CRICKET
Batsmen let down Kolkata yet again
Delhi Capitals marched on to another victory on Thursday night as they overwhelmed a weary Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets.
The Capitals have got 10 points under their belt, levelling with Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the points table.
Rishabh Pant rotated the bowlers extremely well to restrict Kolkata to 154/6 on a track that offered tremendous help to batsmen.
Delhi openers cripple KKR hopes early
Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw kept the Kolkata fielders in check in the powerplay by notching 67 runs in a flash.
Shaw took the game away from the Riders single-handedly.
He smacked five consecutive fours off Shivam Mavi’s first and only over after which KKR skipper Eoin Morgan did not give him the ball again.
He brought up his half-century of 18 balls, which is the fastest fifty of the season and joint second-fasted half-century by a Delhi player.
The batting prodigy was declared the Man Of The Match for his 82 (41).
Dhawan was no less than a spectator in the game and batted patiently for his 46 (47).
The left-handed was happily chipping the ball for singles with Shaw going berserk from the other end.
They brought up a second 100-run stand of the season tonight, making the chase a walk in the park.
How KKR is wasting Russell
Andre Russell is the only KKR player who has stepped up to the occasion so far.
But his contribution with the bat wasn’t significant enough to take Kolkata home.
Despite losing five of seven games this season, Morgan hasn’t elevated Russell’s batting order.
He has been creaming the ball all over the park, but his cameos only make KKR’s small total decent.
With Kolkata sliding down the points table and openers and middle-order consistency letting the team down, there appears to be no harm in promoting his batting position in a game or two.
Delhi Capitals 156 for 3 (Shaw 82, Dhawan 46, Cummins 3-24) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 154 for 6 (Russell 45*, Gill 43, Yadav 2-13) by seven wickets.
Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Punjab Kings
Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on lop-sided Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday night.
Once an apprentice of Virat Kohli in RCB, KL Rahul will lead Punjab Kings against his former IPL franchise tonight.
Probable Player Of The Match
Rahul has impressive numbers against RCB.
The wicket-keeper batsman has scored 371 runs and averages 74.20 against Bangalore.
He has been Punjab’s highest run scorer (240) this season and he is likely to carry on with his sublime form on Thursday.
Match Prediction
Punjab Kings thumped Bangalore both times last season, but Kohli’s men look like a different team in 2021.
Bangalore have been on a rampage, winning five of their six games.
They thrashed reigning IPL champs Mumbai Indians in the league opener and haven’t looked back since.
Punjab’s journey in the tournament has been rather different.
They are ranked sixth in the points table with only two victories so far.
Hence, Bangalore are favourites for the Thursday clash.
BGT
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith Predicted to Bounce Back by Shastri
Ravi Shastri has predicted that Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will soon reclaim their dominant form in cricket. Speaking about the performances of the current Fab Four, Shastri acknowledged that Kohli and Smith have recently struggled compared to Kane Williamson and Joe Root.
Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Smith, despite their dips, remain formidable players. He highlighted their experience, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure as key factors in their potential resurgence.
The former Indian coach emphasized the cyclical nature of sports, where even the best players face challenges. He expressed confidence in Kohli’s and Smith’s capacity to learn from setbacks and adapt their game accordingly.
Kohli’s recent performances have lacked consistency, raising questions about his form. Similarly, Smith has encountered difficulties in maintaining his usual high standards. Shastri stressed that such phases are natural for elite athletes and often lead to greater determination.
Williamson and Root currently lead the Fab Four in terms of performance and consistency. Shastri praised their recent contributions but reminded fans not to underestimate Kohli and Smith.
Shastri’s analysis underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in cricket. He pointed out that both players have a history of overcoming challenges, making their eventual comeback more likely.
Fans and experts continue to debate the dynamics of the Fab Four, with each player’s journey offering unique lessons. Kohli and Smith’s ability to bounce back will be closely watched in the coming months.
This discussion highlights the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where even legends face tough phases. Shastri’s optimism offers hope for fans eagerly anticipating Kohli’s and Smith’s return to peak form.
BGT
Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Travis Head’s Tactics Against Bumrah
Ravi Ashwin has unveiled Travis Head’s strategic approach to countering Jasprit Bumrah and India’s bowling attack. During a recent discussion, Ashwin analyzed Head’s clever ploys on the field, which played a pivotal role in his performance.
According to Ravi Ashwin, Head adjusted his batting stance to disrupt Bumrah’s bowling rhythm. This minor but effective tweak allowed Head to execute his shots more confidently. Ashwin emphasized that such tactical adjustments reflect Head’s understanding of the game.
Head’s strategy involved standing outside the crease to negate Bumrah’s swing and reduce his effectiveness. This move put pressure on the Indian bowlers, forcing them to alter their lengths. Ashwin acknowledged the intelligence behind this approach, calling it a calculated risk.
Ashwin also highlighted Head’s ability to target specific bowlers, capitalizing on their weaknesses. By playing aggressively, Head shifted the momentum in his team’s favor. This strategy demonstrated his adaptability and composure under pressure.
India’s bowling unit struggled to contain Head’s counterattacking style. His approach exposed gaps in India’s plans, prompting them to reassess their strategies. Ashwin noted that such performances underscore the importance of adaptability in international cricket.
The revelation sheds light on how top players study and exploit their opponents. It also emphasizes the need for constant evolution in cricket tactics. Ashwin’s insights provide valuable lessons for players and fans, highlighting the game’s strategic depth.
Ashwin’s observations will likely influence their bowling strategies as India prepares for future matches. Understanding and countering such tactics can help teams improve their performance against aggressive players like Head.
BIG NEWS
Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket
The NPL has become a watershed moment for Nepali cricket, elevating the sport to new heights. With its success, the league has brought national and international attention to Nepali cricket, attracting a broader fan base and better sponsorships.
This landmark event showcases the immense talent present in Nepal and provides a platform for local players to shine. The league has paved the way for a new generation of cricketers to gain recognition and advance their careers in the sport.
The NPL has also given Nepali cricket more global exposure. International players joining the league help raise the level of competition, further inspiring the local players. The league’s popularity continues to grow as it evolves and promises to be a cornerstone of Nepali cricket in the years to come.
As the league progresses, it is expected to inspire future stars and increase the overall development of cricket in Nepal. Fans eagerly follow every match, enjoying the thrilling action and supporting their favorite players and teams.
In conclusion, the Nepal Premier League has transformed Nepali cricket, setting the stage for future growth. This momentous development will surely lead to even greater success for Nepali cricket on the international stage.
The NPL has also sparked interest in domestic leagues across emerging cricket nations. It serves as a model for other countries to develop their cricketing infrastructure and provide young talent. As the NPL continues to grow, it is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nepali cricket.
Fans have embraced the tournament, creating a sense of national pride. The NPL’s rise reflects the growing global interest in domestic cricket leagues and their role in nurturing future talent. It’s a significant milestone for Nepali cricket, ensuring that the sport will continue to evolve in the coming years.
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