, especially if you don’t want to be helplessly conceding fours.

Notably, when the biggest cricket teams play, top bookmakers like Betway (available after you download the Betway app and install it) have teams with strong sweepers as favorites to win.

Indeed, the lovable game of cricket has seen many eminent sweepers come and go. But which sweepers have eternally cemented their legacy and stamped their names in the sands of time?

1. Andy Flower

Andy Flower was one of the most notable names in Zimbabwean cricket. His batting skills were second to none, and he’s statistically the greatest batsman in his country’s history. One of his most prominent attributes is the use of the reverse sweep.

In 2001, Andy was ranked as the best batsman in the world. He was a wicketkeeper for the Zimbabwe national team for a decade. Andy could bat on any surface irrespective of the speed, and only the most skilled bowlers stood a chance against him. Indian fans would best commemorate him for his heroics in the 1999 World Cup.

2. Mushfiqur Rahim

Spinners are renowned for using their rotation technique to get the batsman out. Well, as long as it isn’t Mushfiqur Rahim. The Bangladeshi will counter them with one of the most notorious shots in cricket, the sweep. He’s a master of the orthodox and slog sweep.

Aside from the sweep, he had many other batting techniques in his arsenal, and he’s one of his country’s best batters of all time. 

Rahim made his international debut, lining up against England at the notable age of 16, and has been shaping his batting skills since then. One of the most prominent periods of his career was in the 2010 test against India, where he scored the quickest century by a Bangladeshi.

He holds many records in his country, such as being the only Bangladeshi player to win 150 international matches. Mushfiqur is the only batsman in Test cricket to score double hundreds. He’s also the highest individual scorer in Test cricket for his country.

3. Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed hasn’t done much to warrant himself as one of cricket’s all-time greats, but he did just enough to be known as a formidable sweeper. He could time the bowler’s throws and deliver a sweep that slices through the wind. Sarfaraz is a right-handed wicketkeeper batsman. 

He was central to the conquests of the Pakistani team that went home with the ICC World Twenty20 in India. They defeated the home country, their arch-rival, to lift the trophy. Sarafraz became the team’s ODI captain soon after and its Test captain later.

He led the team to the Champion trophy in 2017 and is the youngest Pakistani player to have received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz. The Sitara-i-Imtiaz is the third highest civilian honor in his country, and only notable individuals receive it. Sarfaraz Ahmed played 198 test crickets and 156 ODI matches in his career, scoring over 8000 runs.

4. AB De Villers

AB De Villers represents South Africa at international levels. He played at the top level for 15 years and is unarguably one of his country’s finest cricket talents. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he won the ICC ODI Player of the Year award three times.

He’s an outstanding batman who mastered the sweep-shot technique. Villers initially played as a wicket-keeper-batsman before becoming a prominent batsman, playing mostly in the middle order. 

Read Also: Chandigarh Health Secretary performs CPR on man, saves life in viral video | WATCH

His nicknames were Mr.360 degree due to his all-around ability and Superman because of his acrobatic prowess.

He can hit the defensive sweep, the reverse sweep, the conventional sweep, and many other shot types you could imagine with insane accuracy. ABD is also able to play different shot types at will. His unpredictability with batting is why he’s many bowlers desist his presence.

AB De Villers has notched more than 8,000 runs in ODI and Test cricket, averaging fifty per game. One of his most famous nicknames is also the “Lionel Messi” of cricket.

5. Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has climbed the highest stage and reached the peak of cricket. Calling him one of the best batters in history would be an understatement; he’s unarguably one of the greatest cricketers ever. 

With over 33,000 runs in both ODI and test cricket, he’s the cricketer with the most runs in history.

His most preferred variant of the sweep shot is the paddle, and when a master does it, it feels different. Combined with other shot types in his repertoire, he wreaked havoc on teams around the globe. He was also a fine bowler and turned up whenever India needed him.

Indian cricket fans adore him and nickname him “The God of Cricket.” Wisden included him in an all-time cricket XI in 2013 and is a member of the ICC Cricket hall of fame. He played his last Test and cricket match in 2013.

Conclusion

The sweep shot, if executed perfectly, is one of the most effective shots in cricket, and mastering it requires repetition. 

Many players are renowned for their use of the technique, but some edge out others. These five players are the best five sweepers of all time.

At 115, Spanish granny Branyas Morera is world’s oldest; never visited a hospital

Maharashtra: 67-year-old dies during gym workout

Online betting sites are very popular today. A long time ago many bookmakers began to give up their land-based gambling outlets. It is much easier and more convenient for everyone to arrange their services on the Internet through multifunctional and accessible sites. To date, there are already a huge number of bookmakers working online. And in spite of this, new ones are constantly appearing. Many betting companies accept players from Bangladesh and even translate the interface of their site into Bengali. In addition to this, bettors can choose BDT as the currency of their account. This helps avoid conversion difficulties. Such excellent conditions could not leave these sites without attention. There are already quite a lot of them and often beginners have the question of which bookmaker to turn to. In this article you will get the answer. You shall get acquainted with the best online betting sites in Bangladesh. 

Factors for choosing a betting site

In order to choose a good betting site you need to consider a few basic factors. These are the general criteria used by experienced bettors:

• Reliability. Make sure it’s safe for you to use the site;
• Bonuses and promotions. Whether you have a chance to win generous rewards;
• Customer service. Whether you can get quality help when you need it;
• Gambling options. Does the bookmaker offer a wide range of betting options on its website;
• User interface. Whether the site is simple and easy to navigate.

Make your choice based on these points. You can your own analysis and study all aspects of betting sites. True, it will not take much time. Therefore, this rating was prepared especially for you. It is relevant and independent.

Top sites in Bangladesh

In this ranking you will find only legal and safe websites for users from Bangladesh. Each company has positive reviews from players, Bengali interface language, as well as BDT as game account currency. You can read more about the bookmakers below:

• Parimatch. Legitimate bookmaker offers bets on 30 sports, live with online broadcasts, convenient methods of deposits and payouts. In the parameters of the site users can set their favorite transaction amounts. Set up actions when changing quotes, choose the type of design, set the option “1-click betting”;
• Mostbet. The detailed list of popular sports, a lot of offers on e-sports and profitable bonus programs. The site can also play casino, watch online broadcasts, register and verify, make cash transactions;
• Linebet. At the bookmaker you can make bets on 30 sports. Of the rare game disciplines on the site are billiards, water polo, motorcycle racing, squash, floorball and others. The line covers most professional leagues, some regional and women’s championships;
• 1xbet. On the official site of the bookmaker’s company users place bets, play casinos, make transactions, participate in the bonus program, ask questions to the support service, register and authenticate themselves;
• Betvisa. In the live-roll you can find major and minor marquees, offers on game segments and combined outcomes. Authorized users watch live video broadcasts, guests of the site may graphic visualizations of current meetings;
• Dafabet. On the main page of the official site players will see a line of bets on important current and upcoming matches, sports, search bar, banners of bonus and sections. The bookmaker offers odds below the market average. The average margin is 4-6%. The level of quotes depends on the discipline, competition and market;
• Bet365. Website takes bets on 40 sports with an average margin of 3-5%. The bookmaker offers high odds on top leagues, easy registration and identification, prompt support service;
• 22Bet. Users of the new bookmaker’s office make bets on 30 game disciplines with a detailed list of important matches, participate in the incentive program, and conduct financial transactions. In live, players wager on most current events, including women’s and amateur championship matches. Depending on the time of day and day of week, there are up to 10-15 game disciplines in live;
• Betwinner. On the site, the bookmaker offers a detailed description of cricket, soccer, hockey, tennis, basketball games. In the listings you can find proposals for major and double outcomes, results by time periods, totals and handicaps, performance, personal performance players;
• Melbet. Reviews about the bookmaker on the Net are mostly positive. Users write about a wide line, competitive quotes, regular promotions and fast payouts.

This is a brief description of the 10 best sites in Bangladesh. You can choose any of them and get quality services for betting, and therefore earning real money.

Registration on the site of the Bookmaker

Regardless of which site you choose to bet, the first thing you have to do is to create an account. Without it you will not be able to make a wager and earn real money. Since the process is basically the same on all betting sites, the following universal instruction was compiled:

1. Go to the official site of the bookmaker;
2. In the top line on the right or left corner you will see a button to register;
3. Next, a window shall open in front of you, in which you need to fill in the blocks;
4. You must come up with a username and password;
5. Then enter your phone number or email;
6. Choose the currency of the account;
7. Read the terms and conditions of using the services of the company;
8. Confirm your age of majority;
9. Click on the button to create an account.

Only adult residents of Bangladesh can register and bet. Each user must verify their details through the verification process. So the company management can make sure that you are 18 years old and you may gamble according to the laws of Bangladesh.

Verification on the bookmaker’s website

This process is necessary so that you can easily make bets in the future. In general, many professional bettors advise to verify immediately after registration. Then you will avoid problems with the withdrawal of winnings. In order to verify the data you shall need:

1. Open the official website of the bookmaker;
2. Login to your personal account;
3. In your profile, click on the verify button;
4. Then you will have to specify your personal data;
5. And then attach a photo of the document. This may be a passport or driver’s license;
6. Send the form to verify the account to the specialists of the company and wait for an answer.

Usually the procedure takes about 24 hours. Provide the correct data. If they do not match the information in your document, the specialists will reject your application and may freeze the account.

1xBet assesses the odds of the main favourites.

The World Cup will be a unique event in football history. Firstly, the tournament’s timing is unusual: due to the scorching summer heat, the championship in Qatar will start on November 20th. Thus, many national championships will be interrupted for the sake of the World Cup. 

But that’s not all: the Qatari authorities have issued an unprecedented array of stringent requirements for fans attending the championship. Alcohol is forbidden, men will not be allowed to wear short shorts, sleeveless shirts or even shirts with v-necks (and this in 30-degree heat). Plus, women will need the necessary amount of long skirts together with shirts to cover the shoulders, neck and elbows. Official buildings cannot be photographed, Qataris should not be stared at, cups of Arabic tea must only be held with the right hand, and the list continues…

How will all this affect the players’ form and the mood of the fans? Which of the coaches will adapt to the unusual schedule better? Can the players themselves bear this brutal climate? We will find out the answers to these questions very soon. Still, a few teams will be favourites to win in any climate, and leaving before the quarter-finals would be a national tragedy for their fans.

Below are 1xBet’s odds for the nine strongest national teams in the championship and a brief analysis of their prospects of taking home more than just a nice tan.

Portugal – 13

This team has a great selection of attacking players. Fernando Santos can field Milan’s leading scorer Rafael Leão, Atlético Madrid’s Joao Felix, Manchester City’s dazzling playmaker Bernardo Silva and Manchester United’s midfield leader Bruno Fernandes. In defence, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo are indispensable for Man City, and the veteran Pepe is also ready for action.

And then there is Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner who is not shining in the new season. He often starts a game on the bench or remains out of the squad entirely. But could the legendary player be saving his energy for what will most likely be his last World Cup? If Fernando Santos, the Portuguese coach, can ignite the veteran’s brilliance, this side could achieve plenty, even without the injured Diogo Jota. 

Netherlands – 13

The Orange look menacing after the return of celebrity coach Louis van Gaal, who led the team to third place in the 2014 World Cup. There’s little doubt that the renowned guru has brought back the attacking brilliance of the national team. This was confirmed when the Netherlands crushed Turkey 6-1 in their key encounter for the top spot in the qualifying group. Plus, in 2022, they have already twice beaten a powerful Belgium side that until recently topped the FIFA rankings.

When it comes to the national team, attacking players Memphis Depay and Frankie de Jong forget that they do not always get a place in Barcelona’s starting line-up. Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt are one of the best pairs of central defenders at the national team level, and their competition will be Stefan de Vries of Inter Milan. However, Van Gaal has used three centre-backs more than once, and there could well be a place for the starting line-up of the star trio at the tournament. Had Georginio Wijnaldum not picked up an injury in the summer, the prospects would have been even brighter. Despite this, the Netherlands are ready to surprise.

Belgium – 12

If the tournament had been held two years ago, bookmakers and fans would have believed in the Belgians much more. However, the team’s performances at the recent UEFA European Championship (the Red Devils were eliminated in the quarter-finals) and then in the Nations League, have not been impressive. Plus, Belgium lost at the Euros to the future champions, and in the Nations League. However, as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has publicly stated, the players were not overly motivated in that tournament.

The World Cup is a different story though. Courtois, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin de Bruyne will all be doing their best. It is not quite clear who can take to the pitch: Courtois has barely recovered from sciatic nerve inflammation, while Lukaku has problems with his left thigh muscle, and might not take to the pitch until the end of the year. Alas, without Romelu, Belgium will be a different team, and they will need a miracle to knock out any of the top sides.

Most of the main stars of Belgium’s ‘golden’ football era, who won bronze medals at the World Cup in 2018, will be present. They are a very experienced, well blended team – and at tournaments like this, chemistry means a lot.

Germany – 10

The previous World Cup was a nightmare for German fans, as the 2014 World Cup champions failed to qualify from the group. When that failure was compounded by relegation in the last eight at UEFA EURO 2020, it was clear that the team was in need of a serious revamp. But it wasn’t about the age of the players – what was needed was to change the principles of the game itself.

Joachim Löw retired in the summer of 2021, and Hansi Flick became the new German coach. Now, the Germans have started to play with more vigour. Rigid tactics have disappeared, but the loss to Hungary in the Nations League was a clear setback. And in the rest of the summer and autumn matches, the German national team generally drew and achieved only one victory – over Italy. 

Yes, veterans Neuer and Müller are still energetic, while Kimmich, Sane and Gnabry look great in Bayern. Also worth noting is that the younger brigade, Havertz, Musiala and Adeyemi, have repeatedly demonstrated their immense potential. But the important thing is that Germany now has problems in games against strong opponents, and no one knows if Flick can solve them in only a few weeks.

Spain – 8,6

Luis Enrique made the only team that could realistically beat Italy in the Euro 2020 finals – but they lacked stamina in the penalty shoot-out. More importantly though, is that these Spaniards are young and able to control the ball for the entire 90 minutes. The tactic “as long as we have the ball, the opponent cannot score” is the essence of Luis Enrique’s football. 

So far, this football has brought results: in the Nations League, the team finished first in their group. However, that tournament wasn’t an easy stroll down the Plaza Mayor: the Furia Roja lost to Switzerland and, in the decisive match against the Portuguese, the team could only win thanks to the inspired play of their goalkeeper.

The current Spanish team does not need a prima donna with an exorbitant ego, therefore Sergio Ramos was excluded from both the European Championship, and the upcoming main event in Qatar. But anyone who is open to learning from the coach who inspired Messi, Neymar and Suarez to a Champions League victory is a welcome guest in the national team. Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Unai Simon – these guys are in the national squad for the long haul, so get used to it.

England 7,6

The third place is shared by two teams. Let’s start with the English, if only because the Three Lions are fraught with problems right now. In the UEFA Nations League, the team finished last in the group, behind the Germans, Italians, and even the Hungarians. Not a single win in six games is a dismal warning sign. A true World Cup medal-contender team should play far better.

James is certain to miss the tournament through injury, while Walker and Phillips are also in doubt. Sancho, Shaw, Henderson, and Man United centre-back Harry Maguire, are not performing at their best. Also, Grealish is getting too little game time at Manchester City. But even with all that in mind, the potential of English football is so great that one wants to believe in this team.

Argentina – 7,6

Lionel Scaloni was not a massive football star. He was a tough footballer whose best years were at Spanish Deportivo, with seven games for the national team and a trip to the 2006 World Cup. This year, however, he could make history as the coach of the team that will win the Mundial.

Scaloni crossed paths with a young Messi at the 2006 World Cup. It may have helped the coach to now incorporate the superstar into the national team’s game. Messi is the alpha and omega of this team, who shines while others do the heavy lifting. In the past year and a half, Argentina has won their first South American championship since 1993 and defeated Italy in the Finalissima. Perhaps this World Cup will be its ultimate triumph.

France – 6,55

The reigning champions have to be among the favourites for the tournament. In terms of the length of their list of potential candidates, France could give anyone a head start. However, on the eve of the tournament, the Tricolours were without Kante and will almost certainly lose Pogba. The centre of midfield was built around that pairing, with Paul even practising in defence for the national team. Add to that the lacklustre form of forward Antoine Griezmann, and…

Defending the title depends on an appreciation of Deschamps’ ability to build a different style of play than four years ago. After all, there are plenty of new stars. Camavanga and Tchouameni, who play together at Real Madrid, are in midfield, while Gendouzi has risen to the top level at Marseille. In attack, Nkunku, last season’s best Bundesliga player, and Dembele, La Liga’s best assist, are ready to ignite. Let’s also not forget that the French attacking team will be led by the recently crowned Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema. If France fails, they have only Deschamps to blame.

Brazil – 5

In goal a choice of superstars – Alisson and Ederson. The centre of defence features Thiago Silva, Militao and Marquinhos. In the middle of the pitch will be the hard-working Fabinho and Casemiro, plus the creative Paqueta and Fred. Finally, the attack with Neymar, Vinicius, Rodrigo, Martinelli and Antoni. Yes, the flanks of the defence are a bit sagging – Dani Alves, Danilo and Alex Telles’ best years are behind them – but despite this, the Brazilians are incredibly impressive.

Even more impressive is that Tite has brought the national team players to an almost club-like cohesion. The coach has been working with them for years, remaining even after the 2018 World Cup debacle. Any other leader would have been snubbed for relegation in the quarter-finals, but in Tite’s case the Brazilian football bosses appreciated the team’s level of play – and within a year it had won the Copa America. They have not won a World Cup since 2002. Time for a sixth?

You can answer these and other questions by betting on 1xBet. Choose your favourites and make money on football’s showcase event with a trusted bookmaker!