CRICKET
LPL: Dambulla Giants beat Colombo in the first Eliminator
Angelo Mathews’ half-century was in vain as Dambulla Giants won the first Eliminator of LPL 2021.
It was an all-round performance by Dambulla Giants as they first restricted the Colombo Stars below 150 and then chased down the target in the 19th over with still 4 wickets remaining.
Colombo Stars 20 overs 145-6
Mathews 50*(34) Pradeep 2-23 Nissanka 42(39) Tahir 2-25 de Silva 15(11) Karunaratne 1-31
Dambulla Giants 18 5 overs 146-4
Liyanage 56*(47) Chameera 1-24 Najibullah 34(28) Naveen 1-26 P. Salt 32(21) Vandersay 1-34
Colombo Stars decided to set the target in the first Eliminator after winning the toss.
It was a bad start by the Stars as they lost Kusal Perera in the second over of the innings on just 3 runs.
The second opener, Tom Banton also didn’t last long on the crease as he was runout in the 6th over after scoring 13 runs off 13 balls.
Colombo Stars only managed to score 28 runs in the Powerplay with the loss of two wickets.
Nissanka and Dhananjaya de Silva had a good 42 runs stand for the 3rd wicket.
The experienced Imran Tahir broke this partnership by dismissing de Silva.
He bowled a brilliant leg break that took enough turn to beat Dhananjaya as the ball pulled off the bails.
Mathews joined Nissanka after Dhananjaya’s dismissal.
The steady knock of Nissanka came to end in the 15th over when he tried to play a slog sweep against Imran Tahir but unfortunately he was caught at deep midwicket by Karunaratne.
The skipper Angelo Mathews once again played a crucial knock for his side.
He scored a brilliant fifty in the end to give his side a respectable total on the board.
Mathews smashed 50 runs off just 34 balls including 4 fours and 2 sixes.
The Dambulla Giants also didn’t start well as they lost their skipper Niroshan Dickwella on the very first ball of their innings.
Dickwella was caught and bowled by Chameera.
Sandun Weerakkody came to bat at no 3 but he was dismissed after scoring just 10 runs in the 4th over of the innings.
Dambulla Giants scored only 29 runs in the first 4 overs and also lost 2 wickets in that period but they smashed 16 runs off the last 2 hours to end the Powerplay with a score of 45-2
Phil Salt was dismissed in the 9th over after scoring an important knock of 32 runs off 21 balls(4 fours and 1 six).
After Salt’s dismissal, Najibullah Zadran and Janith Liyanage smashed a match-winning partnership of 61 runs.
Najibullah scored a crucial 34 runs off 28 balls (1 fours and 2 sixes).
He was sent to the pavilion by his countryman Naveen-ul-Haq but it was too late for the Colombo Stars at that time to turn over things.
Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 56 runs and he played patiently and firmly until his side got over the line.
Liyanage was given the Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance with the bat.
All the Colombo Stars bowlers picked up 1 wicket each except Karim Jannat who went wicketless today.
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.
BGT
Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team
Simon Katich has sharply criticized George Bailey’s decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the Australian team. Simon Katich believes this call was a poor decision, especially after McSweeney’s consistent performance. Bailey’s choice has sparked discussions about the selection process and the reasoning behind it.
McSweeney’s exclusion has raised eyebrows, with many questioning why a player with such promise was dropped. Katich, in particular, feels that Bailey’s decision to axe McSweeney is questionable, especially when compared to the struggles of other top-order batters. Both teams in the recent series have faced challenges with their top-order batting, but the Australian selectors decided to make this change.
Katich’s comments reflect growing concerns about the selection strategy and the impact of dropping McSweeney. He pointed out that many players have struggled with their form, yet McSweeney was chosen to be left out. This, Katich argues, highlights the inconsistency in the decision-making process.
Top-order batters in both teams have faced difficulties, with neither side managing to produce consistent runs. Despite these struggles, the decision to remove McSweeney has left fans and experts questioning the rationale behind the move. Some believe that dropping McSweeney might have been premature, given the form of other players.
Katich’s criticism brings attention to the broader issue of player selections in international cricket. As teams prepare for future series, these decisions are likely to influence the direction of Australian cricket. The focus now shifts to how Bailey and the selectors will handle similar challenges in upcoming matches.
The debate continues, with many calling for more transparent and consistent decision-making regarding player selections in international cricket.
BGT
Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket
Steve Smith recently commented on BCCI’s influence in cricket, sparking debates about its significant role in global governance. During a media interaction, Smith remarked that the International Cricket Council (ICC) appears less powerful than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This statement drew attention, prompting Smith to clarify his intentions quickly.
Smith acknowledged that the BCCI holds a dominant position in cricket due to its financial and organizational contributions. He pointed out how the Indian board influences key decisions that shape the sport. However, Smith softened his tone, emphasizing that his comments were not meant as criticism of either the ICC or the BCCI.
Travis Head, Smith’s Australian teammate, also addressed BCCI’s influence in cricket. Head humorously referred to the Indian board as “rulers,” recognizing its ability to set global standards in cricket. He highlighted the board’s pivotal role in defining policies and establishing benchmarks for the sport.
These remarks have reignited discussions about power dynamics in international cricket. Critics argue that the BCCI’s financial clout often overshadows smaller cricketing nations. They believe this imbalance can hinder fair representation in decision-making. On the other hand, supporters emphasize the BCCI’s critical role in expanding cricket’s global reach and popularity.
As India hosts the ICC Cricket World Cup, the spotlight remains on the BCCI’s influence in cricket. The board’s central role in shaping schedules, policies, and trends continues to drive conversations about equity in the sport. Smith and Head’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about maintaining fairness and inclusivity in global cricket governance.
Their comments underscore the need for balanced representation to ensure a fair future for cricket.
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