CRICKET
IPL: Kolkata beat Delhi to keep alive play-off hopes
Kolkata Knight Riders beat Delhi Capitals by three wickets on a two-paced Sharjah track on Monday.
Nitish Rana and Sunil Narine were the two standout performers among Eoin Morgan’s men.
The way Kolkata began their season, no one could have predicted that they will thrash the season favourites in the UAE.
First, KKR restricted Delhi to 127/9, then chased down the total with 10 balls in hand.
Narine replaces Russell to perfection
The target was not as easy as it looked.
Low-scoring totals at the Sharjah Cricket Stadiums are often defended and with one of the best pace cartels in the league, Rishabh Pant and co were very much in the game.
Had it not been for Sunil Narine’s 21-run cameo where he smacked Kagiso Rabada around the park for consecutive boundaries, DC may have gotten away with a cheeky victory like Punjab Kings did it against Sunrisers Hyderabad two days back.
The Caribbean star, who was played in place of Andre Russell, bagged Player of the Match award for his 2/18 and 21.
Narine had a few words of appreciation for KKR bowling coach Kyle Mills in the post-game interview.
“Need to give credit to bowling coach, that’s a plus and that’s been key for me to come back,” he said.
“Batting in the middle-order is challenging. It’s pleasing to see hard work paying off after a long time.”
Nitish Rana holds on
KKR has undergone a few tactical changes since coming over to the UAE.
One of these changes saw Nitish Rana being removed as an opener.
This has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the left-hander.
He is being deployed in the middle-order where he switches position with skipper Eoin Morgan.
At No. 4 in today’s game, the handy all-rounder carried his bat till the end.
His 36* not out meant an easy finish for the KKR after the game went down to the wire.
With eight wickets down and the required number of runs down to a single figure, his shot-making was superb.
On the flip side, Venkatesh Iyer, who replaced Rana as the new KKR opener, has proved why his addition in the playing XI was necessary.
The 26-year-old has a knack for turning up with his A-game either with the bat or ball. After he failed to impress with the bat, he bowled well to end with 2/29.
His yorkers in the death over barred Rishabh Pant from hitting boundaries.
“Felt good with the ball. Always had the confidence that I can deliver with the ball,” Iyer said after the game I do practice the yorker a lot. I practice with my bowling coach Anand Rajan. For me, it’s about accuracy and bowling to my field.”
Morgan finally cheers
Eoin Morgan hasn’t had a lot to be happy about this season until now.
He is taking pride in leading the side to the third victory in the last four games.
Although, his batting form is a serious concern for the Knight Riders.
“On a hot day, things can boil over. Thankfully it didn’t. We all played in the right spirit,” he said as he referred to his on-field spat with Ravi Ashwin.
“And it’s a tough contest against Delhi Capitals. Full credit has to go to our coach Brendon McCullum. It’s his ethos, his mindset, and the boys have bought into that.”
Kolkata Knight Riders 130 for 7 (Rana 36*, Gill 30, Avesh 3-13) beat Delhi Capitals 127 for 9 (Pant 39, Smith 39, Ferguson 2-10, Narine 2-18, V Iyer 2-29) 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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