CRICKET
IPL: KL Rahul demolishes CSK
Punjab Kings captain K.L Rahul single-handedly took his side to six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in the 53rd match of IPL 2021.
PBKS reached the 135-run target with seven overs and six wickets in hand.
Rahul sizzles with the bat
The 29-year-old batted with a strike rate of 233.33 and smacked unbeaten 98 off 42 in 135 run chase.
He powered Punjab to 139/4 in just 13 overs with the help of seven fours and eight maximums.
CSK has now faced three consecutive defeats after confirming their place in the playoffs.
They will face Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 on October 10.
Rahul claimed ‘Orange Cap’ after Faf du Plessis overtook it in the first innings of the match.
The right-hander has amassed 626 runs in 14 innings with six fifty-plus scores.
Rahul opined that he was aware of what he wants to bat and it came off as expected. “Just one of those days when it comes off. Had complete clarity of what I wanted to do. I feel like I may end up letting the team down if I play how I want to play. But today, this was how I needed to play.”
Rahul revealed that he had few things in mind for remaining in contention for playoffs. “It was really hot today. Plan was simple, the numbers guys told us a few permutations and combinations. We wanted to score it before 14 overs.”
Remember, he was the orange cap winner in 2020 too but it’s look unlikely as CSK openers Du Plessis (546) and Ruturuj Gaikwad (533) have the opportunity to claim it as they have two more matches of playoffs.
Punjab pin hopes on playoffs qualification
Punjab moved to fifth with 12 points on the table above Mumbai Indians on run-rate.
They are now hoping for two things to happen to finish in last four.
Scenario 1 is Kolkata Knight Riders lose with a massive margin today to Rajasthan Royals.
If KKR lose by 71 runs while chasing 180 then Punjab can have a mild chance.
Eoin Morgan-led KKR have 12 points and are fourth on table.
Scenario 2 is Mumbai lose tomorrow to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Punjab have now finished on 12 points for the fourth consecutive season.
Jordan impresses in comeback match
Chris Jordan was the pick of the bowlers for Punjab as he returned with figures of 2/20 in three overs.
Jordan was making his first experience in UAE leg of the competition.
The all-rounder bagged wickets of Robin Uthappa and Ambati Rayadu in consecutive overs.
Du Plessis anchors CSK to respectable total.
Faf du Plessis played a lone hand for CSK as the wickets kept falling from the other end.
The 37-year-old’s knock of 76 in 55 balls, led them to 134/6 after Punjab opted to bowl.
Du Plessis stroked eight fours and a couple of sixes.
He also claimed ‘The Orange Cap’ during the knock.
Gaikwad (12), MS Dhoni (12), Ravindra Jadeja (15) were the other three batters to reach double-figures.
Thakur knocks at selectors doors
Where all bowlers went for plenty of runs, Shardul Thakur continued his hot streak with the ball in hand.
He bagged back-to-back wickets of Mayank Agarwal and Sarfaraz Khan in the fifth over.
Later he also removed Aiden Markram to finish with figures of 3/29.
Thakur, who is on India’s reserves list for T20 World Cup, knocked at the selectors’ doors once again as his bowling is asking questions of why he is not in the side.
He has taken 18 wickets with a strike rate of 18.7 in 14 matches till now.
Punjab Kings 139 for 4 (Rahul 98*, Thakur 3-28) beat Chennai Super Kings 134 for 6 (du Plessis 76, Jordan 2-20, Arshdeep 2-35) by six 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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