CRICKET
IPL: Win boosts KKR’s playoff chances
Kolkata Knight Riders claimed an important six-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad and moved to the fourth spot in the points table with 12 points.
Eoin Morgan-led KKR chased down the 116-run target in the final over.
KKR bowl right on the money
KKR bowlers dominated the first half as Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson chose to bat first. Spinners and pacers complimented each other very well to restrict Sunrisers to 115/8.
While Narine finished with figures of 0/12 in 4 overs, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy and Tim Southee picked two wickets each to derail SRH.
SRH had a horrible start as Wriddhiman Saha was knocked over for a 0 in the very first over by Southee while Jason Roy once again failed and only added 10 runs.
Williamson (26) and young Priyam Garg (21) made handy contributions but neither could get big scores.
Hard-hitter Abdul Samad provided some entertainment to Sunrisers towards the backend, smashing three sixes in a 25-run knock.
Gills shows responsibility
As the ball was holding on a tough Dubai wicket, Shubman Gill provided stability to KKR at the top.
He couldn’t lead them to the finishing line but his 51-ball 57 was enough for others to complete the remaining chase.
The right-hander stroked 10 fours. Gill had an instrumental 55-run stand with Nitesh Rana, who scored 25 off 33 balls.
Veteran Dinesh Karthik too KKR to the finishing line not-out 18 off 12 balls.
For Sunrisers, Holder was the pick of the bowlers, bagging two wickets.
Umran Malik announces himself with serious pace
Pacer Umran Malik stunned everyone on his IPL debut as he entered the 150s on the speed gun on two occasions.
He is the only Indian to touch the 150km/h mark this season.
Malik’s opening over in IPL recorded speeds of 145, 142, 150, 147, 143, 142km/h.
The 21-year-old bowler was roped in as a short-term COVID-19 replacement for T Natarajan, who had tested positive.
Malik, who was a part of the Sunrisers as a net bowler, has played one T20 and List A match for Jammu Kashmir and has picked a total of four wickets.
Kolkata Knight Riders 119 for 4 (Gill 57, Rana 25, Holder 2-32) beat Sunrisers Hyderabad 115 for 8 (Williamson 26, Samad 25, Southee 2-26, Chakravarthy 2-26, Mavi 2-29) by seven wickets.
Match preview – CSK vs DC
Delhi Capitals will face Chennai Super Kings in the 50th match of the IPL 2021 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 7 pm (IST) on Monday.
Match prediction
Both teams share the same points (18). The winning team will lead the table.
The last time the two sides clashed, the Capitals chased down a 188-run target in 18.4 overs, thanks to a match-winning 138-run opening combination between Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw.
The outcome will be heavily influenced by the coin toss.
In previous, matches both teams have won when they bowl first.
The team which opted bowl first will likely win the match.
Nonetheless, Delhi may be just below the CSK in points table due to low net run rate, but they should replicate last performance to walk away with the win on Monday.
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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