Cricket

'This Is Not The End Of The World For Us': Rahane Motivates KKR Players After Loss Against SRH

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane motivated the players after the three-time champions suffered a 65-run loss against 2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens on Thursday. Despite the second consecutive loss at the start of the tournament, Rahane spoke about the positives in the dressing room. He said that losing two matches in a row does not mean that they are out of the tournament. KKR skipper also praised the bowling effort, especially after the ten overs, when the team made a strong comeback and made the SRH batters struggle for runs. This is not the end of the world for us, so there are positives, so many positives in the game, especially after 10 overs, how well we bowled, how well we came back in the game was amazing. For me, what is important is what we think about every day inside the dressing, that's what matters. For me, effort matters a lot. What I saw today, after 10 overs, the effort from our bowlers was amazing, Rahane said in a video released by KKR on X. Rahane also told players to believe in themselves, as anyone can be match winners for the team. You guys, every individual here, the match winners, every one of you can win the match for us from any situation. Let's have that belief. It's always about what ability we have, how we can win the matches for our team. I have that belief in every individual. He also praised the batting intent shown by the batters from the start while chasing a big total, while accepting that the team cannot win all matches. As I said, a lot of positives from the game. The way we battled, that intent, from ball number 1, we used that intent; it's going to happen. There will be times when we will win the matches, 3 games, that's decided. I just want to see the same intent, let's not lose anything, he said. He also praised the batting intent shown by the batters from the start while chasing a big total, while accepting that the team cannot win all matches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR suffered two defeats in their first two games - only the second time in KKR's history have they had such a poor start to a season. They will have to bounce back when they host the Punjab Kings on April 6, and the Lucknow Super Giants come on April 9. Article Source: IANS

'National Boards Shouldn't Decide...': Jaffer Questions Green's 'non-bowling' Role In IPL

Indian Premier League: Former India batter Wasim Jaffer has raised concerns over overseas all-rounders being restricted by national boards in franchise leagues, pointing to Australian allrounder Cameron Green not bowling with the ball in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 as a key example. Green, who was signed for Rs 25.20 crore for his all-round capabilities, has yet to bowl in the tournament, including in the opening clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI), where his side conceded a hefty 221 runs, and their second match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), where they conceded 226 runs. His limited role has sparked debate over team balance and utilisation. Jaffer took to X to voice his opinion on the matter, stressing that franchises should have full control over how players are used once they are part of a privately run competition. Cam Green not bowling is unfair for KKR. Once youre playing in a private league, it shouldnt be your country who decides what you can and cannot do during that league. If thats the case, you might as well not play. Teams pay huge amounts to acquire players with certain skill sets, and not using one of the skill sets, not because of injury, but because of workload management, is unfair to the franchise, he wrote. Earlier, speaking after the Mumbai match, captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that decisions regarding Greens bowling were influenced by Cricket Australia, indicating that the matter was not entirely in the teams hands. Cricket Australia later confirmed that Greens workload is being carefully managed due to a lower back concern, with the franchise reportedly informed about the restriction ahead of the tournament. Earlier, speaking after the Mumbai match, captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that decisions regarding Greens bowling were influenced by Cricket Australia, indicating that the matter was not entirely in the teams hands. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Green's outing with the bat has also not been up to the mark in the ongoing season. He scored just 18 runs in KKR's first match against Mumbai and got run out at a crucial time against SRH after scoring only two runs. Due to his poor batting, KKR has lost both matches and currently sit at ninth position in the points table. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Kevin Pietersen Predicts Top 4 Teams After First Round Matches

Indian Premier League: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has made an early prediction of the four teams that can make it into the playoffs of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after watching the first round matches, where every franchise played a minimum of one match. The former Delhi Capitals mentor feels that the Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) could face each other in the playoffs. He also added that unexpected player injuries could change these standings. Having watched the first round of matches in the IPL this season, as it stands, just on observations, this could be the top 4. MI, DC, RR, PUNJAB. This can all change with injuries, etc., but thats how I see it atm, Pietersen wrote in a post on X. The biggest exclusion from his playoffs list is the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who started off their campaign with a dominant win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). According to Pietersen, RCB's middle order form and Hazelwood's fitness are the main reasons behind keeping the 2025 champions out. My concern with RCB is their middle overs and spinners. And Hazlewoods fitness. Remember - bowlers win you championships, He wrote on X. Pietersen also feels that no target is safe in this season after seeing RCB and Mumbai Indians chasing 200 plus total easily. According to him, toss has become very important. The mad thing, though, about this season, is batters dont know how hard to go in the first innings. Whats a good score? Averaging it out, can you actually win most of your games batting first? The toss is as important as your team! he added. According to the 45-year-old, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and 2016 title winners Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have to do something extraordinary and bring massive change to be title contenders. The toss is as important as your team! he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, after six matches Rajasthan Royals are at the top spot in the points table with a massive 4.171 net run rate, while the RCB sits at the second position. Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians also have two points after winning their opening matches. Hyderabad also opened their account after defeating KKR in their second match. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'We Have Learned From Our Mistakes,' Says Klaasen On SRH's Approach

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad's explosive batter Heinrich Klaasen said that the team has learned from their past mistakes of throwing away the wickets by swinging the bat from the onset after they registered a dominant 65-run win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their second match of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens. Klaasen, known for his attacking mindset, took a different approach in the match when he came to bat at number four. Former South African wicketkeeper batter started the innings on a slow note and didn't take any risks, while rotating the strike to put pressure on the opposition. Speaking about his approach, Klaasen said that he has learned from the mistakes of past years. He also lauded Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head for giving a good start, which takes off the pressure from the middle order. Thats the beauty of batting behind Abhishek and Travis, when you walk in, and the run rate is already at 14 or 15, you dont feel the need to start swinging straight away. But weve learned from our mistakes over the last couple of years, and it allows you to settle in first and catch up later instead of forcing it from ball one, Klaasen told Jio Hotstar. Speaking about his approach, Klaasen said that he has learned from the mistakes of past years. He also lauded Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head for giving a good start, which takes off the pressure from the middle order. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The target proved to be big for the three-time champions KKR as they were bundled out for just 161 runs in 16 overs, with Nitish also contributing with the ball by taking two crucial wickets. He was supported by Jaydev Unadkat and Eshan Malinga, who also took two wickets each. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: DC Eyes Victory On Home Turf Against Formidable MI In High-stakes Clash (Preview)

When Delhi Capitals: When Delhi Capitals take on Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, it will be more than just another league game in IPL 2026. The first game of the tournament's opening double-header is a high-stakes contest between a side seeking winning consistency at home and a five-time champion side who have historically thrived in New Delhi. Since 2022, MI have won five of seven encounters between the two sides, including both meetings last season. Even at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, MI have prevailed in three of the last four games against DC. With the Met Department issuing a yellow alert for Saturday, Axar Patel's men provided the rain stays away - will need to script something different to begin their home leg on a high. DC managed just one home win here in five attempts last season, and the urgency to change that begins now. DC's fortunes with the bat will hinge significantly on KL Rahul, who bagged a golden duck against Lucknow Super Giants. Against MI, however, Rahul has been in a class of his own - averaging 69.7 across 20 innings with six half-centuries and three hundreds. He needs just 24 more runs to complete 1,000 IPL runs against this opposition, though the threats are real. Trent Boult has dismissed him thrice in the IPL, and Jasprit Bumrah, despite a wicketless first outing, has taken him out twice. Bumrah remains MI's most potent weapon against DC, having claimed 30 IPL wickets against them, the most scalps for any bowler against a single franchise. But Bumrah does carry one vulnerability in New Delhi: an economy rate of 9.4, his joint-highest at any IPL venue. Beyond Rahul, DC will look to Axar, Pathum Nissanka and Nitish Rana for sizeable contributions, while Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs provide the side an assured look lower down the order. Rizvi, used as an impact player against LSG, began cautiously before exploding to hit an unbeaten 70 off 47 balls. His authority against spin sets up a fascinating contest against MI's slow-bowling options, particularly if Mitchell Santner returns to the playing eleven. Stubbs, meanwhile, brought composure when DC were in trouble and anchored the chase with a measured 39 not out off 32 balls. At a ground where he averages 54.6 and has a strike-rate of 194, the South African could once again prove to be the difference in a close finish. With the ball, DC's spin trio of Axar, Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam will need to produce their most disciplined effort to contain MI's batting line-up. Pacer Lungi Ngidi has been in the form of his life - 23 wickets in T20 games in 2026 - and has mastered the pace-off delivery with telling effect, as Nicholas Pooran discovered this week. That variation, which has fetched him 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.6, poses a genuine challenge to MI's aggressive top order. T Natarajan, returning after an injury-hit 2025, announced himself by picking three wickets against LSG and will be vital at the back end for DC. MI, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by their first opening game victory after 13 seasons. Rickelton's power-hitting at the top alongside the elegance of Rohit Sharma has already made them a feared combination, and the Arun Jaitley Stadium's short square boundaries will only encourage both openers to consistently hit a flurry of boundaries. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, captain Hardik Pandya and Sherfane Rutherford give their middle order formidable depth. But their bowling, despite Shardul Thakur's impressive three-wicket haul, carries question marks. Five bowlers used in the powerplay and 78 runs conceded in six overs against KKR is not a template MI can persist with. Hardik has taken no powerplay wickets since the start of last season at an economy of 14.3, making Boult's role upfront. Whether Boult continues to be used in the middle overs is a key tactical call to be made for Pandya. At a venue where chasing sides have won five of six matches this year, the toss could yet prove to be decisive. But time alone will tell if DC can get a winning start in their quest to make Qila Kotla a fortress or will MI depart with another win in their bag. When: Saturday, April 4, 3:30PM IST Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (captain), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Trent Boult, AM Ghazanfar, Mayank Markande, Danish Malewar, Robin Minz (wk), Atharva Ankolekar, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Will Jacks, Mayank Rawat, Mitchell Santner, Ashwani Kumar, Mohammad Izhar, and Raghu Sharma Article Source: IANS

I Want To Prove That Winning IPL Trophy Last Season Was Not A One-off, Says RCB Wicketkeeper Jitesh

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma said last seasons title has only strengthened the teams hunger to build something lasting at the franchise. Jitesh continues to be an integral part of the RCB. Not just with the bat has he been impressive in the last season, but his heroics with the gloves have been equally brilliant. Jitesh continues to be an integral part of the RCB. Not just with the bat has he been impressive in the last season, but his heroics with the gloves have been equally brilliant. This is not a one-year thing. We are here to dominate. I want to prove that what happened last season was not a one-off. Winning the first trophy for RCB was a magical feeling. The biggest satisfaction was knowing that I had contributed to it. That is a moment I will always be proud of, Jitesh said on the RCB Podcast. On his crucial 24 off 10 in the 2025 final, Jitesh said his focus was on making a decisive impact. My only thought in the final was to make a difference. I did not want to just survive the situation; I wanted to shift the game. The last over of the final felt like the longest six balls of my life. We wanted that moment so badly, he said. On the loss of his father, Jitesh said it is something he continues to carry with him. When you lose your father, that void never really goes away. I am not trying to forget it. I want to carry that emotion with me and keep moving forward. He also spoke about what it meant that his father had seen him represent India and lift the trophy for RCB. I am proud that my father saw me wear the India jersey and saw me lift the trophy for RCB. That means everything to me. On returning to the RCB setup after a difficult phase, Jitesh said the environment helped him reset. When I walked back into Chinnaswamy and saw the red and blue again, I felt reborn. Being back in that environment made me feel like myself again. He also credited Dinesh Karthik for helping shape his growth over the past year. A lot of the credit for my growth goes to DK 'anna'. He helped me understand my game better, use my strengths properly and improve mentally. DK asked me to take a break, put the bat away for a while and spend time with my family and friends. That helped me reset. Speaking about his batting approach, Jitesh said he has simplified everything to one core thought. For me, it comes down to one thing: watch the ball. If you are present and watching the ball well, everything else takes care of itself. Speaking about his role as a cricketer, Jitesh said he now sees himself in broader terms. I do not see myself only as a wicketkeeper now. I see myself as a finisher and a fielder as well. My job is to find a way into the team, whatever role that requires. On missing out on India selection, he said the larger ambition remains unchanged. Playing for India is still the ultimate goal. I felt I did my part, so I have no regrets. Now it is about staying ready and finding the next opportunity. On missing out on India selection, he said the larger ambition remains unchanged. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With RCB entering the new season as defending champions, Jitesh said he is ready for the challenge ahead. Teams will come harder at us this season, and that excites me. I enjoy that challenge. I want people to come hard at me, because I will come hard at them too. Article Source: IANS

'They Have Certain Agenda Against Me...', Rahane Fires Back At Strike-rate Criticism

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane defended his batting approach after a 65-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and fired back at critics questioning his strike rate and intent, saying they are jealous and have certain agenda against him. Rahane endured a slow start, managing only eight runs off his first nine deliveries before top-edging a slower ball from Jaydev Unadkat. He also found it difficult to rotate strike or play attacking shots against the spin duo of Harsh Dubey and Abhishek Sharma during the powerplay. However, in KKR's tournament opener against Mumbai Indians, Rahane played a 67-run knock off 40 balls at a strike rate of 167.50. Moreover, KKRs innings was marked by a lack of substantial partnerships, with no stand reaching the half-century mark. The situation was further worsened by the run-outs of key batters, Cameron Green and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, as the team was eventually bowled out for 161 in just 16 overs. My strike rate... I have the best strike rate so far, from 2023. People who are talking are probably not watching the game or have a certain agenda against me. They don't like me playing, they don't like to watch me play. The amount of success I've had, I guess they are jealous of me. I'm not too worried. My intent was there. Sometimes as a batter you don't get the rhythm or the flow, Rahane told reporters during the post-match presser. Since IPL 2023, only Abhishek Sharma (176.56) has a better strike rate than Rahane (167.78) in the powerplay among Indians (with a cut-off of 250 balls faced). People who are talking either don't understand the game or they want me to play a different kind of innings. They didn't expect that Ajinkya Rahane would improve his game this much. I am happy they are talking about me - negative or positive. Let them talk. But partnering Finn Allen, it has been very good. The first six overs you need to look to play fearless cricket with freedom. At times you will struggle, that's okay, it's important to accept. Since IPL 2023, only Abhishek Sharma (176.56) has a better strike rate than Rahane (167.78) in the powerplay among Indians (with a cut-off of 250 balls faced). Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR suffered two defeats in their first two games - only the second time in KKR's history have they had such a poor start to a season. They will have to bounce back when they host Punjab Kings on April 6 and Lucknow Super Giants come on April 9. Article Source: IANS

Anneke Bosch: 'Not overcomplicate or overthink' should do the job for South Africa

When you do get chances, you want to use them, Anneke Bosch says of the career-best 91 in the second ODI against New Zealand in what was her international comeback

RCB Sold for $1.78 Billion: Full Story Behind IPLs Biggest Franchise Deal

Just before the start of the IPL 2026, the takeover of two Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises was top news on the sports as well as business and economy pages. Let us talk about Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the time being. A consortium led by David Blitzer acquired RCB for $ 1.78 billion (INR 16,660 crore). His Bolt Ventures are joined by private equity firm Blackstone, the Aditya Birla Group, and The Times of India Group in the new ownership group, and they take over from previous owners Diageo, who had acquired RCB from United Spirits between 2012 and 2014. RBC is one of the most popular IPL sides, although they have won only one title, that too, in 2025, but have a vast fan base. This inspired the consortium to enter into a record transaction for a team playing in a single T20 cricket competition. Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has transformed not into just the most lucrative competition in world cricket but one of the most valuable properties in world sport. The amount now paid is almost double the amount paid for the Lucknow Supergiants in 2021, the last franchise sold by BCCI. This all raises a very interesting question: how was RCB created and acquired from BCCI originally and at what cost? Whosoever is reported as the owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on paper, now or in future, they shall always be known as Vijay Mallyas team. The name Royal Challengers belonged to him and now, while he is no longer associated with this franchise, RCB has become such a big brand that new owners have also decided to go with it and the team will remain RCB. You will be surprised to note that when in 2008 BCCI was in the process of selling the franchise for the IPL, the Bengaluru (as the city is known now) franchise was not the first choice for Vijay Mallyas United Breweries Group. They had bid for 7 out of 11 cities on offer and this included Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi, each priced at $111.6 million. He was not interested in Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Cuttack and ultimately out of these four, only Jaipur emerged as a choice to form a team. The Mumbai franchise was his first choice, but in the auction held on January 24, 2008, to sell the eight franchises to kick-start the IPL, they lost the same to Reliance. Another surprise: his bid was lower to Reliance by only $0.3 million (approx. Rs 1.2 crore at that time), as if an auction scene from the Hindi film Trishul was being witnessed in the BCCI auction. Reliance took away the Mumbai franchise through a bid of $111.9 million. Now Vijay Mallyas UB Group was the front-runner for the Bengaluru as well as the Delhi franchise in the IPL. They opted for Bengaluru, in view of Vijay Mallyas connection with the city. So a $111.6 million franchise is now acquired for $1.78 billion, i.e. 1595 times more value. The United Spirits Limited (USL) started disinvestment around 2012 and by 2014, Diageo India had become a major shareholder of the Co. and simultaneously got the subsidiary Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, which had RCB. Since then, the brand value of RCB has seen significant upward movement, further added by the addition of the Womens Premier League (WIL) franchise for the city. Now the whole package is sold for $1.78 billion (approx. Rs 16,660 core). At present, it has become the biggest sports entity in India by valuation. Although the Mumbai franchise is being valued at $2.4 billion, this value is not tested in the market. After the RCB won its maiden title, in June 2025, it was projected that it would catapult the teams brand value past $140 million. People often miss that RCB is not just a cricket team. Theyre a brand, a lifestyle. While most teams show up for two months and then disappear, RCB stays in the spotlight year-round : Jersey, Mech, RCB Bar & Caf, RCB Innovation Lab to push Indias sports tech narrative and 'Hustle by RCB', their fitness content initiative keeps fans engaged. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As such, the bid of $1.78 billion to acquire the RCB came as no surprise.

Alana Kings 5-Wicket Haul Powers Australia to 3-0 ODI Series Whitewash Over West Indies

Alana King claimed her second-best ODI bowling figures as Australia registered a commanding nine-wicket win over the West Indies in the third ODI here at Warner Park and wrapped up a 3-0 whitewash. Led by a five-wicket haul 5-19 from leg-spinner King, Australia bowled the West Indies out for a paltry 136 before chasing the total down with more than 30 overs to spare. King's 5-19 isher her second best bowling figures, after her 7-18 against South Africa at last year's ODI World Cup. Opting to bat first, the West Indies started well by scoring 49/1 in the Powerplay. However, things change drastically as they were reduced to 78/5 by the 19th over. Apart from the 38-run opening stand, the only other notable partnership was the 37-run stand between Realeanna Grimmond and Chinelle Henry. Grimmond was dismissed by King in the 27th over, after which the innings fell apart quickly as the lower order offered little resistance. Henry was left without support and stayed unbeaten on 42, as West Indies were bowled out for 136 in 35.4 overs. In reply, Australia got off to perfect start in the chase swiftly with a 50-run opening stand between Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield setting the tone. Voll was the only batter to be dismissed following which an 87-run stand between Litchfield and Ellyse Perry completed the chase in 19.4 overs. Litchfield remained unbeaten on 68, while Perry was 33 not out. In reply, Australia got off to perfect start in the chase swiftly with a 50-run opening stand between Georgia Voll and Phoebe Litchfield setting the tone. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: West Indies 136 all-out in 35.4 overs (Chinelle Henry 42*, Hayley Matthews 34; Alana King 5-19, Ashleigh Gardner 2-29) lost to Australia 137/1 in 19.4 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 68*, Ellyse Perry 33*; Ashmini Munisar 1-35) by nine wickets. Article Source: IANS

Rahane 'messed it up' for Varun by giving him powerplay over, says Pathan

At the moment [Varun] doesn't inspire a lot of confidence, Sanjay Bangar says

IPL 2026: Abhishek Sharma Fined, Handed Demerit Point For Code Of Conduct Breach

Code Of Conduct: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder Abhishek Sharma received a 25 per cent match-fee fine and a demerit following a Code of Conduct breach during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The match referee deemed Abhishek to have breached Article 2.3 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which covers he use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise. This conduct may include, for example, swearing in frustration at one's own play or fortune. Abhishek Sharma, All-rounder, Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been fined 25 per cent of his match fees and has also accumulated one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during his team's match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday, IPL said in a statement. Abhishek has accepted the punishment from the IPL and accepted the sanctions. He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding, read the statement from the IPL. Abhishek soared back to form in the match, scoring 48 runs off 21 balls, courtesy of four sixes and as many boundaries. In the process, he entered the history books by becoming the first Indian to hit 100 sixes in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Abhishek has accepted the punishment from the IPL and accepted the sanctions. He admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.3 and accepted the Match Referee's sanction. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee's decision is final and binding, read the statement from the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score SRH posted a mammoth 226 for 8 before their disciplined bowling attack dismantled the hosts for 161. Notably, this comprehensive triumph makes Sunrisers Hyderabad the first team this season to successfully defend a total, breaking the early tournament trend of chasing teams dominating the results. Article Source: IANS

Shoaib Bashir Retains England 'Ambition' Despite Ashes Snub

Shoaib Bashir retains a massive ambition to become England's go-to spinner despite being overlooked by selectors during a troubled tour of Australia. Bashir was named as England's only frontline spinner for the tour Down Under but was not selected for any of the five Test matches as the tourists lost 4-1. Instead all-rounder Will Jacks acted as the spin option for Ben Stokes' side in four of the five matches after an all-seam attack was selected for the opening Test. I've got a massive ambition to play for England, said Bashir, who has switched counties from Somerset to Derbyshire to secure more playing time. It's the most special thing and the most honourable thing that you can do, so I'll do anything in my powers to try and improve. Derbyshire head coach Mickey Arthur, who has overseen Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, hailed the 22-year-old as one of the best spinners he has seen at that age. I've been very fortunate to see a lot of spinners, some in the subcontinent, I haven't seen a spinner that is as consistent as what Shoaib is at the same age, Arthur said. The growth is going to be massive and what we do is give them the roots to grow and the wings to fly. From what I've seen with Shoaib, the world is going to be his oyster. Bashir was plucked from obscurity by England two years ago and claimed 68 wickets in 19 Tests. He continued to be backed by the England set up despite inconsistent displays and Jack Leach being preferred to him at Somerset. Obviously it was very situational and the team was selected on a game-to-game basis and spin didn't play a massive part in the Ashes, Bashir said. I'm in communication with the England management a lot and I definitely feel that they're keeping an eye on me and seeing how I'm improving and tracking the things that I'm learning. Also Read: Live Cricket Score England host New Zealand in a three-Test series in June before facing Pakistan for three more Tests in August and September.

Strike-rate criticism: Rahane attacks detractors for 'a certain agenda' against him

It's not compulsory to bowl four overs. If he's struggling, you've got to accept that he is struggling, Ajinkya Rahane says of giving Varun Chakravarthy just two overs against SRH

King and Litchfield lead Australia's charge to 3-0

The visitors needed fewer than 20 overs to chase their target to complete an undefeated tour of West Indies

Azam Khan's rampage takes unbeaten Karachi Kings to nervy win

His brutal 34-ball 74 led the way in a chase of 198, after an excellent Hasan Ali had ripped out a three-for in the death for Kings

IPL 2026: I Was Just Happy To See All Of Them Putting Their Effort, Says Kishan

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Ishan Kishan praised his teams collective commitment after their emphatic 65-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Eden Gardens, saying he was delighted to see every player contribute to the sides first victory of the season. Not at the way I played, but the way the rest of the team. Its always the team. So, really happy the way they were committed on the ground and everyone was putting their energy, and that was something I asked for before the game. I was just happy to see all of them putting their effort, said Kishan at the conclusion of the game. He credited Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma for setting the tone with a blistering Power-play through an 82-run partnership. No, I dont think the pitch was that good, to be very honest. I think Head and Abhishek played beautiful knocks out there, and getting those all 80 runs in the power play made the game easy for us because I think every batter got that extra time to take singles and understand how the pitch is playing. So, to be very honest, I give credit to both the batters and Klassy taking it to the end, Nitesh playing a lovely knock. So, it was overall a team effort, I feel. On the bowling front, Kishan highlighted the importance of early breakthroughs, just like how Harsh Dubey took out Finn Allen. Our plan was to take wickets, you know, and we all know when Finn goes, its hard to stop him, but at the same time, we were just looking for wickets. Harsh just bowled that ball, and we were lucky enough to get his wicket. But Im really happy with the bowlers, the way they performed, and the way they were executing their plans. Harsh has been doing well for his domestic team as well. Now, he is keeping his nerves down, as you said. Hes been calm in tough situations as well. He also singled out debutant Shivang Kumar for his fearless approach. But I would love to talk about Shivang today because, you know, coming here, playing against KKR, not so big ground, good wicket in the second innings, he bowled exceptionally well, I feel. So, that is something; his hard work paid off. He was working a lot. He was in touch with all the coaches. He was trying to understand how this game works here. You can see how he was bowling with a big heart against Rinku, bowling those flighted balls. So, that is something you always want to see from a young bowler who comes into the team, and he did the job for us. Kishan admitted that fielding remains an area of concern. I think we are getting to know about the areas in every game. So, fielding is something we need to work on as a team. We cannot be giving 20-odd runs in each game. So, we will have to work there because in IPL, 20 or 10 runs make a huge difference in a T20 game. So, well work on it as a team. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane said KKRs chase faltered in the middle overs. I thought we did a couple of big partnerships. Guys who were set needed to take it deep in the end with the ball (bat). I thought we came back really well for 7-8 overs. Within the (10) overs, I thought they were 130, 140-odd. But with the ball, I thought we came back really well. In batting, when you're chasing the target, you know you need that partnership. We couldn't get that. On conditions, Rahane said, I thought the second innings, I felt the ball was slightly stopping. The slower balls were gripping a lot more than in the first innings. We thought the wicket would get better, but the ball was a little stopping. But again, see, no excuses. We got a good start. I thought the first six overs we were 78. We lost that one extra wicket, and Green was run out. But apart from that, we were going really well. As I said, the middle overs were the crucial time for us. We needed that partnership from the set batters. That just didn't happen. I thought SRH bowlers executed the slower balls, and the angles that they used were really good. On conditions, Rahane said, I thought the second innings, I felt the ball was slightly stopping. The slower balls were gripping a lot more than in the first innings. We thought the wicket would get better, but the ball was a little stopping. But again, see, no excuses. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But again, we got 3-4 days. We don't want to think too much. I think guys are doing really well. Just one off day with the bat. Last game we did really well. Just needed those small partnerships. I think if the batters can have that positive mindset and this extra awareness while batting, I think we'll be fine. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: It's The Match-winning Performance I Was Waiting For A Long Time, Says Reddy

Nitish Kumar Reddy: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy said he was relieved to finally deliver a decisive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, adding that his all-round efforts in the 65-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders were something he was itching to dish out on the field. Reddy hit 39 off 24 deliveries and shared an 82-run stand with Heinrich Klaasen while taking 2-17 with the ball as SRH got their first win of the competition. It's the match-winning performance I was waiting for a long time. Thankfully, it came at the right time, and even my bowling has given me confidence. Just trying to be positive. There have been too many negative thoughts in my mind because the last season didn't go my way, and I couldn't bowl last season. I've worked really hard on my bowling, and it's paying off, and that really makes you feel happy, and I am happy now. Thanks to the trainers and physios, my body is fully fit now, said Reddy at the conclusion of the game, after being given the Player of the Match award. SRH had earlier posted 226/8, the highest total of the season, before bowling out KKR for 161 to secure their first win of the competition. Senior pacer Jaydev Unadkat, who finished with figures of 3-21 and currently holds the Purple Cap, also reflected on his performance. Its very early in the season, but I'm happy to get this whenever I can. I feel experience counts. Its about not worrying about what people on the outside say. Whatever works on the day works. Cutters were working today, so we stuck to that. We bowled into the pitch, got some good wickets in between, got a lucky breakthrough, and got that run out. So, pretty happy with the bowling performance. We didnt bowl well in the first game. I think we didnt execute our plans, but today was a good performance overall, he said. Unadkat added that communication with the batters during the innings helped the bowlers adapt to conditions. I think while our batting innings were going on, and obviously the feedback from our batters was that the wicket is double-paced, the ball was sticking on the pitch. So, always working together and the communication worked. Cutters were working today, so we stuck to that. We bowled into the pitch, got some good wickets in between, got a lucky breakthrough, and got that run out. So, pretty happy with the bowling performance. We didnt bowl well in the first game. I think we didnt execute our plans, but today was a good performance overall, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Changing the angles, trying to keep the batsman guessing all the time. Its obviously the pitches and the grounds make you feel like you get hit on good balls as well. So, just keep doing different stuff and make the batsman guess all the time. I think thats what worked for me today, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Klaasen fifty, Travishek onslaught hand SRH first points of the season

KKR faded away after flying start and Raghuvanshi's fifty in 227 chase to remain winless

IPL 2026: Klaasen, Bowlers Help SRH Get First Win Of Season, Beat KKR By 65 Runs (ld)

Kolkata Knight Riders: Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat returned with impressive figures of 3-21 as Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a commanding bowling performance to crush Kolkata Knight Riders by 65 runs and secure their first victory of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. After SRH posted 226/8, the highest total of the competition so far, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen hitting 52 and Abhishek Sharma smashing 48, Unadkats spell was the highlight of their successful defence. He was well supported by Eshan Malinga, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harsh Dubey, who maintained relentless pressure throughout as KKR were bowled out for 161 all out in 16 overs, after being 110/3 at one point. The victory was significant not only because it gave SRH their first two points of the campaign, but also because it marked the first successful defence of a total in this years tournament. Barring Angkrish Raghuvanshis 52, KKR faltered against the disciplined SRH attack, with the pacers using slower balls very well. As a result, they never really threatened to chase down the uphill target. KKRs chase began explosively as Finn Allen smashed 28 off just seven balls, including four boundaries and two sixes in the 25-run opening over bowled by David Payne. But Dubey struck a crucial blow by dismissing Allen through a sharp caught and bowled chance. Ajinkya Rahane and Raghuvanshi carried the momentum through a 37-run stand for the second wicket, with the latter looking sublime in his strokeplay. But SRH soon made a comeback as Unadkat removed Rahane with a slower ball, which he hit to mid-wicket, while Cameron Green was run out on the last ball of the sixth over, leaving KKR at 74/3. Raghuvanshi continued to attack and reached his second consecutive fifty in 27 balls, before being run out for 52 in the 11th over. Nitish, on the money with his lines, accounted for Anukul Roy and Rinku Singh in quick succession to derail KKRs chase. Despite a brief counterattack from Sunil Narine, who struck two sixes in his 12-run cameo, Malinga dismissed him and Ramandeep Singh in successive overs. Unadkat then returned to remove Kartik Tyagi and Varun Chakaravarthy to end with figures of 3-21 and get their first win of the competition. Previously, blistering knocks from Abhishek and Klaasen helped SRH post the highest total of the season. For KKR, pacer Blessing Muzarabani ended with 4-41, and despite the side not conceding much in the back-end overs, they still had an uphill mountain to climb. After being put in to bat, SRH got off to a flying start, with Abhishek and Travis Head tearing into the new-ball attack, who erred in bowling too full and short. Head smashed 46 off 21 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, while Abhishek struck 48 off 21 deliveries, including four fours and as many sixes. The pair added 82 runs in under five overs, setting the tone for a mammoth score. After Head was taken out by Tyagi, Muzarabani pulled things back for KKR with a double strike in the eighth over - removing Abhishek and a belligerent Ishan Kishan in quick succession. Though Narine and Chakaravarthy were expensive, Anukul Roy managed to hold his own by accounting for Aniket Verma, leaving SRH at 118/4 in 9.2 overs. Klaasen and Reddy (39 off 24 balls) steadied the innings with a crucial 82-run stand for the fifth wicket, the second-highest partnership for SRH in IPL history at that position. Whenever the bowlers erred, the duo were quick to send the ball over the boundary ropes with Reddy also given a reprieve by Chakaravarthy. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Dubey chipped in with a brisk cameo, striking successive boundaries off Arora in the 19th over. Muzarabani returned to claim two more wickets in the final, including Klaasen, to finish with his first four-fer in the IPL. Despite the late strikes, SRH crossed the 220-mark, which was more than sufficient to get them off the mark on the points table. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad 226/8 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Abhishek Sharma 48; Blessing Muzarabani 4-41, Vaibhav Arora 2-47) beat Kolkata Knight Riders 161 all out in 16 overs (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 52, Rinku Singh 35; Jaydev Unadkat 3-21, Eshan Malinga 2-14) by 65 runs Article Source: IANS

CSK vs PBKS Match 7, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

CSK vs PBKSMatch 7, Cricket Tips :Chennai Super Kings had a tough beginning to the IPL 2026, and they suffered a defeat at the hands of Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Now, they will be back at home and will face Punjab Kings. This contest has a scheduled start of 7:30 PM IST on Friday, taking place at Chapauk Stadium. CSK need this win to open their account and get going in this tournament. They looked below-par in the opening encounter and need to relook at the areas they failed. PBKS are coming off a win in their opening game against Gujarat Titans. They have done well against CSK in recent seasons and will be confident of doing it again. CSK vs PBKS: Match Details Date: April 03, 2026 (Friday) Time: 7:30 PM IST Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai CSK vs PBKS Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the CSK vs PBKS clash live on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also enjoy the live action on the Jio Hotstar app or website. CSK vs PBKS Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 32 CSK : 16 PBKS : 16 No-Result : 00 CSK vs PBKS: Ground Pitch Report Chepauk Stadium has offered good batting wickets in recent years. The batters have dominated here, and some good totals were scored in the T20 World Cup 2026 here. Teams have done well here in the chase, and there are chances that there will be dew, which makes it tough for the batting side. CSK vs PBKS Possible XIs CSK: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Matt Short, Ayush Mhatre, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Kartik Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Matt Henry, Khaleel Ahmed PBKS : Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal CSK vs PBKS: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sanju Samson missed in the first game, but with the form he is in, he will be a dangerous batter for PBKS. Prabhsimran Singh showed that he is carrying good form in the IPL and will be a difficult bowler to face. Probable Best Bowler Noor Ahmad will be a tough bowler to face in the conditions in Chennai. For PBKS, the spell of Yuzvendra Chahal will be crucial, because he will get good purchase from the wicket. Today Match Prediction : CSK are playing at home, but they are not in good form. The injuries have also not helped them either. But PBKS have a good combination, and we predict them to win this game. CSK vs PBKS Match 7, IPL 2026, Today CSK vs PBKS Match, CSK vs PBKS Prediction, CSK vs PBKS Predicted XIs, Injury Update for CSK vs PBKS Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

IPL 2026: Young CSK Batters Will Improve With More Game Time, Says Gaikwad

Young Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings captain (CSK) Ruturaj Gaikwad backed his young batting line-up to improve as the season progresses after his side faltered against Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the 2026 IPL, adding that they will see them become better with more game time. CSK were bowled out for 127 by Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, as they slumped to an eight-wicket loss. The wicket was slightly tougher, and we had to bat first, put up a score, and they had two really good new-ball bowlers. So that really put us on the back foot. In T20 games, we are not really used to playing on such pitches. So maybe we dont actually have that experience where players will adapt and play accordingly. But its a new group, a new batch, so you know they will learn slowly. The more games they get, they will get better and better, said Gaikwad in the pre-match press conference. Gaikwad also felt conditions at Chepauk could vary depending on the weather, with dew and moisture likely to affect the pitch at night, especially after pitches during the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup turned out to be batting-friendly. Regarding pitches, a lot depends here on the weather. And whatever World Cup games happened, they happened in February. So not much of dew. With the best weather and best conditions, usually the Chennai wicket plays really well. But, at night, sometimes, if there is excessive dew and a bit more moisture in the wicket, it tends to change a bit, especially the second half of the innings. So, not really sure about how it will go this year. We have to adapt accordingly and take the experience. We have seven games, and hopefully, whatever the pitch, we will try to make use of however much ever we can, he said. If the pitch is indeed on the flatter side, Gaikwad stated that young batter Kartik Sharma, who scored 18 from 15 balls on his IPL debut, can come good. Well, really confident with what skill set we have. Kartik is someone who has a really good six-hitting ability. I have not seen many right-handers who have that six-hitting ability. So he is one of the greatest additions to our squad. But, at night, sometimes, if there is excessive dew and a bit more moisture in the wicket, it tends to change a bit, especially the second half of the innings. So, not really sure about how it will go this year. We have to adapt accordingly and take the experience. We have seven games, and hopefully, whatever the pitch, we will try to make use of however much ever we can, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In IPL, there is a lot of pressure from families, media, team members, everyone. So, to cope with that and to just get into that IPL performance mode, it takes time. It is about giving them time. When this batting lineup starts clicking, I think that is the one to look up, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

'Allow them to make mistakes': Gaikwad wants CSK youngsters to embrace IPL pressure

He emphasised the importance of batting with a positive mindset, despite a poor performance in their opening match, ahead of their first home fixture of the season

PCB Committee Upholds Two-match Ban On Fakhar Zaman For Ball Tampering

Mr Syed Ali Naqi: A three-member Appellate Committee rejected the appeal filed by Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman against the two-match ban for ball tampering, saying there was not enough proof and thus upheld the punishment, a news report said on Thursday. The decision was on expected lines as there was enough proof against Fakhar Zaman changing the condition of the ball during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) match last week, Telecom Asia Sport reported on Thursday. Fakhar Zaman appealed the decision of the Match Referee to suspend him for two PSL matches for breaching Article 2.14 of the applicable Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel during the Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings match on Sunday, 29 March at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, said a PCB release. The appeal was heard today by the PSL Technical Committee comprising Professor Javed Malik, Dr Mumraiz Naqshband, and Mr Syed Ali Naqi. Pursuant to conducting a de novo inquiry, reviewing all evidence, and hearing submissions from relevant individuals, the Committee has dismissed the appeal and upheld the two-match ban imposed by Match Referee Roshan Mahanama, the report quoted the release as saying. As per Article 2.14, it relates to Changing the condition of the ball in breach of clause 41.3 of the PSL Playing Conditions. Commission of a Level 3 offence for the first time carries a minimum penalty of one match ban and maximum penalty of two match ban, said the decision. In accordance with the Code of Conduct, any decision made by the PSL Technical Committee shall be the full, final, and complete disposition of the matter and will be binding on all parties. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was subsequently replaced before the final over of Karachi Kings innings. The charge was brought forward by on-field umpires Shahid Saikat and Faisal Khan Aafreedi, along with TV umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Tariq Rasheed. Fakhar denied wrongdoing and opted to challenge the allegation during a formal disciplinary hearing, as permitted under the Code of Conduct. The incident occurred in the closing stages of the match, when on-field umpires penalised Lahore Qalandars by awarding five runs to the opposition. The ball was subsequently replaced before the final over of Karachi Kings innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lahore Qalandars are set to play their upcoming matches against Multan Sultans on Friday, April 3, at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by a clash with Islamabad United on Thursday (April 9) at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Everyone Got A Taste Of The Maturity He Has With The Bat, Says PBKS' Haddin On Connolly

Chennai Super Kings: Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin said young batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly showed remarkable maturity in his debut IPL outing, as the side prepares to face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. Connolly struck an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls and held his nerve in a chase of 163 after PBKS suffered a middle-order wobble against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh. Weve known about Cooper Connolly in Australia for some time. We were pretty keen to get him early in the auction and spoke early in our preparation about bringing him in before everyone could get a real look at how good he was. I think everyone got a taste of the maturity he has with the bat and saw the way he controlled the innings in the first game. It was his first IPL game under pressure with things going on around him, but weve known about that ability for a long time, and I think everyone got the opportunity to see his skills, said Haddin in the pre-match press conference. Haddin also provided a fitness update on skipper Shreyas Iyer, who injured his hand in the previous match after being hit by a shot from Connolly. Theres no break (in the bone), which is a good thing. Now its just about getting the swelling down and getting the movement back in the hand, so he should be right for tomorrow, he said. Haddin said PBKS had worked hard in the preparation period to build flexibility in their squad and adapt to varying pitches. Weve got great flexibility in our squad. Weve spent a lot of time over the last two years trying to get that balance right so we can cover different surfaces in the IPL. On assessing the conditions at Chepauk, where the pitchs nature is flat, Haddin said, Well look at all the numbers around the surface here. Theres a lot of data on how it plays and whether you need to play an extra spinner. The wicket has become a bit flatter over time, and theres more grass on it at the moment than weve seen previously, so well probably make a judgment call after training today. But as I said before, were very lucky with the flexibility in our squad, so were not too worried about what surface well get. On pacer Xavier Bartletts progress, Haddin noted his evolution as both a bowler and lower-order batter. If you look closely at Xavier Bartletts game, hes improved a lot over the last 12 months. The wicket has become a bit flatter over time, and theres more grass on it at the moment than weve seen previously, so well probably make a judgment call after training today. But as I said before, were very lucky with the flexibility in our squad, so were not too worried about what surface well get. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Haddin signed off by saying PBKS was happy to get off the mark in the tournament with a win. Were very happy. Its important to get your tournament started in the right way. Theres room for improvement in what we did in the first game, but were very pleased with the way the game panned out in the end. Article Source: IANS

Gujarat: Metro Services To Run Till Midnight On IPL Match Days, Says GMRC

The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation: The Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation (GMRC) has extended metro train services in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on selected dates to facilitate passenger movement during the IPL 2026 day-night matches scheduled at Narendra Modi Stadium. In a statement issued on Thursday, the corporation said metro services will operate beyond normal hours on April 4, April 17, April 20, April 26, April 30, May 3 and May 12. On these days, services will run until 12:30 a.m. to accommodate spectators attending matches at the stadium. Under the regular timetable, metro services in Ahmedabad operate between 06:20 a.m. and 10 p.m., while services on the Gandhinagar corridor from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir run from 07:30 a.m. to 07:40 p.m. On match days, additional late-night services will be introduced after 10 p.m. Trains will run from Motera Stadium to APMC between 10 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. and from Old High Court Interchange to Vastral Gam and Thaltej Gam between 10 p.m. and 12:50 a.m. Two additional services from Motera Stadium to Mahatma Mandir will operate at 11:40 p.m. and 12:10 a.m. Passengers travelling after matches will be permitted to board trains only from Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations, from where connectivity will be available to all operational stations on both Ahmedabad corridors, as well as on the Gandhinagar route up to Mahatma Mandir. To manage the expected footfall, GMRC has introduced a special paper ticket for return journeys on match days. The ticket will be priced at a flat Rs 50 per person and will be valid for travel from Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations to all operational stations in Ahmedabad, and between Motera Stadium and Mahatma Mandir during extended hours. The corporation stated that regular ticketing options, including contactless smart tokens, smart cards, National Common Mobility Cards and QR-based tickets, will remain valid only until 10 p.m. on these days. Tickets purchased in advance for return journeys through kiosks, ticket vending machines, counters or the mobile application will not be valid after that time. After 10 p.m., entry at Motera Stadium and Sabarmati stations will be permitted only with the special paper ticket. The special tickets will be available for advance purchase on match days at multiple stations including Nirant Cross Road, Rabari Colony, Apparel Park, Kalupur, Old High Court, Thaltej, Motera, Sabarmati, Ranip, Vadaj, Jivraj Park, GNLU, Infocity, Sector-1 and Mahatma Mandir to reduce congestion after matches. The announcement comes as Ahmedabad prepares to host fixtures of the IPL season. According to the schedule, the stadium will start with Gujarat Titans versus Rajasthan Royals on April 4 in an evening fixture. The announcement comes as Ahmedabad prepares to host fixtures of the IPL season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket venue in the world, has regularly hosted high-profile IPL fixtures, including playoff matches in previous seasons, and is expected to draw large crowds during the current tournament. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Klaasen, Abhishek Help SRH Reach Highest Total Of The Season Against KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) rode on blistering knocks by Abhishek Sharma (48) and Heinrich Klaasen (52) to post the highest total of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season by finishing at 226/8 in their 20 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. For KKR, pacer Blessing Muzarabani ended with 4-41, and despite the side not conceding much in the back-end overs, they still have an uphill mountain to climb as they need to complete the chase at 11.3 runs per over. Asked to bat first, SRH got off to a flying start, with Abhishek and Travis Head tearing into the new-ball attack, who erred in bowling too full and short. Head smashed 46 off 21 balls, laced with six fours and three sixes, while Abhishek struck 48 off 21, including four fours and as many sixes. The pair added 82 runs in under five overs, setting the tone for a mammoth score. After Head was taken out by Kartik Tyagi, Muzarabani pulled things back for KKR with a double strike in the eighth over - removing Abhishek and a belligerent Ishan Kishan in quick succession. Though Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy were expensive, Anukul Roy managed to hold his own by accounting for Aniket Verma, leaving SRH at 118/4 in 9.2 overs. Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy (39 off 24 balls) steadied the innings with a crucial 82-run stand for the fifth wicket, the second-highest for SRH in IPL history at that position. Whenever the bowlers erred, the duo were quick to send the ball over the boundary ropes with Reddy also given a reprieve by Chakaravarthy. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Harsh Dubey chipped in with a brisk cameo, striking successive boundaries off Arora in the 19th over. Muzarabani returned to claim two more wickets in the final, including Klaasen, to finish with his first four-fer in the IPL. Despite the late strikes, SRH crossed the 220-mark on a pitch that has aided strokeplay. Though Nitish and Salil Arora fell to Vaibhav Arora, Klaasen carried on and maintained his composure to complete a fluent half-century his first of this season. His 52 off 35 balls featured four boundaries and a six, ensuring SRH maintained momentum despite regular wickets. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad 226/8 in 20 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 52, Abhishek Sharma 48; Blessing Muzarabani 4-41, Vaibhav Arora 2-47) against Kolkata Knight Riders Article Source: IANS

BCB vs Dhaka clubs standoff leaves players in the lurch

The most important domestic cricket competition in Bangladesh is on hold, and the players are suffering

IPL 2026: Santner Joins Mumbai Indians Squad Ahead Of Clash With Delhi Capitals

Arun Jaitley Stadium: New Zealands left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has joined the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The five-time champion posted a video on their social media accounts, where Santners arrival in New Delhi was confirmed. It also means Santner is expected to be available for their next fixture against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Santner, who missed MIs six-wicket win over three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, adds depth to the sides spin bowling attack and also strengthens their lower middle order, giving the Hardik Pandya-led side a huge boost. Santner has been a consistent performer for New Zealand in limited-overs cricket. In the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup, Santner picked up two wickets at an economy rate of 6.60 while scoring 120 runs at a strike rate of 142.85, as he led New Zealand to a runners-up finish in the competition. Santner, who missed MIs six-wicket win over three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, adds depth to the sides spin bowling attack and also strengthens their lower middle order, giving the Hardik Pandya-led side a huge boost. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai Indians are also awaiting the arrival of off-spin bowling all-rounder Will Jacks, who has taken some time off due to personal reasons. Santner has prior IPL experience with Chennai Super Kings, where he featured in their 2023 title-winning campaign. After playing their clash against DC in New Delhi, MI will travel to Guwahati to take on the Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium on Tuesday. He missed the first match played by the Mumbai Indians against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. Article Source: IANS

CSK aim to rebuild their fortress as PBKS come calling

Shreyas Iyer has been declared fit for the clash, while CSK are likely to be without Dewald Brevis and MS Dhoni

IPL 2026: You Just Be Positive, Brave And Continue Playing Good Cricket, Says Narine

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders veteran off-spinner Sunil Narine has said momentum remains the decisive factor in T20 cricket, adding that one has to be positive, brave and continue playing good cricket, as the franchise aims to get off the mark in IPL 2026 points table. Three-time champions KKR got into the clash on the back of a six-wicket defeat to the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, despite posting 220 on board. When you have the fans backing you and backing the entire team, it gives a little more to go there. IPL is about clicking at the right time, having the senior guys work with the youngsters, and obviously getting that momentum. Momentum is everything in T20 cricket. You could get it and lose it as quickly as possible. So, you just be positive, be brave and continue playing good cricket, said Narine in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters, ahead of KKR facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens. The match also marks 200th IPL appearance for KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, with him becoming just the 11th player to achieve the feat. Narine added that younger players entering the league are better equipped than before to excel in the competition. Momentum is everything in T20 cricket. You could get it and lose it as quickly as possible. So, you just be positive, be brave and continue playing good cricket, said Narine in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters, ahead of KKR facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On his role in the side, Narine said he was ready to adapt to team requirements, especially with the bat. I am someone who is whatever the team needs. If it's at the bottom of the innings, top of the innings, it's basically whatever the team requires and what plans are there, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch CSK Vs PBKS, Know All Details

Chennai Super Kings: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will take on last seasons finalists Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. CSK endured a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing at the bottom of the table, and would have aimed for a fresh start this year. However, their campaign began on a poor note as they suffered a heavy defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. After being bowled out for just 127 in 19.4 overs, CSK saw Rajasthan chase down the target comfortably in only 12.1 overs, losing just two wickets. In contrast, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) opened their season with a hard-fought win against the Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur. Led by Shreyas Iyer, PBKS restricted their opponents to 162/6 on a challenging pitch. Despite a shaky middle-order performance, Punjab managed to cross the finish line in 19.1 overs with three wickets in hand. Punjab Kings have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the two sides, winning six of their last seven encounters against CSK. That said, the overall head-to-head record remains perfectly balanced, with both teams winning 16 matches each out of 32 played. CSK had claimed victory in their first-ever clash back in April 2008, while PBKS emerged victorious in their most recent meeting in April 2025. When: Friday, April 3, 7:30 PM IST Where: M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Where to watch: The CSK vs PBKS match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The CSK vs PBKS match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson(w), Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Urvil Patel, Matthew Short, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Matt Henry, Anshul Kamboj, Akeal Hosein, Sarfaraz Khan, MS Dhoni, Dewald Brevis, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Chahar, Spencer Johnson, Mukesh Choudhary, Aman Khan, Gurjapneet Singh, Zakary Foulkes, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Kartik Sharma, Prashant Veer Article Source: IANS

Shivang Kumar debuts for SRH; unchanged KKR bowl

Both teams are looking to open their account, having lost their opening games despite scoring 200-plus

IPL 2026: Unchanged KKR Elect To Bowl First Against SRH, Shivang Gets Debut Cap

Unchanged Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to bowl first against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, with the hosts fielding an unchanged side. Both KKR and SRH smashed 200-plus totals in their first game of the competition, but ended up on the losing side due to lacklustre bowling performances. We are going to bowl first. There is always room for improvement, but there were a lot of positives. We generally don't see so much grass, rain around, and that's why we wanted to bowl first. Not sure about the dew as there's a breeze going around. It should be good for 40 overs. He (Cam Green) is doing everything he needs to do. He should bowl soon, said Rahane after winning the toss. SRH skipper Ishan Kishan said left-arm wrist-spin bowling all-rounder Shivang Kumar will make his IPL debut. We would have bowled first. But batting first, we have to see the ball and play accordingly. We have to come up with the best game for us. You have to go out and do the basics right. Only one point I would say is execution, we need to calm down, even if we are not in a very good situation. We will look to keep it simple in this game. I don't know yet, but he (Pat Cummins) should be ready soon; he makes a big difference, with the bat as well. Shivang comes in to keep the wicket-taking options open. He has bowled well in the nets, and we are giving him an opportunity, he said. Playing XIs: Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, and Blessing Muzarabani Impact Substitutes: Finn Allen, Manish Pandey, Tejasvi Dahiya, Saurabh Dubey, and Rovman Powell Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, and Blessing Muzarabani Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Harshal Patel, Liam Livingstone, Eshan Malinga, R Smaran, and Sakib Hussain Article Source: IANS

MPCA Announces Monthly Financial Assistance For Ex-women Cricketers

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association: The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has announced that it will provide monthly financial aid to former women cricketers from the state who are not covered under the Board of Control for Cricket in Indias (BCCI) pension scheme. Under the new scheme approved by the MPCA after the proposals were put forward in its managing committee meeting on March 31, former international players hailing from the state will receive Rs 12,500 per month, while domestic cricketers will be eligible for support ranging from Rs 6,000 to 10,000 depending on the number of matches played under the Womens Cricket Association of India (WCAI) or BCCI. When we came here with the new committee, we had been thinking about this for a long time - that the women's pension scheme should be opened for ex-cricketers. Our committee came in September last year, and we have been working on this since then. Now to see it become a reality, this is the achievement of our whole committee, in which there was a lot of support from Mahanaaryaman Scindia ji, said Arundhati Kirkire, the MPCA Joint Secretary, to IANS on Thursday. Beneficiaries above 75 years will receive an additional 7,500 rupees, with the players required to apply for the scheme. The scheme will be effective April 1, adding to similar pension programmes already in place for former women cricketers in Karnataka (who will offer Rs 15,000 pension to players above 55), Bengal, Gujarat, Baroda, and Vidarbha. The minimum slab is Rs 7000-10,000. If someone is getting nothing and then gets Rs 7000 per month through this initiative, then she will get some financial support, as compared to the times when there was no money in it, and they would still play purely for the passion of the game. Everyone is very happy. Some people used to think that an initiative like this might never happen. But everybody is happy that this has happened very soon. They might not be expecting it so soon, but I'm glad that this decision was made very fast. We are also very happy to see the reception since this news came out. We are also very happy that this has been going on for a long time and that the dream has come true, added Arundhati, who played a Test and 30 ODIs for India. MPCA has also approved revised pensions for retired male cricketers and umpires not covered under the BCCI scheme. Former players will now receive Rs 7,000 rupees for up to four matches, Rs 10,000 rupees for 5-14 matches, and Rs 12,500 rupees for 15-24 matches. Retired BCCI-level umpires from the state will be entitled to Rs 10,000 per month, while state-level umpires will get Rs 6,500. Those above 75 years will receive an additional Rs 7,500. Honorariums for match officials and selectors have also been increased. Umpires in inter-divisional games will earn Rs 5,000 per match, while scorers will get 2,500 rupees per day, and selectors are set to get Rs 9,000. Incentives for coaches have also been revised. MPCA has also approved the extension of ex-India wicketkeeper-batter Chandrakant Pandits term as Director of Cricket for the next two years, while okaying the construction of Pavilion blocks in Morena and Narmadapuram grounds. MPCA financial scheme for ex-women cricketers International Cricketers (Test & ODI only) - Rs 12,500 Played only under WCAI 8-15 matches - Rs 6,000 16-20 matches Rs 7,500 21 or more matches Rs 10,000 Played under WCAI + BCCI 15-20 matches Rs 6,000 21-25 matches Rs 7,500 25 or more matches Rs 10,000 Played only under BCCI 20-25 matches Rs 6,000 Played only under BCCI Also Read: Live Cricket Score 35 or more matches Rs 10,000 Article Source: IANS

Sri Lanka Appoints Van Niekerk, Gregory As Bowling And Fielding Coaches

Sri Lanka National Men: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Thursday announced the appointment of Ryan van Niekerk as the new bowling coach and Jordan Gregory as fielding and spin bowling Coach, effective from April 15. According to an official statement, both coaches will oversee their respective disciplines across all national squads, including the senior mens team, with a focus on strengthening core skill areas. Van Niekerk, who previously worked with the Netherlands national cricket team as bowling coach and later as interim head coach from 2023 to 2026, will be responsible for managing fast bowling programmes across Sri Lankas national set-up. Before stepping into the interim head coach role, he also served as assistant coach and bowling coach with the Dutch side. During his tenure, he contributed to the teams participation in major ICC events, including the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023 and multiple editions of the ICC Mens T20 World Cup. He will begin his two-year term with Sri Lanka starting April 15, 2026. Gregory, who has previously worked as a fielding consultant with the Netherlands Cricket, will handle fielding and spin bowling development across all formats and age groups. His experience includes involvement in several international tournaments and bilateral series. He will also commence his two-year stint on April 15, as part of SLCs broader efforts to build a robust high-performance environment. Niekerk and Gregorys primary responsibilities will be guiding the Sri Lanka National Men's Team in its preparation and campaign for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, which will be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. He will also commence his two-year stint on April 15, as part of SLCs broader efforts to build a robust high-performance environment. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After the tournament, their former head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, who took over the role soon after the T20 World Cup 2024, stepped down from the post. Article Source: IANS

Minhas, Shadab seal comfortable win for Islamabad United

The pair put on an unbeaten 128 off 68 balls, with both players scoring half-centuries as United made light work of the 184 chase

Nuwan Thushara files lawsuit against SLC for IPL NOC

RCB bowler's argument is that his SLC contract ended on March 31, making the enforcement of an NOC unreasonable and a barrier to his livelihood

Tom Smith Joins England As Assistant Coach Ahead Of Women's T20 World Cup

Head Coach Charlotte Edwards: England Women's cricket team has appointed Tom Smith as their new assistant coach ahead of the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which will begin on June 12. The former left-arm spinner has taken nearly 400 wickets across all formats during his professional playing career for Sussex, Surrey, Middlesex, and Gloucestershire. Smith has good coaching experience. His coaching stint began in 2021 in Gloucestershire, when he fulfilled a dual player/coach role before stepping into the assistant coach role in 2025. Smith also worked as an assistant coach with the Birmingham Phoenix womens team during The Hundred last year. Smith joins Head Coach Charlotte Edwards coaching group ahead of a hectic schedule of international cricket that includes the ICC Womens T20 World Cup on home soil, a first-ever Womens Test match at Lords, and white-ball series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland. The opportunity to coach England Women is an amazing one, and Im incredibly excited to get started. Its shaping up to be a brilliant summer, with a home World Cup on the horizon and a T20 series against India. Ill also be returning to Bristol for the India T20, which will be a really special experience and one Im very much looking forward to, Smith said in a statement. Id like to thank Jon Lewis, Mark Alleyne, and everyone at Gloucestershire for their understanding and support during this transition. I wish the players, staff, and supporters all the very best for the summer ahead and beyond, he added. While England Women's Head coach Charlotte Edwards said, Im delighted Tom is joining us as our spin bowling coach after a professional playing career spanning nearly 20 years as a left-arm spinner, most notably at Gloucestershire, before moving into coaching at the same county and working with Birmingham Phoenix women. Id like to thank Jon Lewis, Mark Alleyne, and everyone at Gloucestershire for their understanding and support during this transition. I wish the players, staff, and supporters all the very best for the summer ahead and beyond, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, England is placed in Group 2 of the T20 World Cup 2026, along with Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, the West Indies, India, and New Zealand. They will start their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 12. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Bowlers Get Confused When We Bat Together,' Says Jitesh On Pairing With Shepherd

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finishers Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd spoke about their on-field chemistry, highlighting how their contrasting styles make them a challenging pair for bowlers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they gear up for their second match to be played against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday. Jitesh underlined the tactical advantage of their partnership, noting how their differing strengths complicate field placements for the opposition. I feel when we play together, the bowler might be confused. When I can use all the angles, he can hit the ball with power. So it's confusing for the bowler to place the field, he said in a video released by RCB on X. Shepherd, meanwhile, emphasised the confidence he derives from batting alongside Jitesh, crediting him for creating a positive environment in the middle. Whenever I'm batting with him, I feel confident because he always makes me feel like I'm the best. Also, he makes me feel like I can hit every ball for six. So that's something that, you know, he gives me the confidence to go there and play my shots, he said. Despite his own aggressive approach, Jitesh admitted that matching Shepherds power is no easy task. I can't gain the power that I want. I think if I try to gain that power, I might not be a cricketer; I might be a bodybuilder or something else. But I think it's very difficult to get his power, he added. Shepherd also praised Jiteshs composure and versatility, particularly in pressure situations, which helps him remain calm at the other end. Whenever you're batting with someone like Jitesh, what Jitesh does well in the end, you know, is hold his composure, stay calm, and you know, you have all the shots. So it's easy for him to actually go to one of his funky shots, you know, one of the scoops or something like that. In T20 cricket, that's all you want, he said. Shepherd also praised Jiteshs composure and versatility, particularly in pressure situations, which helps him remain calm at the other end. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Jitesh and Shepherd played a huge role in RCB's triumph last year. Jitesh scored 261 runs in 15 matches, while Shepherd hit 151 runs in just 8 matches and also scored a 14-ball fifty against CSK. Article Source: IANS

Tom Smith joins England Women as spin-bowling coach

Former Gloucestershire spinner to work with Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith before T20 World Cup

Nuwan Thushara Moves Court Against SLC Over IPL 2026 NOC Denial: Report

News Wire Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has moved the Colombo District Court seeking legal intervention after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) declined to grant him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for participation in the Indian Premier League 2026. The matter came up for hearing on Thursday, with the court scheduling the next proceedings for April 9. In his petition, Thushara has named SLC president Shammi Silva, secretary Bandula Dissanayake, treasurer Sujeewa Godaliyadda and CEO Ashley de Silva as defendants. The pacer had secured a contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for IPL 2026, having previously featured in the tournament in the last two seasons with the boards approval. However, SLC is understood to have withheld the NOC this time, citing his failure to meet required fitness benchmarks, according to News Wire Sri Lanka. Thushara has contested the decision, stating that his central contract with the board expires on March 31, 2026, and that he had already communicated his intention not to renew it. He further claimed that he has effectively been out of national selection plans, making the boards stance on fitness grounds inconsistent and unjustified. In his plea, the bowler maintained that his fitness levels remain in line with those of previous years, during which he was granted NOCs to participate in overseas leagues, including the IPL. He argued that the refusal to issue the clearance now lacks merit, especially given the absence of any change in his physical condition. Thushara has contested the decision, stating that his central contract with the board expires on March 31, 2026, and that he had already communicated his intention not to renew it. He further claimed that he has effectively been out of national selection plans, making the boards stance on fitness grounds inconsistent and unjustified. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Thushara has sought judicial relief in the form of a declaration affirming his right to receive the NOC, along with interim and permanent orders directing SLC to grant him permission to compete in the IPL and other international leagues. The case will next be heard on April 9, as the dispute between the player and the national board continues to unfold. Article Source: IANS

Zimbabwe To Host Australia For ODI Series In September

ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni: Zimbabwe Cricket has announced that they will host Australia for a three-match ODI series in September, marking Australias first ODI visit to the country in more than a decade. The last time the two sides met on Zimbabwean soil in this format was during a triangular series in August/September 2014, which also featured South Africa. The series will commence on September 15, with the second and third matches scheduled to be played on September 18 and 20. All fixtures will be played at Harare Sports Club. The series forms a key part of Zimbabwe's build-up to the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2027, which Zimbabwe will co-host alongside South Africa and Namibia. ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni said the tour comes at an important stage for the team. We are delighted to welcome Australia back to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a highly competitive ODI series, he said. Fixtures of this calibre are vital for our growth as a team. With the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, this tour provides invaluable preparation as we build towards hosting the tournament alongside South Africa and Namibia. It is also a fantastic opportunity for our fans to experience top-level international cricket at home, and we look forward to strong support at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe has consistently proven to be a thorn in the side for Australian outfits in recent times. Most recently, Australia's T20 outfit was left chastened by a 23-run defeat to Zimbabwe at this year's T20 World Cup in February enroute to an embarrassing group stage exit. It is also a fantastic opportunity for our fans to experience top-level international cricket at home, and we look forward to strong support at Harare Sports Club. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For Zimbabwe, Australia's visit will follow three T20s in the country against India, while they will also be heading to India in Janaury 2027 for three ODIs. Article Source: IANS

Australia to tour Zimbabwe for three ODIs in September

The ODIs, which will end an eight-year absence for Australia in Zimbabwe, are set to be played at the Harare Sports Club

My Role Is To Understand What Each Individual Needs And Prepare Them For Match Situations: DK

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, who has transitioned into a batting coaching role at Royal Challengers Bengaluru after formerly representing the franchise, opened up on his role, saying that his job is to understand every player's needs and help them prepare for tough situations in the match. His influence was evident as the team started their 2026 IPL campaign by making history with the fastest 200-plus chase in the IPL, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in just 15.4 overs, an achievement that underscores the team's strong preparation and effective execution under pressure. In our team, we have players at very different stages of their careers. All of them are eager to learn, and my role is to understand what each individual needs while ultimately preparing them for match situations. Where they bat and the challenges they face are very different. For example, someone like Phil Salt will often deal with the new ball swinging, whereas for someone like Romario Shepherd, swing is rarely a factor at that stage. So, its about helping them understand those scenarios, what positions to get into, what to look for and then observing and giving them feedback accordingly. Coaching is as much about understanding the person as it is about the skill, Karthik said, reflecting on his coaching philosophy. Drawing from his playing career and broadcasting experience, Karthik highlights the importance of clarity, brevity, and trust to help players make well-informed decisions under pressure. These are elite players who are already dominating world cricket, so you dont need to overcoach. Its about giving them the right inputs and trusting them to make the best decisions. My experience in broadcasting has been very helpful. You travel, watch different teams and players closely, and analyse both their strengths and weaknesses. As a commentator, youre constantly observing and breaking the game down, which helps later in coaching. Its also taught me to communicate clearly and concisely, and that really helps when working with players, Karthik added. This season, RCBs batting has shown a consistent structure and adaptability throughout different phases. A crucial part of Karthiks role has been customising preparations for each player, enabling them to foresee and react to particular match situations. As a commentator, youre constantly observing and breaking the game down, which helps later in coaching. Its also taught me to communicate clearly and concisely, and that really helps when working with players, Karthik added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We try to simulate match situations in training and identify the shots hes most comfortable with and also the areas where he feels he can improve. Then its about designing drills around that, Karthik said. Article Source: IANS

'Winning Game Makes You Feel Far Better Than Just Scoring A Hundred,' Says Pietersen On Rizvi's Knock

Lucknow Super Giants: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has heaped praise on young batter Sameer Rizvi after his unbeaten 70 off 47 balls powered Delhi Capitals (DC) to a thumping six-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Pietersen, who worked as a mentor with the DC last year, revealed that he watched Rizvi closely last season and was impressed with the skillset the Indian batter possesses. He urged DC's management to keep backing Rizvi, and he will pay back with match-winning knocks. He played the situation beautifully, and I'm not surprised. I spent a lot of time with Sameer last season, watched him closely. He scored a hundred in a warm-up game but, unfortunately, couldn't find a place in the first half of the tournament. However, when he got his opportunity later in the season, he showed what he was about, and everybody looked up and said, This kid is a proper player, and we probably need to invest in him for a period of time, Pietersen told Jio Hotstar. When you invest in a young player, you need that trust that the player can pay you back, and he has done exactly that in this game. He really delivered under pressure. Once you get your team over the line in a big game, especially the first game of the IPL, in a tense situation and a lot of eyeballs on you, not being in the first XI, winning that game makes you feel far better than just scoring a hundred in a high-scoring match, he added. Pietersen also supported Delhi Capitals' coach decision of sending Tristan Stubbs ahead of experienced batter David Miller, as according to the former England opener, Miller is best suited as a finisher, and Stubbs, who plays at number three in Tests, can better absorb the pressure. When you invest in a young player, you need that trust that the player can pay you back, and he has done exactly that in this game. He really delivered under pressure. Once you get your team over the line in a big game, especially the first game of the IPL, in a tense situation and a lot of eyeballs on you, not being in the first XI, winning that game makes you feel far better than just scoring a hundred in a high-scoring match, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Youve got a player in Tristan Stubbs who is full of confidence. You're making it sound like it's the best decision ever made. But when you're four down for 20, and it's between Tristan Stubbs and David Miller, who are you sending in? You're sending in Tristan Stubbs, he added. Article Source: IANS

'Pant Puts Himself Under Tremendous Pressure By Opening The Batting': Pietersen

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium: Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has disagreed with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant's decision to open the innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after the skippers brief outing at the top order against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. Pant promoted himself to the opening slot against Delhi Capitals, but his stay at the crease was cut short due to an unfortunate run-out at the non-strikers end. The dismissal came after a drive from Mitchell Marsh ricocheted off the bowlers hand and deflected onto the stumps. According to Pietersen, Pant, who struggled for runs in the last season, has increased the pressure on himself after deciding to open the innings for the team. He believes that Pant should not force himself at the top and focus on enjoying the position that he bats in. When you look at the strength and depth of LSG's batting, is Rishabh Pant really an opening batter? I think he might have gone a little too far ahead of where he was in the line-up compared to last year. Last year, he moved down the order, and now suddenly it's, I'm going to come up to the top, Pieterson told Jio Hotstar. I think he just needs to go out and enjoy his cricket. Dont force yourself into batting at three; enjoy the luxury of that position. I think he puts himself under tremendous pressure by opening the batting, he added. Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament's history last year when LSG secured the wicketkeeper-batter for Rs 27 crore. However, his performance with the bat failed to justify his price tag. Although he scored a century, his overall performance remained underwhelming, as the ton came when LSG were already out of the race for the playoffs. I think he just needs to go out and enjoy his cricket. Dont force yourself into batting at three; enjoy the luxury of that position. I think he puts himself under tremendous pressure by opening the batting, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, LSG lost their first match after Delhi Capitals chased down an easy target of 142 runs in just 17.1 overs. Pant's batting position will again be a talking point when LSG face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on April 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Article Source: IANS

SAs Rassie Van Der Dussen Announces Retirement From International Cricket

Cricket South Africa: South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him emerge as one of the countrys most dependable white-ball performers. The 35-year-old made the announcement through a statement on social media, expressing gratitude for his journey with the Proteas. It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket. To wear the Proteas jersey is a feat that demands a level of resilience and dedication that both Tests, and rewards you in the most incredible way. To have played for my country has been the greatest honour of my life. This journey has been paved with years of sacrifice, but the privilege of representing South Africa was worth every moment, he said in a statement. Van der Dussen debuted at age 29 in a T20I against Zimbabwe after a strong domestic and global T20 record across various leagues and countries. His steady domestic cricket performances, including notable seasons in South Africas first-class cricket, led to his selection for the national team. Although he has appeared in 18 Tests since his debut against England in 2019, van der Dussen excelled in the ODI format. He was instrumental in South Africas 2019 World Cup run and subsequently became a regular in the middle order. His ODI stats are impressive, with 2657 runs in 71 matches at an average above 50, making him the second-best among South Africans after AB de Villiers. Reflecting on those who supported his journey, van der Dussen added, Thank you to Cricket South Africa, Enoch Nkwe, and all the Proteas coaches and managers throughout the years for affording me the platform to wear the Proteas jersey. He also acknowledged the support of his wife and the South African fans, recalling iconic moments such as walking out to bat at the Wanderers Stadium. To my wife, Lara; you have been by my side every single step of the way. You have ridden the waves of incredible highs and difficult lows with empathy, grace and strength, and you have been my biggest cheerleader, whom I could not have done this without. To the people of South Africa and the fans; thank you. There is no feeling quite like hearing MaThousand called out in the streets, or the spine-tingling experience of walking out to bat at a packed Wanderers Stadium to the deafening roar of Fokofpolisiekars Antibiotika. Those moments of connection is difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever, Van der Dussen added. Across formats, he ends his career with 905 runs from 18 Tests (six 50s), 2657 runs from 71 ODIs (six 100s, 17 50s) and 1406 runs from 57 T20Is (10 50s). Despite stepping away from international cricket, van der Dussen confirmed that he will continue to play domestic cricket and contribute to the games future. To the people of South Africa and the fans; thank you. There is no feeling quite like hearing MaThousand called out in the streets, or the spine-tingling experience of walking out to bat at a packed Wanderers Stadium to the deafening roar of Fokofpolisiekars Antibiotika. Those moments of connection is difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever, Van der Dussen added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While my time in a Proteas shirt has come to an end, my journey is not over. I will continue to play for my beloved Lions, and I am committed to giving back to this beautiful game by teaching and mentoring the next generation of South African cricketers. I love South Africa, and I love cricket. Thank you for everything, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report, Stats & Records (Mullanpur)

India boasts more than 50 active cricket venuesmore than any other cricket-playing nation. Among the newest additions is the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium , a modern facility that has quickly gained attention in Indian cricket. Also known as theNew Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) StadiumorMYS International Cricket Stadium, this venue was built in 2021 and is owned and operated by the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). It is named after Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, the ninth and last ruling Maharaja of Patiala. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern amenities, this stadium is emerging as one of Indias premier cricket venues. Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium Key Details Located inMullanpur, New Chandigarh (Punjab), the stadium is approximately: 20 minutes from Mohali 30 minutes from Chandigarh International Airport Address:Mullanpur, District Mohali, Punjab 140901 The stadium has aseating capacity of around 38,000, making it one of the largest cricket venues in India. It features: Advanced drainage system Covered stands VIP lounges & media facilities Modern player dressing rooms LED floodlights for day-night matches Pitch Report Batting or Bowling Friendly? The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is made using a mix ofred and black soil, which ensures firmness and durability. Overall, it is considered abalanced surface with a slight advantage for batters. Powerplay:Fast bowlers get swing and seam movement with the new ball Middle overs:Pitch settles, allowing batters to play freely Death overs:Slower balls and cutters become effective Spinners:Get grip and turn as the pitch wears Unlike extremely flat tracks like Wankhede or Chinnaswamy, this surface still offers enough assistance to bowlers, making it competitive.

MCA Chief Ajinkya Naik Meets Maha CM Fadnavis Over Proposed 1-lakh Capacity Stadium In MMR

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) Ajinkya Naik has met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to advance the development of a world-class cricket stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The proposed stadium, with a planned seating capacity of 100,000 spectators, is envisioned to be among the largest cricket venues globally. Designed as a state-of-the-art facility, the project aims to set new benchmarks in sporting infrastructure, fan experience, and integrated urban development. The strategic initiative was undertaken under the leadership of CM Fadnavis to advance the development of a world-class cricket stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Naik also engaged in detailed discussions with Vijay Singhal, Managing Director of CIDCO to chart the roadmap for the landmark infrastructure project. This initiative marks a defining moment for Maharashtras sporting ecosystem. A 1-lakh-capacity stadium in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will not only elevate Mumbai cricket but also firmly position Maharashtra on the global sporting map. This world-class infrastructure will create unparalleled opportunities for player development, provide critical exposure to emerging talent, and strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across all levels, Naik said. This initiative by the Maharashtra CM underscores the states forward-looking approach to sports-led development and infrastructure innovation. The stadium is expected to serve as a catalyst for sports tourism, attract marquee international events, and enhance the regions global sporting footprint. This world-class infrastructure will create unparalleled opportunities for player development, provide critical exposure to emerging talent, and strengthen the cricketing ecosystem across all levels, Naik said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In 2025, CM Devendra Fadnavis promised his govt will allot a piece of land to the MCA to build a new stadium in the city which can accommodate 1,00,000 spectators. Last year, (Amol) Kale (late MCA president) and Ajinkya Naik (MCA president) had come to me with a request that the MCA needed to build one more stadium of minimum 1,00,000-crowd capacity. I'm assuring Ajinkya that if you come with a proposal, the Maharashtra govt will give you an appropriate, good piece of land for MCA to build its own big stadium which can seat 1,00,000 spectators, he had said during a ceremony in which MCA named a stand each at Wankhede Stadium after Rohit Sharma, Ajit Wadekar and Sharad Pawar. Article Source: IANS

LSG's Story This Season Is Far From Written: Sanjiv Goenka After Team's Loss To DC

After Lucknow Super Giants: After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) went down by six wickets against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their opening IPL 2026 encounter, franchise owner Sanjiv Goenkar rallied behind the team and the captain Rishabh Pant to bounce back in style, saying the team's story this season is far from written. LSG were well below par with the bat, but their pacers tested DC with plenty of movement. A target of 142 was always going to be difficult to defend for the hosts, but DC rode Sameer Rizvi's unbeaten 70 to a six-wicket win to begin their IPL 2026 campaign. This is a long season, and moments like these are part of building something meaningful. I have full confidence in our captain and the team to respond with strength. To our fans, thank you for your support at Ekana, we will come back stronger. The story of @LucknowIPL this season is far from written, Goenka shared on X after the match. Asked to bat first, LSG struggled to build momentum right from the onset. In a much-talked-about move, LSG captain Rishabh Pant opened the batting but suffered horrible luck, getting run out at the non-striker's end for 7 (9) on a straight drive. Key contributions from Mitchell Marsh (35 off 28 ) and Abdul Samad (36 off 25) ensured the scoreboard kept moving despite challenging conditions, with both batters finding timely boundaries to steady the innings. However, wickets at regular intervals meant the innings concluded at 141 in 18.4 overs. Defending the total, LSG required early breakthroughs, and Mohd. Shami delivered an electrifying start on his franchise debut. Firing up the Lucknow crowd, Shami dismissed Delhi's newly acquired opener KL Rahul for a golden duck on the very first ball of the innings. Asked to bat first, LSG struggled to build momentum right from the onset. In a much-talked-about move, LSG captain Rishabh Pant opened the batting but suffered horrible luck, getting run out at the non-striker's end for 7 (9) on a straight drive. Key contributions from Mitchell Marsh (35 off 28 ) and Abdul Samad (36 off 25) ensured the scoreboard kept moving despite challenging conditions, with both batters finding timely boundaries to steady the innings. However, wickets at regular intervals meant the innings concluded at 141 in 18.4 overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score While the bowlers maintained discipline and energy, Delhi Capitals gradually regained control in the latter half of the chase, with Sameer Rizvi guiding them home with an unbeaten 70, sealing the game in 17.1 overs. Article Source: IANS

With LSG, There Is No Identity Within The Team: Abhinav Mukund

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana: Former India batter Abhinav Mukund has raised serious concerns over the lack of identity and balance in Lucknow Super Giants following their clash against Delhi Capitals, offering a sharp critique of the teams composition and approach. Sameer Rizvi's unbeaten 70 and 119-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs helped DC kick off their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign with a thumping six-wicket victory over hosts LSG at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Mukund, however, admitted uncertainty about the franchises direction. I'm very unsure about LSG. They are a very young side in the IPL. So are Gujarat Titans, who are slowly building an identity towards who they are. They might have lost their first game (in 2026) but you know what Gujarat Titans will come up with on a certain day. They are top-heavy. They rely on their bowlers. They rely on their experience in the middle in terms of their spinners. With Lucknow, you always feel like there is no identity within the team, he told ESPNCricinfo. Mukunds comparison with the Gujarat Titans highlights what he believes are key differences: clarity of roles and a defined playing style. While Gujarat have built a reputation around a bowling-heavy strategy and dependable spin options, Lucknow, in his view, continues to search for consistency in their approach. He further stressed that LSGs reliance on individual brilliance rather than a cohesive system has been a recurring issue, saying, You expect performances from the top, you expect a sudden performance, like a Mark Wood sometimes comes up and picks up five wickets. You want those individual brilliant performances to drive your team. It's always been the case for Lucknow. Mukunds comparison with the Gujarat Titans highlights what he believes are key differences: clarity of roles and a defined playing style. While Gujarat have built a reputation around a bowling-heavy strategy and dependable spin options, Lucknow, in his view, continues to search for consistency in their approach. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He's not had a great domestic season but that doesn't mean - you've released Bishnoi, which means you've had your faith in Digvesh Rathi and said 'okay, you are my number one spinner and you don't play him the first match, he noted. Article Source: IANS

15 Years Later, It Still Stays With Us Tendulkar Pens Heartfelt Note On 2011 WC Win

ICC Cricket World Cup Final: India legend Sachin Tendulkar recalled the emotions of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final on the 15th anniversary of one of Indias most iconic triumphs, a night that remains etched in the nations memory. Tendulkar played a key role in Indias successful 2011 World Cup win on home soil, a historic moment cherished by all Indian fans. In his last tournament, the Master ended his drought by lifting the trophy at his home ground, becoming Indias highest run-scorer among a star-studded team. Sharing a video on X, Tendulkar reflected on the intensity and significance of that historic moment as he wrote, The first ball always makes your heart race and that night, it never stopped. 15 years later, it still stays with us. We all grew up as a bunch of young cricketers, united by one dream. To win the World Cup for India. To everyone who was a part of the journey, and to all the fansthank you for sharing it with us and making it so special. Jai Hind! Indias victory on April 2, 2011, marked a defining chapter in the countrys sporting history, as the team fulfilled a long-cherished dream. Tendulkar, who had carried the hopes of a cricket-loving nation throughout his career, finally lifted the World Cup trophy, a moment widely celebrated as the crowning achievement of his journey. The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final at Wankhede Stadium brought together two formidable sides in a high-stakes clash watched by millions. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka put up a strong total of 274/6 in their allotted 50 overs. A standout performance came from Mahela Jayawardene, whose elegant unbeaten century (103*) provided stability and momentum to Sri Lankas innings. India, backed by a passionate home crowd, faced the pressure of chasing a challenging target. The run chase got off to a rocky start, with Virender Sehwag departing without scoring. Gautam Gambhir then steadied the innings with a determined knock of 97, narrowly missing out on a century but laying the foundation for the chase. The defining contribution, however, came from captain MS Dhoni. The wicketkeeper-batter anchored the innings and accelerated when needed, forming a crucial partnership with Yuvraj Singh, who added a valuable 21 runs. The run chase got off to a rocky start, with Virender Sehwag departing without scoring. Gautam Gambhir then steadied the innings with a determined knock of 97, narrowly missing out on a century but laying the foundation for the chase. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Beyond the result, the triumph carried deep emotional significance. It marked Indias first World Cup win since 1983, ending a 28-year wait and igniting nationwide celebrations. Article Source: IANS

Whenever We Pull On This Jersey, We Want To Win For Our Country: Gardner

T20 World Cup: Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has stressed the importance of maintaining momentum as the team targets a clean sweep in the ODI series against the West Indies, with the final match set to be played here on Thursday, and said that the teams sole aim when they put on the jersey is to win as many games for their country. Having already secured the series with consecutive wins in the first two ODIs, Australia have been dominant throughout the Caribbean tour, earlier registering a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I leg as well. The ongoing series serves as their final international assignment before the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, making the last ODI a crucial opportunity to sign off on a high. Gardner emphasised that the team remains focused on delivering a complete performance in the final fixture rather than easing off after sealing the series. Whenever we pull on this jersey we want to win as many games for our country as possible and I guess coming to the closing parts of the season we're all super excited to I guess finish on a high knowing that we do have a big break before we get into what's going to be a hectic summer ahead, Gardner said ahead of the third ODI. Our focus is definitely on making sure that we are super clinical in the way that we finish the season and then just making sure that you know we're celebrating those sort of successes that we've had along the season too, looking forward to what's going to be a huge couple of months, she added. Gardner's Caribbean tour has had mixed results personally. The 28-year-old missed a few T20I matches because of a hamstring injury but has since come back and made a strong impact with the ball in the ODI series. The series has also marked a transition period for Australia, with Gardner working closely alongside new captain Sophie Molineux in her role as vice-captain. It's been really good obviously working under Soph for the first time. It has been a lot of fun she brings a lot of fun to this group and a lot of energy which is really cool to see. I think if you know Soph you obviously know the enjoyment that she has off the field and she certainly brought that into her leadership as well with a lot of care about her teammates, Gardner noted. The series has also marked a transition period for Australia, with Gardner working closely alongside new captain Sophie Molineux in her role as vice-captain. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The ongoing ODI series is part of the ICC Women's Championship cycle, where Australia have continued their unbeaten run with two victories already against the Windies, underlining their strong form ahead of a packed international calendar. Article Source: IANS

Farhan century floors Kingsmen and keeps them winless

Sultans overhauled Kingsmen's 226-run target with eight balls to spare to go top of the table

Pant says '50-50' call on opening for rest of season

Whether as opener or not, however, Pant is decided on playing in the top order

IPL 2026: Happy With The Bowling', Says Axar Patel After Making A Winning Start

Lucknow Super Giants: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel credited his sides awareness and execution with the ball for setting up a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants, highlighting how they made the most of helpful new-ball conditions before sealing the chase through a crucial middle-overs partnership. Game finished early, got close in the middle. The new ball was doing a bit, our chat was about a big partnership, and we finished well. Happy with bowling. We knew it swung and seamed at the start. We told that to all new bowlers, and they did well, said Axar Patel after the match. Mukesh Kumar set the tone with an exceptional new-ball spell, conceding less than a run a ball in the powerplay while extracting swing and seam and keeping Mitchell Marsh quiet outside off. Axar Patel then struck in trademark fashion, deceiving Aiden Markram with a skiddy, angled delivery soon after being hit for six, as DC restricted LSG to 48/2. The collapse continued with Ayush Badoni edging T Natarajan, before Lungi Ngidi produced a stunning slower ball to outfox Nicholas Pooran. Delhi tightened their grip as Marsh fell for 35 attempting to take on Kuldeep Yadav, while debutant Mukul Choudhary showed brief promise with a quick 14 before being undone by a googly. Abdul Samad offered resistance with 36 but was eventually dismissed by Natarajan, triggering a late collapse where the rest managed just three runs. Ngidi and Natarajan led the charge with three wickets each, while Kuldeep chipped in with two, sealing a dominant bowling performance for DC. During the strategic time-out, we passed on the same message that we were just one good partnership away from getting ourselves into a good position. Both of them finished off well in the end. There's a big boundary, and I felt that since the pitch was assisting pacers, I'd bowl them over me. The plan was to bring in Rizvi early. Ashutosh Sharma was also an option if the innings started well. Last year, Ashu proved himself in the first game, and this time, Rizvi. He's been excellent at practice, glad he pulled it off tonight, he added. Delhi tightened their grip as Marsh fell for 35 attempting to take on Kuldeep Yadav, while debutant Mukul Choudhary showed brief promise with a quick 14 before being undone by a googly. Abdul Samad offered resistance with 36 but was eventually dismissed by Natarajan, triggering a late collapse where the rest managed just three runs. Ngidi and Natarajan led the charge with three wickets each, while Kuldeep chipped in with two, sealing a dominant bowling performance for DC. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He took full advantage of the little spin available, attacking Shahbaz Ahmed and Aiden Markram aggressively, hitting four fours and a six in their overs. By reaching a well-earned fifty off 37 balls, Rizvis innings was key in shifting the momentum and putting DC in a strong position in a tough chase. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Pant Rues extra Runs For Close Defeat Against Delhi Capitals

Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant lamented the defeat, pointing to the extra runs conceded as the decisive factor in their loss to Delhi Capitals, who chased down 142 with relative comfort after early hiccups, winning the match by six wickets. When you score 140, you try too much if they play normal cricket, they win. A few extra wickets in the Power-play could have put them under pressure, said Pant after the match. The strategy of LSG revolved around the pace bowling attack from the onset; consequently, the four-pronged seam attack made it easy for them to force the Delhi Capitals to early on in their run chase of 142 runs. The seamers created plenty of opportunity for movement right from the first ball, which proved too much for KL Rahul (0), who sliced a full outswinger delivery of Mohammad Shami to deep backwards point. Nitish Rana also struggled, managing a few boundaries from loose deliveries but generally failing to find his timing before edging a ball from Mohsin Khan to the keeper after a hesitant stay. Prince Yadav was instrumental with the ball. After forcing Pathum Nissanka to play a top edge shot (which Rishabh Pant caught after running in at an angle and diving, thus causing him to collide with the fence), he then delivered the standout delivery of the Powerplay with one that swung late and hit Axar Patel's stumps after he attempted to flick the ball away on a fuller delivery that had previously swung away from him. Pant acknowledged that there was assistance for bowlers early on but felt his side failed to capitalise with the bat. There was help with the new ball, but we couldnt get a partnership going. When you dont have enough runs, you are forced to make certain calls, like using a batter to bowl a bit, he explained. Reflecting on his own dismissal, Pant chose to move on quickly. The best way to recover from it is to ignore it. You cant control it, and thinking about it puts you on the back foot, he said. Pant acknowledged that there was assistance for bowlers early on but felt his side failed to capitalise with the bat. There was help with the new ball, but we couldnt get a partnership going. When you dont have enough runs, you are forced to make certain calls, like using a batter to bowl a bit, he explained. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite the loss, Pant saw positives and hinted at his role going forward. Opening is a 50-50 call, but youll definitely see me in the top order, he signed off. Article Source: IANS

Sameer Rizvi's unbeaten 70 guides Delhi Capitals home in nervy chase

Alongside an unbeaten Tristan Stubbs, they forged a recovery from 26 for 4 to close out a chase of 142 with almost three overs to spare

Brook, Bethell receive warnings from Cricket Regulator after Wellington incident

No further action taken against Tongue, after incident in which England white-ball captain was hit by nightclub bouncer

Yadvinder Singh joins Leicestershire on short-term deal

Seamer will be available for first month of season after being released by Worcestershire in 2025

IPL 2026: Ngidi, Natarajan Pick Three Each As DC Restrict LSG To 141

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana: Delhi Capitals (DC) produced a brilliant bowling effort as Lungi Ngidi and T. Natarajan picked three wickets each to haunt Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 141 in 18.4 overs at the Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Wednesday. Asked to bat first, LSG came up with a new opening batting pair as skipper Rishabh Pant promoted himself to the top order but was removed early in the innings of an unfortunate run out. A strange moment in what might have been a caught-and-bowled chance for Mitchell Marsh turned into a run-out. Mukesh Kumar got a slight touch on the ball, which hit the stumps at the non-strikers end, catching Pant short of his crease at seven runs. Earlier, Mukesh Kumar set the tone with an exceptional start with the new ball, conceding less than a run a ball in three overs during the powerplay; he also got some swing and seam movement, but most importantly, he did not give Mitchell Marsh much room to work with outside off stump. Skipper Axar Patel then brought himself on to bowl to the right-handers and struck in standard style by deceiving Aiden Markram (11) with a skiddy, angled delivery that cramped his room and bowled him out after hitting him for a six on the previous ball before. Delhi Capitals capped off a strong first phase of the match by restricting LSG to 48/2 at the conclusion of the powerplay. Ayush Badonis stay was brief as LSG slipped to 49/3 in the seventh over, with the batter edging a regulation length delivery of T Natarjan slanting away outside off to the keeper while attempting to free his arms and go over the infield. Ngidi recovered from a costly start to deliver a possible ball of the season. He tricked Nicholas Pooran (8) with a well-disguised dipping slower ball from round the wicket. The delivery angled into the stumps and completely confused Pooran. He committed early to the flick but realised too late that the ball hadnt reached him, leaving him unable to adjust in time. Capitals gained control of the game as Mitchell Marsh battled through a slow, tempered pitch, with the exception of a boundary when he hit a six over square leg off Kuldeep Yadav. Attempting to go against the wrong'un, he misjudged it, leading to an easy catch for the fielder at long-off, getting out on 35 runs from 28 balls. Debutant Mukul Choudhary (14) showed great intent early, hitting a reverse scoop four followed by another boundary behind the wicket to Kuldeep, and added 34 runs with Abdul Samad. However, he was removed in the next over as Kuldeep tricked him with a googly, only to edge it back to the bowler. Samad showed some fight till the end, but was removed by Natarajan for 36 as the rest of the batters fell for just three runs in the end. Ngidi and Natarjan starred with the ball for Delhi, picking three wickets each after Yadav picked two. Debutant Mukul Choudhary (14) showed great intent early, hitting a reverse scoop four followed by another boundary behind the wicket to Kuldeep, and added 34 runs with Abdul Samad. However, he was removed in the next over as Kuldeep tricked him with a googly, only to edge it back to the bowler. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants (Mitchell Marsh 35, Abdul Samad 36; T Natarajan 3-29, Lungi Ngidi 3-31, Kuldeep Yadav 2-31) against Delhi Capitals. Article Source: IANS

India to tour Zimbabwe for three T20 matches

India will tour Zimbabwe for three T20 internationals in July, the country's cricket board said Wednesday, packing more matches into their already-busy calendar. The matches will all be played in Harare -- on July 23, 25 and 26 -- before the teams meet again in January next year for three ODI matches in India. India last toured Zimbabwe in 2024, winning a five-match T20 series 4-1. Top-ranked India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the T20 World Cup last month at home. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe are a lowly 11th in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings but were a surprise package at the World Cup, topping their group to make it through to the second stage.

Vettori: Captaincy will have positive effect on Kishan's batting and keeping

Kishan is leading SRH until Cummins is available to play in the second half of IPL 2026

IPL 2026: Just Unfortunate That Green Has Not Been Able To Bowl So Far, Says Nayar

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) head coach Abhishek Nayar said it was just unfortunate that Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has not been able to bowl so far in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), adding that the franchises long-term plan was for him to be identified as a replacement for Andre Russell. Green, purchased by KKR for a jaw-dropping Rs 25.2 crore at last years IPL auction, didn't bowl an over in their season opening six-wicket defeat to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, with Cricket Australia (CA) confirming that his bowling duties are restricted at the moment due to a lower back injury and can resume it after 10-12 days. There are things that sometimes are very unfortunate; its not in your control, but thats the sport, and thats the beauty of the sport. So, we always consider best-case scenarios. Yes, you want back-ups; you pick players who do certain things. But when we went into the auction, very simple: if Russ wasnt there, who is the next best all-rounder that we felt in the world and could add a lot of value and could take that Russell legacy forward in a different role? We felt Cam Green could do that for us. Its just unfortunate that hes not been able to bowl so far, said Nayar in the pre-match press conference, ahead of their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. Nayar also said the franchise had considered injuries and fitness updates but ultimately invested in Greens overall skill set. See, the idea of picking a player in an auction is not always very short-sighted. There is obviously a horizon. You look at what a player has done over a number of years and the skill set he possesses. The sport is interesting in that way, in that a lot of times you pick a player with certain prowess, and sometimes they may even do the skill youre talking about and not perform. But for us, Cameron Green, the cricketer and the all-rounder, was really important. You take a lot of things into consideration at times, whether theres an injury, fitness updates. But eventually, I think when the auction happens and when the tournament happens, its not immediate. So whatever decision you make, you dont know what the future lies and what the future will hold. So in that aspect, we as a franchise always invest in the player and what the player at his best can bring to our table, and we know what Cam Green can do, he elaborated. Nayar further backed wrist-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy to come good, with him struggling to hit top form since the Super Eights of the 2026 Mens T20 World Cup. I honestly believe mentally he is in a very good space. Actually, in a better space than hes been in previous years in that regard. Is it his toughest challenge? I feel hes gone through a lot more than this. So whatever decision you make, you dont know what the future lies and what the future will hold. So in that aspect, we as a franchise always invest in the player and what the player at his best can bring to our table, and we know what Cam Green can do, he elaborated. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But yes, teams are playing him well. Doesnt mean he cant come back - it just means that its another challenge in his life like hes had prior, and we are trying and we are hoping and in every way backing him, and I hope the fans and the world do too, for him to come back once again, either in this game or in the future. But its inevitable that he will bounce back as he has in the past, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

ECB consider new profit rules in light of Sussex financial woes

ECB chief executive Richard Gould considers mirroring Premier League regulations

IPL 2026 Opening Weekend Sets Record With 515 Million Reach Across All Platforms

IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has recorded its biggest-ever opening weekend, with a combined reach of more than 515 million viewers across television and digital platforms for the first two high-scoring games of the ten-team tournament. Tournament broadcaster JioStar said a combined watch-time of 32.6 billion minutes was reported for the first two games, which meant growth in this was 26 percent as compared to the last editions opening two matches. It further added that CTV reach grew by 30 percent and concurrency went up by 61 percent, while on linear television, the first two matches of the 2026 edition witnessed a TVR growth of 24 percent over the previous seasons. The start to the season has been extremely encouraging. The combination of high-quality cricket and enhanced viewing experiences is clearly resonating with fans across the country. The IPL has always been about pushing boundaries, and it is pleasing to see how the league continues to set new benchmarks in both sport and fan engagement. Our constant effort is to build on this momentum year after year and deliver a tournament that continues to raise the bar for cricket globally. The focus remains on innovation, competitiveness, and creating an experience that connects with fans at every level, said IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal in a statement. A key feature of this season has been differentiated viewing experiences, including a connected TV Hindi feed featuring former players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Irfan Pathan. The opening weekend numbers are a strong reflection of the deep and enduring connection that fans have with the IPL. What is particularly encouraging is not just the scale, but the quality of engagement we are witnessing across platforms. It reinforces our belief that the IPL continues to evolve with the expectations of a modern, diverse audience while staying true to the essence of the game. At the BCCI, our endeavour has always been to ensure that the IPL grows in scale, quality, and reach with every season. We remain committed to making the tournament bigger and better, both on the field and in the way fans experience the game, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. The strong opening, driven by two high-scoring run chases, sets the tone for what the broadcasters say could be the biggest IPL season yet in terms of viewership. TATA IPL 2026 has opened at record scale, with deeper engagement than ever before across all platforms. This reinforces both the unmatched scale of live cricket in India and JioStars position as the definitive home of cricket. At the BCCI, our endeavour has always been to ensure that the IPL grows in scale, quality, and reach with every season. We remain committed to making the tournament bigger and better, both on the field and in the way fans experience the game, said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This scale and depth of engagement come from combining the strength of the large screen with the interactivity of digital, thus creating a truly immersive and personalised experience for fans. As the tournament progresses, we will continue to push the boundaries of consumer engagement and partner outcomes, said Ishan Chatterjee, CEO, Sports, JioStar. Article Source: IANS

Paul Farbrace to leave Sussex at end of season

Head coach signals departure on eve of campaign as Hove crisis deepens

No Excuses For Ashes Behaviour, Says Duckett; Vows To Be More Professional For Prolonging Career

T20 World Cup: Englands left-handed opener Ben Duckett said there were no excuses for his off-field behaviour during the Ashes and has vowed to become more professional with an aim to prolong his international career. A video emerged of Duckett appearing drunk during Englands mid-series break in Noosa, which was one of several drink-related incidents that marred the teams trip in Australia. It was a tour to forget for Duckett, who averaged 20.20 with a top score of 42 as England lost the Ashes 4-1, and was an unused member in the sides run to the Mens T20 World Cup semi-finals. I have to be better at dealing with being in the public eye. I probably had a week at home since October, so it can be tough, but that is certainly no excuse for some of my actions. Reflecting on the World Cup and looking back over my winter, I am not getting any younger, and I don't want to be having niggles. When my England career comes to an end, I want that to be down to lack of runs and not injuries. It's about prolonging my career and being as fit as I can so that part of my game is never going to be an issue, Duckett was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. To retain his Test team spot, Duckett pulled out of his IPL deal with Delhi Capitals and will instead play county cricket for Nottinghamshire. The IPL is the best franchise tournament in the world, and you are playing against the best players around, so it would have been great for my game. But I have to look at myself and what I prioritise, and that is playing cricket for England. Trying to score red-ball runs will hopefully help me out later in the summer, he added. Duckett admitted to disappointment over his time with the bat in the Ashes, but said he would not dwell on it. I'm very disappointed with how I went. It wasn't the campaign I was hoping for, but now it's about not dwelling on it too much. There are lots of different things I can look at, but you can also look at holding your hands up and saying 'well played' to the opposition. It was extremely tough, and Australia's bowling unit from start to finish was incredibly difficult. I felt in good touch throughout, but didn't go on to get a big score. Duckett admitted to disappointment over his time with the bat in the Ashes, but said he would not dwell on it. I'm very disappointed with how I went. It wasn't the campaign I was hoping for, but now it's about not dwelling on it too much. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think we have to stick with what works for us and tighten up around areas like closing out and winning more games. We have a group of players picked for how we play. Speaking for myself, I get the best out of myself when I am trying to be positive and put pressure on myself. I know at times that won't work, but if I try and reinvent my game now at the age I am at, I don't think my career will go up, only down, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

DC opt to bowl; no Mayank Yadav for LSG

Axar Patel becomes the first away captain to win a toss this season

IPL 2026: Chahal Is Very Smart, Taking Out Gill And Buttler Came At Right Time, Says Kumble

Yuzvendra Chahal: Legendary India leg-spinner Anil Kumble praised Yuzvendra Chahals tactical nous in helping Punjab Kings beat Gujarat Titans by three wickets in IPL 2026, adding that his taking out Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler came at the right time for the side to start their campaign on a high. Chahals spell of 2-28, along with Vijaykumar Vyshaks 3-34, ensured PBKS kept GT to 162/8, which they chased down with five balls to spare. Yuzvendra Chahal is very smart. He changes his line, length, varies his speeds, you name it. He didnt try too many variations in terms of how he set up the batter. He kept bowling slightly wider and was very smart in that sense. He looked at the conditions and then aimed for the bigger side of the ground. He knew that if someone had to take him on that side, they had to connect really well, which they couldnt. He got a wicket, and those wickets of Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler came at the right time for Punjab Kings, because Gill was looking good to capitalise on a strong start. Unfortunately for GT, their usual approach of having one batter anchor through 15 overs, which generally gives them an advantage, didnt quite work out, said Kumble on JioHotstar. Kumble also questioned GTs use of pacer Prasidh Krishna, who was introduced only in the 13th over, saying the Purple Cap holder from last years season should have been bowled earlier in the innings. It was very surprising that the Gujarat Titans brought in Prasidh Krishna, the Purple Cap holder, only in the 13th over. The first one, of course, was a lucky breakthrough. Shreyas Iyer had been hit on the hand a couple of balls earlier, so maybe there was a loss in concentration. Kumble also questioned GTs use of pacer Prasidh Krishna, who was introduced only in the 13th over, saying the Purple Cap holder from last years season should have been bowled earlier in the innings. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You cant hold him back like that, and thats why the last over of Prasidh Krishna went for 14 runs. For GTs sake, Prasidh should have possibly bowled at least one over between the 6th and 10th overs, because he was ideally suited to that surface, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch KKR Vs SRH, Know All Details

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders will aim to resolve key bowling issues, especially in their spin bowlers, when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL 2026 match at Eden Gardens on Thursday. The game features two batting-focused teams, but both sides have notable weaknesses in their bowling attacks. For KKR, this match marks the start of a vital home phase. With three fixtures scheduled within a week and another on April 19 before a lengthy break due to state elections, the three-time champions will be keen to capitalise on familiar conditions. Historically dominant at Eden Gardens, KKR have won 54 of their 95 matches at the venue, but their current campaign has begun on shaky ground. A lack of bowling depth has become a significant concern. Injuries to Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, along with the unavailability of Matheesha Pathirana and Cameron Green's limited role, have weakened their attack. These issues were evident in their opener, where they failed to defend a total of 220, conceding a large opening stand that highlighted their difficulties with the new ball. More concerning, however, has been the performance of their spin duo, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Chakravarthy leaked runs without much success, while Narine was underutilised, raising questions about KKRs ability to control the middle overs. SRH encounters similar problems following their loss in the opening match. Although they have a strong top order with Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Travis Head, their bowling unit found it difficult to defend a score over 200. Pat Cummins's absence due to fitness issues has further weakened their lineup. After several bowlers underperformed in the opener, SRH must rely on both their key batsmen and bowlers to excel in what is expected to be a high-scoring match. When: Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 PM IST Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata Where to watch: The KKR vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The KKR vs SRH match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sunrisers Hyderabad: Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aniket Verma, Smaran Ravichandran, Salil Arora, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins, Liam Livingstone, Kamindu Mendis, Krains Fuletra, Brydon Carse, Praful Hinge, Sakib Hussain, Onkar Tarmale, Jaydev Unadkat, Shivam Mavi, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, David Payne, Harsh Dubey, Amit Kumar, Zeeshan Ansari Article Source: IANS

KKR vs SRH Match 6, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

KKR vs SRH Match 6, Cricket Tips :Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad recorded a defeat in their opening matches of the IPL 2026. KKR lost to Mumbai Indians while defending 220 runs, whereas SRH couldn't defend 201 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both teams suffered humiliation because of poor bowling displays. As a result, both teams will be under pressure when they step on the field to face each other in Kolkata. These two will be in action on Thursday at Eden Gardens at 7:30 PM IST. Batting-wise, these sides have several options, but their bowling units look below-average. The team that can bowl well will get over the line on Thursday. KKR vs SRH: Match Details Date: April 02, 2026 (Thursday) Time: 7:30 PM IST Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata KKR vs SRH Live Streaming Details The KKR vs SRH clash will be televised on the Star Sports Networks in India. For the Indian fans, the live stream will be provided through the Jio Hotstar app or website. KKR vs SRH Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 30 KKR : 20 SRH : 10 No-Result : 00 KKR vs SRH: Ground Pitch Report Eden Gardens is another happy hunting venue for the batting side in India. The wicket here has nothing for the bowlers, and it is a high-scoring game. Teams have scored 200+ here consistently. Fast outfields and shorter boundaries play in the hands of the batters. KKR vs SRH Possible XIs KKR: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sunil Narine, Finn Allen, Cam Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Blessing Muzarabani SRH : Ishan Kishan (c & wk), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey, Aniket Verma, Nitish Reddy, Salil Arora, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Zeeshan Ansari, David Payne KKR vs SRH: Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Finn Allen showed some glimpses of his ability against MI but got out at the wrong time. But he will like batting in Kolkata, and his 33-ball century against South Africa came at this venue. For SRH, stand-in captain Ishan Kishan is in good form, and he will be the big wicket. Probable Best Bowler Sunil Narine holds the key for KKR because of his experience in Kolkata. He can take wickets in the middle overs. For SRH, Harshal Patel is the all-phase bowler, and his team will expect him to perform well. Today Match Prediction : SRH have a weaker bowling unit, with not many wicket-taking options. Hence, we predict KKR, who are playing at home, to win this game. KKR vs SRH Match 6, IPL 2026, Today KKR vs SRH Match, KKR vs SRH Prediction, KKR vs SRH Predicted XIs, Injury Update for KKR vs SRH Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer: The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

IPL 2026: Woke Up With Little Bit Of Nerves, Ponting Kept Me Calm And Collected, Says Connolly

New Delhi: After dazzling with a match-winning 72 on his IPL debut to give Punjab Kings a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans, batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly said head coach Ricky Pontings guidance helped him stay calm and collected, which in turn cooled down the nerves he had on the morning of the clash. Connolly struck an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls and held his nerve in a chase of 163 after PBKS suffered a middle-order wobble. I woke up in the morning with a little bit of nerves, which I was really happy about, but yeah, I was really looking forward to getting out there and playing my part the best I can. Ricky Ponting just kept me calm and collected. He told me to play my game, go out there and dominate. It was a nice team performance. We were very strong with the ball and made things easier for ourselves. It was a really good day for us. I was looking forward to spending time out in the middle with Shreyas Iyer and just sort of picking his brains a little bit. Hes a world-class player. Ive played a little bit of cricket with him for Australia A and Australia. He is a great player for a reason, and hopefully, I can learn as much as I can, said Connolly on JioHotstar. Connollys successful debut for PBKS carried similarities of how his childhood hero Shaun Marsh fared in his very first IPL game. Both began their IPL journeys with PBKS, marked their first appearance with half-centuries, and came in successful run chases. Both stayed unbeaten to see their side home, and were named Player of the Match for their efforts. I was looking forward to spending time out in the middle with Shreyas Iyer and just sort of picking his brains a little bit. Hes a world-class player. Ive played a little bit of cricket with him for Australia A and Australia. He is a great player for a reason, and hopefully, I can learn as much as I can, said Connolly on JioHotstar. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I looked up to him as a mentor and an idol and really enjoyed spending some time with him. Its nice to be among the runs. There are still plenty of games to go and I am really looking forward to the rest of the tournament, he added. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Rabada Must Rediscover Yorker To Succeed In Death Over Bowling, Opines Rayudu

New Delhi: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Kagiso Rabada must rediscover his skill of bowling the yorker in order to regain effectiveness of bowling in the death overs in IPL 2026. Rabada, who won the purple cap in IPL 2020, has struggled in recent seasons - taking only 20 wickets in 21 matches in the last three editions. He began this season with figures of 1-34 in three overs for Gujarat Titans, who lost to Punjab Kings by three wickets in New Chandigarh. I think one thing we have noticed over the years about Rabada, you know, as you Dale Steyn) also used to bowl that cross-seam sort of an outswinger, a baseball sort of a thing, and he used to bowl a very good yorker early on when he was bowling seam-up. But has he started bowling too much of that cross-seam? He lost his yorker. I think that's the reason why we are seeing him not bowl so well in the death. But initially, he used to bowl really well in the death when he just started. Maybe that's something that he can get back into his game, said Rayudu on ESPNCricinfo. Steyn, the former South Africa pacer, felt saying Rabada was searching a little bit for wickets and had kind of lost that yorker a little bit in recent years. He also compared Rabadas trajectory with Marco Jansen, who returned with figures of 1-20 for PBKS in the same game. He had fantastic yorker and then there was a season or period where the South African bowling line-up kind of went back of a length and crossed the seam, and I think that's where he kind of lost that yorker a little bit, whereas Marco doesn't bowl a lot of yorkers, he uses a lot more variations. Steyn, the former South Africa pacer, felt saying Rabada was searching a little bit for wickets and had kind of lost that yorker a little bit in recent years. He also compared Rabadas trajectory with Marco Jansen, who returned with figures of 1-20 for PBKS in the same game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So KG is searching a little bit and Marco has kind of figured it out and you can tell by, what is it, ten balls per wicket versus 71 (in the death overs since the start of IPL 2025)? One guy searching the other one, he knows exactly what he wants to do, he added. Article Source: IANS

Abhishek, Kishan Retain Top Two Spots, SAs Esterhuizen Makes Major Gain

T20I Player Rankings: India's Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan stay in the top two positions, while South African batter Connor Esterhuizen has continued his upward momentum with significant progress in the latest ICC Men's T20I Player Rankings update after his recent performances against New Zealand. Esterhuizen made a strong start to his international career during South Africa's recent T20I series in New Zealand, scoring 200 runs and earning the Player of the Series award. He rose from outside the top 100 T20I batters to 39th overall, marking a strong fortnight for the powerful right-hander and the Proteas, who secured a close 3-2 series win. Esterhuizen's total of 200 runs was twice as much as anyone else in the five-game series. Additionally, New Zealand wicketkeeper Tim Robinson, who moved up two places to tie for 32nd, also advanced on the T20I batting list after scoring 81 runs against the Proteas. England veteran Jos Buttler has moved up one spot to eighth, while New Zealand's Tim Seifert has dropped one place to ninth; these are the only top 20 players to change positions this week. The updated T20I bowler rankings remain led by Afghanistan's Rashid Khan, with several South African players emerging as big winners after their performances against New Zealand. The Pace trio of Gerald Coetzee (who moved up 36 spots to tie for 52nd), Ottneil Baartman (up 10 places to 56th), and George Linde (rising six positions to tie for 62nd) make notable progress. England veteran Jos Buttler has moved up one spot to eighth, while New Zealand's Tim Seifert has dropped one place to ninth; these are the only top 20 players to change positions this week. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza continues to lead the T20I all-rounders list. This week, Coetzee stands out by climbing 14 spots to tie for 72nd place after taking eight wickets and scoring 18 runs in the series against New Zealand. Article Source: IANS

No Doubt Its No. 1: Amelia Ranks Her Knock After Unbeaten 179 Against SA

Amelia Kerr: Amelia Kerr produced one of the greatest innings in womens ODI history, guiding New Zealand to a record chase of 347 against South Africa at Basin Reserve. Her unbeaten 179 off 139 balls powered the White Ferns to 350/8, the highest successful run chase in womens ODIs, eclipsing all previous records. Speaking after the match, Kerr described her approach and emotions throughout the innings. I was really calm out there and just was so focused on, I guess, simplifying it to each over and where we needed to be to get the job done. And then it kind of got to like 20 or 15 or whatever it was and you start to think how cool would this be if we won. But again, I probably didn't have those thoughts until that moment in the game and just had to bring myself back to the present moment rather than thinking this could be really cool, making sure I get the job done, she said during the post-match press conference. And yeah, I thought because I was pretty calm that I wouldn't show too much emotion but when I did hit the winning runs, I was actually pretty fizzed and I guess it shows how much it means to me. I'm a pretty relaxed character with celebrations and all that stuff but that was special and to make the series go 1-1 as well, it was an important game there, important points and it means a lot, she added. Reflecting on her innings, Kerr confirmed it was the pinnacle of her career. Yeah, no doubt it's number one. Yeah, I think to get a big 100 like that but in a big chase against a quality side, it's definitely number one. She highlighted the importance of her partnership with Izzy Gaze, who provided aggressive support through the middle overs. Yeah, eventually getting to 100 first and then my partnership with Izzy, I thought she was amazing. The way she took on the game and just played, it allowed us I guess to be where we were at the back end of that game even when she got out, she said. When I got to 100, I looked at how many more runs left to win and thought if I get another 80 runs here and I think I looked at the balls, I thought if I get about 80 or 40 here, then we'll get the rest of the runs through everyone else and I can try to finish 180, not out. And that was kind of my thought process in terms of what I needed to do individually. At times you've got to take risks but also at times your partner's got to take risks and that's where Izzy was outstanding. There wasn't run rate pressure through that middle phase of the game and she was flying, she added. Kerr admitted that New Zealands bowling unit had struggled in the first innings, conceding 346/6, but emphasised the teams strategy to break the chase into manageable segments. Yeah, I think it was a really disappointing 50 overs for us and we didn't speak about that at the time because you've still got half the job to do and Dean and Maka just spoke about where we need to be at certain points in terms of run rates, so setting small targets and I guess it allows you not to think it's too hard. It's not you're chasing 350 and it feels so far away. It's actually if we go at six and over for this period and then we go at sevens and then it's a T20 game and we go at eights and we've done that the whole T20 series where we've gone more than eights. So I think simplifying it helps make the job not seem so big. So yeah, obviously incredible 50 overs with the bat from the whole team but definitely a lot to work on in the first 50, Kerr noted. On handling pressure, Kerr reflected on her mindset and childhood ambitions, saying, I was just wanting to be in those moments and I think back to when I was a kid that's where I wanted to be. I wanted to be in those moments hitting the winning runs for New Zealand and that's what I've always dreamt of. Sometimes it doesn't go your way and sometimes there's games where you probably should win and you don't do the job for the team. But I think today it was just about being really present, wanting to be in the moment and when given the opportunity making sure you take it deep and make the most of it, she stated. Looking ahead to the series-deciding third ODI, Kerr emphasised areas for improvement, particularly in the field as she said, It's a pretty quick turnaround I think. It probably has to be our catching. It hurt us in the first game and it hurt us again today. And like I said the other day, no one means to drop catches. We're humans, we make mistakes. But it wasn't good enough really. That's fine. There's things to work on and we will get better and we are so much better than that. That was just a bad day and sometimes they happen. But it's important that we park that and work on it when we can and move forward to showcase what we really are as a fielding unit. Finally, on the significance of the historic chase, Kerr reflected on the growth of womens cricket and the belief it inspires. Looking ahead to the series-deciding third ODI, Kerr emphasised areas for improvement, particularly in the field as she said, It's a pretty quick turnaround I think. It probably has to be our catching. It hurt us in the first game and it hurt us again today. And like I said the other day, no one means to drop catches. We're humans, we make mistakes. But it wasn't good enough really. That's fine. There's things to work on and we will get better and we are so much better than that. That was just a bad day and sometimes they happen. But it's important that we park that and work on it when we can and move forward to showcase what we really are as a fielding unit. Also Read: Live Cricket Score And for me that was probably in my mind a little bit at the halfway stage, is that teams have chased big scores before, so there's no reason why we can't. And I wanted to, I guess once I got in and got myself set, I felt as though it was my responsibility to take it deep and be there at the end, she concluded. Article Source: IANS

India to tour Zimbabwe for three T20Is in July

Zimbabwe are also scheduled to tour India for three ODIs in January 2027, their first tour of India for a bilateral series since 2002

'Definitely No. 1' - Amelia Kerr 'fizzed' after record-breaking day

There wasn't run-rate pressure through that middle phase of the game as she was flying, Amelia Kerr says of Isabella Gaze, who scored 68 in 48 balls in the chase

Grew Up Watching Shaun Marsh, Honour To Play For PBKS He Did: Connolly

Debutant Cooper Connolly: Debutant Cooper Connolly described his match-winning outing for Punjab Kings as a special moment after guiding his side to a three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 opener in New Chandigarh on Tuesday and said that it was an 'honour' to represent the same franchise as his idol Shaun Marsh. Connolly, who struck an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls, held his nerve in a tense chase of 163 after Punjab suffered a middle-order collapse. Having shared a 76-run stand with Prabhsimran Singh (37), the Australian all-rounder anchored the innings even as wickets fell in clusters, eventually steering the side home with five balls to spare. Reflecting on his debut and the opportunity to represent Punjab, Connolly said it carried personal significance. Shaun Marsh played for the Punjab Kings and I grew up watching him. It's sort of an honour to sort of play for the same franchise as him, and looking forward to the next game and looking forward as a team, he said in a video shared by IPL, adding that getting off to a winning start made the experience even more memorable. It's always nice to get the first win for the team on the board, but just super excited to spend some time out there and sort of start the season off with a win for Punjab and looking forward to the rest of the tournament, he added. The 22-year-old also spoke about the magnitude of the IPL stage, having been picked up at the auction earlier this year. You want to be a part of the biggest competitions in the world and IPL is certainly up there. It was just nice to, during the auction, get picked up and come in here with just an open mind and trying to learn and just trying to get better, he noted. Punjabs chase had appeared straightforward at 97/1 before Prasidh Krishna triggered a collapse, dismissing key batters including Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, and Marcus Stoinis. However, Connolly remained composed, bringing up his maiden IPL fifty in just 34 balls and finishing the chase alongside Xavier Bartlett. The 22-year-old also spoke about the magnitude of the IPL stage, having been picked up at the auction earlier this year. You want to be a part of the biggest competitions in the world and IPL is certainly up there. It was just nice to, during the auction, get picked up and come in here with just an open mind and trying to learn and just trying to get better, he noted. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, Gujarat Titans posted 162/6, with Shubman Gill (39) and Jos Buttler (38) leading the scoring, while Vijaykumar Vyshak (3/34) starred with the ball for Punjab. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: BCCI President Mithun Manhas Congratulates PBKS On Their Season Opener Win

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Mithun Manhas has congratulated Punjab Kings (PBKS) for starting off their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on a high note by beating the 2022 champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. In a post on X, the BCCI president shared the glimpses of the match where he was also present and took part in the post-match presentation. He congratulated Punjab on their first win at their home ground, while also trusting the Shubman Gill-led side to make a good comeback. Many congratulations to @PunjabKingsIPL for their first win at their home ground. @gujarat_titans are a formidable unit, and I am sure they will bounce back strongly, he wrote on X. Speaking of the match, Punjab Kings secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over GT, chasing down 163 with five balls to spare at home. PBKS were powered by a superb all-round team effort, headlined by Cameron Connollys match-winning unbeaten half-century on debut and a disciplined bowling display led by Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yuzvendra Chahal. After choosing to bowl, Punjab Kings ensured the innings never got away from them by striking at regular intervals. Vijaykumar Vyshak was particularly effective, returning figures of 3/34, while Yuzvendra Chahal once again delivered in key moments with 2/28. Their efforts, backed by disciplined execution across the bowling unit, restricted Gujarat Titans to 162/6 from their 20 overs. In reply, Punjab Kings made an assured start, moving to 55/1 in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh and debutant Cameron Connolly forged a superb second-wicket partnership to drive the chase. However, the hosts stuttered briefly, losing 4 wickets in a space of two overs. Connolly brought up an impressive maiden half-century. Even as wickets fell at the other end, the Australian all-rounder remained composed to guide the chase deep. In reply, Punjab Kings made an assured start, moving to 55/1 in the powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh and debutant Cameron Connolly forged a superb second-wicket partnership to drive the chase. However, the hosts stuttered briefly, losing 4 wickets in a space of two overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score PBKS will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. GT will clash with the 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals, at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on April 4. Article Source: IANS

Amelia Kerr hits 139-ball 179* as New Zealand pull off record chase to level series

The match had a total of 696 runs in 99.4 overs, and when New Zealand got past South Africa's 346, it became the highest successful run chase in women's ODI history

2nd WODI: Amelias 179 Help NZ Clinch Record Chase Against SA To Level Series 1-1

Skipper Amelie Kerr: Skipper Amelie Kerr batting masterclass helped New Zealand pull off the highest successful run chase in womens ODI history, overhauling a daunting 347 target to defeat South Africa by two wickets in the second ODI here at Basin Reserve and levelling the three-match series 1-1. Amelia scored an amazing 179 not out from just 139 deliveries as New Zealand surpassed India's record for the highest successful run chase in women's ODIs as they chased down the Proteas' mammoth total of 346/6 with two balls remaining. Walking in after the early dismissal of Suzie Bates, Kerr ensured the required rate remained within reach throughout the chase. She found key allies along the way, most notably in Georgia Plimmer (23) in a stabilising 52-run stand and later Isabella Gaze (68). Gaze and Kerr combined for a 120-run stand, which proved crucial as the White Ferns survived through the middle overs. Gazes explosive 68 off 48 balls shifted the pressure back onto South Africa. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals late in the innings, Kerr guided the lower order with clarity. With 11 required off the final over, Kerr took charge against Nadine de Klerk, striking three boundaries to bring the equation to zero and seal the historic win with two balls to spare. Earlier, South Africa looked in control after posting a formidable total. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with a fluent 69, while Anneke Bosch produced a commanding 91 off 90 balls. The pair built on a rapid start to lay a strong foundation. Valuable contributions followed from Sune Luus (40) and Chloe Tryon, who provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 52, propelled South Africa past the 300 mark. Although New Zealands bowlers toiled, Bree Illing stood out with three wickets, helping prevent an even bigger total. Valuable contributions followed from Sune Luus (40) and Chloe Tryon, who provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 52, propelled South Africa past the 300 mark. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: South Africa 346/6 in 50 overs (Anneke Bosch 91, Laura Wolvaardt 69; Bree Illing 3-60, Kayley Knight 2-65) lost to New Zealand 350/8 in 49.4 overs (Amelia Kerr 179*, Isabella Gaze 68; Ayabonga Khaka 3-51, Masabata Klaas 2-61) by 2 wickets. Article Source: IANS

Weatherald, Neser Included, Maxwell, Renshaw Dropped As Australia Unveil Central Contracts

Boxing Day Ashes Test: Cricket Australia has unveiled a streamlined 21-player central contract list for the 202627 season, reflecting a clear emphasis on red-ball cricket ahead of an unusually demanding Test schedule. With 15 Tests lined up over the next year, selectors have prioritised players suited to the longer format, resulting in several high-profile exclusions. Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett are among the notable inclusions, both securing their first full national contracts after making their debuts in the recent Ashes series. Weatheralds selection is especially noteworthy, indicating strong support from selectors for him to remain Australias Test opener. The 31-year-old is gearing up for a notable homecoming in Darwin during the upcoming series against Bangladesh. Additionally, he has confirmed he will play for Leicestershire in the County Championship, enhancing his credentials in red-ball cricket. Experienced players Michael Neser and Todd Murphy have been reinstated, highlighting Australias aim to strengthen their bowling resources. Murphys return comes at a vital moment, as the team gears up for a tough tour of India and veteran spinner Nathan Lyon recovers from hamstring surgery sustained during the Ashes. Matt Kuhnemann has kept his place as selectors bolster spin options for subcontinental conditions. However, the contract list also features several surprising omissions. Fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who recently returned to Test cricket in the Boxing Day Ashes Test, has been left out despite his comeback. He is set to play county cricket in England with Yorkshire. Fellow Western Australian quick Lance Morris, who has struggled with injuries and form, has also been excluded. Other players missing from the list include Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Sam Konstas, and Matthew Renshaw, the latter having featured across formats earlier in the season. Meanwhile, non-contracted players will still have opportunities to earn upgrades by participating in international matches over the coming year. The new contracts are also financially significant, with average earnings now exceeding AUD 1 million annually, excluding match payments and superannuation. This increase follows the ongoing pay agreement between Cricket Australia and the players union. Meanwhile, non-contracted players will still have opportunities to earn upgrades by participating in international matches over the coming year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cricket Australia men's contracts for 2026-27: Xavier Bartlett, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Brendan Doggett, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster, Adam Zampa Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: PBKS Captain Shreyas Fined 12 Lakh For Slow Over-rate Offence

New International Cricket Stadium: Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined after his team fell behind the required over-rate during the fourth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. PBKS defeated the 2022 champions by three wickets after chasing down a 163-run target in 19.1 overs. While the Shubman Gill-led side posed as a threat and kept adding pressure, Cooper Connollys unbeaten 44-ball 72-run knock sealed the deal for the Punjab-based franchise as they opened their campaign on a high. However, Iyer faced repercussions for maintaining a slow over-rate in the first innings, resulting in a breach of the IPLs code of conduct. Punjab Kings (PBKS) Captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 4 at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. As this was his teams first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPLs Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Iyer was fined Rs. 12 lakhs, IPL said in a statement. Making his debut, Connolly anchored the innings with a superb knock. After an early setback, Prabhsimran Singh counterattacked with 37, sharing a 76-run stand with Connolly. Despite a middle-order collapse triggered by Prasidh Krishna, Connolly held his nerve to guide Punjab home with five balls remaining. As this was his teams first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPLs Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Iyer was fined Rs. 12 lakhs, IPL said in a statement. Also Read: Live Cricket Score PBKS will next face five-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Article Source: IANS

One Match Into IPL 2026, Shreyas Iyer Fined Rs 12 Lakh For Code Of Conduct Breach

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer was fined Rs 12 lakh for a slow over-rate in their IPL 2026 win over Gujarat Titans, where PBKS chased 163 with five balls to spare.

Sooryavanshi: The Future Has Arrived Early

The impact of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's knock will travel beyond Guwahati, inspiring every kid who picks up a bat in the narrow, dusty gullies, or a cramped maidan like those in Mumbai.

Cricket Australia Axe 3-Time World Cup Winner From Central Contract List, Make Multiple Shock Omissions

Young opening batsman Sam Konstas and veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell were axed Wednesday as Cricket Australia announced a list of 21 nationally contracted players for the 2026-27 season.

Surreal to Watch: Shreyas Iyer Hails Cooper Connolly After Debut Heroics

Connolly brought up his half-century in just 34 balls, becoming the 25th player to score 50 or more on IPL debut.

Rabada has 'kind of lost that yorker a little bit' and must find it fast

Bowling more cross-seam deliveries and keeping the yorker away is the reason for Kagiso Rabada not doing well at the death, agree Ambati Rayudu and Dale Steyn