CRICKET
CPL 2021: Drakes clinches title for Patriots
Courtesy a sublime batting display by Dominic Drakes, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots lifted the Caribbean Premier League 2021 title by beating Saint Lucia Kings in the final by three wickets.
Dwayne Bravo’s men did not wait for the post-match ceremony to get their hands on the coveted CPL title after chasing 160.
Naseem Shah and co cheered with the Pats fans as they cherished the big win by circling Warner Park.
Drakes hammers Kings balling line-up
The Caribbean star went for 38 runs in three overs, but he made amends with the bat in the second innings.
With nine remaining in the last bowler, Drakes took the matter into his own hands.
He finished the job on the last ball.
His 48* of 24 brought the Pats back into the game after Joshua Da Silva and Sherfane Rutherford threw away their wickets.
Paul’s late cameo gives Kings boost
The pitch had more to offer for the spinners.
When Fabian Allen and Fawad Ahmed kept it tight, the St Lucia Kings batters had a difficult time middling the ball.
Roston Chase and Rahkeem Cornwall’s absence at the death meant that the finalists had to rely on Keemo Paul.
The bowling all-rounder struck 39 off 21 at a time when the Kings were struggling to score past 150.
His late blitz helped the team set up the tricky total.
In the end, he fell prey to Naseem Shah who had a fiery send-off for the Kings’ star.
The teenage pace sensation made a solid case for his T20 debut for Pakistan with his match-winning bowling spells.
His 2-26, including a super over, first restricted the Kings batters from utilizing the powerplay and later withstood their attack in the death overs.
Allen turns up again
Fabian Allen has been Bravo’s go-to man in crunch situations.
With the ball, the West Indian all-rounder conceded only 17 runs in his quota of four overs.
He also uprooted Rahkeem Cornwall’s stumps just when the Kings power-hitter was gearing up to set up a huge total.
He then chipped in 20 runs with the bat as well.
His contributions may have gone unnoticed, but the player has been making a name for himself in T20 cricket.
His stock in franchise cricket must have gone higher after a complete performance throughout the entire CPL 2021 campaign.
Chase – the Kings’ backbone
When it comes to all-round performance, no one comes close to Roston Chase.
First, he added an instrumental partnership with Cornwall and chipped in a patient 43-run knock.
He then picked Chris Gayle’s scalp to send the Universe Boss back to the hut on a duck.
He has been consistently contributing with the bat and ball throughout the CPL 2021.
He has been playing his game according to pitch conditions, going for maximums as well as playing with soft hands when there’s no need to rush.
Not to forget that he took a fabulous catch to dismiss in-form Evin Lewis today.
But his efforts went in vain as the Kings lost their second CPL final in a row.
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 160 for 7 (Drakes 48*, Da Silva 37) beat Saint Lucia Kings 159 for 7 (Chase 43, Cornwall 43) by three wickets.
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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