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Gujarat Titans are the IPL champions

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Nobody gave them a chance but Gujarat Titans, bucking all pre-tournament predictions, surprised everyone by lifting the Indian Premier League title in a dream maiden season.

Hardik Pandya was the star of the day for the Gujarat Titans.

He picked 3 for 17 and then scored a 30-ball 34 as the Titans pulled off a crushing 7-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

The Titans, playing their maiden season of the Indian Premier League, were absolutely ruthless in their approach, throughout the tournament.
They finished on top of the points table after winning 10 of their 14 matches and then defeated Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 1 to book a spot in the final.

In the title clash, Gujarat Titans were the much better team after Hardik Pandya led from the front.

Royals splutter at start

Rajasthan did not have the best of starts after skipper Sanju Samson decided to put runs on the board in a big final.

Both the openers, Buttler and Jaiswal were relatively subdued.

Gujarat bowlers were able to maintain the pressure though Jos Buttler (39 of 35) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22 off 16) tried to break free.

After pulling Yash Dayal for a massive six over long leg, Jaiswal tried one too many and was caught in the deep.

Sanju Samson joined Buttler and Hardik’s response was immediate.

Knowing well that both the Rajasthan right-handers struggle against Rashid Khan, Hardik brought on the star spinner in the powerplay itself.

Though they didn’t risk playing shots against Rashid, it created a bout of pressure.

As a result, Samson fell bring a pull shot only to be caught on the off-side off Hardik.

The turning point happened in the space of three balls when both Buttler and Padikkal departed.

Next, Hardik made it 94 for five by having the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer caught and bowled.

In the very next over, Ashwin too was dismissed, ending Royals’ hope of posting a big score.

Gujarat face early setbacks

The pace duo of Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna were brilliant in the powerplay.

They reduced Gujarat to 31 for two with Wriddhiman Saha (5) and Matthew Wade (8) back in the dugout.

Krishna got one to seam back in from good length to breach Saha’s defence and crash into the stumps.

Boult, who also bowled a maiden over in his tidy spell, removed Wade.

Gujarat would have been three down in the powerplay if Yuzvendra Chahal held on to a simple catch of Gill off Boult in the first over of the innings.

Hardik and Gill take control

Hardik and Gill struggled to hit boundaries but the asking rate remained very much in control.

Things changed when R Ashwin was introduced in the 12th over.

Hardik decided to go after him, collecting a four and six off successive balls to bring up the 50-run stand with Gill.

Hardik managed to score a rapid 34 off 30 balls that helped Gujarat gain the momentum.

Chahal snagged Hardik in the 14th over, with Titans 45 away from victory.

However, Shubman Gill and David Miller coolly took Gujarat over the line.

Miller, one of the success stories for GT remained unbeaten on 32.

Teams:

Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (w), Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samso (w/c), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Gujarat Titans 133 for 3 (Gill 45*, Hardik 34, Boult 1-14) beat Rajasthan Royals130 for 9 (Buttler 39, Hardik 3-17, Sai Kishore 2-20) by seven wickets

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BIG NEWS

Nepal Premier League Becomes a Watershed Moment for Nepali Cricket

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The NPL marks a milestone for Nepali cricket, bringing new opportunities and excitement to the sport!

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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BGT

Simon Katich Criticizes George Bailey’s Call to Axe Nathan McSweeney from Australian Team

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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.

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BGT

Steve Smith and Travis Head Address BCCI’s Influence in Cricket

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Steve Smith and Travis Head discuss BCCI's influence in cricket, raising debates about power and fairness in the sport.

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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