Urvil Patel equals record for IPL's fastest fifty
The CSK batter scored a 13-ball fifty against Lucknow Super Giants in Chennai
IPL 2026: Purple Cap Holder Anshul Kamboj Backs CSK To Chase 204 Against LSG
Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings pacer and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Purple Cap holder Anshul Kamboj expressed confidence in his sides ability to chase down Lucknow Super Giants total of 203, describing the pitch at Chepauk as slightly slow but with good bounce. Its quite a good wicket. Its a slightly slow wicket, but the bounce is good, and the ball is coming on nicely, so we can chase this. It definitely feels like it will play similarly throughout the innings. It wont become much slower because the bounce is good, so there should not be too much difficulty. I think this score is chaseable, Kamboj said to broadcasters at the innings break. LSG had raced away in the Power-play courtesy Josh Ingliss explosive 85 off 33 balls, but CSKs bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Noor Ahmad (1-24) and Jamie Overton (3-36) applied the brakes, while Kamboj, despite being expensive, took out Mitchell Marsh and Himmat Singh to take his IPL 2026 wickets tally to 19 scalps in 11 games at an average of 19.21 and an economy rate of 9.20. Reflecting on the turnaround by CSK bowlers in the middle overs, Kamboj said, Yes, it was a good comeback. When you go for runs in the first five overs, then maintaining control in the remaining phases and coming back well is important. LSG had raced away in the Power-play courtesy Josh Ingliss explosive 85 off 33 balls, but CSKs bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Noor Ahmad (1-24) and Jamie Overton (3-36) applied the brakes, while Kamboj, despite being expensive, took out Mitchell Marsh and Himmat Singh to take his IPL 2026 wickets tally to 19 scalps in 11 games at an average of 19.21 and an economy rate of 9.20. Also Read: Live Cricket Score CSK, the five-time champions, have not successfully chased a target in excess of 180 in the IPL since 2019. But a successful pursuit of it would take them to 12 points and strengthen their push for a playoff spot. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Inglis Makes 85 As LSG Reach 203/8 Despite A Fightback From CSK Bowlers
Lucknow Super Giants: Josh Inglis smashed a blistering 85 off just 33 balls to power Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to 203/8 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter dominated the Power-play with a flurry of strokes, leading to ten fours and six maximums coming off his blade, and ensured LSG made the most of the fielding restrictions in the power-play, where they amassed 91 runs their highest score in the six-over phase in this season. But LSGs momentum dipped once the field spread, as CSKs bowlers clawed their way back. Noor Ahmad picked 1-24, while Jamie Overtons 3-36 further kept the scoring rate in check. Despite the slowdown in the middle overs, Shahbaz Ahmeds late cameo of 43 not out off 25 balls, capped by a six off the final delivery, lifted LSG past the 200-run mark. With a solid total on board, LSG have set themselves up for a strong chance to dictate terms in the second half of the game. Pushed into batting first on the red soil pitch, Inglis set the tone from the opening over, as he lofted, swept, and hammered Akeal Hosein for two fours and a six. Inglis continued to smash boundaries at will, with reverse scoops and pulls being the standout. Though Mitchell Marsh fell cheaply to Anshul Kamboj, Inglis raced to a 17-ball half-century and gave LSG their highest powerplay score of the season. After Noor had Nicholas Pooran slog-sweeping to deep mid-wicket, Inglis eventually fell for 85 off 33 balls, caught by Sanju Samson while trying to paddle off Overton, who had Rishabh Pant chopping onto his stumps in the same over. Aiden Markrams run-out added to LSGs slide, and Akshat Raghuwanshis departure off Overton further dented their momentum. From 91/1, LSG slipped to 154/6, but Shahbaz and Himmat Singh steadied the innings. Shahbaz, in particular, counter-attacked with inventive strokes, striking boundaries off Overton and Mukesh Choudhary. Though Kamboj castled Himmat to bring the 50-run stand to an end and Mohammed Shami was run out for a duck, Shahbaz launched the last ball of the innings over long-on for six to take LSG past 200. After Noor had Nicholas Pooran slog-sweeping to deep mid-wicket, Inglis eventually fell for 85 off 33 balls, caught by Sanju Samson while trying to paddle off Overton, who had Rishabh Pant chopping onto his stumps in the same over. Aiden Markrams run-out added to LSGs slide, and Akshat Raghuwanshis departure off Overton further dented their momentum. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants 203/8 in 20 overs (Josh Inglis 85, Shahbaz Ahmed 43 not out; Jamie Overton 3-36, Anshul Kamboj 2-47) against Chennai Super Kings Article Source: IANS
Professional Tennis Players Association: Reilly Opelka has added his voice to the growing debate over prize-money distribution in professional tennis, publicly questioning how revenue from the sports biggest tournaments is allocated among players. The American player weighed in on social media during ongoing discussions about financial structures in tennis ahead of the French Open, responding to an Instagram post by renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Mouratoglous post focused on the percentage of Grand Slam revenues returned to players compared to ATP and WTA Tour events, a subject that has dominated conversations among top players during the ongoing Italian Open 2026 in Rome. If youre not top 50, you net more as a teaching pro in South Florida, Opelka wrote in the comments section of Mouratoglous post. The 28-year-old American also echoed concerns raised this week by players including Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Aryna Sabalenka regarding the percentage of tournament revenues distributed to competitors. Tennis is the ultimate meritocracy. We dont need government grants; we need transparency. The fact that the USTA, LTA, FFT, and TA are all non-profits should tell you everything you need to know. Im always sceptical of organisations without direct market accountability. If the players are the product and only receive 14% of revenues, where is the money going? Opelka continued. The comments came in response to Mouratoglous broader criticism of the sports financial structure. The veteran coach argued that Grand Slam tournaments return a significantly lower share of their revenue to players than regular tour events. This year, the winner of Roland Garros will win 2.8 million euros. The one who loses in the first round loses 87,000 euros. Its difficult to understand for the fans that players who make so much money want more, and I can get that. The real question is not how much money they make. The real question is, how is the money distributed? What the players complain about is the fact that the governing bodies are not giving back a high percentage of the money they make, Mouratoglou said. He also highlighted the challenges faced by lower-ranked players trying to sustain professional careers. The problem that I see also is that most of the money the governing bodies are giving back is going to a very, very small proportion of players. Its not normal that in a sport like tennis, a guy whos ranked 150 in the world cannot make a living. This is completely a scandal, he added. Opelkas opinion carries additional significance given his involvement in the Professional Tennis Players Associations ongoing legal battle against the tennis governing bodies. The American is among the co-plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in 2025 against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA, alleging restrictions on player earnings and other anti-competitive practices. Earlier this year, Opelka testified in a Manhattan federal court that ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi had indirectly warned him about possible financial consequences if he refused to withdraw from the case. According to reports, Opelka claimed he was told he could lose pension benefits and face major legal costs. The ATP denied those allegations, though the court allowed the testimony to remain on record. Opelkas opinion carries additional significance given his involvement in the Professional Tennis Players Associations ongoing legal battle against the tennis governing bodies. The American is among the co-plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed in 2025 against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA, alleging restrictions on player earnings and other anti-competitive practices. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The issue of prize-money distribution has increasingly become a major talking point across the tour, with several leading players, including Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff, weighing in over the past week as attention now shifts toward upcoming announcements about the Wimbledon Championships prize money. Article Source: IANS
'We Will Do Our Best To Put A Smile On Fans 'faces,' Says Karthik Ahead Of MI Clash
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Batting coach Dinesh Karthik has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to bounce back strongly against Mumbai Indians (MI), saying the team remains confident in its processes despite suffering two consecutive defeats in the tournament and will do its best to bring smiles to the fans' faces. RCB will be playing their first match at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Sunday; however, despite a new ground, Karthik said the team atmosphere remains positive and focused on adapting better to challenging situations. For a long time we have been playing in Chinnaswamy, and now we have come to a new city which we embrace as our own in Raipur, Karthik said in a video released by RCB on X. So far, the messaging has been very straightforward. We are very confident with what we are doing as a process, and in this tournament, there is always an odd hiccup. It's important that you deal with it in a positive way, he added. RCB head into the high-profile encounter looking to recover from back-to-back losses, with questions being raised over the teams consistency in pressure moments. However, Karthik stressed that both the batters and bowlers have responded well to the team managements approach. As we have discussed so far with the batters and the bowlers, the messaging has been simple, they are very understanding, and they understand sometimes tough situations you need to assess and adapt, which they have done quite nicely, he said. The former India wicketkeeper-batter also acknowledged the unwavering support of RCB fans and promised an entertaining performance against MI. As always, I know how passionate RCB fans are. 12th man army, I am sure you are going to bring all the love and support you have got, and it's going to be a great evening, Karthik said. And we will do our best to put a smile on your face and play a brand of cricket that you love watching, he added. As always, I know how passionate RCB fans are. 12th man army, I am sure you are going to bring all the love and support you have got, and it's going to be a great evening, Karthik said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the other side, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians come into the game with renewed confidence after securing their third win of the season. They defeated Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in a high-scoring encounter. They are currently placed in ninth position with six points in ten matches, and it will be a do-or-die game for the team, as if they lose against RCB, then they will become the first team to get eliminated. Article Source: IANS
England bowl, Corteen-Coleman, Grewcock and Gibson debut
T20 World Cup countdown begins, with England back in action after gap of 193 days
IPL 2026: Win Over RCB Really Boosted Morale In The LSG Dressing Room, Says Markram
Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants batter Aiden Markram said the morale in the camp has received a timely lift after their nine-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, adding that hopes are high of them backing this up with another win over Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. Everything is going well. Were just cracking on; you eventually find that rhythm and routine. It was great to get a win the other evening - it really boosted morale in the dressing room. Hopefully, we can back that up with another strong performance today, Markram said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. Markram, who captains South Africa in T20Is, highlighted the demands of batting in different positions, as hes moved between opening and batting in the middle order for bottom-placed LSG in the ongoing season. I think it depends on your specific role. My goal is to maximize scoring and understand my position in the middle. In this format, the requirements can change from ball to ball or over to over, and you have to be aware of that. If youre in the middle order, you have to be quite fluid to ensure you complete the job for the team. The tricky thing is that shots that work at the top can often get you caught in the middle overs. Personally, I try to look for more space toward the back end of my innings and find unique ways to find gaps through the middle, he added. Markram stressed the importance of flexibility in approach when batting at different positions in the shortest format. Everyones approach is a bit different - some guys like to stay in the crease and find gaps, others like to use their feet. For me, it's about hitting those pockets and running hard. The tricky thing is that shots that work at the top can often get you caught in the middle overs. Personally, I try to look for more space toward the back end of my innings and find unique ways to find gaps through the middle, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the challenges of switching roles, Markram added, Look, youd much rather be on the field playing than missing out, so I see it through that lens. Whatever the role, you just try to give it a crack and play according to your strengths. I try not to overthink it; while the roles differ, theyre all challenges Im excited to take on. Article Source: IANS
'Almost Every Delivery Was Hitting The Stumps': Dasgupta Praises Rashid's Masterclass Vs RR
Indian Premier League: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes Rashid Khan rediscovered his trademark attacking rhythm and bowled stump-targeted deliveries during the Gujarat Titans emphatic 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Rashid produced a decisive spell of 4-33 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday as Gujarat bowled Rajasthan out for 152 in 16.3 overs after posting a commanding 229/4. The Afghanistan leg-spinner triggered Rajasthans collapse by dismissing Dhruv Jurel and Donovan Ferreira in quick succession before removing Shubham Dubey and Ravindra Jadeja to finish with four wickets. Analysing Rashids spell, Dasgupta highlighted the spinners relentless accuracy and attacking line towards the stumps. Let's see the Shubham Dubey wicket, bowled from over the wicket to a left-hand batter. If he gets the ball to turn from outside off stump or off stump and hits middle or off, that's a really good delivery, Dasgupta told ESPNCricinfo. It was the old, vintage Rashid today. If you remember when Rashid was at his best, almost every delivery was hitting the stumps, he added. Dasgupta pointed out that three of Rashids wickets were bowled dismissals while another came through lbw, underlining how consistently he targeted the stumps throughout the innings. Today, if you look at his four wickets, three bowled, one leg before, and if you look at his beehive, you'll find a very high percentage of those deliveries were hitting the stumps, he added. According to Dasgupta, Rashid becomes particularly dangerous against left-handed batters when he bowls over the wicket and attacks the stumps with his skidding leg-breaks. Today, if you look at his four wickets, three bowled, one leg before, and if you look at his beehive, you'll find a very high percentage of those deliveries were hitting the stumps, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarats dominant win was set up earlier by captain Shubman Gills composed 84 and Sai Sudharsans fluent 55, helping the visitors pile up 229/4 before Rashid dismantled Rajasthans chase. Article Source: IANS
'Dhoni Wont Risk Disrupting CSKs Winning Combination Against LSG': Kumble
Chennai Super Kings: Former India captain Anil Kumble believes veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni may not feature for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) despite working hard to regain full match fitness, as the five-time champions would not want to disturb a successful combination. Speaking ahead of the IPL clash, Kumble said CSK is a side that strongly believes in continuity and rarely changes a winning XI. CSK are the kind of side that dont like their winning streak to end. They dont tinker much with their winning combination, and they believe in backing their players, Kumble told Jio Hotstar. The former India spinner revealed that Dhoni has been putting in extra effort behind the scenes, including spending significant time batting and wicketkeeping during practice sessions. Now, MS Dhoni has been batting a lot in the nets. He has even been practicing wicketkeeping in net sessions, which is very surprising because he is someone who never keeps wickets in the nets. He is doing that and trying his best to return to full match fitness, he added. However, Kumble feels the five-time IPL-winning captain may still choose not to return immediately if it risks affectin the balance and rhythm of the side. But even if he manages to regain the required fitness levels, I feel he will not want to come into the playing XI because CSK are doing well. He will not take the chance of disrupting the teams momentum and the player combination that has helped them win, Kumble said. However, Kumble feels the five-time IPL-winning captain may still choose not to return immediately if it risks affectin the balance and rhythm of the side. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, CSK have made a strong comeback in IPL 2026 after a poor start as they have won three out of the last four matches and are placed at sixth position in the points table with 10 points in 10 matches. They can secure their place in the playoffs if they win a minimum of three out of the last four matches remaining. Article Source: IANS
'Shubman Gill Is One Of The Most Pleasing Batters To Watch': Anil Kumble
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Former India spinner Anil Kumble praised skipper Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan for their match-winning performances in Gujarat Titans commanding 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals on Saturday describing Gill as one of the most elegant batters in modern cricket and highlighting Rashids return to bowling with greater pace. Gill once again led Gujarats batting effort with a composed 84 as the visitors posted a massive 229/4 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Rashid then dismantled Rajasthans chase with a superb spell of 4-33 as the hosts were bowled out for 152 in 16.3 overs. Speaking after the match, Kumble hailed Gills ability to combine control with consistency at the top of the order. Shubman Gill is one of the most pleasing batters to watch in modern cricket. There is nothing overly flashy about his game. He relies on playing each ball on its merit. Even when he goes for big shots, he remains in complete cpntrol. That is what separates him from many power hitters, Kumble told Jio Hotstar. Kumble added that Gills greatest strength lies in his ability to convert starts into substantial innings, something that allows Gujarat to consistently post imposing totals. The best part of his batting is his ability to bat deep. Once he is set, he takes the game deep and converts starts into long, impactful innings. When your top-order batter does that, it puts the team in a very strong position. It becomes much easier to push the total past 200. That is exactly what we saw from Shubman Gill against Rajasthan Royals, he added. Kumble also analysed Rashids bowling performance in detail, saying the Afghanistan spinner looked far more threatening because of his increased pace through the air. Rashid Khan attacked the stumps relentlessly and executed his plans to perfection. Hes a bowler who loves bowling quicker through the air but last season and even in the first half of this IPL season, he had reduced his pace, and that affected his effectiveness. Against RR, however, his pace was spot on, Kumble said. Kumble also analysed Rashids bowling performance in detail, saying the Afghanistan spinner looked far more threatening because of his increased pace through the air. Also Read: Live Cricket Score He beat most of the batters with pure speed rather than relying on flight or turn. Most spinners deceive batters by looping the ball in the air. Rashid does it by rushing them with extra pace. That has always been his strength. When he bowls those quicker, skidding deliveries that go away from the batter, it creates confusion and often leads to mistakes, he added. Article Source: IANS
Armed Forces Lead From Front At 73rd Edition Of Fit India Sundays On Cycle In New Delhi
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium: In a stirring celebration of patriotism, fitness and national unity, the 73rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle turned the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium into a vibrant sea of olive green, navy white and air force blue on Sunday morning, as personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force joined citizens for a special Armed Forces-themed edition of the nationwide cycling movement. More than 800 participants took part in the event, including 60 representatives from the armed forces - 20 each from the Army, Navy and Air Force - alongside athletes, fitness enthusiasts, students and families. Adding to the grandeur, around 15 players from the Indian Air Force Cricket Team also joined the cycling contingent, creating a visually striking spectacle as uniformed personnel cycled through the streets of Delhi in formation. The event saw the presence of senior dignitaries including Group Captain M.L.S. Prasad of the Indian Air Force, Lt. Col. Dara Singh from the Indian Army and Captain Manish Sain from the Indian Navy, along with wrestlers Priya Malik and Diksha Malik, both associated with the Indian Army. Speaking on the occasion, Group Captain M.L.S. Prasad said, I collectively represent the armed forces today. Our soldier-athletes are leading the cycling contingent and we are very happy that Fit India has organised this special edition for us. The endeavour of the armed forces is that every citizen of the country stays fighting fit. Lt. Col. Dara Singh praised the initiatives social message, saying, We thank SAI for choosing the armed forces as special partners today. Such events strengthen the spirit of Nasha Mukti and discipline. Just like armed forces personnel wake up early and stay active, every citizen should adopt a healthy lifestyle. This is in line with Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis vision to keep India fit. International wrestler Diksha Malik also encouraged people to embrace active living. This is very good for health. Every person, young and old, from every generation, should do this. There is enjoyment, energy and unity in it, she said. The atmosphere resembled a patriotic fitness carnival from the early hours of the morning. High-energy Zumba sessions, yoga demonstrations, rope skipping activities, volleyball games, lemon-spoon races and recreation zones kept participants engaged throughout the event. A special yoga consultation booth supported by the Ministry of AYUSH under its Yoga 365 initiative also drew large crowds, where participants underwent wellness assessments and interacted with yoga experts through guided sessions. International wrestler Diksha Malik also encouraged people to embrace active living. This is very good for health. Every person, young and old, from every generation, should do this. There is enjoyment, energy and unity in it, she said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I have never seen something like this before. Watching our armed forces cycle with ordinary citizens makes you feel proud and motivated at the same time, said Ritu Sharma, a resident of Lodhi Road who participated with her family. Another cyclist, college student Aakash Meena, shared, The atmosphere felt like a Republic Day celebration mixed with a fitness festival. Seeing the Army, Navy and Air Force together inspired everyone here. Article Source: IANS
'Bowlers Have To Develop Their Range Of Skills': RR Bowling Coach Bond After Heavy Loss
Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling coach Shane Bond admitted his sides bowlers must evolve and think outside the box after another disappointing performance with the ball during their 77-run defeat to the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Rajasthan endured yet another difficult outing at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday as Gujarat piled up 229/4 before bowling the hosts out for 152 in 16.3 overs. It marked the fourth consecutive match in which Rajasthan conceded more than 200 runs, highlighting their ongoing struggles with the ball. Speaking after the game, Bond expressed frustration over his sides inability to adapt under pressure. We just haven't played well enough in conditions that we know. We've been outplayed by our opposition, Bond said in the post-match press conference. I look at bowlers, they just have to be better, right? You've got to think a bit outside the box. There are two things: decision-making and execution. I think tonight, you would have probably noticed that execution just wasn't consistent enough for long enough, he added. Bond also pointed to the rapidly evolving nature of T20 batting, saying bowlers must continue developing new skills to survive in modern cricket. The batsmen, they're coming out, they're playing ultra-aggressive, and putting pressure on bowlers. So as a bowler, you've got to ask, well, what can I do differently? he said. They have got to spend more time with the analysts knowing exactly where each batsman's going to score at. I may have to bowl off a shorter run and a longer run. I've got to be able to come around the wicket and bowl on both sides, he added. The former New Zealand fast bowler added that repeating the same methods while expecting different results was no longer sustainable in the IPL. When you see the bowlers are doing the same thing, game after game after game, getting the same result, then my question would be: you've got to be doing something different and developing your game, Bond said. You look at batsmen now, they're playing the uppercut, they're reversing, they're scooping. They've developed a range of shots. So a bowler has to develop their range of skills as well. Bond, however, believes the current high-scoring era also presents a major opportunity for bowlers willing to innovate and improve. I think it's a great opportunity for any bowler to go: if I can do that, then I can elevate myself into a lot of money and be a superstar. I just don't think you've consistently seen that across the board, he added. Bond, however, believes the current high-scoring era also presents a major opportunity for bowlers willing to innovate and improve. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gujarats innings was built around captain Shubman Gills 84 and Sai Sudharsans 55, while Rashid Khan later dismantled Rajasthans chase with figures of 4-33. Article Source: IANS
Bangladesh bring Taj Nehar back for women's T20 World Cup 2026
Bangladesh will be led by Nigar Sultana for the third consecutive T20 World Cup, and will start their campaign on June 14
Nigar Sultana To Lead 15-member Bangladesh Team In Women's T20 WC
Old Trafford Cricket Ground: Bangladesh on Sunday announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty will lead the team once again. Spinner Nahida Akter has been named vice-captain as Bangladesh prepares for their seventh appearance in the global tournament. The team enters the competition with confidence after a strong performance in the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2026 Global Qualifier earlier this year. They remained unbeaten during both the group stage and Super Six phase to secure qualification, highlighting their growing consistency in this format. They will also aim to build on the positives from the previous edition of the tournament in 2024, where they started their campaign with a memorable 16-run victory over Scotland women's national cricket team. Over the years, Bangladesh has developed into a competitive T20 team, with a balanced squad that includes both experienced players and promising young talent. Captain Nigar Sultana will once again lead with the bat. The bowling attack will depend on Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Marufa Akter. Young players like Shorna Akter and Dilara Akter are also expected to contribute significantly during the tournament. Before the World Cup begins, Bangladesh will travel to Edinburgh on May 25 for a tri-series featuring Scotland and Netherlands. They will then head to Loughborough for their official warm-up matches before the main event. Bangladesh will kick off their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. They will then play against Australia on June 17 at Headingley. Following that, they will face Pakistan on June 20 at Hampshire Bowl. Bangladesh will take on India at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on June 25 before concluding their group-stage matches against South Africa women's national cricket team at Lords Cricket Ground on June 28. Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana Joty (captain), Nahida Akter (vice captain), Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous, and Tajnehar. Schedule: June 14, Bangladesh v Netherlands, Edgbaston, Birmingham June 17, Australia v Bangladesh, Headingley, Leeds June 20, Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hampshire Bowl, Southampton June 17, Australia v Bangladesh, Headingley, Leeds Also Read: Live Cricket Score June 28, South Africa v Bangladesh, Lords Cricket Ground, London Article Source: IANS
Mehidy, Taskin run through Pakistan middle order after Awais' debut century
From being at a dominant 210 for 1, Pakistan lost 4 for 20 as Mehidy and Taskin struck twice each
'I Wouldnt Mind Watching Him In All Three Formats': Ashwin Hails Sooryavanshi's Approach
Indian Premier League: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the talent to succeed across all formats of the game after the Rajasthan Royals opener continued his fearless run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Speaking about Sooryavanshis explosive innings against the Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday, Ashwin said the 15-year-old possesses the kind of attacking ability that can entertain crowds in every format. He is taking every bowler down. I wouldnt mind watching him in a Test match, and I wouldnt mind watching him in all three formats of the game. Get him onto cricket grounds, get people coming along, because he is going to entertain you, Ashwin told Jio Hotstar. Sooryavanshi once again provided Rajasthan Royals with a flying start in a daunting chase of 230, smashing 36 off just 16 balls with three fours and three sixes. The teenager attacked experienced pacers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada fearlessly during a breathtaking powerplay that briefly kept Rajasthan in the hunt. However, Gujarat recovered strongly through their spinners, with Rashid Khan starring with 4-33 as Rajasthan collapsed to 152 all out in 16.3 overs to lose by 77 runs. Ashwin also described Sooryavanshi as a box-office player and urged people not to burden the youngster with excessive expectations at this early stage of his career. He is leaving no stone unturned, putting every ounce of force he can into the cricket ball. The way he played, even in the U-19 World Cup final, putting everything together, he is looking like a box-office player, Ashwin said. There are very few windows in your cricketing career where you can absolutely enjoy your cricket, and he is only 15 years old. I think we should just let him be. There is no point asking him to do things he shouldnt be doing at this stage of his career, he added. Ashwin feels that Rajasthan already have experienced names like Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Donovan Ferreira in the middle order, allowing Sooryavanshi the freedom to continue playing attacking cricket at the top. There are very few windows in your cricketing career where you can absolutely enjoy your cricket, and he is only 15 years old. I think we should just let him be. There is no point asking him to do things he shouldnt be doing at this stage of his career, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sooryavanshi has played 11 matches in IPL 2026 and scored 440 runs, which includes one hundred and two half-centuries. He is the top scorer for the Rajasthan Royals this season. Article Source: IANS
'You've got to be doing something different,' Bond says as RR bowlers go off radar
It started badly for RR against GT, with Jofra Archer bowling an 11-ball over, and never got better, leaving them at No. 5 on the points table
Audience Has Not Left The IPL But Has Simply Shifted To Different Platforms: Lalit Modi
The Indian Premier League: The Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi believes the discussion around falling IPL television ratings is seriously flawed and thinks the tournament has grown into one of the world's largest digital entertainment ecosystems, rather than just being a television product. While discussing how people consume the Indian Premier League, the IPL founder argued that analysts are stuck in the past by only focusing on traditional television viewership. The mistake many analysts make is treating IPL like its still a pure television property. It is not. The IPL has turned into a multi-screen, multi-platform entertainment ecosystem, Modi told IANS in an exclusive conversation. Measuring a digital-first global sports property only through television ratings is like measuring the internet through newspaper circulation. He stated that the audience has not left the IPL but has simply shifted to different platforms as sports consumption habits change around the world. The audience has not disappeared. The audience has migrated, Modi explained, emphasizing that the screen changed, the audience did not. Modi pointed out that much of the recent criticism about IPL viewership comes from selectively interpreting television data. The headlines shouting IPL viewership decline are quoting one metric: Average Minute Audience on linear television. That is just one part of the ecosystem, he said. He argued that the larger changes in sports broadcasting worldwide are being overlooked, as audiences increasingly turn to OTT platforms, mobile devices, and connected televisions. Viewers are moving from broadcast TV to OTT. Families are splitting their viewing across devices. Young audiences prefer mobile and connected TV. Advertisers are looking for measurable engagement, not just TV ratings, Modi said. Emphasizing the scale of the tournament's reach, Modi claimed that IPLs cumulative audience across platforms during the 2026 season had already surpassed 1.06 billion viewers even before the playoffs. That is not a decline. That is an expansion, he asserted. Modi also highlighted that television can no longer serve as the only measure for sporting success. Linear TV was once the only screen. Now its just one screen among many, he said, adding that connected TV concurrency had increased by 61 percent year-on-year while the watch time during the opening weekend had grown by 26 percent. The audience did not leave IPL. They upgraded their screens, he remarked. Making comparisons with other major sports leagues, Modi noted that the IPL is experiencing the same digital shift seen in leagues like the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Premier League, and Olympic Games. This is not unique to cricket. Traditional TV is fading while streaming grows, mobile attracts younger viewers, and connected TV becomes the main household screen, he said. However, Modi believes the IPL's transition has been particularly pronounced because of Indias mobile-first digital ecosystem. No sporting league in the worldbe it EPL, NBA, or NFLhas seen this kind of transition. Sure, our population plays a role, but that oversimplifies things. Availability doesnt mean consumptionin the case of the IPL, it does, he said. Modi explained why advertisers are increasingly choosing digital platforms over traditional television. Television can tell you a household watched. Digital can tell you who watched, how long, on what device, whether they interacted, and if they made a purchase. That is the future of advertising, he said. He shared that 125 new brands had joined the IPLs digital advertising ecosystem this season, while connected TV ad prices continued to rise. Watch time across all platforms is expected to surpass last years record levels, Modi added. According to Modi, the true measure of modern sports success lies not in single-screen television ratings but in cumulative reach, total watch time, engagement depth, concurrency, advertiser demand, and cross-platform influence. By those standards, he believes the IPL remains unparalleled globally. Projected combined watch time for IPL 2026: 850900 billion minutes. That is extraordinary, he said. Modi also urged for the swift creation of an accurate and standardized digital measurement system for Indian sports broadcasting, similar to BARC for television. Its time we have a proper measurement system like BARC for digital viewership. Its overdue. Insights and a detailed understanding of audience profiles and viewing habits are essential, he said. Summing up his view on the leagues growth, Modi said the IPL in 2026 is no longer just a cricket competition. Its time we have a proper measurement system like BARC for digital viewership. Its overdue. Insights and a detailed understanding of audience profiles and viewing habits are essential, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The measurement model changed. The audience behavior changed. The scale did not shrink. It expanded. The IPL did not lose its audience. The audience simply changed screens. Measuring a digital-first global sports property only through television ratings is like measuring the internet through newspaper circulation. Article Source: IANS
Uttar Pradesh Clinch 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship Title
Sqn Ldr Abhai Pratap Singh: Uttar Pradesh emerged victorious in a thrilling final against Haryana to win the 5th National Wheelchair Cricket Championship at the Shaheed Vijay Pathik Stadium, Greater Noida on Saturday. Under the captaincy of Somjeet Singh, Uttar Pradesh lifted the national title for the third time, further cementing their dominance in Indian wheelchair cricket. Batting first, Uttar Pradesh posted an impressive total of 191/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Haryana responded with a spirited chase and scored 186/8 in 20 overs, falling short by just 5 runs in a nail-biting finish. Anil Singhaniya was named Man of the Match for his brilliant all-round performance, scoring a crucial 27 runs and claiming 2 wickets for Uttar Pradesh. The prestigious tournament, ran from May 3 to May 10, 2026, features top teams from across the country competing in an exciting Super 5 grand finale format, showcasing the highest level of wheelchair cricket in India. The championship final witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests including Aman Goel, BJP Yuva Neta from Faridabad, Bal Kishan Sharma from Vishva Hindu Parishad, Surendra Lohia, President of PCCAI, Ravi Kant Chauhan, General Secretary of DCCI, and Sqn Ldr Abhai Pratap Singh, President of the Wheelchair Cricket India Association. The dignitaries praised the players for their determination, discipline, and sportsmanship while appreciating the rapid growth of wheelchair cricket across the country. The championship final witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests including Aman Goel, BJP Yuva Neta from Faridabad, Bal Kishan Sharma from Vishva Hindu Parishad, Surendra Lohia, President of PCCAI, Ravi Kant Chauhan, General Secretary of DCCI, and Sqn Ldr Abhai Pratap Singh, President of the Wheelchair Cricket India Association. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The Wheelchair Cricket India Association continues to play a pivotal role in empowering athletes and promoting wheelchair cricket across the country, with this championship serving as one of its flagship events. Article Source: IANS
Mohammad Abbas takes five as Pakistan debutants shine against Bangladesh in Dhaka Test
Mohammad Abbas claimed five wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 413 before two debutant batsmen combined to put Pakistan in a strong position in the first Test on Saturday. Opener Azan Awais hit an unbeaten 85 and Abdullah Fazal, also playing in his first Test, was 37 not out as Pakistan reached 179-1 at stumps on the second day in Dhaka. The visitors trail Bangladesh by 234 runs but veteran Pakistan seamer Abbas was the standout performer, claiming three wickets in the morning session after the home side resumed at 301-4. Abbas took two more wickets after lunch and finished with figures of 5-92 from 34 overs, the sixth five-wicket haul of his career. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto laid a strong platform on the first day with 101. Mushfiqur Rahim, who was 48 not out overnight, then went on to make a gritty 71 off 179 balls, Mushfiqurcelebrated his 39th birthday by equalling Tamim Iqbal's record of 42 innings of 50 or more for Bangladesh in Test cricket. Bangladesh began day two well before 36-year-old Abbas dismantled their innings with disciplined bowling. Litton Das fell for 33 while attempting a pull shot, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was out for 10 one ball after hitting a six. Taijul Islam edged a bouncer from Abbas for 17 before Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled Mushfiqur in the first over after lunch. Taskin Ahmed made a late cameo of 28 before falling to Afridi, who finished with 3-113. Senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin lamented that Bangladesh was unable to post a bigger score and pinpointed slips catching as an area of concern after two chances were dropped. I think if we could have scored another 50-60 runs it would have been much better for us, he said. Our slip catching needs a lot of improvement. It is a specialised area and we will talk about how to improve further. Pakistan began their innings strongly, with Imam-ul-Haq and Azan adding 106 for the opening wicket before Mehidy trapped Imam lbw for 45. Imam praised Abbas and the two new batsmen. Abbas bowled very well, everybody knows how good he is, Imam said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The way Azan batted, taking and absorbing all the pressure, the kid really held his composure. I am very happy to see both of them playing so well, he said.
Rabada leads Purple Cap race, Gill rises on Orange Cap table at IPL 2026
There was a lot of movement on both the Orange and Purple Cap tables at IPL 2026 after the RR vs GT game on Saturday night. Here's a look
Stokes falls to Home-town hero as Worcestershire keep Durham in check
England's Test captain out for 14 to young seamer Jack Home in first innings since the Ashes
Higgins hits back as low-scoring tussle heads for tight conclusion
Anderson again in the wickets as du Plooy makes 67
RCB vs MI Match 54, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
RCB vs MI Match 54, Cricket Tips :The defending champion, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, have found it tough in the last few matches, and they have suffered consecutive defeats. The other teams are going past them, and they need to keep winning. They will have a big challenge ahead of them, as they will face Mumbai Indians. This contest will be held on Sunday at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, at 7:30 PM IST. It is a crucial game for both teams. RCB can boost their chances with a win here, and this win is important for MI's survival. MI are coming off a good win, and they will be prepared for this contest. RCB vs MI: Match Details Date : May 10, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur RCB vs MI Live Streaming Details Indian fans can catch the live action on the Star Sports Networks, while the live stream of the match will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. RCB vs MI Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 35 RCB : 16 MI : 19 No - Result : 00 RCB vs MI: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Raipur is all about batting. It is a flat deck, which offers very little help for the bowling sides. The new ball will do a bit, but the wicket is expected to settle down over time. At this time of the year, there might be dew also in the second innings. Hence, teams will look to bowl first here. RCB vs MI Possible XIs RCB : Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, Josh Hazlewood MI : Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Will Jacks, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar RCB vs MI Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Virat Kohli has been the leading batter for RCB, and he will be the one to watch out for. For MI, Ryan Rickelton has been at his best. He is dealing in sixes at the moment. Probable Best Bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is bowling at his vintage best and is getting wickets up front. For MI, AM Ghazanfar has come out as a strike bowler in the middle overs. Today Match Prediction : MI can't be written off, but RCB have been more consistent this season. Hence, we predict Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win this game on Sunday. RCB vs MI Match 54, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, RCB vs MI 2026 Prediction, RCB vs MI Predicted XIs, Injury Update for RCB vs MI 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.
CSK vs LSG Match 53, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
CSK vs LSG Match 53, Cricket Tips :Chennai Super Kings have had a great start to the second half of the group stage in the IPL 2026. They have won five of their last seven matches and have shown great movement on the points table. Ruturaj Gaikwad and co. need to carry on the momentum in order to qualify for the playoffs. Their next game is against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 PM IST at Chepauk Stadium. Two points here are very important for them, because there are five teams with 12 or more points. LSG, on the other hand, can't lose this game, because their defeat will eliminate them from the competition. CSK vs LSG: Match Details Date : May 10, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 3:30 PM IST Venue : MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai CSK vs LSG Live Streaming Details The live action of the CSK vs LSG game will be televised on the Star Sports Networks. Fans can also watch the live stream through the Jio Hotstar streaming platform. CSK vs LSG Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 06 CSK : 02 LSG : 03 No - Result : 01 CSK vs LSG: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Chepauk Stadium has played very well this season. Batters have found it easier to score runs because of the flat wicket here. The surface here is even, and bowlers are also having assistance. Spinners will be dominant because of the dryness of the wicket. CSK vs LSG Possible XIs CSK : Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary LSG : Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis, Aiden Markram, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Mohsin Khan, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav CSK vs LSG Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sanju Samson has scored the most runs for CSK and is coming off a match-winning half-century. For LSG, Mitchell Marsh struck a quick century, and he is LSG's top scorer. Probable Best Bowler Anshul Kamboj and Prince Yadav are in a race to get the Purple cap. So, it will be a good battle between two quicks. Today Match Prediction : LSG won the last game, but they have not been consistent at all. Hence, we predict Chennai Super Kings to win this game. CSK vs LSG Match 53, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, CSK vs LSG 2026 Prediction, CSK vs LSG Predicted XIs, Injury Update for CSK vs LSGT 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.
Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid power GT to second spot with fourth straight win
Half-centuries from Gill and Sai Sudharsan headlined GT's solid start that set up a big win
Hughes century puts Sussex into dominant position
John Simpson closes on 89 not out to secure overnight lead of 58
New Zealand hit their sweet spot as T20 World Cup defence looms
Melie Kerr leads tourists with an eye to the future as injury-hit England get back to business
IPL 2026: Jaiswal Says Team Must learn From This Game After RRs Loss To GT
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Rajasthan Royals stand-in captain Yashasvi Jaiswal backed his struggling bowling unit and refused to single out individuals after the side slumped to a crushing 77-run defeat against the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. Rajasthan were completely outplayed after Gujarat piled up 229/4 on the back of a dominant opening partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill before Rashid Khan ripped through the chase with a four-wicket haul. Reflecting on how difficult it became once Gujarats openers settled in, Jaiswal admitted Rajasthan struggled to contain the flow of boundaries. We were just thinking to bowl in good areas and they were batting pretty well. So we were just thinking how we can cut down the boundaries or big shots. So I think it was pretty good from them, Jaiswal said after the match. The Royals were under pressure from the outset, as Sudharsan and Gill attacked aggressively during the powerplay and maintained momentum through the middle overs. Rajasthans pace attack, including Jofra Archer, failed to build pressure consistently on a batting-friendly Jaipur surface. Archer, who has been among Rajasthans key bowlers this season, endured a rare off day and went wicketless while conceding heavily. However, Jaiswal firmly defended the England quick and said poor outings are part of the game. Its cricket. We all know that theres some days where you are in, theres some days where you cannot bowl how you want. But hes been doing so well for us, I think. So I think hell be coming back very strongly, he said. Rajasthans bowling combination had also drawn attention before the match after the franchise opted to leave out left-arm pacer Nandre Burger. Asked whether that was a difficult selection decision, Jaiswal said the management simply focused on the bowling plans for the powerplay. I actually didnt think that much. I had simple plan who is my bowler and who can give me some good overs in the powerplay. So nothing much from my end, Jaiswal stated. Despite the heavy defeat, Rajasthan briefly threatened to pull off a remarkable chase after teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi blasted 36 off 16 balls and Dhruv Jurel smashed 24 off 10 deliveries in a fiery powerplay. The hosts raced to 78/3 in six overs before Gujarats spin attack turned the game completely. Rashid dismissed Jurel and later removed Ravindra Jadeja and others as Rajasthan collapsed from a promising position to 152 all out in 16.3 overs. Jaiswal, however, chose not to dwell too much on the defeat and instead stressed the importance of learning quickly before the next fixture. The hosts raced to 78/3 in six overs before Gujarats spin attack turned the game completely. Rashid dismissed Jurel and later removed Ravindra Jadeja and others as Rajasthan collapsed from a promising position to 152 all out in 16.3 overs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The defeat dealt a significant blow to Rajasthans net run rate, while Gujarat strengthened their position in the playoff race with one of their most complete performances of the season. Article Source: IANS
Kent batters boost hopes of supremecy over Gloucestershire
Tawanda Muyeye, Chris Benjamin and Ben Dawkins draw visitors within touching distance
Brooke Guest century tightens Derbyshire's grip
Northants have a lot of work to do on the last two days to avoid defeat
Opener Sai Sudharsan: Opener Sai Sudharsan said Gujarat Titans aggressive mindset in the powerplay and his strong understanding with captain Shubman Gill played a key role in setting up the sides massive first-innings total against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 on Saturday. Sudharsan struck a fluent 55 off 36 deliveries while sharing a commanding 118-run opening partnership with Gill as Gujarat Titans posted an imposing 229/4 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Reflecting on the batting conditions, Sudharsan said the pitch was excellent for strokeplay initially before becoming slower as the innings progressed. At the start, the wicket was really good, but once the ball got rough, I think it started to turn a bit and it was a bit slow actually, Sudharsan said after the innings. The left-handed opener also revealed Gujarat Titans had identified the importance of capitalising on the new ball against Rajasthans pace attack, including the threat posed by Jofra Archer. Its always a great challenge playing against Jofra, but we had it in our mind, if an over started really well for us, we went for the over and it happened very well in the powerplay, he said. Archer endured a difficult opening spell as Gujarat Titans raced to 82/0 in six overs, their joint-highest powerplay total in IPL history. Sudharsan was particularly severe on anything loose, striking six fours and two sixes during his innings. Despite the strong start, Sudharsan acknowledged that the surface became more demanding for strokeplay against slower deliveries and spin as the innings progressed. No, I think the team will be planning for that, but therell be a lot of slower ones, a lot of cutters. If we look to spin the ball well, I think its not so easy to hit on this wicket, he explained while speaking about the bowling approach Gujarat Titans could adopt in the chase. Sudharsan and Gill maintained an attacking approach throughout their partnership, regularly taking on the bowlers without allowing Rajasthan Royals to settle into defensive lines. We were very free, to be honest. Me and Shubman, we were going after the bowlers. There was no hesitation or resistance when we went on to bat, Sudharsan said. We had a very good powerplay. We should have had a very good middle overs. I think I lost my wicket at the right time for the RR team. We could have had maybe a bigger partnership, he added. The opener also spoke highly of his understanding with Gill, with the pair continuing one of the most productive opening combinations in the IPL. I think we share a very good partnership with each other, a very good relationship. And I feel I look up to a lot of things from Shubman, Sudharsan said. The opener also spoke highly of his understanding with Gill, with the pair continuing one of the most productive opening combinations in the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gill went on to score a blistering 84 off 44 balls, while late cameos from Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia helped Gujarat Titans finish with a daunting total of 229/4. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Gill, Sudharsan Power GT To Commanding 229/4 Against RR
Captain Shubman Gill: Captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan struck commanding half-centuries before late fireworks from Washington Sundar propelled Gujarat Titans to a formidable 229/4 against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2026 clash at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. After being put in to bat by Rajasthan Royals stand-in skipper Yashasvi Jaiswal, GT made a blistering start and never allowed the hosts to regain control on a batting-friendly surface in Jaipur. The tone for the innings was set in a chaotic opening over from Jofra Archer, who leaked 18 runs, including nine extras. Sai Sudharsan immediately capitalised on the loose bowling, driving and cutting with authority, while Gill settled in quickly at the other end. Rajasthans bowlers struggled badly with their lines in the powerplay as GT raced to 82 without loss in six overs, their joint-highest powerplay total in IPL history. Sudharsan was particularly fluent, punishing anything on his pads and taking on both pace and spin with ease. Gill soon joined the assault, hammering Archer for a six and two boundaries in the fifth over to further tilt the momentum decisively in Gujarats favour. The opening pair brought up 100 in just 8.1 overs and continued to dominate Rajasthans attack with intelligent strokeplay and sharp running between the wickets. Their partnership also entered the IPL record books as Gill and Sudharsan registered their sixth century stand as an opening pair in the tournament. Yash Raj Punja finally provided Rajasthan a breakthrough in the 11th over when Sudharsan mistimed a lofted shot to long-on after a superb 55 off 36 balls, studded with six fours and two sixes. The left-handers dismissal ended a massive 108-run opening partnership that laid the perfect platform for a huge total. Gill, however, continued to dictate terms with elegant strokeplay and brought up his fourth fifty of the season. Jos Buttler looked threatening during his brief stay, smashing a six and a boundary before falling to Ravindra Jadeja for 13. Gill accelerated further in the death overs and looked set for a century before falling for a superb 84 off just 44 deliveries. His innings included nine boundaries and three sixes and kept the Gujarat Titans on course for a 230-plus total. After Gills dismissal, Washington Sundar took charge with a powerful late cameo. The left-hander struck boundaries cleanly against both pace and spin, including successive fours and sixes off Brijesh Sharma before finishing unbeaten on 37 from 20 balls. Rahul Tewatia then delivered the finishing touches with two sixes in the final over as Gujarat Titans smashed 21 runs off the last six balls to finish on a daunting 229/4. After Gills dismissal, Washington Sundar took charge with a powerful late cameo. The left-hander struck boundaries cleanly against both pace and spin, including successive fours and sixes off Brijesh Sharma before finishing unbeaten on 37 from 20 balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 229/4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 84, Sai Sudharsan 55; Brijesh Sharma 2-47, Ravindra Jadeja 1-34) against Rajasthan Royals Article Source: IANS
'Awais absorbed all the pressure' - Imam impressed by Pakistan debutant's 85*
You Have To Trust Your Skills: Rashid Focused On Consistency As GT Eye Strong Finish To League Stage
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Gujarat Titans all-rounder Rashid Khan said the team is not looking too far ahead to the IPL 2026 playoffs and remains fully focused on maintaining consistency and improving with every game as the tournament enters its decisive phase. Speaking ahead of GTs clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday, Rashid also expressed satisfaction with his own bowling form and stressed the importance of trusting his skills against aggressive batters. The Afghanistan leg-spinner has been a key figure in GTs bowling attack over the years and said he was pleased with the way he has performed since rejoining the squad this season. Absolutely. Since joining the squad, Ive simply tried to contribute as much as possible to the team's cause, and it feels great, Rashid said while reflecting on his performances after the Delhi game. As far as my landing is concerned, the ball is pitching exactly where I want it to; so, Im quite happy with my performance so far. I will continue to strive to perform well in all the upcoming matches for the team, he added. Gujarat Titans come into the encounter on the back of three consecutive victories and remain firmly in contention for a playoff place. However, Rashid insisted the side is not looking to change its approach despite the winning momentum. Theres no need to do anything differently today. We will simply continue doing what weve been doing since the very first match, constantly striving to improve upon it, he said. Its not a case of simply maintaining the status quo just because were winning; even when youre on a winning streak, there are always specific areas where you can aim for further improvement. So, wherever we spot an opportunity - or wherever weve executed things well in previous matches - we focus on refining those aspects, he added. Beyond that, we just enjoy our cricket and aim to deliver a strong collective performance as a team, Rashid said. The veteran spinner also acknowledged the challenge posed by Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has impressed with his aggressive approach this season. Its definitely a challenge. Given the way he played last year, and the mindset with which hes approaching the game this season, it can certainly be a bit difficult for a bowler, Rashid said. However, you have to place your trust in your own skills and the hard work youve put in. Against a batsman of that caliber, I believe the key is to execute your good balls with even greater precision, he added. In my view, the better you bowl, the better the results you will get. That remains my sole focus: to bowl well and consistently hit the right areas, he further explained. With the playoff race tightening, Rashid said Gujarat Titans are deliberately avoiding discussions around qualification scenarios and are instead taking one match at a time. Not really - thats still quite a way off. I think our focus right now is simply on our upcoming match, he said when asked if the team had started defining roles keeping the playoffs in mind. With the playoff race tightening, Rashid said Gujarat Titans are deliberately avoiding discussions around qualification scenarios and are instead taking one match at a time. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I believe we will approach this match with the exact same mindset and play the same brand of cricket that we did in our very first game. We won't be thinking too far ahead into the future; our entire focus is on today's match, and our goal is to deliver a strong performance, Rashid concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Akeal And Noor Well-prepared In Terms Of Being Tactically Aware, Says Sriram
Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings assistant bowling coach Sridharan Sriram has lauded spin duo of Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad for their preparation and tactical awareness, saying the duos clarity of plans has been central to the sides recent success in IPL 2026. Noor (11 scalps) and Hosein (seven scalps) have steadily formed a good spin bowling pair for CSK, who are at ten points from as many games and a win over Lucknow Super Giants at Chepauk on Sunday afternoon will brighten their chances in a tight race to the playoffs. (Akeal and Noor) share a good rapport with each other. They help out each other on the ground. They're well-prepared in terms of being tactically aware of what to plan against different oppositions, said Sriram in the pre-match press conference on Saturday. While Hosein provides control and bowls slower through the air, Noor had to overcome form issues to be at his best self with the ball. Noor managed just one wicket in his first four outings, conceding at 11.3 runs an over. Since then, he has picked up 10 wickets in his last six innings at 6.7 runs per over. In overs 7-16, Noor has bowled 94 per cent of his deliveries in this phase and claimed 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.9. This statistic holds huge importance especially considering no bowler has taken more wickets than Noor in that crucial middleovers window this season. While Hosein provides control and bowls slower through the air, Noor had to overcome form issues to be at his best self with the ball. Noor managed just one wicket in his first four outings, conceding at 11.3 runs an over. Since then, he has picked up 10 wickets in his last six innings at 6.7 runs per over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Hes more consistent with his run-up speeds. Hes putting more revs on the ball and hes bowling more percentage of leg-spins. He has made some minor adjustments and thats something working for him really well and hes attacking the stumps a lot more. Article Source: IANS
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Jos Buttler said enjoying the game and embracing competition has become his biggest motivation at this stage of his career as the Gujarat Titans wicketkeeper-batter reflected on form, leadership and facing his former franchise, the Rajasthan Royals, at the IPL 2026 on Saturday. Ahead of Gujarat Titans clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday, Buttler also credited GTs bowling unit for the teams recent strong performances in the tournament. Gujarat Titans head into the contest after registering three consecutive wins and are firmly in the race for a playoff spot. Reflecting on the sides momentum, Buttler said the bowlers have played a defining role in their success. No massive changes. I think the boys have been bowling really well. I think that's been one of the hallmarks of the few performances that we've had, Buttler said. We've taken a lot of wickets and restricted sides. So that's been a huge plus. And then we've had a little break, so five days or six days since the last game. And a huge game today against the Royals, he added. The England batter spent several successful seasons with Rajasthan Royals before moving to Gujarat Titans, but said facing his former side does not add any extra motivation beyond the importance of the contest itself. I don't really. I think you want to win every game, don't you? Buttler said when asked if playing against the Rajasthan Royals carried additional significance. But, you know, spent a few good seasons there. But today's a massive game when you look at the table and getting to the business end of it. So big two points for whoever takes it, he added. Buttler, one of the most experienced overseas players in the IPL, said his current focus is on enjoying cricket while also helping younger players develop through his experience. Oh, winning, being competitive and winning, Buttler said when asked what motivates him now. And just trying to be really content at this stage, you've experienced lots of things, all the highs and lows that you think the game can throw at you. And now it's just time to really enjoy it and really enjoy the competition, really, invest yourself in the team and try and share a bit of wisdom with the younger guys coming through and just to really enjoy this phase of your career. It's about enjoying it, he added. Buttler also opened up on the changes he made following a difficult phase in recent months, admitting he had been trying too hard during the World Cup period before simplifying his approach ahead of IPL 2026. And just trying to be really content at this stage, you've experienced lots of things, all the highs and lows that you think the game can throw at you. And now it's just time to really enjoy it and really enjoy the competition, really, invest yourself in the team and try and share a bit of wisdom with the younger guys coming through and just to really enjoy this phase of your career. It's about enjoying it, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So I just needed some space from the game, which was nice in between that and here. And then every time you come to the IPL, the practice facilities are so good. There's so much resource for practice. So I just got very much back to basics and worked hard on my set-up and allowed everything else to work from there, Buttler added. Article Source: IANS
RR bowl with Parag injured and make three changes
Shimron Hetmyer and Dasun Shanaka were back in the side
I Carried A Lot Of Drinks In First Three Seasons: Donovan Ferreira On What Motivated Him In IPL 2026
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Rajasthan Royals batter Donovan Ferreira said the lack of opportunities in his first three IPL seasons has become a major source of motivation for him as he looks to make a bigger impact for the franchise in IPL 2026. Ahead of Rajasthan Royals clash against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday, Ferreira reflected on his role as a finisher and the confidence he has gained from finally getting consistent chances in the tournament. The hard-hitting South African has made a habit of clearing the ropes at the death this season, with 11 of his 16 sixes coming between overs 17 and 20. Asked about his effectiveness in the final overs, Ferreira responded with humour. I don't really know. It must just be the middle of my bat. Or they're just sending me better bats. No, I think it's just worked out that way, swinging nice and hard. And it leaves me nice and refreshed now, like a CAR battery like a fully charged CAR battery after a full break. So yeah, ready to play today and hopefully we can get a bit more success today, Ferreira said ahead of the clash. Ferreira has often been deployed as a lower middle-order aggressor for Rajasthan Royals, a role that demands immediate impact, particularly if the top order fails to capitalise. Speaking about handling that responsibility, the 27-year-old said it is a position he has embraced throughout his career. I mean, that is kind of my role in the team and that's what I've got time. So, I think it is exciting for me to be in that role. I've always been in that role my whole career. So it's just nice when it comes off because when it doesn't come off, you look kind of, how can I say, it doesn't look great. But yeah, for me, it's been coming off, so hopefully it can continue going forward, he added. Ferreira also revealed that his limited appearances in previous IPL seasons have fuelled his determination to succeed this year. Having spent much of his earlier campaigns on the sidelines, he said, finally getting opportunities has given him renewed purpose. I think for me, especially in the IPL, a big motivator has been, this has been my fourth season now and I haven't really gotten a lot of opportunity. I carried a lot of drinks in the first three seasons, he said. Ferreira also revealed that his limited appearances in previous IPL seasons have fuelled his determination to succeed this year. Having spent much of his earlier campaigns on the sidelines, he said, finally getting opportunities has given him renewed purpose. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals, led by stand-in skipper Yashasvi Jaiswal, opted to bowl first against Gujarat Titans after regular captain Riyan Parag was ruled out with a hamstring injury. Ferreira retained his place in the playing XI alongside Shimron Hetmyer, who returned to the side for the crucial encounter. Article Source: IANS
Wait for Dhoni continues as CSK's home edge meets LSG's away struggles
Rain forecast on Sunday afternoon could dampen all-important clash in Chennai
IPL 2026: Skipper Parag Out, Hetmyer In As Jaiswal-led RR Opt To Bowl Against GT
Indian Premier League: Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl against Gujarat Titans in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. Yashasvi Jaiswal is leading the home team in the absence of regular skipper Riyan Parag, who has been sidelined after pulling his hamstring during the teams previous outing. Rajasthan Royals head into the clash looking to bounce back after a seven-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals. After winning four of their opening five matches, RRs campaign has slowed, with three defeats in their last five outings. Led by Riyan Parag, the Royals currently sit fourth on the points table with 12 points from 10 games. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans arrive in strong form after registering three successive wins over Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings, respectively. The Titans are fifth with 12 points and can break into the top four with a victory. Historically, Gujarat Titans have enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry, winning six of the nine meetings between the two sides. However, Rajasthan Royals claimed victory in their most recent encounter on April 4. Winning the toss, RRs stand-in skipper Jaiswal said, We are going to bowl first. I think the wicket is pretty good and we want to chase it. Riyan pulled his hamstring last game, so I feel he'll be coming back soon. Shimron Hetmyer comes in and Yash Raj Punja comes in. That's the two guys who have been coming in. I'm really excited, looking forward to the game. Meanwhile, GT captain Shubman Gill said, We would have bowled first as well honestly. We have got one change. Prasid comes back in place of Manav Suthar. I think it's important to look back at your strengths as a batting group or as a bowling group. What are the things that has got us so much success as a team. So, there were some areas that, you know, we went back and we reflected. Most of the games that we have played there have been pretty close. So, it's all about doing that extra effort, putting that, you know, if something is going well for you, having the belief to be able to have that execution. Yeah, I mean, we're going to see how the first couple of overs, 2-3 overs go. There's obviously a par score and then you want to get 10-15 extra on top of the pass score to give that extra cushion to the bowlers. Playing XIs: Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja Impact Substitutes: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Adam Milne, Ravi Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Prasidh Krishna, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, R Sai Kishore, Kumar Kushagra Article Source: IANS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Jacob Bethell spoke about the teams mindset, his own form, and the confidence within the dressing room ahead of RCBs key clash against Mumbai Indians in Raipur on Sunday. Reflecting on the experience of batting alongside Virat Kohli, Bethell said: It is cool. I have said it multiple times, how cool it is to bat with him and be involved in the dressing room with him. I dont think it adds any more pressure. It is just nice to have someone of that calibre in your team. You can count on him and a lot of the time people are only watching him, so a lot of the pressure is off. It is not something that burdens you, it is something that allows you to play freely, I guess. On RCBs transition from Bengaluru to Raipur, Bethell added: This is our home away from home now. We had a great welcome yesterday at the hotel and the transition to Raipur has been seamless. Training today is going to be very important because we have to adapt quickly. Mumbai has had a couple of days here but I dont really think that makes a huge difference. We are a confident team and I think we are going to adapt pretty well. Speaking about RCBs approach after back-to-back losses, he said: There is no shying away from the fact that we have lost two games in a row. We have reflected on them and there are areas where we were not at our best. But the only thing that matters now is being present for that first ball in the next game. If we are able to do that and adapt quickly, our best is very good and we have got more than enough in the dressing room to walk away with four points here. Bethell also opened up on his personal form, I have not got off to the start that I would have wanted in this tournament, but the only game that matters is the one tomorrow. I never really feel like I am fighting for a spot. It is more from a hunger to contribute to this team. It does not feel good when you are not contributing to wins and there is definitely a burning desire to go out there and put in a match-winning performance tomorrow. On the decision between the IPL and domestic cricket commitments, he opined: Everyone is allowed to have their opinions and that is absolutely fine. But from a personal point of view, I think I have made the right decision. This is the marquee tournament of the year with pretty much all of the best cricketers in the world playing in it. I definitely do not think it is going to hurt my career. I think it is going to do the opposite. Bethell also reacted to comparisons made by AB de Villiers, who recently said the young batter reminded him of Virat Kohli. Everyone is allowed to have their opinions and that is absolutely fine. But from a personal point of view, I think I have made the right decision. This is the marquee tournament of the year with pretty much all of the best cricketers in the world playing in it. I definitely do not think it is going to hurt my career. I think it is going to do the opposite. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Defending champions RCB will look to bounce back after back to back defeats in their highly anticipated clash against Mumbai Indians on Sunday in Raipur. Article Source: IANS
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'Its Just You, The Batter And The Ball': RRs Yash Raj Punja On Handling IPL Pressure
Yash Raj Punja: Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowler Yash Raj Punja said staying calm and focusing on one ball at a time has helped him deal with the pressure of playing in the Indian Premier League, adding that performing in crunch situations gives you a much bigger reward. Theres always a reward on the other side of pressure. The bigger the pressure, the bigger the reward. And the thing we do to combat the pressure is just to stay in the moment and take it ball by ball, Punja said in a video released by IPL on X. The youngster also described the unique feeling of bowling in front of packed IPL crowds, saying the atmosphere strangely helps him concentrate better once he steps into his run-up. There were nerves leading up to my over. But maybe its a thing of the IPL where the moment youre in the middle and youre bowling and youre in your run-up, its like the outside world just shuts down. You cant hear the noise, you cant hear the music, you cant hear anything else. Its just you, the batsman and the ball, he explained. Punja, who comes from the UAE cricket system, said playing in the IPL had always been a major dream for aspiring cricketers back home. No surprise to say that the IPL is the biggest cricket league in the world. And coming from the UAE, where a few kids would dream of being in the IPL as cricketers in the UAE, I just wanted to do whatever it takes to be a part of the best league in the world, he said. The spinner also spoke about the benefits of moving from being a net bowler to becoming part of the Rajasthan Royals squad, highlighting the support he has received from senior players in the dressing room. Coming from being a net bowler to a player in the team, theres obviously a lot more perks. Being able to talk one-on-one with Sanju sir, Jaddu bhai, Yash bhai and Riyan bhai has been great, whether it is spin bowling with Jaddu bhai or fielding, he said. Punja also praised teammate Ravi Bishnoi for bringing energy and humour to the squad atmosphere. Ravi bhai is a really funny guy. He knows how to lighten up the dressing room. Just from nowhere, hell say something or do something, and hell have the whole dressing room cracking up, Punja said. The youngster also spoke about Rajasthan Royals Pink Promise initiative match, which supports women-led transformation programmes across Rajasthan. Tomorrow weve got the Pink Promise match coming up, where once a year we support Pink during a match to support a woman-led transformation all across Rajasthan, he said. Punja signed off by reiterating his commitment towards Rajasthan Royals and his ambition to one day play for India. Tomorrow weve got the Pink Promise match coming up, where once a year we support Pink during a match to support a woman-led transformation all across Rajasthan, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Acquired for 30 lakh at the IPL 2026 Auction, the 6'6 leg-spinner from Karnataka (born in the UAE) quickly earned praise for his high release point and lethal googly. He has played two matches and taken three wickets at a good economy of 8.25. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Dream Ball To Kohli Shows Princes Potential, Says LSG Coach Arun
Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Bharat Arun has hailed Prince Yadavs evolution in IPL 2026, describing his delivery to Virat Kohli as a dream ball and backed the young pacer to play for India in future. New Delhi-based Prince, who managed to pick just three wickets in six games last season, has emerged as one of the standout fast bowling performers in IPL 2026, with 16 wickets in ten innings. His nip-backer to Kohli in Lucknow, where LSG won by nine runs in a rain-hit clash, was hailed as the ball of the tournament by various onlookers. See, Prince, last year he showed glimpses of what he could achieve. So, actually this year during the camps that we had, we discussed his strengths. See, under pressure, sometimes a bowler goes blank. But under pressure, the one who is confident of executing his strengths is going to be most successful in execution. So, we had lot of one-on-one chats during the pre-season camps and things like that. And understood what is the best, what are their strengths. And we went about working perfectly on their strengths and on execution. Even we had a chat with Kohli and Kohli said: 'how did he bowl that ball?' Because it's not very common - mostly, outswing bowlers, after pitching, the ball swings in the air. After pitching, the ball tends to come in because of the position of the seam, how it lands. I don't think any bowler can bowl it at will, but if you are consistently working on your swing, it can be possible. And it was a dream ball, said Arun in the pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday afternoon. Arun, who previously served as India's bowling coach, also felt tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav, who played three T20Is for India in 2024 after a breakout time in the IPL in the same year and uncapped left-arm quick Mohsin Khan have it in them to be in the national team. Because it's not very common - mostly, outswing bowlers, after pitching, the ball swings in the air. After pitching, the ball tends to come in because of the position of the seam, how it lands. I don't think any bowler can bowl it at will, but if you are consistently working on your swing, it can be possible. And it was a dream ball, said Arun in the pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday afternoon. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, overall if you look at it, if you ask me a question, can they play for India? Yes, they have it in them to play (for India). It's (now about) how well they (the Indian team management) bring together the talent and getting the best out of it is a challenge for them, he added. Article Source: IANS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Ahead of their much-anticipated home fixtures in Raipur, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad took time away from the field to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh, experiencing the regions local food, music, art and heritage in an expo that brought the team closer to the spirit of the state. As part of the cultural experience, the players were welcomed with traditional music and dance performances before exploring local handicrafts, tribal art forms and regional cuisine that showcased the diversity and heritage of Chhattisgarh. I really liked it, especially when we entered and they played traditional music with drums while people were dancing. We also got to learn about the tribal communities here and their history, which was really special, said captain Rajat Patidar. One of the highlights of the evening for the players was discovering the famed Godna art form, a traditional tattoo practice deeply rooted in tribal culture that has now evolved into textile and clothing designs to preserve the art across generations. Krunal Pandya was particularly fascinated by the craftsmanship and storytelling behind the artwork. This is the first time I am coming to Raipur and its been pretty amazing. I explored the rich heritage and culture that Chhattisgarh and Raipur offer us. People are so skillful over here, the handicraft the l art and how they have preserved it was something really unique to learn about. Its amazing to see how culture and traditions are being carried forward, he said. Krunal Pandya was particularly fascinated by the craftsmanship and storytelling behind the artwork. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Cricket has always created opportunities to connect beyond the game, and for our players, experiences like these make every visit even more meaningful. From experiencing the local cuisine to learning about the Godna art form and the communities preserving it, it was an authentic and enriching experience for the team. Raipur has welcomed us with tremendous warmth and support, and were excited to bring RCB to a city that has truly made us feel at home, said Rajesh Menon, CEO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Article Source: IANS
Kainat, Jabeen Earn Call-ups To Pakistan T20I Squad For Series Against Zimbabwe
Pakistan T20I: Uncapped duo Amber Kainat and Saira Jabeen earned maiden callups as Pakistan on Saturday announced a 15member squad for the threematch womens T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on May 12 at the National Bank Stadium. The series will run till May 15, with all matches scheduled for evening starts at 7:30 pm local time. Pakistan, led by pace-bowling all-rounder Fatima Sana, will look to carry forward momentum from the ongoing ODI leg, where the hosts have already clinched the series 2-0 ahead of the final game, which is currently underway. Amber, the right-arm fast bowler, impressed with taking 11 wickets in eight matches for Invincibles in the National Womens T20 Tournament. Saira, meanwhile, was part of Pakistans touring party to South Africa earlier this year. The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu and Tuba Hassan among the regulars. Gull Feroza, Iram Javed and Natalia Parvaiz return to bolster the batting options, while Sadia Iqbal and Rameen Shamim strengthen the spin bowling department. The reserves list includes seasoned campaigner Diana Baig alongside Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Syeda Aroob Shah. Pakistan will be aiming to fine-tune combinations ahead of the 2026 Womens T20 World Cup set to begin on June 12 and run till July 5 in England. Pakistan are in Group 1 alongside six-time champions Australia, Bangladesh, current ODI World Cup winners India, South Africa, and the Netherlands. The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with Aliya Riaz, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu and Tuba Hassan among the regulars. Gull Feroza, Iram Javed and Natalia Parvaiz return to bolster the batting options, while Sadia Iqbal and Rameen Shamim strengthen the spin bowling department. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Reserves: Diana Baig, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin and Syeda Aroob Shah Article Source: IANS
Pakistan leave out Sidra Amin for Zimbabwe T20Is, Iram Javed returns
Uncapped seamer Amber Kainat gets a call-up after impressing in the National Women's T20 Tournament
IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch RCB Vs MI, Know All Details
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will clash with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 54th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Sunday. RCB, who are playing their first match in the new home ground for two matches, head into this contest on the back of a narrow nine-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), marking their second consecutive loss. Despite back to back losses, they are currently placed at third place on the points table, thanks to a superior net run rate. However, another slip-up could put their top-four position under threat as other teams are performing well. On the other side, the five-time champions Mumbai Indians come into the game with renewed confidence after securing their third win of the season. They defeated Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in a high-scoring encounter. They are currently placed at ninth position with six points in ten matches, and it will be a do or die game for the team, as if they lose against RCB, then they will become the first team to get eliminated. When: Sunday, May 10, 7:30 PM IST Where: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur Where to watch: The RCB vs MI match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Where: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur Also Read: Live Cricket Score Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Shrijith Krishnan (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Keshav Maharaj, Raj Angad Bawa, Vignesh Puthur, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, VS Penmetsa, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Heart-to-heart Talk With Head Coach Ponting Helped Me A Lot, Says PBKS' Shedge
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Punjab Kings batting all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has disclosed that head coach Ricky Ponting pulled him aside after a net session mid-tournament, sensed his frustration at being on the sidelines and told him in a heart-to-heart talk that staying in the present was 'harder' than succumbing to negative thinking. With Punjab Kings having lost three matches in a row and under pressure to qualify for the playoffs, Shedge spoke to reporters in a virtual roundtable chat organised by the franchise on the learnings from Ponting, Iyer, the backing from Jatin Paranjape, improving on fielding blips and more. Excerpts- Q. How do you compare your game now to that breakout time in the 2024/25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy versus now? A. I think once you're exposed to higher-level cricket, you kind of learn a lot of new things. There my role was only to be the finisher. I only got to bat for a certain amount of time. If you look at the GT game, I had a lot of time left in the game. So when you're preparing in the nets, you also have to prepare for that what if you go into bat early and then you have to spend time there. Obviously your practice, everything you do outside the match, it all comes down to how you're able to deliver in the match. So I think in last two years, if you look at my under 23 games also this year, I've been put into situations where we were four down for 40 or 50 and then I had to play that spell and capitalize on the loose balls. So it's like the journey goes on. As you progress in cricket, you kind of get the hang of playing in different situations. So I think preparation wise, I've not done much. It's not much different from what I did two years back. But I think the mindset shift is what gives a player the edge. I've spoken to Jatin Paranjape sir a lot. I have a few keywords which I keep repeating in my head. It is to watch the ball, it will tell you what to do. I think I've said this before also, batting is reaction. So if I'm just focused on watching the ball, I will know what to do in the end. So I just keep things simple and on those lines. Advice from him is just do what you can today. Think about today, not tomorrow or what happened yesterday. Its because if I get into those, I won't be giving myself the best chance to grow. So, he says be in the present and try to make the best of the day. Whenever you're overthinking, come to me, talk about stuff. It can be about cricket, or life. You just need to feel light when your head hits the pillow and be ready for the next day. Q. In a high stakes league like this, what is your trick for staying calm when the crowd is roaring and 15 runs are needed off the last over? A. When you progress in cricket, you know that there will always be crowds to watch you. When your team is doing well, you know there are supporters and there are people who don't want you to do well. So all that is not in my control. As I've said, my batting, how I am playing my cricket, my attitude, my commitment towards my team is what is in my control. So in hindsight, when I look back, even in the games I played, and even in the games where I was sitting on the sidelines helping my team, I think I was always looking for a way to improve, always looking for a way to help my team and I think all of that adds up. As you said, the crowds, the situation, the scale of the game, it'll always have pressure with it. But part of becoming a professional cricketer is how you soak up that pressure. That only happens when you're happy with how you've prepared. So I think, I know I'm repeating the same thing, but at the end, it's all about preparation and what you feed into your head. If you keep saying negative things and keep focusing on things that won't add value to your life and your cricket, you won't progress and you won't be able to contribute towards the team. So even when I practice, or out in the center practicing or improving a certain skill, it's all planned and I think that helps in the end. Q. Given the Punjab Kings fielding lapses in the match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, what has been the discussion in the camp on how to improve on it? A. I think fielding lapses, all of that happens and can happen to the best of us. All of us have seen it happen to the best of us. So the only way to move forward is not think about that and focus on what you can do. We have four games in our hands and then the playoffs. So now going forward, what are the strategies we should use and what practice we're going to do when it comes to fielding? I think that's a very personal question because everyone likes to do fielding practice in their own way. As a team, I can vouch for it that we're a good fielding side. These lapses can happen to anyone. But in the future, I think people will come back stronger. The only thing is at the end of the day, it's all about soaking in the situation. Sometimes you can overthink. But we as a group, believe in backing each other and talking things out. So we have been doing that and you'll see a better performance on the field next time. Q. What's the atmosphere like in the dressing room after losing three matches in a row? Has anything changed in terms of preparation or strategy? A. I think we won six matches with the same preparation. All these things can happen. I know there are a few areas we need to improve on. All those have been addressed. But since the start, when Ricky sir came in and Shreyas Bhatia was appointed the captain last year, the focus has always been on keeping the atmosphere light and happy so that people feel at peace. They feel comfortable with the surroundings. I know it's easy to get carried away and start playing the blame game. But right now, we need to stick together as a team. That is what will help us. Preparation-wise, I think personal preparations will change. But as a team, we'll try to prepare in the same way. Q. Could you just give us some specifics on what exactly you were working on during the period when you were not in the playing eleven? A. So there was this little tweak I made in my initial movement where I got the best chance of moving quicker. Then we were practicing short stuff and just against spinners. So, I was breaking it down into things where I wanted to work on my technique and just go back to my basics. I would go on the nets outside and spend 30 minutes on that where I'm just watching the ball and playing and not thinking about anything. But that one shift which I made was being instinctive and not premeditative - I think that has helped me. Even in practice, if I'm just instinctive and I let my body take control and I just focus on watching the ball, I think I have better chances of succeeding in the game. Obviously, if there's a set field for wide yorkers, wide lines, then you can premeditate. But when you go into bat, you always need to be instinctive. So it's like you can never predict when you're going to break into the team. But in a good team environment, you'll always feel welcome and you'll always feel like you have to be ready. It wasn't like I wasn't part of the 16 in a few games. I could have played, but that didn't happen. But that's fine. Whenever I speak to Shreyas bhai, we talk a lot about cricket, actually. We talk about ourselves - sometimes he asks me about his batting and sometimes I ask him about my batting. So I think sometimes constructive criticism is necessary and only a healthy team environment can give you that. Secondly, Ricky sir, what he has done for his country and what brand of cricket the team played under him - the talks were always around how well I'm batting in the nets and how I can get an opportunity at any time. So it's like you can never predict when you're going to break into the team. But in a good team environment, you'll always feel welcome and you'll always feel like you have to be ready. It wasn't like I wasn't part of the 16 in a few games. I could have played, but that didn't happen. But that's fine. Whenever I speak to Shreyas bhai, we talk a lot about cricket, actually. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But it's harder to stay in the present and keep focusing on your preparation so that if and when you get a chance, you're turned on and you're ready to give it your all. So I think that talk helped me a lot and I was really honoured to have him talk to me. It was a heart-to-heart talk. So that's why I always say Ricky sir is one of the best coaches I've played under. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch CSK Vs LSG, Know All Details
Chennai Super Kings: Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will clash with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 53rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. CSK are at sixth position on the points table with five wins from 10 matches. The five-time champions head into the contest after defeating the Delhi Capitals in their previous outing. Riding a positive run of form, they will aim to continue their momentum and register their sixth victory of the season, which will bring them close to the playoffs qualification. On the other hand, LSG returned to winning ways after enduring six defeats, pulling off a thrilling win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their last match. Although their playoff chances remain slim, the side can still stay in contention by securing convincing wins in the remaining fixtures. They are currently placed in tenth position in the points table with just three wins in ten matches. Out of the six matches played between the two sides so far in IPL, Lucknow Super Giants have won three games, while Chennai Super Kings have emerged victorious twice. One match ended with no result. The rivalry began on March 31, 2022, when LSG defeated CSK in their first-ever meeting. However, in their most recent clash on April 14, 2025, CSK came out on top. When: Sunday, May 10, 3:30 PM IST Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Where to watch: The CSK vs MI match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Also Read: Live Cricket Score Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (C), Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahamad, Arshin Kulkarni, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ayush Badoni, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan. Article Source: IANS
What led to BCCI's IPL crackdown? Reels in restricted zones, late night outings among reasons
Players excessive proximity to social media influencers was a major concern raised by the BCCIs anti-corruption unit
So Shreyas Bhai: Punjab Kings batting all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has revealed how a brief exchange with captain Shreyas Iyer during a pre-season practice game became a defining moment in his mental approach to IPL 2026, adding that the skipper's simple advice to stop overthinking has stayed with him ever since. Shedge, 23, had to wait for his opportunity to play for PBKS in IPL 2026, but made a strong impression by hitting a fine 57 against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. He followed it up with a brisk 25 off 17 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad. So I remember I was playing a practice game before the IPL started. This was an internal practice game we were playing and I was batting well. I was batting on, I think, 65-70 not out and Shreyas bhai was in the fielding team and Arshdeep bhai was bowling. So I hit two boundaries on the first two balls. Then he nailed all the yorkers and I tried to play a scoop and I went on the non-strikers end and I was thinking what went wrong. So Shreyas Bhai was at covers. I asked him, Mei jaladi move hua kya? (Did I move early)? So he said, you're batting well, don't overthink. So I think that stuck with me before the season started and that's how you are ready when you actually go into bat in the middle, Shedge told IANS in a virtual roundtable chat on Saturday. With PBKS aiming to break their three-game losing streak against the Delhi Capitals at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Monday, Shedges late batting prowess will be key in getting the side back to winning ways. If I would have thought about things that are not in my control and started thinking about things and overthinking, getting negative thoughts in my head, I wouldn't have been able to perform in that situation. I think he always keeps me on my toes and we talk a lot about cricket. When it comes to technique, when it comes to attitude, what can both of us do better. So that's how we keep the environment positive, added Shedge, who knows Iyer well from their time of being in the Mumbai domestic team set-up. Shedge also shed light on the influence of head coach Ricky Ponting, his philosophy is centered around being relentlessly focused on preparation. I think when it comes to Ricky sir, it's always been preparation, preparation, preparation, nothing else. I think he always reiterates that that is what gave us success in the first stage of this IPL and last year's IPL. So we might as well focus on that. One more thing he says is, whatever happens, you have to back yourself, be courageous and know that you belong. So I keep repeating that and in the end, when it all comes down to facing the ball, all of that helps. On being left out of the playing eleven in the initial phase of the tournament, Shedge stated he treated the time on the sidelines as an opportunity rather than a setback. I think the attitude of working as hard as possible every day, even though I wasn't playing, I think that is what made me ready for my entry in the playing eleven. So we might as well focus on that. One more thing he says is, whatever happens, you have to back yourself, be courageous and know that you belong. So I keep repeating that and in the end, when it all comes down to facing the ball, all of that helps. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It would have been easier to waste time and get lost in the moment and not be serious about my cricket. But I didn't do that. I worked as hard as I could and I still do and I always will do it till the day I play cricket and that's how I like to approach my life and my career, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: 'Sooryavanshi's Batting Approach Is Highrisk, He Doesn't Let Pressure Build, Says Tare
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Former Mumbai wicketkeeper-batter Aditya Tare has hailed Rajasthan Royals batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshis fearless approach, adding that its phenomenal for him to watch the teenaged opener take on the best bowlers in IPL 2026. Sooryavanshi has amassed 404 runs so far for RR and is at fifth spot in the run-making charts. He will be a key batter to watch out for when RR host Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday evening. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting approach is highrisk, especially in the powerplay. He will sometimes get out going for big shots but that's his natural game. He doesn't let pressure build. He attacks from the very first ball. That's what makes him who he is. He scored a century against Gujarat Titans last season in Jaipur. That's the kind of innings he needs to remember. Hopefully, he can extend those batting spells and spend more time in the middle. It is phenomenal to watch him take on the best bowlers in the league during the Powerplay, said Tare on Star Sports. Tare also pointed to GTs middleorder batting issues, noting that despite strong starts, the side has often failed to close out matches early. Gujarat Titans have struggled to finish games early. Their batting coach Matthew Hayden is focusing on this issue. He scored a century against Gujarat Titans last season in Jaipur. That's the kind of innings he needs to remember. Hopefully, he can extend those batting spells and spend more time in the middle. It is phenomenal to watch him take on the best bowlers in the league during the Powerplay, said Tare on Star Sports. Also Read: Live Cricket Score You don't want to waste the strong start given by the top order. So, this is an area GT need to improve. On the bowling front, they look well settled. They have quality options in the pace attack, and Rashid Khan is bowling well in the spin department, he added. Article Source: IANS
KKR Have Turned Their Campaign, Will Fancy Their Chances Of Entering Playoff Race: Tare
Kolkata Knight Riders: Former cricketer Aditya Tare has praised Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) newfound form after a poor start to the season, saying this turnaround in their campaign will fancy their chances of getting into the race for the top four. KKR kept their playoff dreams firmly alive, registering their fourth consecutive victory with a commanding eight-wicket win over DC on Friday evening. Following a clinical bowling performance that strangled the hosts on a weary Arun Jaitley Stadium, KKR made light work of the 143-run target. The chase was defined by a breathtaking maiden IPL century from Finn Allen, who decimated the Delhi bowling attack to seal the match in just 14.2 overs. IPL is won by teams that build momentum at the business end and KKR, with back-to-back victories, have turned their season around when it mattered the most. They have some great match-winners, and now they have started to fire together as a unit. Their spin attack has come back to life, which has given them an edge. Their pace attack is picking up regular wickets. The form of Finn Allen and Cameron Green with the bat is looking good. They lost five games in a row at the start, but now they have turned it around and will fancy their chances of getting into the race for the top four, he said on JioStar. started with fluent intent as openers Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul negotiated the early overs effectively. The trio of Sunil Narine (1-17), Varun Chakaravarthy (0 -28), and Anukul Roy (2-31) delivered an absolute masterclass in slow bowling, choking the DC middle order as the host were restricted to a paltry total of 142/8. Reflecting on DC' batting collapse against KKR, Tare said, Delhi's middle-order collapse put them under too much pressure. Their batters failed to shift the momentum back onto the bowlers. There was a clear lack of intent. You rarely see such a passive stretch of play in T20 cricket; where a team manages to score only 10 runs off 30 balls in the middle overs, you might as well be bowled out for 120. started with fluent intent as openers Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul negotiated the early overs effectively. The trio of Sunil Narine (1-17), Varun Chakaravarthy (0 -28), and Anukul Roy (2-31) delivered an absolute masterclass in slow bowling, choking the DC middle order as the host were restricted to a paltry total of 142/8. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR will now look to carry forward this blitzkrieg form and push for a fifth consecutive win in the matches ahead. Article Source: IANS
'My Achievement Doesnt Change If Airport Is Empty': Sumit Rathi On Athlete Recognition Debate
Sumit Rathi: Indian footballer Sumit Rathi has shared a different perspective on the debate surrounding Indian athletes, other than cricketers, not getting enough recognition, arguing that an achievement's value remains unchanged whether or not a crowd is waiting at the airport. His comments came after Indian badminton star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition for athletes from non-cricket sports in India, recalling how members of the historic Thomas Cup bronze-winning team returned quietly from Denmark without much public attention, and no one was there to receive them at the airport. Satwik had said that despite wearing India jerseys and achieving one of the countrys biggest badminton milestones, most people at the airport were more focused on IPL and politics. He added that winning bronze in the Thomas Cup was extremely difficult and felt such historic moments should have been celebrated more across the country. Reacting to those concerns, Rathi said public attention and airport crowds do not define an athletes achievement. I feel that the game I am playing, I am not competing with 10 or 12 countries. I am competing with 200-plus countries. The whole world plays football, Rathi told IANS. So even if the airport is empty, it doesn't matter. Because my achievement is neither less nor more by filling the airport or being empty. That achievement remains an achievement, he added. The defender said footballers should focus on their performances and taking Indian football to a higher level instead of comparing popularity with athletes from other sports. I just want to do my work for my country with good intent and good effort. If we dont do it today, we will do it tomorrow. But if achievements reach people, then support will definitely come, he said. Rathi also stressed that even limited recognition matters because football in India is still growing. I just want to do my work for my country with good intent and good effort. If we dont do it today, we will do it tomorrow. But if achievements reach people, then support will definitely come, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, Satwiksairaj also gave a clarification on his comments on Friday, saying his disappointment did not come from a desire for personal glory or financial gain but was about the emotional impact of silence following major international milestones. Article Source: IANS
NADA Issues Notice To Cricketers Yashasvi, Shafali For Whereabouts Failure: Report
The National Anti: The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has reportedly issued notices to Indian cricketers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shafali Verma for a whereabouts failure under anti-doping regulations. Both players are currently part of the NADA's Registered Testing Pool (RTP) and are subject to regular testing and must provide their whereabouts information so they can be located for no-advance-notice testing. Athletes in NADAs Registered Testing Pool are required to provide whereabouts information every quarter, which includes home address, email address and phone number, an address for overnight accommodations; competition schedules and locations, including when they are taking place and where; and a 60-minute time slot for each day where theyll be available and accessible for testing and liable for a potential 'missed test'. As per Amar Ujala report, Dope Control Officer (DCO) arrived to conduct tests on Yashasvi Jaiswal on December 17 of last year and on Shafali Verma on November 7 of last year, but both were not found at their specified locations. NADA sought explanations from both cricketers on February 18 and 20 of this year, but neither provided a response. Consequently, NADA has officially recorded a first missed test for both players. As per Amar Ujala report, Dope Control Officer (DCO) arrived to conduct tests on Yashasvi Jaiswal on December 17 of last year and on Shafali Verma on November 7 of last year, but both were not found at their specified locations. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Now, both cricketers will have to be extremely cautious, as any combination of three Whereabouts Failures (filing failures and/or missed tests) within a 12-month period constitutes an anti-doping rule violation under NADA anti-doping rules Article 2.4, which may lead to the imposition of a sanction for up to 4 years. Article Source: IANS
'It hurts' - worry lines at DC as Kuldeep's sorry lines (and lengths) continue
Kuldeep Yadav has been well off his best this season, and that's one of the reasons DC have had a disappointing year
'Wanted To Keep My Intent Throughout The Innings': Allen After Maiden IPL Ton
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Finn Allen said maintaining positive intent while also taking greater responsibility after early wickets was the key behind his blistering unbeaten century against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026. Allen smashed his maiden IPL hundred, remaining unbeaten on 100 off just 47 deliveries, as KKR chased down 143 in only 14.2 overs to secure a commanding eight-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday. His innings, studded with five fours and ten sixes, helped KKR register their fourth consecutive victory of the season. For me, it was just I wanted to keep my intent. Obviously we lost a couple fortunate ones early. So I knew that I had to take a bit of responsibility and bat a bit deeper, So I think, yeah, it helped me get into better positions. And then I just wanted to keep my intent throughout the innings, He said in a video released by IPL on X. The New Zealand batter also shared an unbroken 116-run stand with Cameron Green, who remained unbeaten on 33 off 27 balls. Reflecting on the partnership, Allen said he initially focused on allowing Green to settle before expanding his own strokeplay. Oh, I just tried to get first time batting with Greeny. So, you know, I just tried to play good cricket shots, let him get set. And then we sort of said we'd push a bit more with our intent, and then I just sort of, I guess, started to look to put the bad ball away a bit more, he said. KKR were briefly jolted early in the chase after losing Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, but Allen ensured there was no further damage by counterattacking aggressively against both pace and spin. Allen particularly targeted Delhis spinners in the middle overs, smashing Vipraj Nigam for three consecutive sixes and also taking on Kuldeep Yadav with fearless strokeplay. The new spin was going to be a bit challenging. They got really quality spinners. So I felt like if I had good intent to them, that it would get me in better positions to play the ball, he explained. And then, yeah, I just wanted to take it deep and put away the bad ball once Greeny got set. Allen also credited KKRs support staff and captain Ajinkya Rahane for remaining calm despite the team enduring a poor start to the season with six consecutive defeats. I think credit goes to our support staff and Jinx. You know, they're really calm and composed. We obviously didn't get a win for our first six games. And it would be easy for everything to start going crazy, he said. But they stayed really calm and composed, which I think is a really good trait to have, especially as a support staff. So I think that really helped us. And it was infectious throughout the group, he added. The opener also said that the squad always believed momentum would shift once they secured their first victory. We always backed ourselves. We knew we'd take one win and we'd get some momentum. And that's exactly what's happened. We're taking it one game at a time, which is great, Allen said. The opener also said that the squad always believed momentum would shift once they secured their first victory. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, after this win KKR are placed at seventh position in the points table with 9 points in 10 matches. Article Source: IANS
Mushfiqur key as Bangladesh aim for 400-plus after Abbas takes four
Abbas struck three times in the morning session on day two, with Mushfiqur unbeaten on 71
Allen's Range And Cleanliness Of His Hitting Make Him Special: Boucher
Former South African: Former South African cricketer and coach Mark Boucher has lauded Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opener Finn Allens extraordinary century against Delhi Capitals and said it's not just the 27-year-old batter's strength but also his range and cleanliness in hitting a shot that make him special. Allen showcased his fireworks at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, scored 20 off his first 17 balls before unleashing an 80-run burst off his next 30 deliveries to complete his maiden IPL century in 47 balls, stitching an unbeaten 116-run partnership off just 64 deliveries with Camwron Green as KKR jumped to the seventh spot on the points table to keep their qualification hopes alive with a dominant eight-wicket win. Once Finn Allen gets past 20 or 30, there are very few players in world cricket who strike the ball with the kind of power he does. What makes him special is not just the strength, but the range and cleanliness of his hitting. Whether it was the pick-up shot over fine leg against Mitchell Starc or the straight hits back over the bowlers head, everything looked effortless. Anything in his arc or under his eyeline, he was striking beautifully. At one stage, it almost looked like he was batting against a bowling machine. It was an incredible innings to watch, Boucher said on JioStar. Allen was particularly lethal against spin, posting a strike rate of 235 via scoring 73 off 31 balls as KKR got their fourth straight win of IPL 2026. Former India spinner Piyush Chawla reflected on his approach against spin, saying once a player of Allen's quality gets into rhythm, it becomes extremely difficult to contain him. This was probably the toughest surface Finn Allen has batted on in the tournament, but what stood out was how well he used the crease. Against anything short, he went deep in the crease, and whenever the ball was in his zone, he capitalised immediately. His reach also allows him to access different areas of the ground comfortably. Allen was particularly lethal against spin, posting a strike rate of 235 via scoring 73 off 31 balls as KKR got their fourth straight win of IPL 2026. Former India spinner Piyush Chawla reflected on his approach against spin, saying once a player of Allen's quality gets into rhythm, it becomes extremely difficult to contain him. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Allen was the undisputed Player of the Match. On a pitch where almost every other batter struggled for timing, Allens explosive 100 not out completely demoralised the opposition and single-handedly finished the game with 34 deliveries to spare. Article Source: IANS
Confidence and clarity make Anukul Roy 'a really good package' for KKR
It's good that guys like Anukul are getting opportunities because you could easily get overlooked for the next flashy toy, says Mitchell McClenaghan
IPL 2026: '18 Years And It Hurts; All Three Departments Failed,' Admits DC's DoC Venugopal Rao
DoC Venugopal Rao: For Venugopal Rao, the sense of deja vu must be as stifling as the scorching heat in the national capital. Rao, currently the director of cricket at Delhi Capitals, endured two wooden spoon finishes during his time as a player with the franchise from 2011-13, when it used to be called Delhi Daredevils. The script feels eerily familiar, with Rao now presiding over another collapse. A ruthless eightwicket demolition by Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday - DCs fifth straight home defeat - has snuffed out their playoffs hopes and prolonged the franchises agonising pursuit of a maiden IPL crown. Eighteen years, obviously it hurts. Seriously, when you look back, when I played during my days, I always wanted to win from Daredevils time to now. It's a learning process for me. Coming into the administration part, a lot of things I'm just learning. As per what the skipper said, we want to try youngsters and let's see, said a dejected Rao in the post-match press conference. The statistics paint a grim picture of a side that has lost its way in its own backyard. After an initial victory over Mumbai Indians, the Arun Jaitley Stadium has become a hunting ground for visitors rather than a stronghold for DC. On Friday, thanks to Finn Allens unbeaten 47-ball ton, KKR chased down 143 with clinical ease, needing just 14.2 overs to embarrass a DC side that appears tactically adrift. DCs campaign has been defined by wild inconsistency and a staggering inability to read local conditions, which have been varied in nature. Making 264 against Punjab Kings failed to translate into a win. Days later, the side posted the IPLs lowest powerplay total, slumping to 13/6 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and handed the initiative to the defending champions. A home match against Gujarat Titans slipped away by a single run after David Miller could not score two runs off two balls. Chennai Super Kings also recorded a comfortable victory in Delhi, as the Qila Kotla mention around the franchises pre-tournament promotions have turned a potential fortress into a liability and something which demands urgent review. See, not one department - I think all three departments failed. After getting a good start, after seven or eight overs, we were in a good position, one wicket or something down. Then later on, next six to seven overs, we couldn't get a boundary. In this big beast of a tournament, you can't miss chances. We need to win patches and those small, small areas - not only batting, even in bowling or fielding. In the whole tournament, when you see it, we couldn't win those small, small areas. One day in batting, one day in fielding, one day in bowling, added Rao. On Friday, DC were 74/2 in nine overs, though they didnt entirely break free in power-play due to slowness in pitch and one felt they could implode yet again. They had their reasons Pathum Nissanka was wonderful in his leg-side strokeplay, but then the spin choke from KKR, just like how they inflicted one over DC last year at this venue began to take shape. With five fielders patrolling the boundary, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Anukul Roy began to dictate terms and choke the scoring, as between overs 12-16 Delhi managed just 11 runs from 30 balls - a mid-innings drought which never happened in the IPL. The pressure was manufactured rather than mysterious. Roy set the tone, stumping Nissanka with a slower, wider delivery before castling Tristan Stubbs, as KKR exposed that DCs batting line-up could not adjust to sustained and accurate spin bowling. In all, DC played 51 dot balls, and in comparison to Allens brutal century, they looked like a side stuck in a batting template of a bygone era. I think in the last couple of matches, where we felt that batting is the main concern. When you're batting first, you saw last match also, we failed in the first 10 overs. Somewhere in the next 10 overs, we recovered. I think here also, when we got a good start, we couldn't capitalize. This kind of a tournament, you can't miss those patches. See, here we can't coach. Everybody has experience and at the end of the day, you need to read the situation, conditions and when you can adapt only, you win matches. We can't keep sending messages as a batting group. One more thing - the biggest challenge as a batting group is responsibility, when things fail, as a batting unit, you need to take responsibility. I'll do it, rather than somebody does it. So, I think that is missing, I felt. Maybe, let's see next couple of games, how this, as a batting unit, how it will turn up, elaborated Rao. When pressed further, Rao drew on specific matches to make his case. Sorry, I cannot point to just one department. In different matches, different departments have let us down. Against Punjab, we scored heavily but then dropped catches while bowling. In some games, the bowlers did well but the batters could not adapt. In the last two games especially, the batters struggled to adapt to the conditions. Overall, if you ask me, yes, batting has been an area where we needed to adapt better in certain conditions. Even in the first few games, after losing four or five wickets, we still managed to win a couple of matches. But sometimes, I think, the batting unit has let us down, he said. A question about skipper Axar Patels horrible run with the bat and if Prithvi Shaw will be given a chance prompted Rao to address it head-on. People will obviously ask whom you want to drop, Pathum or KL. But when it comes to captains and senior players in this format, you always want experienced people like them to do well. He has been a part of World Cup-winning squads and came into this tournament with strong reputations. Somewhere along the way, I think he lost form. Hopefully, he comes back strongly in the next three games. It hurts when you look at the opposition and see that some of the senior players could not perform. But we need to face the reality and accept it, he said. Rao also addressed the bowling group's difficulties, especially around premier wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whose lean run continued with him conceding 41 runs in three overs. A major part of Kuldeep looking pedestrian has been him missing his usual lengths, as batters freely send his overpitched and mostly short balls over the boundary ropes. A person like him is a bundle of experience - played and won two T20 World Cups. Sometimes a bad season happens. Everyone goes through it. I think, somewhere he lost the rhythm. I think he'll come back. See, by playing for more than 10 years in this circuit, he knows it. Sometimes you can't point and it happens in a tournament like this. We are facing it and we are at receiving end of it. Person like him, with Axar and all, if these two continue in good form, one is doing well, one is not doing, it hurts in the bowling group, especially in the middle of those. So, we are facing that failure, he said. Looking back across the full campaign, Rao traced a consistent thread of momentum losses that he believes has defined the season and was emphatic that DC have no one to blame but themselves. No, it is not only about the Punjab game. Even in the Gujarat game here, and in several other matches we needed to win, we lost important phases. That is what I keep saying. To win matches, you need to win key patches during the game. We have not done that consistently. If you look back, not just against Punjab but also against Gujarat, there were moments where two balls or two runs shifted the momentum away from us. Then we lost the Chennai game as well. We did win against RCB, but after that against Punjab we also had issues like injuries and concussion substitute for Ngidi. But we cannot keep giving excuses. We need to face the situation as it is. In a tournament like this, you cannot point to just one match. If you look back from the Gujarat game to this match, in almost every game we have not managed to win the small moments and key phases. That is why we are in this position on the points table right now, he said. If you look back, not just against Punjab but also against Gujarat, there were moments where two balls or two runs shifted the momentum away from us. Then we lost the Chennai game as well. We did win against RCB, but after that against Punjab we also had issues like injuries and concussion substitute for Ngidi. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rao opened his press conference by lamenting the unbroken trophy drought, and closed it with the only stance left to him: cautious pragmatism and no guarantees. Obviously in the next three games, we will see how it goes. One game at a time and obviously we will try to use bench players. When the skipper says something like that, it is something we definitely want to try, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
'It's always going to be the second half' - KKR not out of playoffs race yet
A lot of these pitches or venues which have been used so far are getting a little tired, where the spinners' role become that much more important, says Deep Dasgupta
IPL Orange and Purple Cap race: watch out for Sooryavanshi, Rabada and Archer
Not much changed after the Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders game, but a lot could look different on the IPL 2026 Orange and Purple Cap tables after Saturday night
International Tennis Federation upholds Belarus suspension from Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup
World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she hoped to be able to play tennis again under the Belarusian flag
Yuzvendra Chahal caught vaping inside plane? PBKS team deletes vlog: Fans wonder what now
Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was allegedly caught vaping inside an aircraft while travelling with the team ahead of their Sunrisers Hyderabad clash in IPL 2026. The clip sparked backlash online. This comes after Riyan Parag's earlier vaping controversy this season.
James Taylor six-for limits Gloucestershire after Ben Charlesworth 85
Hosts lose last five wickets for addition of just 16 runs as Kent bowlers finally gain their reward
RR vs GT Match 52, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction
RR vs GT Match 52, Cricket Tips :Gujarat Titans have had a great start to the second half of the group stage of the IPL 2026. They have recorded three great wins, which has boosted their chances for the playoffs. The challenge will be to carry on the momentum. They will be facing Rajasthan Royals in the next game. This contest will be played at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. GT have beaten RCB, PBKS, and CSK in consecutive matches, with great bowling performances. RR also have a strong batting unit, but their bowlers have failed in recent matches. RR vs GT: Match Details Date : May 9, 2026 (Saturday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur RR vs GT Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the RR vs GT game on the Star Sports Networks in India. The live stream of the game will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. RR vs GT Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 09 RR : 03 GT : 06 No - Result : 00 RR vs GT: Ground Pitch Report Sawai Mansingh Stadium has a great batting-friendly wicket. The bounce at this venue is consistent, where batters can play their shots on the up. In the second innings, there is a chance of dew, which will make it hard to defend the total. Hence, it is advised to bowl first. RR vs GT Possible XIs RR : Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma GT : Jos Buttler (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Nishant Sindhu, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar RR vs GT Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been in six-hitting form. He has been one of the most destructive batters in this league. Sai Sudharsan has been scoring runs in almost every game and is giving good starts to the team. Probable Best Bowler Jofra Archer is giving the team a good start. He is taking wickets in the very first over. For GT, Kagiso Rabada has been making sure that the team gets a good start in the powerplay. Today Match Prediction : Both teams are on the same page in terms of batting strengths. But GT's strong bowling unit will make them slight favorites. But RR know these conditions well, and we predict them to win this game. RR vs GT Match 52, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, RR vs GT 2026 Prediction, RR vs GT Predicted XIs, Injury Update for RR vs GT 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.
Hose mans pumps as Raine reigns in the rain
Stokes claims two wickets in successful return from injury
Allen's 47-ball ton powers KKR to huge win over DC
KKR's spinners restricted DC to just 142, and Allen gunned that total down almost singlehandedly
IPL 2026: Momentum Slipped After DC Lost A Cluster Of Wickets, Admits Skipper Axar
Kolkata Knight Riders: Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel conceded that the sides batting collapse cost them momentum in their IPL 2026 clash, where they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, while also admitting the spinners erred on a tricky surface. On a pitch which had dry cracks, DC slipped from 74/1 to 89/5, thanks to a spin choke from Kolkata Knight Riders, and ended up at 142/8. KKR eventually chased down the total with 34 balls to spare, thanks to Finn Allens unbeaten 47-ball century. Compared to KKR spinners taking 3-76 in their combined 12 overs, DCs spinners conceded a whopping 102 runs from nine overs for just one wicket. I think the runs were definitely below par, and at the same time, the spinners made quite a few mistakes. Looking at the way the pitch behaved, I feel the spinners did make errors. But at the same time, if you notice, we lost five wickets in two to three overs, and I think thats where the momentum slipped away from us. Thats probably something we need to think about because the same thing happened against CSK. We started well, and then suddenly wickets kept falling, Axar said at the conclusion of the game. On how to address the issues DC are facing, especially with their playoffs now hanging by a slim thread, Axar stated, See, you cant solve it in a complicated way. While Ashutosh and I were batting, we were thinking that if we made a mistake there, it would become very difficult for the next batter coming in. So I think its more about applying the right mindset. Even if you lose one or two wickets, you can still spend time at the crease and play through it. I think thats what needs to be applied, when wickets are falling in clusters, you need to absorb the pressure for an over or two. On how to address the issues DC are facing, especially with their playoffs now hanging by a slim thread, Axar stated, See, you cant solve it in a complicated way. While Ashutosh and I were batting, we were thinking that if we made a mistake there, it would become very difficult for the next batter coming in. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So well think about what plans we can make for next year and what approach we should take. Based on that, we can also look at the players sitting on the bench and decide who can be given opportunities and what changes we can make. Article Source: IANS
Carson, Robinson star but Sussex rue dropped catches
Holland and Scriven make half-centuries to rescue visitors' innings
Lehmann, Brown resist as Cook, Mulder fire for Essex
Hampshire hit back with late breakthroughs on 12-wicket day
Abell, Thomas fifties shore up Somerset against buoyant Glamorgan
Teenager Tom Nortan takes three-for on debut as home side chip away
Clarke century steers Notts as Worrall takes five
Haynes 82 keeps champions in strong position against familiar rivals
Higgins, Roland-Jones lead line as Jennings battles for Lancashire
Middlesex seamers make most of conditions before James Anderson strikes twice to lift home side
Jewell rediscovers sparkle as Derbyshire make polished start
Fifties from Came, Montgomery and Madsen ensure day of toil for Northants attack
Jack White leads strong seam effort as Yorkshire take upper hand
Four-wicket haul from attack leader sees Warwickshire rolled despite Sam Hain's battling fifty
IPL 2026: It Comes Down To Hard Work And A Lot Of Time Spent In The Nets, Says Narine
Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders spinners once again dictated terms as the threetime champions restricted Delhi Capitals to 142/8 in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, with veteran off-spinner Sunil Narine saying that the superlative performance is down to the value of hard work and preparation in the nets. On a dry pitch with cracks opening up, DC threatened to post a big total through Pathum Nissankas fluent 29ball fifty. But KKRs spin trio of Narine, Anukul Roy, and Varun Chakravarthy applied the choke to derail DC and restrict them to 142/8. I think it comes down to hard work and a lot of time spent in the nets. We have a very strong bowling group; the seamers and the spinners work together to contain the opposition in the middle overs. I think if you allow the spinners to dictate terms without showing enough intent, it makes our job much easier, said Narine in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters. The slowdown was dramatic - between overs 11 and 16, DC managed only 20 runs for two wickets, the lowest tally in that phase across IPL 2026, according to CricViz. Looking ahead to the chase, Narine said, Hopefully, our batters can apply pressure in the Powerplay, get a good start, and build the momentum needed to finish the game as clinically as possible. When your plans start working midway, you gain that necessary selfbelief. Its about sticking to our strategies, respecting the game, and focusing on execution. I never believe any total is small in the IPL. Well look to win the Power-play, rotate the strike in the middle overs, and take the game deep. If we keep wickets in hand, it should be a successful chase, he added. The slowdown was dramatic - between overs 11 and 16, DC managed only 20 runs for two wickets, the lowest tally in that phase across IPL 2026, according to CricViz. Looking ahead to the chase, Narine said, Hopefully, our batters can apply pressure in the Powerplay, get a good start, and build the momentum needed to finish the game as clinically as possible. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Such was the effect of the slowdown that from overs 11-16, DC scored just 20 runs for the loss of two wickets and as per CricViz, this is the lowest number of runs scored in this particular phase of the innings in any game in IPL 2026. It took Ashutosh Sharma's late 28-ball 39 to take DC past 140, but the batting issues continued to haunt the hosts, with Kartik Tyagi being excellent in the back end to pick 2-25. Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: Spinners Apply The Choke As Impressive KKR Restrict DC To 142/8
Kolkata Knight Riders: A commanding spin bowling display helped three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) restrict Delhi Capitals to a below-par 142/8 in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. On a pitch which had some dry cracks, KKRs vaunted spin attack dismantled DCs batting line-up after they had a bright time in the Power-play, with Pathum Nissanka making a 29-ball fifty. While Anukul Roy stood out by taking 2-31, Sunil Narine (1-17) and Varun Chakaravarthy (0-28) were also miserly in their spells to apply the spin choke on DC. Such was the effect of the slowdown that from overs 11-16, DC scored just 20 runs for the loss of two wickets and as per CricViz, this is the lowest number of runs scored in this particular phase of the innings in any game in IPL 2026. It took Ashutosh Sharma's late 28-ball 39 to take DC past 140, but the batting issues continued to haunt the hosts, with Kartik Tyagi being excellent in the back end to pick 2-25. Electing to bowl first, KKR had to bide their time to get their first breakthrough as Nissanka wasted little time in punishing anything loose with authority, while KL Rahul looked equally assured at the other end, as the duo collectively hit eight boundaries in 4.5 overs. KKR finally got their first breakthrough when Rahul mistimed a slog off Tyagi and was caught by mid-on. After DC ended power-play at 55/1, Nissanka continued to effortlessly hit boundaries with precision and got his fifty in 29 balls. But from the other end, KKR continued to land punches -- Nitish Rana, who once played for them, was undone by a well-disguised short ball from Cameron Green and gloved to short fine leg. After Sameer Rizvi slog-swept to deep mid-wicket off Sunil Narine, Nissanka was stumped on the very next delivery after getting his fifty -- a wide from Roy lured him down the pitch and Angkrish Raghuvanshi whipped the bails in a flash. Two balls later, Roy castled Tristan Stubbs through the gate to reduce DC to 89/5 in 10.5 overs. The middle-over squeeze was suffocating. Between overs 7-14, Delhi managed just 45 runs and lost four wickets -- the lowest middle-overs aggregate in this season. Axar Patel and Ashutosh found getting boundaries almost impossible to come by against Narine and Chakaravarthy, who didnt give any room for it. Just as KKR appeared to be cruising to a formality, Chakaravarthy's final over proved costly. Ashutosh launched him for a six into the sightscreen before cutting two fours in succession and looting 16 runs from the 17th over. Ashutosh's counterattack at least gave DCs total some semblance of respectability, even as Axars lean run continued by pulling to mid-wicket off Vaibhav Arora. But Tyagi responded with a superb final over, claiming Ashutosh and seeing Mitchell Starc run out in the span of just three runs to keep DC below 150, as KKR will now fancy their chances of getting their fourth consecutive win. Just as KKR appeared to be cruising to a formality, Chakaravarthy's final over proved costly. Ashutosh launched him for a six into the sightscreen before cutting two fours in succession and looting 16 runs from the 17th over. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals 142/8 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 50, Ashutosh Sharma 39; Kartik Tyagi 2-25, Anukul Roy 2-31) against Kolkata Knight Riders Article Source: IANS
IPL 2026: India Head Coach Gambhir Arrives At Arun Jaitley Stadium To Watch DC-KKR Clash
Arun Jaitley Stadium: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 contest between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), a fixture that carries huge significance for both teams if they are to maintain themselves in the race to the playoffs. Apart from Gambhir, dressed in a black shirt and blue jeans, his wife Natasha has also accompanied him to the stadium, and so has India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Gambhir has strong ties to both franchises, captaining KKR to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles in 2012 and 2014, respectively, and also represented DC in two spells of his playing career in the competition. The duo was later seen sitting with BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and senior men's selection committee member RP Singh in the hospitality stands. Gambhirs watchful presence has added a layer of intrigue to an already highstakes encounter. With Gambhir and Kotak in attendance, the duo is expected to keep an eye on performances in Fridays clash featuring many regular India players ahead of the sides upcoming international assignments across all three formats. The duo was later seen sitting with BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and senior men's selection committee member RP Singh in the hospitality stands. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Gambhir and Kotak, along with fast bowling coach Morne Morkel, fielding coach T. Dilip, and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, will regroup when India takes on Afghanistan in a one-off Test in New Chandigarh from June 6-10, before the three ODIs between the two teams take place in Dharamsala, Lucknow, and Chennai on June 14, 17, and 20, respectively. It is followed by a two-game T20I series in Ireland and white-ball tours of England and Zimbabwe. Article Source: IANS
Somerset sign Jordan Hermann as County Championship cover
South African batter will be available for three fixtures either side of SA A tour
Shaky RR brace for GT challenge as race for top four heats up
A win for GT will catapult them from five to two on the points table; a big enough win for RR means they can even go top
Mahika Gaur out of New Zealand ODIs with foot fracture
Alice Capsey also missing for series opener in Durham as she recovers from illness
Kolkata Knight Riders: Delhi Capitals left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc said he has settled back into the rhythm of T20 cricket and hopes to spark a turnaround in momentum as his side prepares to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. Seventh-placed DC have eight points and need to break their four-game losing streak at home if they are to be alive in the race to the playoffs. Starc joined DC from their clash against the Rajasthan Royals last week and has picked up three wickets in two games. It took me sort of the first game to get up to speed with T20 again, but the third game for me, and hopefully we can change a bit of our momentum as well. Oh, easy to say coming from a 36yearold with some experience, but I just feel like I've gotten to a place where I could make sure I tick all the boxes of things that I feel like I need to execute skillwise. I've always kind of had that fitness side where I feel like I know what I need to get my body right from a fitness perspective in terms of the gym and the running and time on legs. I could do what I needed to do in terms of T20 cricket with the execution of yorkers, the different skill sets over four overs, not so much the workload side of things, but more about executing the different balls required in this format of the game, Starc said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. On the challenge of bowling in the powerplay, Starc explained: I guess it's about getting your head around the size of the grounds here and the wickets and sort of taking, I guess we've heard it time again, taking the ego out of it in terms of the bowling side of things. I guess there's a lot of expectation on the batters these days. You're looking at scores of 250plus or scores over 200 a lot of the time. So the expectation there is there for the batters. In terms of the bowlers, it's trying to stay a step ahead, trying not to be too predictable. We know that the runs are going to flow at times in the power play. It's just trying to take those wickets and trying to get into that middle order through a power play is the best way to stem the flow of runs. So you've got to take the luck when you've got it, but also try and, I guess, not get too far down when the ball does tend to flow around a little bit. Assessing the pitches in New Delhi, where varied surfaces have been on offer in the competition so far, Starc, who won IPL 2024 with KKR, stated that adaptability will be the key to break their hoodoo at home. I watched a couple from the sides when I first got here. I guess the thing that we've taken from this ground is that we've had a different wicket every time we've played here. So I guess it's adapting the quickest out of the teams, and we probably haven't done that to the best of our abilities at home so far this year. I think we're playing on the wicket that was the Punjab game, which I was here at and watched. If it's like that game, it might be nice for batting. But I think it's taking out what's happened in terms of our season or games here and just approaching this game with the best of our ability. KKR wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi said every clash is important for them to have a slight chance at entering the playoffs. I think every game from now on is very important. I think I value it (the ongoing season) by the team's success, and I think it was tough at first, but we're finally getting going. If it's like that game, it might be nice for batting. But I think it's taking out what's happened in terms of our season or games here and just approaching this game with the best of our ability. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think it's very important, and it's been really good. I think I haven't been thinking about that too much. It's just been watching the ball and trying to do what I feel at that moment is best for the team. Article Source: IANS
Kolkata Knight Riders: Delhi Capitals left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc said he has settled back into the rhythm of T20 cricket and hopes to spark a turnaround in momentum as his side prepares to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Seventh-placed DC are having eight points and need to break their four-game losing streak at home if they are to be alive in the race to playoffs. Starc joined DC from their clash against Rajasthan Royals last week and has picked three wickets in two games. It took me sort of the first game to get up to speed with T20 again, but third game for me, and hopefully we can change a bit of our momentum as well. Oh, easy to say coming from a 36yearold with some experience, but I just feel like I got to a place where I could make sure I tick all the boxes of things that I feel like I need to execute skillwise. I've always kind of had that fitness side where I feel like I know what I need to get my body right from a fitness perspective in terms of the gym and the running and time on legs. I could do what I needed to do in terms of T20 cricket with the execution of yorkers, the different skill sets over four overs, not so much the workload side of things, but more about executing the different balls required in this format of the game, Starc said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. On the challenge of bowling in the powerplay, Starc explained: I guess it's about getting your head around the size of the grounds here and the wickets and sort of taking, I guess we've heard it time again, taking the ego out of it in terms of the bowling side of things. I guess there's a lot of expectation on the batters these days. You're looking at scores of 250plus or scores over 200 a lot of the time. So the expectation there is there for the batters. In terms of the bowlers, it's trying to stay a step ahead, try not to be too predictable. We know that the runs are going to flow at times in the power play. It's just trying to take those wickets and trying to get into that middle order through a power play is the best way to stem the flow of runs. So you've got to take the luck when you've got it, but also try and, I guess, not get too far down when the ball does tend to flow around a little bit. Assessing the pitches in New Delhi, where varied surfaces have been on offer in the competition so far, Starc, who won IPL 2024 with KKR, stated that adaptability will be the key to break their hoodoo at home. I watched a couple from the sides when I first got here. I guess the thing that we've taken from this ground is we've had a different wicket every time we've played here. So I guess it's adapting the quickest out of the teams and we probably haven't done that to the best of our abilities at home so far this year. I think we're playing on the wicket that was the Punjab game, which I was here at and watched. If it's like that game, it might be nice for batting. But I think it's taking out what's happened in terms of our season or games here and just approaching this game with the best of our ability. KKR wicketkeeper-batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi said every clash is important for them to have a slight chance at entering the playoffs. I think every game from now is very important. I think I value it (the ongoing season) by the team's success and I think it was tough at first, but we're finally getting going. If it's like that game, it might be nice for batting. But I think it's taking out what's happened in terms of our season or games here and just approaching this game with the best of our ability. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think it's very important, and it's been really good. I think I haven't been thinking about that too much. It's just been watching the ball and trying to do what I feel at that moment is best for the team. Article Source: IANS
Unchanged KKR bowl first, Vipraj and Mukesh return for DC
Karun Nair and T Natarajan were left out by DC
Shanto, Mominul make it Bangladesh's day
Pakistan chose to bowl and got the openers cheaply before two big partnerships kept them at bay
IPL 2026: When And Where To Watch RR Vs GT, Know All Details
Indian Premier League: 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) will clash with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the match number 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to be played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. The Rajasthan Royals are coming to the contest after suffering a seven-wicket defeat against the Delhi Capitals (DC). RR started off their campaign on a high note with four wins in the first five matches, but their performance has dipped in the next five matches as they have lost three encounters. Riyan Parag's team is currently placed in fourth position with 12 points in ten matches. While the Gujarat Titans are coming to the contest after a hat-trick of wins against the Chennai Super Kings, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the Punjab Kings. They are placed in fifth position in the points table with 12 points in six matches. They will enter the top four if they beat the Rajasthan Royals. RR and GT have faced each other nine times so far in the IPL. Gujarat Titans hold the upper hand with six wins, while Rajasthan Royals have emerged victorious on three occasions. There have been no ties or no results between the sides. Their first-ever meeting took place on April 14, 2022, which Gujarat Titans won, while their most recent clash on April 4, 2026, ended in a victory for Rajasthan Royals. When: Saturday, May 9, 7:30 PM IST Where: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur Where to watch: The RR vs GT match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The RR vs GT match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (captain), Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Adam Milne, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Nandre Burger, Kuldeep Sen, Sushant Mishra, Donovan Ferreira, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Vignesh Puthur, Ravi Singh, Aman Rao Perala, Brijesh Sharma Article Source: IANS
