CRICKET
PSL: Multan upset Islamabad to reach final
Multan Sultans have reached their first-ever final of the Pakistan Super League after Rizwan’s troops upset the odds to beat two-time champs Islamabad United on Monday night.
A nice blend of experience and youngsters, top team spirit and great captaincy from Mohammad Rizwan has worked out better than expected for Multan Sultans.
Not to forget that this is the first time Rizwan led a PSL side in his T20 career.
The first inning score of 180/5 proved to be too much for the most successful side of the league.
Shadab Khan’s men fell 31 runs short in response.
None of the Islamabad batsmen looked to dominate the opposition apart from Usman Khawaja. They were 149 all out with an over left.
Sohail Tanvir uses experience
Left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir might have nor worn the green jersey for a while, but he proved tonight that he is still T20 royalty in franchise cricket.
The fast bowler kept the Islamabad batters in check from the very beginning, troubling them with unorthodox seam.
His 3/15 earned a Man of the Match trophy.
He only conceded a single boundary in his entire quota of four overs.
Blessing Muzarabani supported him well as he bagged 3 wickets as well.
Khawaja – the lone warrior
Usman Khawaja looked like a man on a mission throughout the Dubai leg of the tournament.
However, his well-made 70 was just not enough to take Islamabad home this time around.
The left-hander kept scoring runs at a decent strike rate, but the wickets kept tumbling on the other end.
Hussain Talat stayed the longest with him.
But Talat’s 25 off 25 meant that one of the two had to take charge to chase down the big total.
Khawaja took the chance but in-form Tanvir got him caught on long-on.
Akif concedes unwanted fifty
Akif Javed has played a pivotal role with his bowling in the middle overs but went off script tonight.
The bowler conceded 50 runs with just one wicket in four overs.
He got hit for six sixes, most of which came in his last over off Khushdil Shah’s bat.
At an economy of 12.5, Javed was an expensive customer in the playoff.
What was Shadab thinking?
There seemed to be no logic in the promotion of Shadab Khan’s order in the Islamabad unit, especially with a run chase this tight.
He has put up poor shows consistently with the bat.
Despite being in a bad nick, Shadab elevated himself to Number 4.
To his surprise, tonight wasn’t his night either. The United captain departed on a duck after merely facing three balls.
His wicket only mounted more pressure on the team.
Sohaib hits vital runs
Sohaib Maqsood scored his fourth fifty of the season to save Multan once again.
The Sultans would have ended with a below-par score if not for his fiery 59.
He averages just over 40 and is the third-highest run-getter this year with 363 runs in 11 games.
His presence in the Multan middle-order has made him an extremely reliable source for Rizwan.
Multan Sultans 180 for 5 (Maqsood 59, Khushdil 42*, Charles 41, Shadab 2-25) beat Islamabad United 149 (Khawaja 70, Tanvir 3-17, Muzarabani 3-31, Tahir 2-29) by 31 runs.
BGT
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith Predicted to Bounce Back by Shastri
Ravi Shastri has predicted that Virat Kohli and Steve Smith will soon reclaim their dominant form in cricket. Speaking about the performances of the current Fab Four, Shastri acknowledged that Kohli and Smith have recently struggled compared to Kane Williamson and Joe Root.
Shastri believes Virat Kohli and Smith, despite their dips, remain formidable players. He highlighted their experience, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure as key factors in their potential resurgence.
The former Indian coach emphasized the cyclical nature of sports, where even the best players face challenges. He expressed confidence in Kohli’s and Smith’s capacity to learn from setbacks and adapt their game accordingly.
Kohli’s recent performances have lacked consistency, raising questions about his form. Similarly, Smith has encountered difficulties in maintaining his usual high standards. Shastri stressed that such phases are natural for elite athletes and often lead to greater determination.
Williamson and Root currently lead the Fab Four in terms of performance and consistency. Shastri praised their recent contributions but reminded fans not to underestimate Kohli and Smith.
Shastri’s analysis underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability in cricket. He pointed out that both players have a history of overcoming challenges, making their eventual comeback more likely.
Fans and experts continue to debate the dynamics of the Fab Four, with each player’s journey offering unique lessons. Kohli and Smith’s ability to bounce back will be closely watched in the coming months.
This discussion highlights the ever-evolving nature of cricket, where even legends face tough phases. Shastri’s optimism offers hope for fans eagerly anticipating Kohli’s and Smith’s return to peak form.
BGT
Ravichandran Ashwin Reveals Travis Head’s Tactics Against Bumrah
Ravi Ashwin has unveiled Travis Head’s strategic approach to countering Jasprit Bumrah and India’s bowling attack. During a recent discussion, Ashwin analyzed Head’s clever ploys on the field, which played a pivotal role in his performance.
According to Ravi Ashwin, Head adjusted his batting stance to disrupt Bumrah’s bowling rhythm. This minor but effective tweak allowed Head to execute his shots more confidently. Ashwin emphasized that such tactical adjustments reflect Head’s understanding of the game.
Head’s strategy involved standing outside the crease to negate Bumrah’s swing and reduce his effectiveness. This move put pressure on the Indian bowlers, forcing them to alter their lengths. Ashwin acknowledged the intelligence behind this approach, calling it a calculated risk.
Ashwin also highlighted Head’s ability to target specific bowlers, capitalizing on their weaknesses. By playing aggressively, Head shifted the momentum in his team’s favor. This strategy demonstrated his adaptability and composure under pressure.
India’s bowling unit struggled to contain Head’s counterattacking style. His approach exposed gaps in India’s plans, prompting them to reassess their strategies. Ashwin noted that such performances underscore the importance of adaptability in international cricket.
The revelation sheds light on how top players study and exploit their opponents. It also emphasizes the need for constant evolution in cricket tactics. Ashwin’s insights provide valuable lessons for players and fans, highlighting the game’s strategic depth.
Ashwin’s observations will likely influence their bowling strategies as India prepares for future matches. Understanding and countering such tactics can help teams improve their performance against aggressive players like Head.
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.
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