CRICKET
IPL: Mumbai outplay Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah
Mumbai Indians have jumped to the fifth spot in IPL points table after downing Rajasthan Royals at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The defending IPL champions chased down the 91-run target in 8.2 overs, thanks to a Ishan Kishan special.
Nathan Coulter-Nile was awarded the Player of the Match award for his 4/14 in his quota of four overs. The Australian never allowed the RR batsmen to pull through in the first innings.
“Just trying to keep simple. It was a hard wicket to bat on. I’m not fussed about when I come to bowl,” he said.
Kishan is back with a bang
After a series of disappointing outings, Ishan Kishan returned to his absolute best against Rajasthan Royals.
Covering more than half of what the target was, Kishan remained unbeaten at 50*.
The left-handed batter was promoted up the order for the first time this season in place of Quinton de Kock.
Opening with skipper Rohit Sharma, the lefty-righty duo gave a blistering start to the reigning champions.
By the time Hardik Pandya came in to bat at No.4, the game was already up for grabs for the defending champions.
“Obviously it’s nice to be back opening and getting the runs. It is a very nice feeling. We fielded first and got a good idea of the wicket,” Kishan said after anchoring the MI to a much-needed victory.
Rohit Sharma was all praise for the youngster.
When asked about the maiden over that Chetan Sakariya bowled to Kishan, he said: “I didn’t say anything to him [after he played a maiden]. All we wanted for him was to play his shots, which is what he did… When you are under the radar, it is important to do your job.”
Mumbai Indians 94 for 2 (Kishan 50*, Rohit 22) beat Rajasthan Royals 90 for 9 (Coulter-Nile 4-14, Neesham 3-12, Bumrah 2-14) by eight wickets.
Match preview – RCB vs SRH
Bangalore firm favourite against Sunrisers Hyderabad
Royal Challengers Bangalore will have the opportunity to run riot against Sunrisers Hyderabad before completing their quota of the games in first stage.
The two sides will clash at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium at 7:30 pm (India Time).
Best probable performers
Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell has been the highest run-getter for Bangalore playing in his first season for Virat Kohli’s team.
He’s scored five fifties already, leading him to a whopping 407 runs in 12 games.
He won the last game single-handedly with another unbeaten fifty to bag the Man of the Match award.
Chahal
On two-paced wickets, like we have seen in the UAE so far, Yuzvendra Chahal’s addition to the team seems mandatory.
The leg spinner is likely to keep the economy tight and chip away vital wickets in the middle overs.
Chahal’s overs will be very crucial for Bangalore in terms of restricting Hyderabad to a low total.
Match prediction
Sunrisers Hyderabad are all over the place with team selection, batting through the overs, and strategic moves.
Be it David Warner or Kane Williamson, the team just doesn’t win games.
In 12 contests, SRH have won only two.
Whereas, RCB’s form speaks volumes of their star-studded line-up and form. Hence, Kohli’s men are most likely to win tomorrow.
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.
-
FILMY1 year ago
WATCH: Tripti Dimri shocks audiences with daring nude sequence in Ranbir Kapoor starrer ‘Animal’
-
BIG NEWS2 years ago
Riva Arora, aged 12, romances with Karan Kundrra in viral video
-
BIG NEWS2 years ago
Meet the sexiest female golfer ever!
-
LATEST2 years ago
The sexiest tennis star on the planet. Do you agree?
-
CRICKET1 year ago
‘Bloody dump captain’ – Former Pakistan cricketer lashes out at Babar Azam and staff for mismanagement of fast bowlers in Asia Cup 2023
-
FILMY1 year ago
WATCH: After Tripti Dimri, Rashmika Mandanna’s intimate scene with Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Animal’ goes viral on internet
-
CRICKET1 year ago
Top 10 hairstyle of MS Dhoni from 2007 to 2023
-
FILMY1 year ago
Did you know Simi Garewal dated India’s iconic industrialist Ratan Tata? Know more about this