CRICKET
St Lucia Kings reach second straight CPL final
Saint Lucia Kings have got back-to-back finals on their plate after they bid farewell to the defending CPL champions, Trinbago Knight Riders, on Tuesday.
The Kings became the first finalists of the Caribbean Premier League 2021 after beating Kieron Pollar’s team by 21 runs.
The Davids double Riders’ trouble
Kings skipper Andre Fletcher and Rahkeem Cornwall failed to give a good start when it mattered the most.
Mark Deyal put up an incredible 78-run knock in a jiffy, but his dismissal meant that Roston Chase had to do the power-hitting in death overs.
But Khary Pierre soon sent Chase to the hut in space of six balls.
David Wiese and Tim David blew Pollard’s men out of the water in the death overs.
Wiese’s 21-ball 34 and Tim’s 17-ball 38 took the side to a mammoth total of 204/4.
Riders pushed on the back foot
A score beyond the 200-mark meant that the Riders had a lot of work to do in a high-pressure semi-final.
Sunil Narine lit up the part for the Riders, but the batting line-up failed to convert their good starts into solid knocks.
Four batters next to come after the openers departed in the 20s and this allowed the Kings to mount pressure.
They were bundled out for 184 with three balls to go.
St Lucia Kings 205 for 4 (Deyal 78, David 38*, Wiese 34*) beat Trinbago Knight Riders 184 (Narine 30, Ramdin 29, Pollard 26, Wiese 5-39) by 21 runs.
Patriots ease past Warriors
St Kitts & Nevis Patriots have had a shaky last few games after their winning streak was jinxed, but they have somehow managed to get to another CPL final.
Dwayne Bravo’s men will meet Fletcher’s St Lucia Kings in the final at the Water Park today.
Middle-order woes hurt Warriors
Batting first, the Warriors aced the powerplay and they were seemingly on their way to a score past the 200-mark.
But a series of low scores and lack of support to Shimron Hetmyer became an obstacle.
Captain Pooran looked in fine touch, just like he has been throughout the campaign but DC Drakes got him to return to the dressing room for 26.
Hetmeyer was the power hitter left behind with a lot of work to do with the tail.
He smashed four sixes to reach 45 off 20.
His blitz propelled the team to a respectable total of 178/9.
Pats build on a dream start
You’re not often going to see Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis both firing as an opener, but when you do, know that the time is up for the opposition.
Gayle’s quick-fire 42 coupled with Lewis’ subliminal 77 not out was too much to handle for Pooran and co.
The openers took the game away from the Warriors early in the second innings.
Sherfane Rutherford and Lewis then chased the target with seven wickets and 13 deliveries in hand.
Captain Bravo was quick to appreciate his batters in the post-match interview.
“We wanted to put them under pressure, and we wanted to chase,” the Pats skipper said.
“At half-time we were happy and comfortable in the dressing room. Lewis showed his class and so did Chris.”
“Apart from one or two overs, it went well. I just tried to keep my composure and support my team.”
St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 181 for 3 (Lewis 77*, Gayle 42) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 178 for 9 (Hetmyer 45*, Jaggesar 2-19, Fawad 2-22) by seven 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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