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IPL: Maxwell, Chahal help RCB seal playoff berth
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) confirmed their IPL 2021 playoffs’ spot with a six-run win over Punjab Kings.
With 16 points, Virat Kohli-led side now sits comfortably at third on the points table behind Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals.
KL Rahul’s men are now out of the contention as they have only one match left and the required points to qualify are 14. They are left with 10 points.
Maxwell rises to the occasion
Hard-hitter Glenn Maxwell continued his sublime form with the third consecutive fifty of the competition after they opted to bat first.
His innings help RCB to post 164/7 on a tough Sharjah pitch where it was not easy to smack from the ball.
Maxwell battled the way out of Punjab’s bowlers after Moises Henriques sneaked three wickets, including set openers Devdutt Padikkal (40) and Kohli (25).
In his 33-ball 57, Maxwell hit four maximums and three fours.
He batted with an impressive strike rate of 172.73. He was supported brilliantly by AB de Villiers, who scored 23 off 18 balls.
Maxwell praised openers for batting in a difficult time and providing a 68-run stand.
“Came in at a nice time to bat. To have it set up by the openers today gave us some time to get an idea of the wicket,” the Australian star said while receiving the Player of the Match award.
Chahal bring his experience into play
Yuzvendra Chahal produced a match-winning spell of 3/29 after Punjab Kings’ openers looked set to chase down the 165-run target.
KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal posted a 91-run opening stand.
Shahbaz Ahmed removed Rahul to provided a crucial breakthrough but Chahal hold the other end and eventually bagged three wickets.
He removed Nicholas Pooran, Agarwal and Sarfaraz Ahmed in his four-over spell.
Two wickets in the 16th over pushed Punjab Kings back and they finished on 158/6.
Controversy surrounds the third-umpire decision
Another controversial decision by the third umpire during the UAE leg left everyone shocked.
A caught-behind appeal was turned down in the eighth over of the RCB’s innings.
RCB opener Devdutt Padikkal tried to sweep Ravi Bishnoi’s delivery running down the leg stump but failed to make any connection as Rahul collected it.
Bishnoi and Rahul were certain about the ball taking an edge on its way, the on-field umpire didn’t look interested as the appeal was forwarded to the TV umpire.
Snickometer showed a clear spike when the ball passed close to the gloves and the bat, however, the official still stayed with the on-field umpire’s decision, leading Rahul and Punjab Kings to frustration.
Kohli eyes top-two finish
Kohli is thrilled after RCB won eight matches out of 12 games and is hoping to finish in the top two by winning the remaining games.
He knew the importance of Rahul and Agarwal’s wickets that can bring them back into the game.
“We have two more opportunities to finish in the top two. We knew the wicket would get slower and slower. KL and Mayank batted really well, but we knew we were just two wickets from coming back into the game.”
Rahul once again claimed Orange Cup but he is not happy as the team is now out of the event.
He also lamented that his batters have disappointed over the last two seasons.
“I wouldn’t say I haven’t enjoyed wearing it (the Orange Cap) but I would have been happier if we had qualified. The last couple of years have been disappointing. If I have to be honest, our batting has let us down.”
Royal Challengers Bangalore 164 for 7 (Maxwell 57, Padikkal 40, Henriques 3-12) beat Punjab Kings 158 for 6 (Agarwal 57, Rahul 39, Chahal 3-29) by six runs.
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Sudurpaschim Royals Set 140-Run Target Against Janakpur Bolts to Reach NPL Final
In a pivotal Nepal Premier League (NPL) match, Sudurpaschim Royals set a challenging 140-run target for Janakpur Bolts. Janakpur, opting to bat first, managed to score 139 runs for nine wickets across 20 overs. The Royals’ bowlers were in top form, with Dipendra Singh Airee’s impressive three-wicket haul playing a key role.
James Neesham’s strong performance, scoring 44 runs off 23 balls, anchored the Janakpur innings. Subash Khakurel also contributed with 26 runs, but the rest of the batting order couldn’t capitalize on their starts.
The match’s outcome will determine who advances directly to the final of the NPL. Sudurpaschim Royals have set their sights firmly on victory, with the 140-run target being a significant challenge for Janakpur. If Janakpur fails to chase down the target, they will still have a chance to make it to the final, but only after facing Karnali Yaks in the second qualifier.
The Sudurpaschim Royals’ bowlers will be key in defending this 140-run target. Their disciplined approach and sharp tactics will be crucial as they look to prevent Janakpur Bolts from chasing the set total and secure their place in the NPL final. The tension is high, and cricket fans eagerly await the next steps in this exciting encounter.
Sudurpaschim Royals’ 140-run target has put pressure on Janakpur, making this match a must-watch for all NPL enthusiasts. The Royals’ bowlers are set to play a vital role in their hopes of reaching the final.
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Karnali Yaks Secure Qualifier Spot with Victory Over Chitwan Rhinos
Karnali Yaks delivered a commanding performance against Chitwan Rhinos, clinching a crucial win that secured their place in the Nepal Premier League qualifiers. With this win, the Yaks ensured that their efforts throughout the tournament culminated in a spot among the top teams. The victory was powered by both solid batting and disciplined bowling, which kept Chitwan’s chase under control throughout the match. Karnali Yaks qualifier!
In their innings, the Karnali Yaks set a challenging target, thanks to an impressive contribution from their middle-order batsmen. Their steady partnerships and timely hitting from the tail ensured they posted a total that was always going to be difficult for Chitwan Rhinos to chase. Karnali Yaks qualifier! The Yaks’ bowlers, led by their pace attack, controlled the flow of runs, consistently breaking partnerships and picking up key wickets.
Chitwan Rhinos, while they fought hard, were unable to maintain the required run rate. Despite some strong efforts from a few of their key batsmen, the pressure mounted as they failed to build partnerships. The Rhinos could not recover from the consistent breakthroughs by the Karnali bowlers. Additionally, the Yaks’ fielding was exceptional, with a few key stops and a game-changing run-out.
The win has boosted Karnali Yaks’ confidence as they head into the qualifiers. This victory was a testament to their all-round capabilities, making them serious contenders for the title. On the other hand, Chitwan Rhinos will need to regroup quickly, as the loss in such a crucial game has dealt a blow to their qualification hopes.
Karnali Yaks now looks forward to the next phase of the competition, where they will face tougher opponents, but their strong performance in this match has given them the momentum needed to go all the way.
BIG NEWS
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket
Ravichandran Ashwin’s, one of India’s greatest cricketers, has retired from international cricket. He ended a stellar career as the nation’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test history. Ashwin, known for his exceptional spinner skills and vital contributions with the bat, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations of cricketers.
The 37-year-old debuted in 2011 and quickly became a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. Over the years, Ravichandran Ashwin’s amassed an impressive 489 Test wickets, second only to Anil Kumble in India’s all-time rankings. His ability to adapt to different conditions and outsmart some of the best batsmen in the world earned him accolades across all formats.
Ashwin’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His sharp mind and innovative bowling strategies often made the difference in crucial matches, particularly in Tests. Besides his bowling prowess, Ashwin contributed significantly as a lower-order batsman, scoring five Test centuries.
“This will be my last day as an Indian cricket in all formats of the game at the international level. I do feel there is a bit of punch left in me in a cricketer. I would like to showcase that in club-level cricket. So this will be my last day. I have had a lot of fun. I must say I’ve created a lot of memories alongside Rohitt and several of my teammates,” Ashwin said at the press conference.
“Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank. But, I would be failing in my duty if I didn’t thank the BCCI and the rest of my teammates. I want to name a few of them and all the coaches — Rohit, Virat, Ajinkya, and Pujara who have taken all those catches in the slips to help me get those wickets.”
Ashwin also thanked the Australian cricket team for being fierce competitors over the years.
“Also a big thank you to the Australian cricket team. They have been very fierce competitors. I have enjoyed playing alongside them.
“I won’t be taking any questions, but certainly, it’s a very emotional moment.”
Speculation about his retirement was rife after he was seen hugging former captain Virat Kohli in the dressing room at Gabba during a rain interruption on Wednesday. Ashwin and Kohli had an intense chat in the dressing room, leading to rumors on social media.
Ashwin ensured the rumors did not stay for long as he confirmed the call right after the third Test ended in a draw.
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