Ayush Badoni's unbeaten knock of 55 runs helped Lucknow Super Giants post a total of 165 runs in the IPL 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His knock came in 30 balls including 9 fours. Nicholas Pooran from the other end shouldered Badoni to guide LSG to a commendable score. Facing just 16 deliveries, Pooran accumulated unbeaten 48 runs which were laced with 6 fours and 1 six. SRH now needs to chase a target of 166 runs in the IPL 2024 match against LSG. Also Read: Australian skipper Pat Cummins celebrates 31st birthday with father Having won the toss, Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul chose to bat first in the IPL 2024 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Opening the innings, Rahul scored 29 runs off 33 deliveries including 1 four and 1 six. Star opening batsman Quinton de Kock who missed out on a few IPL 2024 matches has returned to the side. Quinton departed early with just two runs. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis was only able to score three runs. Facing 21 balls, Krunal Pandya scored 24 runs which were laced with 2 sixes. Later, the partnership between Badoni and Pooran was a sigh of relief for Lucknow. Sunrisers Hyderabad is known as one of the most destructive batting units of the IPL 2024. The team will heavily rely on Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma to get them a blistering start. Also Read: IN PHOTOS | KL Rahul vs Sanju Samson: A look at their T20I performances! Sunrisers Hyderabad lead pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed two wickets in the IPL 2024 match against LSG. Completing his quota of four overs, Bhuvneshwar conceded just 12 runs. Pacer T. Natarajan was the most expensive bowler from Hyderabad's perspective. In his spell of four overs, he leaked 50 runs. Jaydev Unadkat, Shahbaz Ahmed and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth went wicketless in the IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants.
08 May,2024 09:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAustralia and Sunrisers Hyderabad team captain Pat Cummins celebrated his 31st birthday with his father on Wednesday. The veteran has led Australia to the ODI World Cup and World Test Championship last year. Additionally, he also won the "ICC Player of the Year" award. The official X (formerly Twitter) handle of SRH posted a picture of Cummins, with his face smeared with birthday cake, celebrating his birthday with his father Peter. "Wholesomeness levels @patcummins30's dad joins in on the birthday fun," tweeted SRH. Wholesomeness levels 💯🥹@patcummins30’s dad joins in on the birthday fun 🥳🧡 pic.twitter.com/OAr2OM7POI — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 8, 2024 Debuting for Australia in 2011, Pat Cummins has featured in 62 test matches in which he has taken 269 wickets at an average of 22.53. His best bowling figure in the format is six wickets for 23 runs. In test cricket, Cummins is the tent highest wicket-taker for Australia. He has 12 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls to his name. Pat Cummins is also handy with the bat. In 89 test innings, he has scored 1,295 runs at an average of 17.03. He also has three half-centuries with a highest score of unbeaten 64 runs. The numbers do not really do justice to Cummins' immense ability to soak pressure and hold an end steady with his bat. Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024 | "India picking four spinners, I'm not surprised": Courtney Walsh Cummins has represented Australia in 88 One-Day International matches in which he bagged 141 wickets at an average of 28.66. His best bowling figures are five wickets for 70 runs. He has 6 four-wicket and 1 five-wicket haul to his name. He is the 13th-highest wicket-taker in ODIs for Aussies. He has also scored 492 runs at an average of 13.66, with the best score being 37. In 52 T20Is, Cummins has taken 57 wickets at an average of 24.77, with the best figures of 3/15. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the format for Australia. He has also scored 144 runs in 24 innings at an average of 11.07, with 28 as his best score. He has been a part of Australia during the 2015 and 2023 World Cup squads. The ODI World Cup 2023 was a memorable win for Australia as they defeated unstoppable India, having won all 10 matches of the tournament, The final match in which the Aussies came victorious was played in Ahmedabad. The 31-year-old has also secured the ICC World Test Championship mace for Australia, beating India in the final just last year. He was also the part of ICC T20 World Cup winning side in 2021. The year 2023 was incredible for Cummins. Though he started the year with a personal loss, the death of his mother, he retained the Ashes against England in UK. He was also the number one Test bowler. He was also brought by SRH in the IPL for Rs 20.50 crore, becoming the second-most expensive player in the league's history. Cummins concluded the year with a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in a Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and winning the 'ICC Cricketer of the Year' award. Cummins-led SRH are currently in the fourth spot with six wins and five losses. He has taken 13 wickets at an average of 30.53, with the best bowling spell of 3/43. He has led SRH from the front this year, playing an aggressive brand of cricket. He has also made some decent contributions with the bat. (With ANI Inputs)
08 May,2024 08:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the T20 World Cup 2024 is inching closer, the "Men in Blue" have named four spinners in their 15-man squad. West Indies pace legend Courtney Walsh is not surprised by the decision of Team India's selectors to pick four spinners ahead of the global showpiece. India will travel to the USA and West Indies with four spinners namely Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja for the T20 World Cup 2024. "India picking four spinners, I'm not surprised... it seems to be their strength," Walsh told PTI on the sidelines of the launch of the Big Cricket League here. "West Indies have picked three spinners. It's going to be different conditions and everybody has to balance the team," Walsh added. Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the previous week said that he wanted four spinners in the squad but did not give any specific reason. The reason could be the slow tracks in the West Indies. Also Read: Shakib Al Hasan returns to Bangladesh squad for last two T20Is against Zimbabwe Walsh, regarded as one of the most admired cricketers, feels India has a quality pace-bowling unit to complement their spinners. "India still have quality fast bowlers, most of the teams do, so it will be a very competitive tournament. The majority of the teams have good-quality fast bowlers and spinners. "It's (the tournament) going to be dominated by the bat possibly. But it is difficult to predict who is going to win it, difficult to predict which bowler is going to be a standout. The teams that execute well will be successful." The T20 World Cup will be hosted by West Indies along with USA and former WI skipper Walsh is optimistic about Caribbeans' chances at the mega event. "I'm expecting them to do very well. It's a nice balanced team and I am very optimistic that they'll play quality cricket. The group is not the easiest but once we reach the super sixes, there's a really good chance." Walsh was the first bowler to complete 500 wickets in Test cricket. He bagged 519 wickets in 132 test matches. Along with Curtly Ambrose, Walsh formed one of the great fast-bowling pairs. The former West Indies pacer enjoyed a relatively injury-free career. Asked what advice he'll give to Bumrah, Walsh said, "Stay fit have fun. The more you play the more experienced you get. It's all about managing the injuries well. That will help him become fitter, stronger and better. You can only play if you are fit enough." Young Shamar Joseph gained the limelight when he showcased his fast bowling skills when he helped West Indies secure its first win against Australia in 27 years. Most of the players from the Caribbean are plying their trade in T20 leagues around the world, and Walsh feels the 24-year-old must be protected to ensure a long career. "West Indies have to (protect him), he's got to protect himself. When I watch his interviews he has a very level head, which is very, very good to see. He loves the game, has passion for the game. "I think West Indies have to make sure to look after him. Keep him injury-free for longevity. It's early days yet but I'm very excited to see what he does. "I know he hasn't played a lot of games here in India in the IPL but being here as well soak up the atmosphere will do a lot," he added. (With PTI Inputs)
08 May,2024 07:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBangladesh spin all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to return to the squad after 10 months, just a few weeks before the T20 World Cup 2024. The last T20I appearance made by Shakib Al Hasan was in July 2023 during the home series against Afghanistan. Currently, he is picked for the last two T20I matches against Zimbabwe. Bangladesh is leading the five-match T20I series with 3-0 against Zimbabwe. The veteran's return to Bangladesh's team is a big boost ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. He was part of the side during the inaugural edition in 2007. If he features in the Bangladesh team ahead of the upcoming mega event, he will be the most experienced player across the teams. Also Read: IPL 2024: Sangakkara backs Samson as India keeper for T20 WC So far, he has played 117 T20I matches in which he has scored 2,382 runs and has also picked 140 wickets. Bangladesh is yet to announce their 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. The global showpiece is set to begin in June and will be jointly hosted by the USA and the West Indies. Soumya Sarkar and Mustafizur Rahman who missed the first three matches are also included in the mix for the remaining matches against Zimbabwe. Miustafizur Rahman was previously representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024. Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain are absent while quick bowler Shoriful Islam is resting. Bangladesh squad for 4th and 5th T20I: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Litton Kumer Das, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Shakib Al Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Ali Anik, Shak Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Soumya Sarkar, Tanvir Islam, Shaif Uddin The final two games of the series will take place in Mirpur on May 10 and 12. (With ANI Inputs)
08 May,2024 07:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAhead of the T20 World Cup 2024, two wicketkeeper-batsman has been picked in the Indian squad. Rajasthan Royals' captain Sanju Samson has made his case to be India's first-choice wicketkeeper, says the team's director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara. The other wicket-keeper named in the Indian squad is Delhi Capitals skipper Rishabh Pant who has impressed with his glove work in the ongoing IPL 2024. Samson smashed 86 off 46 balls on Tuesday but the knock went in vain, with the Capitals winning by 20 runs at home. He is having a great run with 471 runs in 11 matches. The recent 86-run knock was his fifth half-century in the IPL 2024. Also Read: IN PHOTOS | KL Rahul vs Sanju Samson: A look at their T20I performances! Sangakkara played down the Pant versus Samson debate in the post-match press conference but made his choice clear. "It's really up to Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and how they see the combination," Sangakkara told reporters. "But he has made his case, so hopefully he'll have a good run in the World Cup." Samson has been an understated leader of his team, who are all but through to the playoffs with eight wins in 11 matches. Currently, he is third on the list of leading run-scorers in the tournament. Rishabh Pant with 413 runs in 12 IPL 2024 matches is also in the top 10 players. "With Sanju, the biggest thing about this season for him is having a lot of clarity about the way he should bat," former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Sangakkara said. "There are certain stages of the game that he seems to lose a bit of concentration, which we've addressed from past seasons," he added. "He's changed his mindset about the importance of rest and recovery, rather than just training all the time and being tired mentally and physically." This year is Samson's first in a World Cup squad and Sangakkara said he is a team man. "He's a special player and when he's fresh and focused there's nothing he can't do," said Sangakkara. (With AFP Inputs)
08 May,2024 05:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentYashasvi Jaiswal has just played 17 matches in Test cricket, but West Indies great Brian Lara feels that if there's anyone who can come close to his achievements, including his unbeaten 400-run knock, it is none other than 22-year-old Jaiswal. Lara's high praise for Jaiswal doesn't come out of the blue. The left two-handers share a special bond, having spent a lot of time over the past year following their "4 am conversation" during the IPL when the West Indian was coaching Sunrisers Hyderabad and the young opener was in the Rajasthan Royals' camp. Since IPL 2023, Jaiswal's career in international cricket has taken a huge elevation. He is now becoming an integral part of India's Test and T20I squad. He averages around 70 in the longest format of the game. In the recent test series between India and England, Jaiswal smashed two double hundreds. The one thing that impressed Lara is the ability of the Indian left-hander to change gears according to the game's circumstances. "If I feel my records are threatened, Jaiswal has got a very good chance to do so. He has got capabilities, couple of double hundreds already. He is that good," Lara told PTI editors at its headquarters in an interaction arranged by Star Sports where he is a commentator and expert for the ongoing IPL. Also Read: IN PHOTOS | KL Rahul vs Sanju Samson: A look at their T20I performances! Brian Lara is known as one of the all-time greats of cricket. In Tests, he has scored close to 12,000 runs and in One-Day Internationals, Lara has scored over 10,000 runs. His record of 400 not out against England is still unbeaten. Lara fondly looked back at his first meeting with Jaiswal when asked about a light moment they shared on the sidelines of the Rajasthan Royals and SRH clash in the ongoing season. "The only thing I can reveal about that (conversation) is I think he is an outstanding young cricketer. what I like about him is that he is very humble and willing to work. The first time I met him (last year), I immediately found myself attached to him. "After the game (SRH vs Royals), I went to the hotel with a friend of mine from the Caribbean who knew Jos Buttler. It was midnight and Jaiswal found me. I promise you I left the hotel at 4 in the morning. "He just wanted to hear more and more and more. That is one of his amazing traits. His ability to want to learn as much as possible. Our conversations are about trying to make him a better cricketer. I am available for anyone that has my number. I am happy to talk cricket." Being a left-hander himself, it is natural for Lara to be biased towards that tribe. Another southpaw he has great admiration for is Abhishek Sharma with whom he spent time at SRH. Also Read: IN PHOTOS | IPL 2024, SRH vs LSG: Here's all you need to know "Again he is someone who I met while I was batting coach of SRH. I spent two years there. I am allowed to a bit biased when I see a left-hander, I just love a left-hander. Myself and Abhishek have developed a very good relationship, these youngsters are very humble. they want to learn."What I like about these two, they want to get to great heights. I have great admiration for both." Lara recoks that records are in danger by the batsmen who score quick runs and Jaiswal has that ability with his hunger to bat long. His 400 not out has not been surpassed in 20 years and Lara hopes he is still around to see the day when his record is broken. "I think now, the pace that these guys are batting at. And you look at the guys over the years who have challenged that 300-mark and plus. It's Chris Gayle. It's Virender Sehwag. It's Sanath Jayasuriya, It's Inzamam-ul-Haq. It's Matthew Hayden. These are guys who destroy bowling attacks. "...you would not say that for a Rahul Dravid or Steve Smith in the present case. But a player who likes to score quickly, will have an opportunity. You know, Jaiswal, I mean, I was in Australia when David Warner came close and you know, he's an aggressive player. "So I believe yes, I think it will be broken at some point in time. I think it has to be that person's destiny. Everything has to fall into place. And... I look forward to that time. I hope it happens, while I'm still around," he said. (With PTI Inputs)
08 May,2024 04:58 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Amid Rohit Sharma's unusual streak of single-figure scores in the ongoing IPL, the India camp maintains a composed stance on the eve of the T20 World Cup. Renowned as a superstar opener, Sharma receives resolute backing to retain his natural free-flowing stroke play despite his recent batting struggles for Mumbai Indians, failing to breach double digits in his last five innings. His subsequent scores 6 against Rajasthan Royals, 8 against Delhi Capitals, 4 against Lucknow SuperGiants, 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders, and most recently on Monday, 4 against SRH, underscore a concerning pattern of consistently registering single-digit scores. Moreover, thus far in IPL 2024, the seasoned 37-year-old has amassed a modest tally of 303 runs across 12 matches. But if BCCI insiders are to be believed, the management is not sweating over the India skipper’s lacklustre form of late. “We know he is going to turn things around. Of course, there are reasons why he is the leader of the pack. He may not be at his best in the IPL, but comparing a T20 league with the World Cup is plain foolishness. He is a proven match-winner and let us be honest, we all have bad days at work. (We) must cut him some slack,” a BCCI insider, preferring anonymity, told Mid-Day on Tuesday. He added that it is only a matter of time before Sharma returns to his customary form as an opener. The former Mumbai Indians skipper has had a demanding season, marked by an arduous five-Test series prior to IPL 2024, representing Mumbai, who find themselves virtually out of contention for the playoffs this season. Also Read: ‘Suryakumar will have a big influence on T20 World Cup’ Despite Sharma's uncharacteristic downturn, his 900-run tally in 39 matches across all World Cups exemplifies his enduring value to the Indian team. Besides having made the most appearances by any player in World Cup history, Sharma’s impeccable 66.66 per cent win rate in captaincy at T20 World Cups, coupled with his potential to get runs flowing in crucial overs, cements his importance in maintaining opening balance alongside other youngsters in the squad. Notably, in addition to their appearance in the final of the 50-over World Cup and the WTC Final last year, India, under Rohit's stewardship, advanced to the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Expressing his desire to witness ‘close friend’ clinch the elusive World Cup trophy, former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Tuesday extolled Sharma’s excellence across all facets of the game and highlighted his potential to single-handedly influence match outcomes. "(Rohit's presence is going to be) very crucial. I think we need a really good captain, a sensible captain who takes decisions well under pressure. And he's the one to take them," Yuvraj told ICC. India’s shattering World Cup final defeat last November extended their pursuit of an ICC title to a decade, with the most recent triumph dating back to the 2013 Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni’s leadership. “He was the captain when we lost in the (Cricket World Cup) 50-over final (in 2023). He has won five IPL trophies as a captain. I think we need somebody like him to captain India,” Singh added. The inclusion of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, and Sanju Samson in the middle-order, coupled with Virat Kohli's aggressive role at No.3, may offer Sharma opportunities to adapt his innings style. A balanced batting order such as this will allow the skipper to instinctively react to match situations, a quality that has been pivotal to his decade-long international career. India's prospects receive a further boost with all-rounder and India vice-captain Hardik Pandya's return to full fitness, ensuring the availability of the complete 15-player World Cup squad. Despite his lackadaisical form in the IPL, the 30-year-old’s gradual return to bowling fitness indicates a promising outlook for India's bowling unit.
08 May,2024 04:19 PM IST | Mumbai | Srijanee MajumdarSuryakumar Yadav hit an unbeaten 102 to lead Mumbai Indians to a crushing seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday as teams jostle for IPL 2024 Playoffs. Chasing 174 for victory, Mumbai slipped to 31-3 before Suryakumar put on an unbeaten stand of 143 with Tilak Varma to achieve the target with 16 balls to spare at their home Wankhede Stadium. Also Read: '200 momos in 12 hours': Styris' fondness for momos elicits bewilderment on air Suryakumar hit the winning six, which also raised his second IPL ton in 51 balls and comes as a welcome sign for India ahead of the T20 World Cup in June in the West Indies and the United States. However the win for five-time winners Mumbai, placed ninth in the 10-team table, could be late in a tournament fast moving towards its business end. Hyderabad, led by Pat Cummins, stay fourth in the table but their fifth loss and a big one could hurt their play-off chances. Hyderabad need to win two of their remaining three matches to make the play-offs as they remain locked at 12 points with third-placed Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants at fifth. The top four teams will make the play-offs with the final on May 26 in Chennai. Hyderabad posted 173-8 courtesy of Travis Head's 48 and an unbeaten 17-ball 35 by lower-order batter Cummins after being invited to bat first. The left-handed Head gave the team a brisk start with his 30-ball knock before his departure in the 11th over and Hyderabad lost their way with regular wickets. Also Read: The burden of expectations Skipper Hardik Pandya spinner Piyush Chawla took three wickets each to rattle the opposition middle and lower-order as Hyderabad slipped to 136-8 in 17 overs. But number nine Cummins had other ideas as the Australian Test and ODI captain hit back in the final three overs and put on an unbeaten stand of 37 off 19 balls with Sanvir Singh. The batting effort inspired the team and fast bowlers came roaring to reduce Mumbai to 31-3 including the key wicket of Rohit Sharma, out caught behind for four off Cummins. Suryakumar soon took charge with his attacking batting as he raised his 50 in 30 balls and hammered the opposition bowling with 12 fours and six sixes. The left-handed Varma made 37 and enjoyed Suryakumar's blitz from the other end. Mid-Day takes a close look at the qualification scenarios for IPL 2024 Playoffs of all ten teams. Kolkata Knight Riders (16 points) Kolkata Knight Riders lead the points tally in the IPL 2024, boasting 16 points from 11 matches with an impressive net run rate of +1.453. A solitary victory in their upcoming trio of games should secure their playoff berth. Even if they stumble in their remaining fixtures, a top-four finish remains feasible, contingent on favorable outcomes elsewhere. Rajasthan Royals (16 points) Rajasthan Royals occupy the second spot with 16 points from 10 encounters. They must clinch at least one triumph in their remaining quartet of league fixtures to bolster their chances of securing a coveted top-four finish. Despite potential setbacks, RR could stay in contention, relying on external results. Chennai Super Kings (12 points), Sunrisers Hyderabad (12 points) Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad share the third position, each accumulating 12 points from 11 outings. Both franchises aspire to win their remaining trio of matches to culminate with 18 points, thereby enhancing their prospects. However, any slip-up could leave them with 16 points, necessitating a reliance on results from other encounters for qualification. Lucknow Super Giants (12 points) Lucknow Super Giants trail closely behind, also amassing 12 points from 11 matchups but sit fifth due to an inferior net run rate. LSG eyes an unblemished run in their remaining league fixtures to culminate with 18 points, ensuring a shot at the playoffs. Conversely, any falter would leave them with 16 points, introducing external factors into the equation. Delhi Capitals (10 points) Delhi Capitals stand sixth with 10 points from 11 contests. DC must secure victories in their upcoming three encounters and substantially bolster their net run rate to stake a claim for the top-four berth. In a scenario of favorable outcomes, Delhi could sneak into the coveted quartet. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (8 points), Punjab Kings (8 points) Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings find themselves with eight points each from 11 matches, facing an uphill battle to break into the top echelon. Both franchises must triumph in their remaining trio of games to culminate with 14 points, coupled with a notable enhancement in their net run rates. Additionally, they rely on serendipitous outcomes to harbor playoff aspirations. Mumbai Indians (8 points) Despite their recent triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians find themselves in a precarious position, languishing with eight points from 12 outings. To harbor any hopes of playoff qualification, MI must secure victories in their remaining two fixtures, culminating with 12 points, alongside a substantial improvement in their run rate. Their fate hinges on multiple external results falling in their favour. Gujarat Titans (8 points) Gujarat Titans, the reigning IPL champions, face an arduous task, currently anchored at the bottom with eight points from 11 encounters. GT's pathway to playoff contention necessitates an unblemished run in their remaining trio of matches, coupled with a significant net run rate improvement. Their aspirations rest on a confluence of favorable outcomes across the league to materialize their playoff ambitions.
08 May,2024 02:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentNew Zealand cricket great Scott Styris has attributed a distinctive rationale for dubbing the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala as the most picturesque cricket venue globally, the 'unbelievable' momos savoured in its environs. Styris expounded on his idiosyncratic rationale while engaging in discourse with fellow IPL 2024 pundits Graeme Smith and Brett Lee, as they recently deliberated on the world's most scenic cricket grounds on the #TheInsiders segment on JioCinema. Watch the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by JioCinema (@officialjiocinema) In the course of this discussion, Styris posed the inquiry of whether the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala merits the pinnacle spot. Yet, the conversation took an unpredictably comical trajectory when Styris asserted he was awarding the stadium additional points owing to the 'unbelievable' momos served nearby. While his co-commentators Lee and Smith appeared confounded regarding the nature of a momo, the erstwhile New Zealand cricketer took delight in elucidating not only the delectable nature of the snack but also regaled them with an anecdote about a memorable momo indulgence episode he experienced, as relayed by the broadcaster in a press release on Tuesday. Also Read: The burden of expectations Lee asked Styris, “How many momos did you crunch?”, which prompted Styris to share how Mark Waugh, Michael Slater, Tom Moody, Greg Blewett, Brendon Julian, and Craig Cumming, and he once ate 200 momos in 12 hours during a 2016 T20 World Cup fixture between Australia and New Zealand in Dharamsala. The story left Smith and Lee befuddled, as the former Australian pacer made the perfect parting remark after Styris finished his story. “I think if you see close enough gentlemen, we might see a couple of Scotty’s sherpas!” The three cricketers are in India for commentary work during the ongoing IPL 2024. (With inputs from agencies)
08 May,2024 01:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDelhi Capitals left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who returned match-winning figures of 2/25 against Rajasthan Royals, said his bowling approach to Donovan Ferreira was the key to his side's 20-run win in IPL 2024 on Tuesday. Kuldeep gave the twin blows in the crucial 18th over to virtually end the hopes of Rajasthan Royals' chase of 222. Rajasthan needed 41 from last three overs with the big hitting South African Ferreira at the crease but Kuldeep dismissed him in the first ball of his final over. "I have played against him (Ferreira) in South Africa and I knew he was a back foot player and wanted to stay a little full and quick and got him out first ball," Kuldeep said at the presentation ceremony after being adjudged player-of-the-match. "It is very important to bowl on a good length and that's the main challenge when I bowl in the death overs. I bowled a couple of seam-up deliveries to read what the batters are doing. Just the length matters for me and that was the plan," he said. Also Read: The burden of expectations Bowling at the death was a concern for DC but skipper Rishabh Pant was a happy man after their show on Tuesday. "As always, Kuldeep delivered. The way our bowlers executed at the back end was the main positive and it was really good to see. We will try to learn from every game," Pant said. We gave away 10 runs extra: Samson Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson said Tristan Stubbs's 20-ball 41 at the death proved to be difference as they ended up giving away "10 runs extra". "We had it in our hands, it was like 11-12 runs per over, it was achievable, but these things happen in IPL. Also Read: '200 momos in 12 hours': Styris' fondness for momos elicits bewilderment on air 220 was 10 runs extra to chase, if we had conceded a couple of less boundaries, we would have made it through," Samson said. "You have to give credit to someone like Stubbs who batted well against Sandeep (Sharma), who has been bowling very well in the last 10-11 games, he scored 2-3 sixes extra against my best bowlers who are Yuzi Chahal and Sandeep Sharma. We have lost the game, we have to find out where we lost the game and we need to keep moving," said Samson. (With agency inputs)
08 May,2024 12:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentFollowing his side's 20 run win over Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Rishabh Pant lauded his bowlers, particularly Kuldeep Yadav for their exceptional performance in death overs in the ongoing IPL 2024. A Sanju Samson masterclass almost won it for RR but DC bowlers held their nerves at death to get their sixth win of the season at home to keep their playoffs hopes alive. Rishabh said after the game, "The way our bowlers executed at the back end was the main positive and it was really good to see. We will try to learn from every game. Even when we lose or win, we will keep our head down and keep moving forward. As always Kuldeep delivered which was great to see. It was close to par and at the same time we were thinking that if we can restrict them to 200 that would be fair and that was the thought process." Also Read: The burden of expectations Coming to the game, RR won the toss and opted to bowl first. Fine half centuries from youngsters Jake Fraser McGurk (50 in 20 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) and Abhishek Porel (63 in 36 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) and an entertaining cameo by Tristan Stubbs (41 in 20 balls, with three fours and three sixes) took DC to 221/8 in their 20 overs. Ravichandran Ashwin (3/24) was the top bowler for RR. In the run chase, though RR lost their openers early, skipper Sanju Samson (86* in 46 balls, with eight fours and six sixes), Riyan Parag (27 in 22 balls, with a four and three sixes) and Shubham Dubey (25 in 12 balls with two fours and two sixes) kept RR in hunt but the dismissal of Sanju turned out to be a gamechanger that left RR short of a win. Kuldeep, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed took two wickets while Axar Patel and Rashikh Dar Salam got one each. Kuldeep won the Player of the Match for his spell of 2/25. DC has climbed to fifth in the IPL 2024 table with six wins, six losses and 12 points. RR stays second with eight wins, three losses and 16 points. (With agency inputs)
08 May,2024 11:37 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
