Cricket

Verreynne, Clark man barricades as Notts see off Warwickshire threat

Champions bat their way to high-scoring draw on final day at Trent Bridge

Clark, Coles steer Sussex to safety despite Root's wicket-taking burst

Yorkshire given a sniff on fourth afternoon before visitors shut up shop to secure draw

IPL 2026: Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Sizzle As RCB Bowl Out Listless DC For Just 75

Impact Player Abishek Porel: Royal Challengers Bengalurus pace duo Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar ripped through Delhi Capitals batting through a devastating new-ball spell, as the hosts were bundled out for just 75 in Match 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday. The pair combined for picking six wickets inside the first four overs, producing movement and bounce more reminiscent of a Test match than an IPL game. Outside edges flew, while batters were beaten repeatedly, as DC had no answers to counter Hazlewood (4-12) and Bhuvneshwar (3-5). Impact Player Abishek Porels 30 off 33 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting effort, as no other DC batter crossed 20 and fell like ninepins. With just 75 on the board, the contest now hinges only on how quickly RCB can chase down the target, their bowlers having already delivered a masterclass in dismantling an opposition. Not many thought of mayhem coming DC's way when Bhuvneshwar Kumar's probing away-swinging delivery drew an edge off debutant Sahil Parakh, and trickled harmlessly to short third-man. But on the very next ball, Bhuvneshwar struck with lethal precision - a sharp, late-in-swinging yorker from over the wicket sneaked past Parakh's blade and castled him for a two-ball duck. Hazlewood raised the tempo of carnage with two huge blows in as many deliveries. A brutal short ball cramped KL Rahul for room on the pull, and the top edge settled into Jitesh Sharma's safe gloves, while debutant Sameer Rizvi was enticed in chasing one around the off-stump, and the outside edge on an expansive drive was grabbed by the keeper. Tristan Stubbs momentarily lifted DCs spirits by clipping Hazlewood's hat-trick ball for four. But the reprieve was fleeting as Bhuvneshwar, relentless and unerring, found Stubbs' outside edge with another late swinging delivery and was safely pouched by first slip. He then extracted the outside edge of captain Axar Patel, with Jitesh taking another catch. Hazlewood then completed DC's misery by producing a sharp short ball that tangled Nitish Rana, and an ugly glove-edge was caught by gully, as DC were in absolute tatters at 9/6 inside four overs. Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood became the first pair of bowlers in IPL history to each claim three wickets inside the powerplay in the same game, which underlined just how comprehensively they dismantled DC. When the six-over phase ended, Delhi's 13/6 became the new record for the lowest powerplay score in IPL history. Abishek Porel and David Miller then offered some resistance by plundering boundaries off Rasikh Salam Dar and Romario Shepherd to stage a brief recovery. But the brief 35-run stand off 31 balls was broken by Rasikh, as Miller, attempting to heave across the line against a pacy short ball, toe-ended to a grateful Jitesh. Amid a feeble dust storm swirling around the ground, Kyle Jamieson pulled Shepherd handsomely over mid-wicket for six to take DC to their fifty in 10.2 overs and spare them from the additional ignominy of the lowest total in IPL history. Even as Suyash Sharma troubled Porel, Jamieson's defiance was ended by Krunal Pandya, who joined the wicket-taking party with a good length delivery that straightened after pitching on off-stump and trapped him plumb lbw. After Suyash castled Kuldeep Yadav with a ripping leg-break, Hazlewood ended DCs misery by rattling Porels middle stump with a pin-perfect yorker. But the brief 35-run stand off 31 balls was broken by Rasikh, as Miller, attempting to heave across the line against a pacy short ball, toe-ended to a grateful Jitesh. Amid a feeble dust storm swirling around the ground, Kyle Jamieson pulled Shepherd handsomely over mid-wicket for six to take DC to their fifty in 10.2 overs and spare them from the additional ignominy of the lowest total in IPL history. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi Capitals 75 all out in 16.3 overs (Abishek Porel 30, David Miller 19; Josh Hazlewood 4-12, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3-5) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'One Thing Weve Enjoyed About Coaching Is Their Appetite To Get Better', Says PBKS Assistant Coach Haddin

PCA New International Cricket Stadium: Ahead of their last home game of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings Assistant Coach Brad Haddin addressed the media to discuss the squad's aggressive evolution and their focus on peaking at the right stage of the tournament. Coming off a record-breaking chase in Delhi, the Punjab Kings return to their home ground with a top order that Haddin described as on fire. Reflecting on the team's form and the tactical approach for the second half of the season, the assistant coach said, The one thing weve enjoyed most about coaching this group is their appetite to get better. The job is not done now; we're halfway through the tournament. Tournament play is about playing your best cricket at the back end and building towards that moment. While we are playing some good cricket, there are still a lot of areas Id like to improve on across batting, bowling, and in the field. Dismissing any concerns regarding the middle order's lack of big numbers, Haddin attributed it to the clinical efficiency of the openers. Our top order has been super dynamic and has set up some games. The others haven't had the opportunity to bat big innings because the top order has been on fire. But what they have done is contribute in their rolesit might not be a 70 or 80, but a quick 15 off six balls to get the momentum we need. They are doing everything the game requires. With 200-plus scores becoming common this season, Haddin noted that traditional economy rates are no longer the sole metric for bowling success. Its very hard to look at scoring rates now with the way batsmen are hitting the ball. The ball's going miles, and the six count is up. The one thing our bowlers have done really well is look to take wickets consistently. Theyve recognised the moments they need to get wickets to change momentum, and that is what has impressed us, he added. With 200-plus scores becoming common this season, Haddin noted that traditional economy rates are no longer the sole metric for bowling success. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Punjab Kings will play the last match on their home turf at the New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh, on Tuesday against Rajasthan Royals at 7:30 pm. Article Source: IANS

Pro bowling by Gabe Bell, Will Williams delivers season's first win for Gloucestershire

Duo keep Derbyshire in check for comprehensive victory

MI sign Maharaj as replacement for injured Santner

Santner hurt his shoulder in the field against Chennai Super Kings

Zimbabwe Cricketer Mary-Anne Musonda Retires From All Forms Of Cricket

T20 World Cup: Mary-Anne Musonda, captain of the Zimbabwe women's national cricket team, announced her retirement from all forms of cricket on Monday. This ends a career that played a key role in developing the women's game in the country. The 34-year-old, who last represented Zimbabwe at the ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2024 Qualifier two years ago, said her decision was influenced by more than just her performance on the field. From the outside it might seem like theres still more left in the tank, and, in many ways, there is, Musonda said in a statement from Zimbabwe Cricket. But this decision wasnt only about performance or ability. It was a mix of timing, perspective, and physical reality. At 34, I became more aware that it wasnt just about whether I could keep playing. It was also about whether I could keep asking my body to perform at that level over and over again. Musonda also spoke about her growing desire to contribute in different ways, especially in mentoring and developing the womens game. My role in developing the womens game, mentoring younger players, and contributing to cricket in Zimbabwe has become just as important to me as playing. It became clear that this is the right moment to step aside from international cricket, she added. Having made her debut in 2019, Musonda played 58 T20Is and 16 ODIs, scoring 1,054 runs in T20Is and 336 in ODIs. Her standout moment came in 2021 when she scored Zimbabwe Womens first-ever ODI century against Ireland. Appointed captain in 2018, Musonda recognised the responsibility of leading a developing team. Captaining Zimbabwe Women meant carrying more than just results. It meant carrying the hopes of a growing game, she said. We werent just playing matches; we were helping lay a foundation for the next generation, where every performance mattered in changing perceptions and opening doors. It wasnt just the title of captain; it was everything it represented. It felt like all those quiet battles had come full circle. More than personal achievement, it meant something bigger. Captaining Zimbabwe Women meant carrying more than just results. It meant carrying the hopes of a growing game, she said. We werent just playing matches; we were helping lay a foundation for the next generation, where every performance mattered in changing perceptions and opening doors. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The legacy I hope to leave behind goes beyond records or milestones. Its about impact. If years from now, more girls are playing cricket in schools and more pathways exist, then that, to me, is the real legacy. Article Source: IANS

Bangladesh Seal Record Chase as Tawhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain Sink New Zealand in 1st T20I

Tawhid Hridoy and Shamim Hossain steered Bangladesh to their highest successful chase at home, overhauling New Zealand's 182-6 to win the first T20 international by six wickets on Monday. Bangladesh reached their target of 183 at the Chattogram stadium with two overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The win surpassed their previous best home chase of 171 against Ireland in November last year. Hridoy anchored the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 27 balls, his sixth T20 fifty. Shamim provided a fitting finish with 31 not out off just 13 balls, including three fours and two sixes. The left-handed Shamim took New Zealand seamer Matthew Fisher apart in the 17th over, plundering 25 runs to enthral the home crowd. Captain Litton Das scored a brisk 21 off 15 balls before Parvez Hossain Emon smashed 28 off 14 to set the platform for the chase. For New Zealand, leg-spinner Ish Sodhi took two wickets, while Josh Clarkson and Nathan Smith claimed one each. Batting first, Katene Clarke and Dane Cleaver gave New Zealand a flying start, despite an early mix-up that saw Tim Robinson run out in the second over after a direct throw from Hridoy. Clarke and Cleaver responded emphatically, using their fine footwork to take New Zealand to 61 at the end of the powerplay. They added 88 runs off 50 balls before both fell to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. Clarke, who was dropped by Saif Hassan on 44, made 51 off 37 balls, with seven fours and one six, for his first T20 fifty. Cleaver was the more aggressive of the two, scoring 51 off just 28 balls, with seven fours and a six. Stand-in captain Nick Kelly contributed 39 off 27, while Clarkson struck an unbeaten 27 off 14. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rishad was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with 2-32.

Former Zimbabwe captain Mary-Anne Musonda retires from all forms of cricket

She was part of the Zimbabwe setup since 2006 and was appointed captain in 2018

Towhid Hridoy's Fifty Helps Bangladesh Record Highest Successful Chase At Home

Parvez Hossain Emon: Bangladesh pulled off a record 183-run chase to beat New Zealand in the first T20I in Chattogram, sealing victory with 12 balls to spare their highest successful chase at home. Towhid Hridoy led the chase with an unbeaten 51 off 27 balls, his sixth T20I half-century. This knock was also a response to recent criticism. Parvez Hossain Emon (28 off 14) and Shamim Hossain, who finished the game with a blistering 31 not out off 13 balls, were big supporters of his. Bangladesh's start was slow. Tanzid Hasan got off to a rough start when Ish Sodhi dropped him, but he was able to get back on track. Saif Hassan, on the other hand, fell for 17 runs off 16 balls to Nathan Smith. Captain Litton Das scored 21 runs, but by the ninth over, Bangladesh was still scoring at about seven runs per over. Sodhi then got Litton and Tanzid (20) out in back-to-back overs, which stopped the chase. After that, the momentum changed a lot. Hridoy launched Sodhi for a six, while Parvez followed with a four and a slog-swept six as 18 runs came off the over. The pair added 57 for the fourth wicket before Parvez fell in the 15th over, leaving Bangladesh needing 49 from 5.1 overs. Shamims late surge was crucial. He started with a no-look six off Smith, while Hridoy kept the pressure on. Matthew Fisher gave away 25 runs in the 17th over, including two no-balls and a wide, as Bangladesh raced ahead to complete the chase easily. Earlier, New Zealand scored 182 for 6 after a solid start. Katene Clarke and Dane Cleaver led the way, adding 88 runs for the second wicket. Cleaver hit a half-century before getting out lbw to Rishad Hossain, while Clarke also made his fifty before being dismissed in the 12th over. Rishad played a key role in Bangladeshs comeback, also being part of the dismissal of Bevon Jacobs, while Mahedi Hasan sent Dean Foxcroft back to the pavilion for three runs. Stand-in captain Nick Kelly provided a late boost with 39 runs off 27 balls, hitting five fours and a six. However, New Zealands total was not enough on a batting-friendly pitch. Despite scoring 182 for 6, the visitors were caught off guard by Bangladeshs late charge, as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series. Rishad played a key role in Bangladeshs comeback, also being part of the dismissal of Bevon Jacobs, while Mahedi Hasan sent Dean Foxcroft back to the pavilion for three runs. Also Read: Live Cricket Score New Zealand 182/6 in 20 overs (Katene Clarke 51, Dane Cleaver 51; Rishad Hossain 2-32, Shoriful Islam 1-36) lost to Bangladesh 183/4 in 18 overs (Tawhid Hridoy 51, Shamim Hossain 31; Ish Sodhi 2-31) by six wickets Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: The Challenge Lies In Mastering The Small Moments, Bridging Minor Gaps, Says Rana

The Axar Patel: Delhi Capitals batting all-rounder Nitish said the key to turning around his teams fortunes in the second half of IPL 2026 lies in mastering the finer details and bridging minor gaps, especially in the fielding department. The Axar Patel-led DC need a win to keep themselves in good stead in the race to playoffs after losing four of their last five games meant they are at seventh spot in the points table. In a tournament like this, every game is vital, and the intensity only ramps up during the grueling second half. While our recent losses might suggest a slump, were actually playing good cricket; the challenge lies in mastering the small moments and bridging minor gaps, particularly in our fielding, to convert tight situations into wins, Rana said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. Rana, who hit a stroke-filled 91 while sharing a 220-run stand with KL Rahul while making a mammoth 264 against Punjab Kings on Saturday, added that consistency across all three departments remains non-negotiable to succeed in the T20 format. Success in the T20 format requires total consistency across all three departments - batting, bowling, and fielding - regardless of the opposition's reputation or external factors like boundary size. Our focus remains strictly on executing our own plans and controlling the variables within our reach to ensure the result swings back in our favor today. Rana, who hit a stroke-filled 91 while sharing a 220-run stand with KL Rahul while making a mammoth 264 against Punjab Kings on Saturday, added that consistency across all three departments remains non-negotiable to succeed in the T20 format. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Even when the runs weren't flowing, I could feel that my footwork was solid and my timing was sharp. I knew I was just one click away from a big innings. Having found that rhythm in the last two matches, my goal now is to build on this momentum, make the tournament count, and contribute significantly to the teams success. Article Source: IANS

DC make three changes; RCB bowl first in Delhi

RCB are second in the points table, while DC are down at sixth place

IPL 2026: Jamieson, Parakh, Chameera Come In For DC As Unchanged, RCB Elect To Bowl First

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Kyle Jamieson and Sahil Parakh have been handed debut caps by Delhi Capitals, who have also included Dushmantha Chameera, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru, unchanged from their previous match, won the toss and elected to bowl first in Match 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Monday. Defending champions RCB have five wins in seven games and are in second place on the points table. DC, meanwhile, need a win to keep themselves in good standing in the race to the playoffs after losing four of their last five games, which means they are in seventh spot. After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar said, This venue is a high-scoring ground, it will not make much difference, we will try to put them under pressure in the second innings. The most important thing is that different players are coming up and delivering in different matches. We have played some good cricket and continue to carry that momentum. It is in the past; we are looking to play good cricket. DC skipper Axar Patel said Chameera, Jamieson, who previously played for RCB and Punjab Kings in the IPL, and Parakh, the teenage Maharashtra batter, come into the playing eleven in place of Pathum Nissanka, Mukesh Kumar, and Auqib Nabi Dar. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who had an unfortunate head injury while taking a catch against the Punjab Kings and was later discharged after being taken to the hospital, is not available for the game after not being spotted during the pre-game practice session. I would have fielded if I won the toss. The ground dimensions are small, the pitch also gets better, so we would have chased as well. In the IPL, you score 264 and lose, but it is a long tournament. We had a good game with bat and ball; if we had held our chances, then the result would be different. You need to keep continuing to do the work, even our best fielders drop catches, so luck is not on our side, but we cannot sit around thinking about it. We have to strike in the powerplay, though Mukesh has done well, he needs a break, and we are bringing in international bowlers, he said. Mondays game will be played on pitch number five, where the Gujarat Titans made 210 earlier this season, and DC fell short by one run in a humdinger of a clash. In their pitch report, Danny Morrison and Eoin Morgan observed that with 63m square boundaries on either side, the pitch has a slightly drier look. They further reckoned it would be interesting to see if the ball spins and has some bite for the spinners. Playing XIs: Delhi Capitals: Sahil Parakh, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (captain), Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Kyle Jamieson Impact substitutes: Auqib Nabi, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Tripurana Vijay, Abishek Porel Delhi Capitals: Sahil Parakh, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (captain), Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Kyle Jamieson Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Venkatesh Iyer Article Source: IANS

Can Rajasthan Royals stop the Punjab Kings juggernaut?

Their mighty batting line-up will face a stern test against Archer and Burger

SLC Dedicates Major Club Women's 50-over Tournament To Late Gwen Herat

The Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy: The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday announced that its top domestic womens competition will be renamed to honour the late Gwen Herat. This change recognises her important role in the growth of womens cricket in the country. Sri Lanka Cricket decided to dedicate the Major Club Womens 50-Over Tournament in memory of the late Gwen Herat, the founding president of the Sri Lanka Womens Cricket Association, SLC said in a statement. Starting in 2026, the 'Major Club Womens 50-Over Tournament' will now be called the Gwen Herat Memorial Trophy. This decision aims to preserve the legacy of the founding president of the Sri Lanka Womens Cricket Association. According to SLC, this change acknowledges the outstanding service rendered by Mrs. Herat towards the founding of the Womens Cricket Association in the country. She led the establishment of the Sri Lanka Womens Cricket Association in 1997, marking a major milestone in the development of the womens game. In an official statement, SLC highlighted, The significant role played by the late Mrs. Gwen Herat in laying the foundation for womens cricket is well remembered by the cricketing community. By naming a tournament in her honour, Sri Lanka Cricket aims to preserve her legacy for future generations, said Bandula Dissanayake. To celebrate this initiative, the Herat family presented a trophy to be awarded to future tournament champions. The handover ceremony included her daughters, Shamarra Herat and Parveen Herat, and her son, Avancka Herat. In an official statement, SLC highlighted, The significant role played by the late Mrs. Gwen Herat in laying the foundation for womens cricket is well remembered by the cricketing community. By naming a tournament in her honour, Sri Lanka Cricket aims to preserve her legacy for future generations, said Bandula Dissanayake. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Senior SLC officials, including Head of National Cricket Operations Chinthaka Edirimanne and Head of Marketing Upul Nawaratne Bandara, were also at the ceremony held at SLC headquarters last week. Article Source: IANS

South Africa choose to bat after winning fifth straight toss

The hosts brought back de Klerk and Bosch while Arundhati made a return for India

IPL 2026: Southee Lauds Rinkus cricket Smarts, Dubs Narine unbelievable After KKRs Thriller Win

Kolkata Knight Riders: Tim Southee lauded Rinku Singhs composure and Sunil Narines match-winning Super Over effort after Kolkata Knight Riders pulled off a dramatic win over Lucknow Super Giants in their recently concluded IPL 2026 clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. KKR had to claw their way back into the contest after slipping into early trouble, before Rinkus unbeaten 83, capped by four sixes in the final over, lifted them to 155, a total that eventually proved just enough to force a tie. Reflecting on the teams performance, Southee credited the collective resilience shown by the side, particularly after a shaky start with the bat and emphasised that it was not just the runs, but the timing and awareness of Rinkus knock that made the difference in a high-pressure situation. We took the long way around, but we got there in the end, so well done, two points. I'll just touch on the batting innings and I think obviously we had a little cameo from Greeny (Cameron Green), but I think a special mention to Rinku (Singh). You used your experience, you've obviously been a part of the Indian side for a while, but the cricket you've played in tonight was a great example of the experience you showed and the cricket smarts that you have, to take that game deep like you did in the last two overs, I think we were 17 and 26 and proved to be the difference, Southee told players in the dressing room in a video shared by the franchise. KKR had looked set for a below-par score before that late assault, underlining the significance of Rinkus finishing burst in shifting momentum. Southee also highlighted the teams unity after a difficult start to the tournament, noting that the group stayed together despite setbacks. We've seen in the last two games how connected this group is! The willingness to train hard, stick together and add in what happened in that batting innings early on. It could have easily gone horribly wrong, but I think it showed the connection amongst this group to stick together and a bit of brilliance from Rinku with a hand from Greeny along the way, he added. Defending 155, KKR needed early breakthroughs, and Southee singled out Vaibhav Arora for setting the tone with the ball in the powerplay. Flow on to the bowling, I think the way Vaibhav (Arora), you started. It was bloody impressive, mate. You bowled with accuracy, you bowled with pace, you bowled with skill and defending a low total like we were at the start was always going to be crucial, he stated. LSG appeared in control at various stages of the chase, but KKRs bowlers kept chipping away, eventually pushing the game into a Super Over after a last-ball six tied the scores. In the one-over eliminator, Narine delivered a standout performance, conceding just one run while picking up key wickets, an effort Southee described as exceptional under pressure. I think you set the tone beautifully and backed up by all the bowlers throughout and also a special mention to Sunny (Sunil Narine), I know you've had a great time. It was pretty good and then super over. Unbelievable mate. To go out there in that situation, Southee said. In the one-over eliminator, Narine delivered a standout performance, conceding just one run while picking up key wickets, an effort Southee described as exceptional under pressure. Also Read: Live Cricket Score KKR eventually chased down the Super Over target in a single delivery, with Rinku once again at the centre of the action, sealing a much-needed win. Article Source: IANS

England, Sri Lanka To Play ODI Tri-series In Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board: Pakistan will tune up for the 2027 World Cup with a home tri-series with England and Sri Lanka this year, according to a report on Monday. There will be four matches, with each team facing the other once, with the top two teams playing the final. The PCB has plans for the national team, as the results in the ICC events have not been encouraging. Pakistan have not qualified for the semis of the ODI World Cup since their 2011 defeat to India in Mohali. They crashed out in the quarterfinals of the 2015 World Cup, followed by a first-round exit in the next two, in 2019 and 2023. The Pakistan Cricket Board has extensive plans for the national team to prepare for the ODI World Cup in 2027 with a tri-series with England and Sri Lanka in October-November this year. The England and Wales Cricket Board have agreed to the tri-series with dates due to be finalised in the next few days. Sri Lanka will be on a Test tour to Pakistan, so the ODI tri-series will be after the Tests, said the report. The PCB management will sit down with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi to chalk out preparation plans in June, a source was quoted in the report. Australia is also scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series in May-June this year. The PCB management will sit down with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi to chalk out preparation plans in June, a source was quoted in the report. Also Read: Live Cricket Score South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are co-hosts of the 2027 World Cup. Article Source: IANS

Metasports Interactive secures $20 million in UA funding from Metica

The capital will be used to accelerate the growth of Metasports Interactives competitive multi-player cricket game, Hitwicket

Intelligent And Inclusive: Co-onwer Preity Zinta Applauds Iyer And Ponting's Leadership In PBKS Dominant Run

Kolkata Knight Riders: Punjab Kings' co-owner and actor Preity Zinta has reserved special praise for the electrifying combination of head coach Ricky Ponting and skipper Shreyas Iyer and lauded their inclusive and accessible approach in franchise ongoing scintillating run in the IPL 2026. Iyer-led PBKS are currently the only unbeaten side in IPL 2026 and eyeing their maiden titel after their runners up finish last season. Last season, has etched his name in IPL history books by steering his team to their first final in 11 years. During the impromptu session with fans on X pzchat, a user asked about her interaction with Iyer, to which Preity replied, He is an inspiring & strategic leader that leads by example. Intelligent, calm , inclusive & accessible to the whole team. On a fun note, he is also incredible with kids thats why my kids lovingly call him Shreyas Bhaiya and adore him. Iyer's IPL journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with successful stints at Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, the reigning champions. His time at Delhi was especially notable from a PBKS point of view, as it marked the beginning of a partnership that rekindled in Punjab the deadly combination with Ponting. Asked about Pontings coaching style that stands out to her, Preity called Ponting, loving, very inclusive & accessible to all players, aggressive, strategic, and a badass. One fan couldn't help but notice Arshdeep Singhs viral reel game and popped the ultimate question, if fans can see her featuring in one of Arshdeep's reels? Asked about Pontings coaching style that stands out to her, Preity called Ponting, loving, very inclusive & accessible to all players, aggressive, strategic, and a badass. Also Read: Live Cricket Score A user asked Preity to do Bhangda session with the opener Prabhsimran Singh, to which she said, He is a shy guy & his off-field personality is a direct contrast to his on ground aggressive & destructive batting style, so I will try and ask him but cannot promise anything; Arsh (Arshdeep) hota toh no problem) If it were Arsh (Arshdeep), it wouldn't be a problem). Article Source: IANS

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

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Punjab Kings will aim to strengthen their hold near the top of the standings when they take on Rajasthan Royals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The contest brings together two sides heading in opposite directions. Punjab have been one of the standout teams this season, thriving on their ability to chase and deliver a series of dominant performances, yielding six wins from their opening seven matches. In contrast, Rajasthan have struggled to build momentum, with inconsistent displays dragging them down the table. Their latest setback against Sunrisers Hyderabad has only added to the urgency for a turnaround. RRs campaign has been hindered by an inability to sustain momentum through the middle overs, often failing to convert strong starts into match-winning totals. Punjab, on the other hand, have fired collectively with the bat, particularly at the top of the order, where their openers have repeatedly laid aggressive foundations in the powerplay, putting opposition bowling units under immediate pressure. When: Tuesday, April 28, 7:30 PM IST Where: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh Where to watch: The PBKS vs RR match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The PBKS vs RR match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Perala, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Kuldeep Sen, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, and Sandeep Sharma Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: The More I Have Grown, The Humbler I Have Become, Says Krunal Pandya On Journey And Success With RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: All-rounder Krunal Pandya reflected on his evolution as a cricketer and a person, highlighting how experience and success have shaped his outlook, while also revisiting key moments from his journey with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Speaking about his growth over the years, Krunal emphasised how his perspective has matured while his core values have remained intact. I have changed over a period of time, for the better. As you go through the journey, you learn. A lot of credit goes to my parents and the upbringing they gave me. But as a human being, who I am, has remained the same. I love cricket, still as excited and passionate to play. I have always been a family man. I love my family, kids, and my wife, who has played an integral part. My parents have been my pillars. When you taste success, two things can happen, either you go crazy or it makes you humble. I have taken the second route. The more I have grown, the humbler I have become, which is why family is important for me, and cricket is in my blood, mind, everywhere, he told JioStar. The all-rounder also looked back at his memorable debut for RCB against Kolkata Knight Riders, recalling the highs and early struggles before turning the game around with crucial breakthroughs. I was very excited to play my first match. The opening ceremony had just happened. I remember Shah Rukh sir was on stage and the crowd was chanting. I thought, Wow, if we win this match here, it will be fun. I bowled my first over in the Powerplay and gave away 15 runs. I was like, What is happening? KKR were 110 in 10 overs, they were scoring quickly, and I told myself that I had to make a comeback. In my next over, it was the 11th, I got Ajinkya Rahane out at deep square leg. Then Venkatesh Iyer was batting without a helmet, so I thought I would bowl a bouncer, and he got the helmet back quickly. After that, I bowled a quick second ball and he got bowled. That is something fast bowlers do, he said. Krunal further revisited a high-pressure clash at the Wankhede Stadium against his former side Mumbai Indians, where his all-round contribution proved decisive in sealing a memorable win for RCB. Wankhede has always been a special place to play. The atmosphere there is electric. We scored around 220, and at one point, it looked like we were winning, but then Hardik came in and scored a quick 15-ball 40-odd, which shifted the momentum. From the way the game was going, I knew I would have to bowl the last over, and I backed myself to defend. It was a special game because earlier I had got Will Jacks out on a bouncer, which was something I had planned before the IPL. The wicket was so flat that I did not know where to bowl. So, in my second over, after trying a couple of wide yorkers, I went for the bouncer, and it worked. That felt really satisfying. There was a lot of pressure in the last over. Santner was batting, and with a short leg-side boundary, it was challenging. I set an unusual field, kept a deep point, and went for the wide yorker to use the long boundary, and it worked in my favour. Then, to Deepak Chahar, I bowled a bouncer and Phil Salt took a good catch. I gave away just a few runs in that over, and we ended up winning the game, which was very special, he stated. On the emotional high of lifting the IPL trophy with RCB, Krunal reserved special praise for Virat Kohli and the franchises passionate fan base. The ones who deserved it the most are Virat Kohli and the RCB fans. Virat has been an integral part of RCB from the first season. So, to win it, and see him get emotional was special. Watching him cry was an emotional moment for everyone, whether you are a fan or part of the team. I remember when we played against Chennai and were going out in the bus, the love people have for RCB is incredible, and that day I said on the mic that whatever happens, we must win the trophy for the fans. I am glad I said it and that we were able to deliver in the final. The fans deserved this trophy more than anybody else, and obviously, Virat as well. I am grateful to be part of something like this and to contribute in a small way. Playing for the country is number one for me, but winning for RCB, that too after 18 years, and having my best season while contributing well, has to be one of my top moments, he expressed. He also spoke about his match-winning, unbeaten 73 against Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, explaining how understanding the pitch and pacing his innings played a key role in guiding RCB out of trouble. I am glad I said it and that we were able to deliver in the final. The fans deserved this trophy more than anybody else, and obviously, Virat as well. I am grateful to be part of something like this and to contribute in a small way. Playing for the country is number one for me, but winning for RCB, that too after 18 years, and having my best season while contributing well, has to be one of my top moments, he expressed. Also Read: Live Cricket Score It was around our seventh or eighth game, and I had hardly batted in the tournament. We were under pressure at that point. Virat was telling me, Just keep holding your shape, we will do it. In my first 17-18 balls, I did not score much, but I knew we had power hitters like Tim David, Romario, and Jitesh behind me, so if we took the game deep, we would be in it. Once I got set, I started playing my shots and everything fell into place, he reminisced. Article Source: IANS

LSG Made A Huge Mistake Of Sending Nicholas Pooran In The Super Over: Dasgupta

Lucknow Super Giants: Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has raised questions over Lucknow Super Giants tactical calls in their Super Over defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders, stating that sending out-of-form Nicholas Pooran to bat in the Super Over ahead of Mitchell Marsh was a huge mistake. Analysing LSGs narrow loss in Lucknow, Dasgupta pointed to both execution and decision-making lapses, particularly in the Super Over, where the team faltered under pressure despite having a strong batting line-up. LSG had two back-to-back games, one against RR and one against KKR, where they should have won. I understand that against Kolkata, it wasnt an easy pitch to bat on, but you would expect them to chase 155 comfortably. Not being able to chase with that kind of batting order is not good for the morale of their dressing room, Dasgupta told JioStar. You know quite well that your batters are unable to score runs and on top of that, you made a huge mistake of sending someone like Nicholas Pooran to bat in the Super Over ahead of Mitchell Marsh, who has been their top run-getter this season. Mitchell Marsh, Himmat Singh and Aiden Markram should have been the ideal three batters to play in the Super Over. Instead, they sent an under-confident Pooran. In T20 cricket, losing close games like these back-to-back can break a teams season. LSG need to fix their batting order and decision-making quickly, or the Playoffs will slip away, he added. LSG, who failed to chase a modest target and then managed just one run in the Super Over, have now slipped under pressure in the points table, with concerns mounting over their batting order and on-field calls in crunch situations. Turning his attention to the upcoming fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals, Dasgupta said that the defending champions appear better placed than the hosts, especially in terms of momentum and overall balance, despite a few minor concerns. LSG, who failed to chase a modest target and then managed just one run in the Super Over, have now slipped under pressure in the points table, with concerns mounting over their batting order and on-field calls in crunch situations. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Delhi will need both these departments to perform if they want to beat Bengaluru. RCB are playing an incredible brand of cricket right now. Their bowling seems to be on point. The only thing that might worry them is the absence of Phil Salt at the top. But they have Jacob Bethell, who became a star in the T20 World Cup. Him forming a left-hand right-hand opening combination with Virat Kohli could work wonders for them against Delhi, he stated. Article Source: IANS

Bangladesh bowl, Kelly leads NZ with Latham out injured

T20I debuts for Matthew Fisher and Nathan Smith

IPL 2026: Rinku's Counterattack And Narines Composure Were Key To KKRs Win, Opines Irfan Pathan

Kolkata Knight Riders: Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan credited Rinku Singhs late counterattack and Sunil Narines composure under pressure as the defining factors behind Kolkata Knight Riders dramatic Super Over win against Lucknow Super Giants in their recently concluded IPL 2026 clash at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Reflecting on the nature of the contest, Pathan highlighted how the conditions in Lucknow played a significant role in keeping scores in check and bringing bowlers into the game. The quality of bowling was outstanding, and the pitch definitely had something in it, a bit of bounce and movement, which made batting challenging. Weve seen that in Lucknow this season, posting big scores havent been easy. But the turning point was Rinku Singhs counterattack against Digvesh Rathi. That one over where he scored 26 runs completely shifted the momentum. Even though KKR lost a few key moments, that phase changed the game, and from there, they found a way to stay in the contest and eventually come out on top, Pathan told JioStar. KKR, who were struggling big time earlier in the innings, found a lifeline through Rinkus explosive hitting as his 83-run knock propelled them to a competitive total of 155 and ultimately forced the match into a tie. Pathan also reserved special praise for Narines execution in the Super Over, where the veteran spinner dismantled LSGs hopes with a clinical spell. What stood out was the quality of the delivery that he bowled to dismiss Nicholas Pooran and the calmness with which Sunil Narine executed it. To do this consistently over the years, especially in pressure situations like a Super Over, is remarkable. He has faced challenges in his career, but hes always found a way to come back stronger. You dont often see teams turning to a spinner in moments like these, but Narine is an exception. His composure, even when others are appealing or under pressure, allows him to focus on the finer details, and once again, he delivered when it mattered most. Narines Super Over, where he conceded just a solitary run while picking up crucial wickets, left KKR needing only a couple of runs to seal victory, a task they completed off the very first ball as Rinku sent it away for a boundary. Further analysing Rinkus innings, Pathan underlined the batters game awareness and ability to take responsibility in crunch situations. Narines Super Over, where he conceded just a solitary run while picking up crucial wickets, left KKR needing only a couple of runs to seal victory, a task they completed off the very first ball as Rinku sent it away for a boundary. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Rinkus late flourish, combined with Narines nerve in the Super Over, ensured KKR walked away with a crucial win in what turned out to be one of the most gripping finishes of the IPL 2026 season. Article Source: IANS

Major Security Sabotage At Chinnaswamy During RCB-GT Match; 2 Held For Sabotaging 240 CCTV Cameras

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: In a major security lapse reported during the IPL scheduled match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, around 240 CCTV feeds were allegedly disabled during the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). The Cubbon Park police have filed an FIR in this regard and launched a hunt for two accused persons. The police have taken the case seriously, as the sabotage was intended to cause dysfunction of cameras operating in all entrances, the perimeter camera, the corporate stand and all concourses. According to preliminary investigation findings, two individuals were identified as 37-year-old Manjunatha. E, a resident of Hiriyur in the Chitradurga district, and 19-year-old Abdul Kalam, a resident of Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, the employees of subcontractor IVS Digital Solutions, are suspected to have tampered with the surveillance system. The duo allegedly gained entry into the stadium using a deactivated access card and proceeded to the CCTV server room, where they cut connections to the Network Video Recorder (NVR) and fibre cables. The disruption resulted in a temporary loss of surveillance coverage across several critical areas of the stadium, including entry gates, concourses, and the D Corporate Stand. Authorities said that alternative security arrangements were swiftly put in place to ensure the safety of spectators and players. Despite the breach, the match concluded without any untoward incidents. The Cubbon Park police have taken up further investigation is underway to determine the motive and assess lapses in access control and security protocols. The case has been registered under BNS Sections 324 (4). The complaint in this regard has been lodged by Aditya Bhat, an employee with Staqu Technologies, Gurgaon in Haryana. According to the FIR, the accused persons have entered the stadium in the morning without pass by using deactivated card. The accused persons have intentionally damaged the NVR and fibre cables. The CCTV footage has shown the accused moving into the CCTV camera section and later moving towards the connection box near the parking area. The case has been registered under BNS Sections 324 (4). The complaint in this regard has been lodged by Aditya Bhat, an employee with Staqu Technologies, Gurgaon in Haryana. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Further investigation is underway. Article Source: IANS

'Watched Clip Again And Again; He Didnt Turn Directions...', Lalit Modi Calls Out Raghuvanshi's 'obstructing The Field' Dismissal

IPL Playing Condition Clause: Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi called Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi's controversial dismissal for 'obstructing the field' during the IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants a wrong umpiring call and stated that he watched the clip multiple times and it didn't look like the batter changed his running path. Raghuvanshi was deemed out for 'obstructing the field' during the match against LSG on Sunday. The incident took place on the final ball of the fifth over as the batter tried to take a run after nudging a delivery from Prince Yadav towards mid-on. However, he was sent back by Cameron Green, and the throw ended up hitting Raghuvanshi's legs. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami and LSG skipper Rishabh Pant went up to appeal, and the third umpire decided that the batter knowingly changed his path while running and did not let the throw reach the wicketkeeper. Reacting to the incident, Modi shared on X, I believe wrong decision by the umpire in last nights match. Looked at the clip again and again. The fans of @IPL seem to have a view on both out and not out. Let the inquiry decide if it was a good call or a bad call. I, frankly sitting far away watching on tv, felt he didnt turn directions... As per the IPL Playing Condition Clause 37.1.4, For the avoidance of doubt, if an umpire feels that a batter, in running between the wickets, has significantly changed his direction without probable cause and thereby obstructed a fielders attempt to effect a run out, the batter should, on appeal, be given out, obstructing the field. It shall not be relevant whether a run out would have occurred or not. Reacting to the incident, Modi shared on X, I believe wrong decision by the umpire in last nights match. Looked at the clip again and again. The fans of @IPL seem to have a view on both out and not out. Let the inquiry decide if it was a good call or a bad call. I, frankly sitting far away watching on tv, felt he didnt turn directions... Also Read: Live Cricket Score As result, Raghuvanshi has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Article 2.2 of the IPLs Code of Conduct, which relates to abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match. Article Source: IANS

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

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been fined 20 per cent of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct during Kolkata Knight Riders recently concluded clash against Lucknow Super Giants. The incident took place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday, where Raghuvanshis on-field dismissal for obstructing the field was followed by a visible display of dissent. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, batter & wicket-keeper, Kolkata Knight Riders, has been fined 20% of his match fee and has also accumulated one Demerit Point for breaching Level 1 of the IPLs Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during Match No. 38 against Lucknow Super Giants, the IPL said in a statement. Raghuvanshi was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the IPLs Code of Conduct, which relates to abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match. The incident occurred in the 5th over, when, after being given out for obstructing the field, Raghuvanshi struck the boundary cushion with his bat in an aggressive manner and subsequently threw his helmet into the dugout in a similar manner. Raghuvanshi admitted to the offence and accepted the Match Referees sanction, it added. The rare dismissal occurred on the final delivery of the fifth over of KKRs innings. Batting on nine off seven balls, Raghuvanshi pushed a delivery from pacer Prince Yadav towards mid-on and initially set off for a single. However, he aborted the run midway after a call from teammate Cameron Green. While attempting to return to the crease, Raghuvanshi changed his running line and was struck by a direct throw. Rishabh Pant and the LSG players immediately appealed, alleging obstruction of the field, prompting a review. Third umpire Rohan Pandit reviewed the footage and ruled that the batter had deliberately altered his path, thereby interfering with the throw, resulting in his dismissal. While attempting to return to the crease, Raghuvanshi changed his running line and was struck by a direct throw. Rishabh Pant and the LSG players immediately appealed, alleging obstruction of the field, prompting a review. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Raghuvanshis dismissal placed him in a rare list of IPL players to be given out for obstructing the field, alongside Yusuf Pathan (2013), Amit Mishra (2019), and Ravindra Jadeja (2024). Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 2 Held For Sabotaging 240 CCTV Cameras At Chinnaswamy During RCB Vs GT Match

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: In a major security lapse during an IPL 2026 fixture, Bengaluru Police have arrested two individuals for allegedly sabotaging surveillance infrastructure at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans on April 24. As per the FIR, over 240 CCTV cameras across the venue were rendered inoperable after critical systems, including Network Video Recorders (NVRs) and fibre-optic connections, were deliberately damaged. The incident led to a temporary surveillance blackout across key zones, including entry gates, concourses, and the D Corporate Stand. Authorities confirmed that backup security measures were deployed swiftly, ensuring the match concluded without disruption. A case has been registered at the Cubbon Park police station, and investigations are underway. The police have described the incident as a deliberate act of disruption. Preliminary findings indicate that the accused, 37-year-old Manjunath E from Hiriyur in Chitradurga and 19-year-old Abdul Kalam from Uttar Pradesh, were working under a subcontractor associated with IVS Digital Solutions, the firm responsible for the stadium's digital surveillance. The duo allegedly used a deactivated access card to gain entry into restricted areas, including the CCTV control room, where they carried out the sabotage. The complaint was filed by Aditya Bhat, an employee of the Gurugram-based AI surveillance company Staqu Technologies Pvt. Ltd., which is linked to the venue's monitoring systems. Evidence cited includes CCTV footage showing the suspects accessing sensitive locations, such as server rooms and connection hubs near the parking area. A complaint has been received stating that on 24.04.2026, during the RCB vs GT match held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, more than 240 cameras went offline due to suspected deliberate tampering. Upon further investigation, it has been identified that two individuals Marajanath E. and Abrar Kalder, who are working in the subcontracting firm IVS Digital Solution, entered the stadium premises around 11:30 AM without valid passes. It is reported that these individuals intentionally mishandled and disrupted the NVR (Network Video Recorder) and fibre connections, thereby disabling the surveillance system. Additionally, they allegedly damaged all the initial setup works related to the installation. They also gained unauthorised access to restricted areas such as the server room and were seen moving suspiciously near critical zones, the FIR stated. The affected cameras covered several key security areas, including all entry gates, perimeter surveillance cameras, corporate boxes, all concourse areas. Furthermore, they reportedly accessed the switch box room and damaged nearby optical fibre connections. Since this incident occurred on the day of the match, it severely compromised stadium security and prevented the complainant from providing the required data or footage to the relevant authorities or agencies. Therefore, immediate attention is requested regarding this deliberate act of sabotage, and appropriate legal action is sought against IVS Digital Solution and the individuals involved, it added. The affected cameras covered several key security areas, including all entry gates, perimeter surveillance cameras, corporate boxes, all concourse areas. Furthermore, they reportedly accessed the switch box room and damaged nearby optical fibre connections. Since this incident occurred on the day of the match, it severely compromised stadium security and prevented the complainant from providing the required data or footage to the relevant authorities or agencies. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, the IPL 2026 schedule has already seen changes for RCB, with the franchise completing its home leg in Bengaluru. The teams remaining home fixtures are set to be played in Raipur due to prior logistical arrangements. Article Source: IANS

DC vs RCB IPL 2026 Playing 11 Today Match: Bengaluru look to stay up in race for top, Delhi in race for playoffs

Devonshire, McLeod, Patel & Sharp Set For Maiden Away Tour As NZ Name Squad For England ODIs

New Zealand Women: Spin-bowling all-rounders Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel, and batters Emma McLeod and Izzy Sharp have been named in the New Zealand Women's ODI squad for the three-match series in England and Wales starting from May 10. The series will mark the quartet's first senior overseas tour for New Zealand. The newcomers have featured in the ODI series victories against Zimbabwe and South Africa at home earlier this year. Devonshire was selected in the teams 2025 ICC Womens Cricket World Cup squad, but returned home without getting a game after she sustained a finger injury during training. The left-armer went on to make her ODI debut in Christchurch against South Africa in March, NZC said in a release. Melie Kerr, who took on full-time captaincy in February, will lead the 15-strong squad alongside senior players Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, and Brooke Halliday. Bates will close the chapter on her storied 181-match ODI career during the tour, after her announcement last week that she will be retiring from international cricket at the conclusion of the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Head coach Ben Sawyer said it was a well-balanced squad. Weve got some exciting young talent in this squad with the likes of Emma, Izzy, Nensi, and Flora, alongside our core group of seasoned campaigners. Our younger players are finding their feet in international cricket but theyve proved they have what it takes to succeed at this level, he said. Sawyer anticipated that the ICC Womens Cricket World Cup semi-finalists would be a challenging opponent. England is a tough side to beat in their home conditions - so its a good chance to test ourselves. Weve made some great gains as a group recently and are coming off the back of a successful home summer so hopefully that gives the team a lot of confidence heading into this series, he added. The squad departs to England later this week ahead of their warm-up match against ECB development XI on May 6. NZC said he squad for the T20 leg of the series and the ICC Womens T20 World Cup will be named this Wednesday April 29. Squad: Melie Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp Series schedule: First ODI: May 10, Durham Series schedule: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Third ODI: May 16, Cardiff Article Source: IANS

Rabada moves up the IPL Purple cap list

The South Africa quick picked up 3 for 25 against CSK on Sunday

Bangar: India selectors will be keenly watching Mohsin

The LSG quick picked up 5 for 23 against KKR earning praise from Carlos Brathwaite as well

'Destined to come off' - Maxwell and Kingsmen pull off stunning PSL turnaround

Maxwell's 70 off 37, his highest score in 40 T20 matches, helped Kingsmen to huge win to become first side to qualify for PSL playoffs after losing opening four matches

Devonshire, Patel, McLeod and Sharp named for NZ to face England in ODIs

Quartet included in their first overseas ODI squad which will be Suzie Bates farewell to ODI cricket

'Pure harassment': Female fan grabs Abhishek Sharma's hand in Jaipur, netizens express outrage over viral video

A viral video shows cricketer Abhishek Sharma being pulled by a female fan amid a crowd ahead of the Sunrisers Hyderabad clash against Rajasthan Royals in an IPL 2026 match in Jaipur on Saturday (April 25).

Rinku, Narine win KKR error-strewn Super Over game

A five-wicket haul from Mohsin Khan went in vain in a game with multiple momentum shifts

Pant: 'We definitely need a break'

The LSG captain has asked his team-mates to take accountability after they slipped to the bottom with five losses in a row

IPL 2026: Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh Help KKR Clinch Super Over Win Over LSG (ld)

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sunil Narines double strike and Rinku Singhs decisive boundary helped Kolkata Knight Riders clinch a dramatic Super Over victory against Lucknow Super Giants and get off the bottom spot in the points table in a tightly contested clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. After both teams were tied at 155, the 16th such instance in the tournaments history, thanks to a last-ball six from Mohammed Shami, it paved the way for the first Super Over of the ongoing season to take place. LSG sent out Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram, followed by Rishabh Pant. Narine was entrusted with the ball and immediately swung the contest in KKRs favour. Pooran was bowled on the first delivery while attempting a slog sweep. After Pant managed a single, Markram fell to a brilliant relay catch involving Rovman Powell and Rinku Singh near the boundary rope, meaning LSG could make only one run in their Super Over innings the lowest score in the one-over shootout in an IPL game. In reply, KKR relied on Rinku and Powell to finish the job. Prince Yadav was given the responsibility of defending four runs, as Mohsin Khan, who had taken a five-for earlier, was subbed out. As soon as Prince missed the yorker, Rinku opened the bat face and sliced through the square boundary on the off-side, and the boundary sealed victory for KKR off the very first ball of their chase. The finish capped a remarkable night for Rinku, who earlier smashed four sixes in the final over to take LSG past 150 by hitting his highest T20 score of 83 not out off 50 balls, and took four catches in the outfield in regular game time. With Narine delivering with precision under pressure, Rinkus composure and power ensured KKR got their second win of the season. Previously, things hadnt gone right for KKR as Mohsin ran through the line-up to pick 5-23, the best figures in this season. Rinku then stepped up to lift KKR out of trouble through his unconquered 51-ball knock laced with seven fours and five sixes at a strike-rate of 162.75, including hitting Digvesh Rathi for 26 runs in the final over. KKRs innings began shakily as Tim Seifert chipped to cover off Mohsin, who then removed Ajinkya Rahane for 10 after miscuing to mid-on. Angkrish Raghuvanshi was controversially adjudged out for obstructing the field on nine, while Rovman Powell departed soon after gloving behind off Mohsin to leave KKR at 31/4 in 6.1 overs. Cameron Green attempted a counterattack, striking three sixes in his 21-ball 34, but Mohsins relentless spell accounted for him as well. The left-arm pacer completed a five-wicket haul by dismissing Anukul Roy for a golden duck, as KKR looked destined for a below-par score. Rinku, however, held firm and stitched brief stands of 20 and 62 not out with Ramandeep Singh and Sunil Narine. He reached his fifty off 42 balls with a drive off Mohammed Shami in the 19th over. His acceleration came late but decisive. After surviving a review in the final over, he launched Rathi for four consecutive sixes over long-on, deep extra cover, long-on again, and cow corner in a stunning display of power hitting. That sequence propelled KKR to crossing the 150-run mark, something which seemed improbable when the side was seven down, as Rinkus late surge gave the three-time champions a fighting chance to win the game. Chasing 156, LSG lost Mitchell Marsh early to Vaibhav Arora in the powerplay, but Rishabh Pant and Aiden Markram steadied the innings with a 57-run stand. Markrams fluent 31 ended with him caught by long-off, while Pant never kicked into taking more risks until he was dismissed for 42 by Sunil Narine after a successful review. Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply to Varun Chakaravarthy, continuing his lean run and leaving LSG in trouble. Ayush Badoni (24) and Himmat Singh (19) then revived hopes with aggressive strokeplay. George Linde added quick runs but was caught by Rinku, who had a standout night in the field with four catches. With the equation at 17 runs needed off the final over, Kartik Tyagi bowled the final over, which swung wildly. He bowled a no-ball, then saw Himmat carve a free-hit for four before having him caught at deep square-leg. With eight needed off four balls, Prince Yadav managed only a bye, leaving Shami on strike. After a dot ball, Shami launched the final delivery over the fence at long-off to tie the scores. From there, LSG couldnt get past Narine and Rinku as they now occupy the bottom spot in the points table. Brief scores: With eight needed off four balls, Prince Yadav managed only a bye, leaving Shami on strike. After a dot ball, Shami launched the final delivery over the fence at long-off to tie the scores. From there, LSG couldnt get past Narine and Rinku as they now occupy the bottom spot in the points table. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Super Over: LSG 1/2 lost to KKR 4/0 Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh Help KKR Clinch Super Over Against LSG

Lucknow Super Giants: Sunil Narines double strike and Rinku Singhs decisive boundary helped Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) clinch a dramatic Super Over victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and get off the bottom spot in the points table of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. After both teams were tied at 155, the 16th such instance in the tournaments history, thanks to a last-ball six from Mohammed Shami, it paved the way for the first Super Over of the ongoing season. LSG sent out Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram, followed by Rishabh Pant. Narine was entrusted with the ball and immediately swung the contest in KKRs favour. Pooran was bowled on the first delivery while attempting a slog sweep. After Pant managed a single, Markram fell to a brilliant relay catch involving Rovman Powell and Rinku Singh near the boundary rope, meaning LSG could make only one run in their Super Over innings. In reply, KKR relied on Rinku and Powell to finish the job. Prince Yadav was given the responsibility to defend four runs, as Mohsin Khan, who took a five-for before, was subbed out. As soon as Prince missed the yorker, Rinku opened the bat face and sliced through the square boundary on the off-side, and the boundary sealed victory for KKR off the very first ball of their chase. The finish capped a remarkable night for Rinku, who earlier smashed four sixes in the final over to take LSG past 150 by hitting his highest T20 score of 83 not out, and took four catches in the outfield in regular game time. With Narine delivering with precision under pressure, Rinkus composure and power ensured KKR got their second win of the season. Brief scores: The finish capped a remarkable night for Rinku, who earlier smashed four sixes in the final over to take LSG past 150 by hitting his highest T20 score of 83 not out, and took four catches in the outfield in regular game time. With Narine delivering with precision under pressure, Rinkus composure and power ensured KKR got their second win of the season. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Super Over: LSG 1/2 lost to KKR 4/0 Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Mohammed Shami's Last-ball Six Takes LSG-KKR Game To Super Over

Lucknow Super Giants: Mohammed Shami struck a dramatic six off the final ball to ensure Match 38 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders goes into a Super Over after both teams finished on 155 in a pulsating contest at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. KKR tried their best to close out the game, but Shami hitting a six off Kartik Tyagi on the last ball meant a one-over shootout would decide the result. Since LSG batted second, they will bat first in what is the first Super Over game of this season after a tie was witnessed for the 16th time. Chasing 156, LSG lost Mitchell Marsh early to Vaibhav Arora in the powerplay, but Rishabh Pant and Aiden Markram steadied the innings with a 57-run stand. Markrams fluent 31 ended with him caught by long-off, while Pant never kicked into taking more risks until he was dismissed for 42 by Sunil Narine after a successful review. Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply to Varun Chakaravarthy, continuing his lean run and leaving LSG in trouble. Ayush Badoni (24) and Himmat Singh (19) then revived hopes with aggressive strokeplay. George Linde added quick runs but was caught by Rinku, who had a standout night in the field with four catches. With the equation at 17 runs needed off the final over, Kartik Tyagi bowled the final over, which swung wildly. He bowled a no-ball, then saw Himmat carve a free-hit for four before having him caught at deep square-leg. With eight needed off four balls, Prince Yadav managed only a bye, leaving Shami on strike. After a dot ball, Shami launched the final delivery over the fence at long-off to tie the scores. The contest now heads into a Super Over, with both sides locked after a rollercoaster finish. Nicholas Pooran fell cheaply to Varun Chakaravarthy, continuing his lean run and leaving LSG in trouble. Ayush Badoni (24) and Himmat Singh (19) then revived hopes with aggressive strokeplay. George Linde added quick runs but was caught by Rinku, who had a standout night in the field with four catches. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7 in 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5-23, George Linde 1-18) tie with Lucknow Super Giants 155/8 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42, Aiden Markram 31; Vaibhav Arora 2-24, Varun Chakaravarthy 2-33) Article Source: IANS

Hameed, Duckett dig deep to lift Nottinghamshire

Haseeb Hameed makes first ton of season as champions respond well to being made to follow on

Root 96, Whiteman 101 as Yorkshire pile up runs as Headingley

Two Sussex wickets late in the day keep things interesting after even first innings

Tattersall, Holland, Eskinazi fifties shut door on Glamorgan

Only four wickets go down on day three as Leicestershire head towards another high-scoring draw

Paul Coughlin haunts Durham with match-turning century for Lancashire

Former Durham allrounder picked up his new county from 72 for 6 and establish them as favourites

Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan earn maiden call-ups to Bangladesh Test squad

Bangladesh have also recalled Taskin Ahmed, while Khaled Ahmed and Jaker Ali are notable omissions

Bell, van Buuren brighten Gloucestershire's outlook in Derby

Derbyshire made to follow on and lose three wickets before close as visitors eye first win of season

Why the third umpire was spot on to give Raghuvanshi obstructing the field

Rohan Pandit had to establish two things: did Raghuvanshi change direction significantly and did he do it without probable cause?

IPL 2026: Whatever Performance Ive Had Should Convert Into A Win, Says LSG's Mohsin Khan

Lucknow Super Kings: After picking a brilliant 5-23 for Lucknow Super Giants in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan said his only priority was to ensure his performances are converted into a victory for the side. Mohsins five-for, the best bowling figures in IPL 2026, helped LSG keep KKR to 155/7. Right now, Im only thinking that the team should win first. Whatever performance Ive had should convert into a win, and our team should win. We will try to bat well too - winning is very important for us, Mohsin said to broadcasters after his spell at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium. He also confirmed that he was fully fit and credited his off-season work with trainer Soham Desai for keeping him in shape. Im absolutely fine, fully fit. Ive worked really hard, especially in the off-season with our trainer, Soham bhai. My body feels good, and everything is going well, he said. Mohsin explained how he executed the teams plans, particularly against individual batters, and how variations on the slow surface brought him success. Whatever we discussed with Rishabh bhai and the plans we made for each batsman, I tried to follow exactly that. He also confirmed that he was fully fit and credited his off-season work with trainer Soham Desai for keeping him in shape. Im absolutely fine, fully fit. Ive worked really hard, especially in the off-season with our trainer, Soham bhai. My body feels good, and everything is going well, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite LSG conceding 55 runs in overs 17-20, Mohsin remained confident about the teams chances of winning the game. We bowled good overs. Maybe a few runs came in the last one or two overs, but were going to win today. The score is decent. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: MS Dhoni keen But Another Calf Setback Delays Comeback, Informs Fleming

Indian Premier League: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming has indicated that MS Dhonis return to the playing XI for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has been further delayed after the veteran wicketkeeper-batter suffered another setback in his recovery from a calf injury. Dhoni, who was initially expected to miss only the opening two weeks of IPL 2026, has now been sidelined for nearly a month, with CSK already eight matches into their campaign without their talismanic former captain featuring even once. Providing an update after Chennais defeat to the Gujarat Titans on Sunday, Fleming revealed that the 42-year-old aggravated the injury during a practice outing, complicating what was initially thought to be a short-term issue. He's pretty keen. The calf is a tough one, though; if he takes off and rips the calf again, then he will be gone. So we pushed it early, in the warm-up game, he tweaked it again, it's my understanding, and since then he has been just working hard to get some movement into it, but there was a setback, so it has taken longer than we thought, Fleming said while addressing the media after CSKs loss to GT on Sunday. Despite his absence from match action, Dhoni has remained involved in training sessions. He has frequently been spotted working on his batting in the nets, largely focusing on throwdowns, although he has gradually increased his workload in recent days. On Saturday, he was seen sprinting under the supervision of the team physio before spending time facing spin bowlers as well as deliveries from batting coach Michael Hussey. The former CSK skipper was also seen donning the wicketkeeping gloves during the teams practice at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of their clash against the Mumbai Indians last week. Fleming emphasised that the final call on Dhonis comeback rests with the player himself, while the support staff continues to monitor his progress closely. He is the guide on this one, and he's working hard with the physio and doing all the rehab, and we're just waiting for the word, really. But all I can keep saying is stop making light of it, as he is progressing and doing everything he can, Fleming added. Fleming emphasised that the final call on Dhonis comeback rests with the player himself, while the support staff continues to monitor his progress closely. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As speculation around Dhonis availability continues to dominate the narrative, the franchise will be hoping for a timely return from the experienced campaigner as they look to revive their season. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Rinkus Unbeaten 83 Takes KKR To 155/7 After Mohsin Picks Five-for

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rinku Singhs highest score in T20 cricket an unbeaten 83 off 50 balls - rescued Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from a precarious situation and lifted them to 155/7 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Sunday. After being put into batting first, things hadnt gone right for KKR as left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan ran through the line-up to pick 5-23, the best figures in this competition. Rinku then stepped up to lift KKR out of trouble through his unconquered 51-ball knock laced with seven fours and five sixes at a strike-rate of 162.75, including hitting Digvesh Rathi for 26 runs in the final over. KKRs innings began shakily as Tim Seifert chipped to cover off Mohsin, who then removed Ajinkya Rahane for 10 after miscuing to mid-on. Angkrish Raghuvanshi was controversially adjudged out for obstructing the field on nine, while Rovman Powell departed soon after gloving behind off Mohsin to leave KKR at 31/4 in 6.1 overs. Cameron Green attempted a counterattack, striking three sixes in his 21-ball 34, but Mohsins relentless spell accounted for him as well. The left-arm pacer completed a five-wicket haul by dismissing Anukul Roy for a golden duck, as KKR looked destined for a below-par score. Rinku, however, held firm and stitched brief stands of 20 and 62 not out with Ramandeep Singh and Sunil Narine. He reached his fifty off 42 balls with a drive off Mohammed Shami in the 19th over. His acceleration came late but decisive. After surviving a review in the final over, he launched Rathi for four consecutive sixes over long-on, deep extra cover, long-on again, and cow corner in a stunning display of power hitting. That sequence propelled KKR to crossing the 150-run mark, something which seemed improbable when the side was seven down. The total is not daunting to chase down for LSG, yet on a surface where batsmen have struggled to settle, Rinkus late surge has given KKR a fighting chance to get their second win in the competition. Rinku, however, held firm and stitched brief stands of 20 and 62 not out with Ramandeep Singh and Sunil Narine. He reached his fifty off 42 balls with a drive off Mohammed Shami in the 19th over. His acceleration came late but decisive. After surviving a review in the final over, he launched Rathi for four consecutive sixes over long-on, deep extra cover, long-on again, and cow corner in a stunning display of power hitting. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7 in 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5-23, George Linde 1-18) against Lucknow Super Giants Article Source: IANS

Taylor five-for helps Worcestershire wrap up innings win over Kent

Chris Benjamin shines with 77 but can't prevent defeat as visitors continue struggling start to season

Tanzid, Amite Earn Maiden Call-ups As Bangladesh Announce Squad For 1st Test Against Pakistan

Bangla National Cricket Stadium: Bangladesh have unveiled a 15-member squad for the opening Test against Pakistan, with uncapped batters Tanzid Tamim and Amite Hasan earning maiden call-ups in the longest format as the selectors continue to invest in emerging red-ball talent. Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to lead the side, with all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz appointed as his deputy as Bangladesh aim to begin the home series on a strong note. The two-match series begins on May 8 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, before moving to Sylhet for the second Test from May 16. Both fixtures form part of the 202527 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The inclusion of Tanzid and Amite forms the central narrative of the squad announcement. Tanzid, a left-handed opener who has already featured in Bangladeshs limited-overs setup, has been rewarded for his steady returns in first-class cricket. The 25-year-old has amassed 1,792 runs in 25 matches at an average of 40, numbers that underline his readiness for the step up. Tanzid has been in our thoughts for Test cricket. He has a very good first-class record, and we felt he deserved the opportunity to showcase his ability in Tests. He has a sound technique and plenty of natural ability. We are confident that if he gets the chance, he can perform well in the longer format, chief selector Habibul Bashar said. Amite, a 23-year-old middle-order batter, has also forced his way into the squad on the back of remarkable consistency in domestic cricket. Since making his first-class debut in 2019, he has built an impressive record, averaging 49 across 82 innings, showcasing both reliability and temperament. Amite has earned his call-up as he has been one of the most consistent batters in our first-class cricket. His temperament stands out, and we believe it is well-suited for Test cricket. This format demands patience and discipline, and he has shown those qualities over a sustained period, Bashar said. The selectors decision reflects a broader strategy to bolster Bangladeshs batting resources in Tests, with both players viewed as long-term investments for the national side. Both these players have time on their side and can serve Bangladesh for a very long period, Bashar added. In addition to the new inclusions, Bangladesh have also recalled key bowling resources. Fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam return to the Test fold after being out of contention since late 2024, adding depth and experience to the pace attack. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan has also been brought back into the squad after nearly a year. Both these players have time on their side and can serve Bangladesh for a very long period, Bashar added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Bangladesh squad for 1st Test vs Pakistan: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Tanzid Hasan, Amite Hasan Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Lungi Ngidi 'all good' after frightening fall in DC vs PBKS clash

Lungi Ngidi was involved in a worrying on-field moment during the game between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on Saturday afternoon.

Fleming: Dhoni's return from calf injury delayed by 'setback'

The CSK head coach said that Dhoni pushed himself in a pre-season practice game and tweaked his already injured calf

IPL 2026: KKR Batter Raghuvanshi Given Out For Obstructing The Field Against LSG

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Angkrish Raghuvanshi on Sunday became only the fourth batter in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 history to be dismissed for obstructing the field, during his sides clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The rare dismissal occurred on the final ball of the fifth over of KKRs innings. Raghuvanshi, batting on nine off seven deliveries, punched the ball towards mid-on off pacer Prince Yadav and set off for a single before aborting the run midway after being told to do so by all-rounder Cameron Green. In his attempt to return to the crease, Raghuvanshi made a turnaround from one side of the pitch to the other and was struck by the incoming throw. Seeing that, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant and his teammates immediately appealed for obstructing the field. The matter was sent upstairs, where third umpire Rohan Pandit reviewed the footage and determined that the batter had clearly altered his running path while attempting to get back to his crease, thereby intentionally interfering with the throw. In his attempt to return to the crease, Raghuvanshi made a turnaround from one side of the pitch to the other and was struck by the incoming throw. Seeing that, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant and his teammates immediately appealed for obstructing the field. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Raghuvanshi joined a short list of players to have been given out in this manner in the IPL. Before him, Yusuf Pathan (for KKR in 2013), Amit Mishra (for DC in 2019), and Ravindra Jadeja (for CSK in 2024) were dismissed similarly in previous editions of the tournament. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Sudharsan Is A Kind Of Player Who Can Give Maximum Reward With Minimum Risk, Says Gill

Chennai Super Kings: Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill heaped praise on opener Sai Sudharsan after his match-winning knock, highlighting the youngsters ability to maximise returns with minimal risk following their emphatic eight-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Sudharsans fluent 87 anchored a clinical chase of 159, continuing his impressive run this season and drawing special appreciation from his skipper. He's been batting brilliantly. Even in the innings that he got out in the middle, he was batting beautifully. So with him, it's always a matter of spending that much time on the wicket. And once he's set, he is that kind of player who can give the maximum reward with minimum risk, and that's his advantage, Gill said after the win. Gill also expressed overall satisfaction with the teams performance in challenging conditions, noting the significance of securing a convincing win at a venue known for testing visiting sides, as he said, Really happy. To get a win like that here is always difficult in this part of India, so I'm really happy with the win. While GT dominated for most of the contest, Gill admitted there were minor lapses, particularly in the field during the latter stages of the first innings, saying, Yeah, apart from the last four or five overs of fielding, I think it was a pretty good effort from us out there. The GT skipper further elaborated on the decision-making at the toss, revealing uncertainty over how the pitch would behave, before crediting his bowlers for maintaining control during the powerplay, a phase where the team has consistently excelled. Actually, I was a little bit confused whether to bowl first or bat first on this wicket. But I think we bowled pretty well in the Power-play, and Power-play has been one of the areas where consistently we have done well. And if I have to be really critical, finishing the innings has been a little bit of concern for us, and hopefully, in the upcoming matches, we improve on that, he said. The GT skipper further elaborated on the decision-making at the toss, revealing uncertainty over how the pitch would behave, before crediting his bowlers for maintaining control during the powerplay, a phase where the team has consistently excelled. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In the middle, when Dube just came in, we were like, should we bowl one over to Washi? But we thought the game was in our hands, and let's go as deep as possible. Maybe they are 8 or 9 down, and the last overs don't matter as much. But yeah, I think he bowled a decent over. I think he gave away 12 or 13 runs in that last over. All in all, I think it was a pretty good effort from us with the ball, the GT skipper concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: It Was A Challenging Pitch, We Couldnt Adapt To The Conditions, Says Gaikwad After CSKs Loss To GT

Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted that his side struggled to adapt to challenging pitch conditions as they slumped to an eight-wicket defeat against the Gujarat Titans in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. Reflecting on the surface, which offered variable bounce and inconsistent pace, Gaikwad highlighted how difficult it was for batters to settle in despite initial plans. To be honest, sometimes I hate to assess in that way, but I felt it was challenging. I was holding a bit for the pacers; the pace was inconsistent, and the bounce was up and down. But if we hadn't lost too many wickets, we could've reached 170-180. Not expected to be honest, it's tough to assess the conditions here. In the last three matches, we learned how the game would play out. We had a 60-70% chance in the last two or three games, but we didn't expect it to play like this today. We just couldn't adapt to the conditions, Gaikwad said after the game. CSK, who eventually posted 158/7, had to recover from early setbacks after losing wickets in clusters. Gaikwad pointed out that the inability to adjust quickly to the surface proved costly, particularly during the Power-play and middle overs when partnerships were crucial. Elaborating on his communication with the team management during the innings, Gaikwad revealed that even a proactive approach could not overcome the pitch's unpredictability. In the first timeout, I told Flem that I was trying to be positive and aggressive. But at times, the ball popped out with an inconsistent bounce. I told him I was trying to adapt, but it wasn't possible. You couldn't judge, and you couldn't expect it to turn out well. We were lethargic and didn't start well, but we needed to do better, Gaikwad said. Despite the difficulties, the CSK skipper anchored the innings with a composed knock, finishing unbeaten and attempting to steer the side towards a competitive total. However, he acknowledged that wickets at regular intervals disrupted momentum and forced a change in approach. I got off to a good start (10 off 6), I thought I would keep the momentum, but then we saw 3 wickets fall while we were trying to build a partnership. Another wicket fell, and I wanted to take my time. For any other pitch, I might've rotated the strike better. Once I got hit, I just thought I would take my chances and get some momentum back, he said. Despite the difficulties, the CSK skipper anchored the innings with a composed knock, finishing unbeaten and attempting to steer the side towards a competitive total. However, he acknowledged that wickets at regular intervals disrupted momentum and forced a change in approach. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennais total ultimately proved insufficient against a clinical Gujarat Titans batting unit, who chased down the target with ease. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Hopefully, LSG Finds Batting Rhythm In Power-play, Get Back To Winning Ways, Says Marsh

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Lucknow Super Giants batting all-rounder Mitchell Marsh admitted the side has struggled to find fluency at the top of the order in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, adding that rediscovering rhythm in the power-play overs with the bat will be key to turning their campaign around. LSG have managed just two wins in seven games to be in ninth place in the points table and need a win over KKR at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium to get their campaign on track. Well, I've probably got a similar strike rate to what my dad used to have, so I'm trying to work on that. But we've had our challenges with the bat. We haven't been able to get going in the power play. We haven't had the loss of wickets, or just haven't been able to find a rhythm to set up our innings. So we're looking to make as much impact as we can tonight in those first six overs and hopefully get back to winning ways, said Marsh in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. Asked if LSG head coach Justin Langers comparison of the pitch to the WACA in Perth is agreeable, Marsh said, It's probably not quite the WACA, but I think I mean, I've certainly enjoyed batting here. It is a big ground, but in terms of grounds around the world, it's still reasonably small. We haven't had the loss of wickets, or just haven't been able to find a rhythm to set up our innings. So we're looking to make as much impact as we can tonight in those first six overs and hopefully get back to winning ways, said Marsh in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters. Also Read: Live Cricket Score LSG have used three opening combinations, with Marsh batting alongside Rishabh Pant, Aiden Markram, and Ayush Badoni. Quizzed on this musical chairs, Marsh said, Look, those discussions are probably above my pay grade when it comes to this franchise, thankfully. I don't mind who I open the batting with, to be honest. I think whoever it is, it's all about us getting off to as good a start as possible and just having an impact. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: At Times, Its Inhuman The Way Teams Have Been Batting, Says Karthik On Tall Scores In Competition

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik believes the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has redefined the boundaries of T20 cricket, where towering scores are a routine affair and teams fearlessly hunting them down, adding that he finds the batting approach inhuman at times. Flat pitches, short boundaries, and the impact player rule have meant that teams are routinely chasing down 200-plus targets. On Saturday, Punjab Kings set a new record for chases in IPL by hunting down 265 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Later, Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down 229 against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. First up, credit to all teams who are chasing down such big totals, and also to the teams that are setting such massive totals. The game has changed; the landscape of T20 cricket is changing every day. You see these scores and think, Wow, it's just incredible. At times, its inhuman the way teams have been batting. Yes, it's obviously a challenge batting-wise because you're trying to be so much more aggressive. With the ball, it's a different challenge - you try to protect as much as you can and try to do your best at it. So it's been wonderful to see how this IPL is actually constantly raising the bar for teams across the world and for the players who are playing because they need to reinvent and obviously make sure that they are moving along with how fast the game is going. So it's been a privilege to be part of it, and you just sometimes look at it and marvel at how well this game is progressing and to what heights it's reaching, said Karthik in the pre-match press conference. Run-making in power-play has breached the 10 runs per over mark, while dot-ball percentage is below 40 percent, and boundary percentage has gone past 25 all of which never happened in previous seasons of the IPL. The impact player rule has also meant that a side like PBKS never looked in trouble in the chase and reached 265 with seven balls to spare. Karthik acknowledged the balance between bat and ball remains a constant debate in the IPL, but insisted the T20 format is in a good place. It's always a debate, isn't it? When you start scoring a lot of runs, you feel how you equalise it for the bowler and vice versa. I think this format is in a good place. There have been some interesting changes made by the fact that you have added reviews to decisions that are being made, you've added impact player, etc. But the results have been quite alarming in a positive way. I think the world looks at IPL and goes, this is a different brand of cricket altogether because the T10 strong teams are competing against each other and each one of the teams pushing the other to do something very special to win a game of cricket, which is exactly what you want in terms of rivalry, standard, etc. I'm very happy with the place that IPL is in and I think in many ways it's an example of how cricket should be played and for that matter even sports should be played because there are definitely areas where each team is going back to the drawing board and saying this is where we need to improve and they are addressing it at the end of each season and that's why you see the standards increasing with every passing year, he elaborated. Calling 220 the new 180 in T20s, with IPL 2026 seeing four successful 200-plus chases and its overall run rate being the highest in the history of the competition, Karthik underlined how batting power and innovation have transformed the game. The new normal - it is a good way to put it. I think the question is a very valid one because obviously the bowlers are challenged, aren't they? 200-220 scores - teams seem to be getting it, and it almost feels like 220 is the old 180 or something like that, and teams are getting there quite often. So, it is a challenging situation for any bowling coach and any bowler, for that matter, because the pitches are obviously quite flat and batters have improved their range of stroke play. Add to that, they have increased their power as well, and some of them are hitting massive sixes. So, obviously, as a bowling unit, you need to be very aware of what is happening and how the scores have increased and how you need to be thinking as a bowler. Without revealing too much, I would say so far we are trying our best to do a good job. More variations, why not? That will make the bowling side of things very interesting, he said. Saturday was a tough day to be a bowler, and the same story could be there for the rest of the season. Karthik also felt that the changing nature of the pitches will also determine if a particular game will be a run-fest or not. First of all, I don't know if you are asking me a question or scaring me, but definitely it feels like most teams are backing themselves to chase down most totals and that's a good sign to be fair because that tells you that the batters these days actually are coming in fearlessly to the point where they back themselves to do very different things to what it was done a few years ago. So, you have to be open as a batting unit. You don't want to set any target or challenges for you as a batting unit, but constantly keep making sure the way the batters look at how each inning needs to be is different on each given day, on different pitches. Like in Bengaluru, sometimes we played on pitches which probably went 260-250 pitches, as you saw against DC, we got 180, and it was a good game. Against LSG, they got 160, and we had to bat and get there, and we did that. So, it depends on the pitches. On some pitches, like Jaipur yesterday, 230 was scored. DC, here, 260 plus was scored. So, each pitch varies, but in general, you have to say that it is very interesting to see how this game is actually unfolding in each venue and with every given day, depending on which pitch you play, some crazy scores are being met with for sure, he explained. He further noted how shot-making has evolved into a power-driven extension of traditional strokes. People are playing an extension of a normal cricketing shot, so to speak. I remember a few years ago, you said 10 years, I think that's a good number to have. A lot of these scoops, reverse scoops, all of that were like, Oh, how can players play that? Now it's more like, can you just check your drive, and can it go for a six? So I would say people are focusing more on making sure their normal shots that they had have a lot more power added to them. In clearing the boundary, in clearing the ropes, and also they're becoming very clever in the power play in terms of what positions they get into, probably to play a lot of the boundaries. As we see, CSK is batting on a slightly different pitch today. The scores are not that high so far when I last saw them at the end of 10 overs. So with every pitch, every venue, it seems to change. But you have to say, in general, the shot-making has definitely improved, and there's also a lot of power added. Otherwise, you wouldn't get such consistent scores of 220. The role of an impact player, the psychological impact that it has on a batting unit, knowing that you bat a little deeper than normal, could also be a factor in it. On the role of analytics, Karthik credited RCBs analyst Freddie Wilde for bringing valuable insights. It is very good that you asked the question about Freddie. Yes, we do use data, and we try to understand the metrics and see how we can obviously use it to our advantage. We definitely try to do a bit of that. In terms of whether the outlook of the team has changed and the way we play as a team, I think it isn't a good question for you to answer. From the inside, it feels like we are making a conscious effort to use these metrics to help our players achieve something special. Last year, we were good enough to beat some good teams and in the end, crossed the line. So, we are making a conscious effort at that. On the role of analytics, Karthik credited RCBs analyst Freddie Wilde for bringing valuable insights. It is very good that you asked the question about Freddie. Yes, we do use data, and we try to understand the metrics and see how we can obviously use it to our advantage. We definitely try to do a bit of that. In terms of whether the outlook of the team has changed and the way we play as a team, I think it isn't a good question for you to answer. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So far, the process has been very interesting because you get to understand, two years ago I was playing, and today I am on this side of the fence, and I am thinking, wow, it is so interesting to see so much data and how do you use it to upskill the players, upskill the team in general. So far, I must say the experience for me on a personal note has been very good, and Freddie has been one who is feeding us very valuable information, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

Hyderabad Kingsmen storm into playoffs after NRR boost against Rawalpindiz

Hunain Shah's four-for rolled out Rawalpindiz for 136 all out, after fifites from Glenn Maxwell and Kusal Perera had taken them to 244 for 6

Linde in as LSG bowl; no Pathirana yet for KKR

On the teamsheet, Aiden Markram was listed as opener alongside Mitchell Marsh, with Ayush Badoni marked at No. 5 for LSG

Kohli meets DC, Rahul meets RCB as playoffs race heats up

Both batters love facing their hometown teams; who will come out on top?

IPL 2026: Sai Sudharsans 87 Powers GT To 8-wicket Win Over CSK

Chennai Super Kings: A dominant top-order performance led by Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler helped Gujarat Titans chase down a 159-run target against hosts Chennai Super Kings with remarkable ease, sealing an eight-wicket win with 20 balls to spare at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. Chasing 159, Gujarat got off to a brisk start despite some early discipline from the Chennai bowlers. Gill looked in fluent touch from the outset, striking three sixes in his 33 off 23 balls, while Sudharsan complemented him well as the duo stitched together a quickfire opening stand. The Titans raced to 55/0 in the Power-play, but soon after, Gill was stumped off Noor Ahmad, courtesy sharp glovework from Sanju Samson. However, any hopes of a Chennai comeback were quickly extinguished as Sudharsan and Buttler took control. The left-hander continued his rich vein of form, bringing up a 33-ball fifty and targeting both spin and pace with authority. Buttler, after a watchful start, grew in confidence and found boundaries at crucial intervals, ensuring the required rate never became a concern. The pair added a decisive partnership, with Sudharsan particularly severe on Akeal Hosein, smashing multiple sixes to tilt the contest firmly in Gujarats favour. Some missed chances by the fielders only added to Chennais woes as the Titans batters capitalised fully. Sudharsan eventually fell for a superb 87 off 46 balls, laced with four boundaries and seven sixes, after a brilliant catch in the deep by Dewald Brevis. By then, however, the result was a mere formality. Buttler remained composed till the end and fittingly finished the chase in style, hammering a straight six to seal the win. Earlier, CSK had posted 159, recovering well after a disastrous start. The pitch offered variable bounce, making strokeplay difficult in the first half of the innings. Their top order struggled to get going against disciplined bowling, but a crucial middle-overs revival helped them reach a fighting total. Shivam Dube played a key role in that recovery, stitching an important partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad. The duo focused on batting deep after early setbacks, rotating strike effectively before accelerating towards the end. Dubes approach against pace, in particular, helped Chennai regain momentum on a surface where timing the ball wasnt easy. Despite their late surge, Chennais total proved inadequate against a clinical Gujarat batting unit. The Titans top three once again showcased their consistency and firepower, chasing down the target with minimal fuss and reinforcing their reputation as one of the most formidable batting line-ups in the tournament. With this comprehensive victory, GT returned to winning ways after back-to-back losses, while CSK were left to reflect on missed opportunities. Despite their late surge, Chennais total proved inadequate against a clinical Gujarat batting unit. The Titans top three once again showcased their consistency and firepower, chasing down the target with minimal fuss and reinforcing their reputation as one of the most formidable batting line-ups in the tournament. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Chennai Super Kings 158/7 in 20 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 74*, Shivam Dube 22; Kagiso Rabada 3-25, Arshad Khan 2-43) lost to Gujarat Titans 162/2 in 16.4 overs (Sai Sudharsan 87, Jos Buttler 39*; Noor Ahmad 1-29, Akeal Hosein 1-46) by 8 wickets. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'I Wanted To Answer With The Bat,' Says Sooryavanshi On Hitting Four Sixes Off Praful Hinge

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Rajasthan Royals (RR) star player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi said that he wanted to give a befitting reply with the bat to the critics as he smashed four sixes against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)bowler Praful Hinge, who had previously dismissed him in the last outing. Speaking after the match in a conversation with RR manager Romi Bhinder, Sooryavanshi revealed that he was motivated by criticism following his early wicket against Hinge in RR's clash against SRH on April 13. I went with a clear plan against the bowler. After getting out in the last match, I went back and checked my phone. I saw a lot of things. I usually don't pay attention to those things, but when someone says something to me personally, it affects me a bit. I only wanted to answer with my bat, he said in a video released by RR on X. Asked about his approach during the innings, the teenager said he simply trusted his preparation and played with freedom. You know how important it was for me. I was just trying to do exactly what I did in the practice yesterday. I was playing with a free flow from the very first ball, and I planned to do the exact same thing today, he added. The youngster also gave an update on his fitness after concerns over a hamstring issue during the game. Its fine now. Im feeling better. I dont know, my foot got stuck. I already had an ankle problem, so to avoid putting too much force on it, I pulled my hamstring. But its better now. I will recover in time for the next match, he said. You know how important it was for me. I was just trying to do exactly what I did in the practice yesterday. I was playing with a free flow from the very first ball, and I planned to do the exact same thing today, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score However, Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target with nine balls to spare, thanks to 74 from Ishan Kishan and 57 from Abhishek Sharma, who shared a crucial 132-run partnership. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Linde Comes In As LSG Elect To Bowl First Against Unchanged KKR

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Lucknow Super Giants have brought in left-arm spinner George Linde as captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and elected to bowl first against Kolkata Knight Riders in match 38 of IPL 2026 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Both LSG and KKR need a win in a bid to turn around their struggling campaigns. LSG have managed just two wins in seven games to be in ninth place in the points table, while KKR have only one victory in as many matches and are at the bottom of the tally. After winning the toss, Pant said Linde comes in for M Siddharth in the playing eleven. We want to again put the opposition in the back first and just find the answer as a batting group. Definitely, we are working towards it. When there are lots of leaders in the family, you have to find a way, and we are pretty close to finding ways, and we gotta just stick together, stay tight, because we know that we can turn around the season from here, and I'm pretty confident to make it happen. See, definitely any kind of confidence is definitely needed, and we'll take that one too, he said. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane said his playing eleven is unchanged. We are working towards it. We have to find a way; we are pretty close to it. We know we can turn around the season from here, I am pretty confident, he said. Playing XIs: Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Tim Seifert (wk), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora Impact substitutes: Manish Pandey, Finn Allen, Tejasvi Singh Dahiya, Navdeep Saini, and Varun Chakaravarthy Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Tim Seifert (wk), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Himmat Singh, Akshat Raghuvanshi, Abdul Samad, Avesh Khan, and M Siddharth Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: I Marvel At How Virat Kohli Rediscovers Himself Almost Every Year, Says Karthik

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik has hailed Virat Kohlis ability to reinvent himself after every IPL season, calling it a remarkable trait that continues to inspire him as well as his teammates and youngsters alike, as the talismanic batter nears the 9000-run milestone in the competition. Kohli returns to his original home venue the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi where defending champions RCB will take on Delhi Capitals on Monday evening. Kohli boasts of an average of 66.8 with seven fifties in 11 IPL innings in New Delhi and needs just 11 runs to become the first player to reach 9000 runs in IPL history. He currently has 8989 runs, which clearly puts him ahead of Rohit Sharma (7183), Shikhar Dhawan (6769), David Warner (6565), and KL Rahul (5579). Now with Virat Kohli, the fact is that that man goes back every year and he is assessing what he has done. He almost comes with a very stubborn plan about how he wants to go about it, and he gets it done not on match days alone, but the way he practices as well. He has a method to how he goes about it, and he's constantly checking himself in practice, and there are certain days he'll bat more, certain days he'll bat less, and he has so much experience. Credit to him that man constantly rediscovers with every passing year, and for him to keep up with the pace of this game and some of the newer players are batting at insane strike rates, and he is going shoulder to shoulder with them and producing match-winning performances. So I marvel at how he rediscovers himself every year almost and that is such a big learning for me as well and I'm sure and I wish a lot of the players who watch him play also learn that with every passing year, people are looking at you and they'll come with a plan and you need to counter it with your strengths and he's done that very nicely so far, said Karthik in the pre-match press conference on Sunday. In IPL 2026, Kohli has 328 runs from seven innings at an average of 54.7 and a strike rate of 163, with a highest score of 81. He has been in sublime touch in chases this season, scoring two of his three fifties, with an average of 99.5 and a strike rate of 172 in such situations. Against DC, Kohli has amassed 1149 runs in 31 innings at an average of 47.8, including 11 fifties. With four 50-plus scores in his last five innings at Kotla, he will be keen to extend his dominance at the venue. Karthik recalled how this years U19 World Cup winners, Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan, have been soaking in the experience of seeing Kohli go about his business in the practice sessions. It's quite amazing and a learning experience for any young boy watching. I'm sure the likes of Vihaan and Kanishk have looked at him and been like look at how Virat bhai is practising and what he is doing differently. They've asked me as well what I think Virat bhai is doing differently from last year. Against DC, Kohli has amassed 1149 runs in 31 innings at an average of 47.8, including 11 fifties. With four 50-plus scores in his last five innings at Kotla, he will be keen to extend his dominance at the venue. Karthik recalled how this years U19 World Cup winners, Vihaan Malhotra and Kanishk Chouhan, have been soaking in the experience of seeing Kohli go about his business in the practice sessions. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Karthik also confirmed that Phil Salt will miss Mondays match after being ruled out of their previous game against the Gujarat Titans due to an injury. It's the same for this game as well; he's injured for the moment. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Krunal Pandya Is Pushing The Boundaries Of What A Finger-spinner Means, Says Karthik

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik highlighted the growing influence of left-arm spin all-rounder Krunal Pandya, saying that he should be regarded as a trend-setter because of his pushing the boundaries of what a finger-spinner should be in T20 cricket. Krunals knack for being an innovative left-arm spinner has been on full display in IPL 2026 by bowling a surprise bouncer, while switching between slinging deliveries and conventional arm ball, and varying his pace cleverly to deceive the batters. Due to his ever-evolving skill sets, Pandya has picked up eight wickets from seven matches at an average of 28.75 and an economy rate of 9.20. Krunal Pandya is a player that this game is going to remember for a long time because he is doing something that has not been done before - pushing the boundaries of what a finger-spinner means. He is bowling deliveries that people really couldn't fathom a few years ago, and he is becoming a master at it. He is using it very cleverly, very wisely when the situation demands, and he is using that as a strength of his to put pressure back on the person that he is bowling against. It's actually quite interesting to see how he goes about it mentally as well. He is not someone who is just doing it because it looks cool. He knows that given the moment when he does want to use it, it does create a doubt in the batter, and a lot of the time it delivers the result that he wants out of that ball. So he is someone who is going to be a person remembered as a cricketer. One that is a trendsetter. Today, if you see a lot of spinners trying to bowl different deliveries, I think a lot of credit must go to Krunal Pandya. He is definitely evolving as an all-rounder with every passing day, be it with the ball or the bat, and that is so wonderful to see. As I said, IPL is changing the landscape of cricket and Krunal Pandya is changing the landscape of finger spin bowling, said Karthik in the pre-match press conference, ahead of RCB taking on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday. Karthik heaped praise on RCB skipper Patidars batting returns, with him amassing 238 runs at a high strike-rate of 210.61. Rajat Patidar is a good example of someone who is constantly upping his standards, upping the quality of shots that he's playing. As relaxed and calm as he is, he's a very thoughtful man who goes back at the end of the season and looks at areas where he could get better and works on them through the season. We are in constant touch, and he sends me some videos as to what he's practicing, and he's always on the money, and you can see the output when he does bat because as we all know, he's batting in a very special manner and the way he's able to dominate bowlers right from the outset is a sight to watch, he added. Talking about Patidar, the captain, Karthik, pointed out that being relaxed is his big strength, and he gets help from others like vice-captain Jitesh Sharma, Pandya, Virat Kohli, and others. Obviously, the results will tell you that he's been very good. Off the field, he's the calmest, most relaxed person who absorbs information and puts it to good use in-game. His strength is the fact that he has the respect in the room, and he has a nice way of handling all his bowlers. He is not someone who is too confused and is very relaxed. He has a good lieutenant in Jitesh Sharma, who guides him in the game, and some extraordinary senior players in the likes of Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who are very, very senior and good pros who give him a helping hand whenever it's required. But overall, Rajat has been the man that you see on screen. Somebody who's very composed, who knows what he's doing, and when the pressure and heat rise in the game, he's able to hold his own and make decisions which we definitely look at and go, that's very good given the moment and given how the game is panning out, and that's all you can ask of him as a leader. As I said, he's the warmest guy. You meet him, and you realise he's as simple a person as you can meet, and that rubs off on the field as well. On Jitesh Sharmas evolution as a keeper, Karthik credited him for working hard on improving his skill sets and catching efficiency. He has taken some fabulous catches this tournament, and because of the work that he is putting in behind the scenes. He is very meticulous. He is constantly doing drills, which are slowly but steadily upping his game. Apart from his batting, I can definitely say he is a better keeper than what he was. A lot of credit must go to the fielding coach, Mr. Richard Halsall, who has put in a lot of work behind the scenes using simple methods, but ones that have been very effective. The good thing about them is how disciplined they are with their practice. On Jitesh Sharmas evolution as a keeper, Karthik credited him for working hard on improving his skill sets and catching efficiency. He has taken some fabulous catches this tournament, and because of the work that he is putting in behind the scenes. He is very meticulous. He is constantly doing drills, which are slowly but steadily upping his game. Also Read: Live Cricket Score So, I think a lot of credit must go to him personally as well for understanding who his bowlers are and how he needs to be in terms of what are the skills that he needs to improve as a keeper, be it moving laterally or obviously stretching his boundaries as a keeper, and it is wonderful to see him do that so far for RCB, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Plan Was To Bat Deep And Try To Get Boundaries In The Middle, Says Dube After CSKs Sluggish Innings Vs GT

Gujarat Times Shivam Dube: Middle-order batter Shivam Dube acknowledged that a sluggish start hurt Chennai Super Kings batting effort but felt the side recovered well to post a competitive total against Gujarat Titans in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. Reflecting on the innings after the first half, Dube pointed out the contrast between the slow start and the eventual finish. The first 10 overs, we did not have a good start, but after that, we came to 159, an amazing score. 159 is one of the best scores I feel over there. It's not easy with the fast bowler as well as with the spinner, he told the broadcasters. CSK had struggled early on, losing wickets in the powerplay and finding run-scoring difficult on a surface that offered assistance to both seamers and spinners. Dube elaborated on the pitch's nature, highlighting its uneven behaviour. The ball is not coming evenly. It's up and down, especially with the fast bowlers. Holder was bowling really well. Arshad bowled really well. It was coming fast and coming slow as well, he said, referring to Jason Holder and Arshad Khan, who kept the CSK batters in check during the middle overs. Amid the challenging conditions, Dube stitched a crucial partnership with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad to stabilise the innings. He explained that their focus was on batting deep rather than taking undue risks early. At that time, we wanted both of us to bat at least till 15-16 overs. That was more important. So that was the plan at that time to bat deep and try to get those boundaries in the middle. That was more important. The left-hander also spoke about his evolving approach against pace bowling, an area he has been working on to expand his game. At that time, we wanted both of us to bat at least till 15-16 overs. That was more important. So that was the plan at that time to bat deep and try to get those boundaries in the middle. That was more important. Also Read: Live Cricket Score CSK finished at 158/7, a total that could prove difficult to defend against GT at the venue. Article Source: IANS

'I Had Belief In Myself,' Says Deepti After A Match-winning Performance Against South Africa Women

South Africa Women: India's World Cup champion Deepti Sharma said she always had belief in herself and trusted her hard work after delivering a match-winning all-round performance to help the team defeat South Africa by 14 runs in the fourth T20I played at the Wanderers Stadium on Sunday. First of all, you guys have so much belief in me, and I also have belief in myself that I'll have to come back harder, because I know that the team really needs me. And if you don't do well at that crucial time, that thing stays in your mind, Deepti said in a video released by BCCI on X. Deepti backed that confidence with a stellar show, scoring an unbeaten 36 to guide India to 185/5, alongside key contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (43) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (22). Deepti then turned the game with the ball, returning figures of 5/19 to restrict South Africa to 171/9. It feels really good. Whenever you take a fifer as a bowler, and take your first fifer against your favourite team, it always feels good, she added. India recovered from early setbacks through a 55-run stand between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur before Deepti stitched an unbeaten 65-run partnership with Richa Ghosh (34*) to provide a strong finish. Chasing 186, South Africa started brightly through Sune Luus (40) and Tazmin Brits (30), but Deeptis timely breakthroughs triggered a collapse as the hosts fell short. Deepti credited her preparation, especially with captain Harmanpreet in the nets, which helped her improve her mistakes and come back stronger with the bat. India recovered from early setbacks through a 55-run stand between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur before Deepti stitched an unbeaten 65-run partnership with Richa Ghosh (34*) to provide a strong finish. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The win helped India avoid a whitewash in the five-match series, though South Africa still lead 3-1. The final T20I will be played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Monday. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Samson Becomes Fastest Indian Player To Complete 5000 IPL Runs

Indian Premier League: Sanju Samson etched his name into the record books by becoming the fastest Indian, in terms of balls, to reach 5,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, achieving the milestone during Chennai Super Kings clash against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The 31-year-old achieved this milestone impressively by hitting Kagiso Rabada for a boundary in the second over. However, Rabada had the last laugh, dismissing Samson for 11 off 15 balls later in the fourth over. Samson is now the 10th overall batter to surpass 5,000 runs in IPL history, reaching the mark in just 180 innings (185 matches). It took him 3555 balls to reach this milestone, making him the fastest Indian to do so by balls faced. Only a few global stars have reached this milestone faster in terms of balls faced, with AB de Villiers leading. Throughout his IPL career, Samson has played for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils), and CSK, and has also captained Rajasthan. His IPL journey started in 2013, and he has become one of the leagues most reliable performers. Among the elite 5,000-run club, Samson joins notable players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, K.L. Rahul, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, and Ajinkya Rahane. Samsons consistent performance is evident in his IPL career stats: 5,008 runs, an average of 31.69, and a strike rate of 140.59, including 31 fifties and five centuries. Notably, three centuries were scored while batting at No. 3 or lower. His main association remains with Rajasthan Royals, scoring 4,027 runs in 149 matches with an average of 31.70, including two centuries and 23 fifties. He also became the first player to surpass 4,000 runs for the franchise last season. Among the elite 5,000-run club, Samson joins notable players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, K.L. Rahul, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, and Ajinkya Rahane. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Across all T20 cricket, Samson has scored 8,704 runs in 338 matches, averaging 30.86, with eight hundreds and 54 fifties, underlining his reputation as a reliable and dynamic top-order batter. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Thank You For The Messages, All Good' - Ngidi Breaks Silence After Head Injury

Max Super Speciality Hospital: Lungi Ngidi has reassured fans about his condition after suffering a head injury during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. The South African fast bowler was involved in a concerning on-field incident during Saturdays match, prompting immediate attention. However, putting all worries to rest, Ngidi shared a brief update on Instagram on Sunday, confirming that he is recovering well. Thank you for the messages, all good, he wrote, expressing gratitude to fans for their support following the scare. In the third over of Punjab Kings' chase, Ngidi fell backwards while trying to catch Priyansh Arya at mid-off, banging his head hard into the turf. He clutched his head immediately and lay on the ground as medical staff rushed in. Play was halted for 15 minutes before Ngidi was stretchered into an ambulance, amidst players, coaches, and medical staff having tense expressions. In a swift and coordinated effort, the Delhi Traffic Police facilitated a green corridor that enabled Ngidi's movement from the stadium to BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, located near Rajendra Nagar Metro Station, in just 11 minutes. However, the injury was not serious, and the player was discharged from the hospital, showing encouraging signs after returning to the team hotel. Lungi Ngidi is doing well and has now returned to the DC team hotel in New Delhi. His being sent back to the hotel after being discharged from the hospital is a positive indication of his recovery, and the franchise medical staff will continue to take good care of him, sources told IANS. However, the injury was not serious, and the player was discharged from the hospital, showing encouraging signs after returning to the team hotel. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ngidi has proved to be a key bowler for DC this season, taking seven wickets in seven matches at an average of 29.42, with an economy rate of 8.70 and best figures of 3/27. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: I Focus On Being Versatile For Whatever Comes In Front, Says Sai Sudharsan On His Attitude As An Opener

Chennai Super Kings: Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan opened up on how adapting to the ever-evolving demands of T20 cricket has become central to modern batting, emphasising the importance of versatility and situational awareness as he reflected on his approach at the top of the order. Speaking ahead of Gujarat Titans clash against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Sudharsan, coming off a century in the previous outing against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, underlined his batting philosophy. As a team, me and Shubhi (Gill), we are focusing more on percentage cricket. We'll try and keep and push the team as much as front as possible. And what that means for us is giving them a very good base when they come in in 14th or 15th over, he told the broadcasters ahead of the toss. Highlighting how the format is changing, he stressed the need for adaptability, saying, T20 is evolving and as batters, we'll also have to evolve and be versatile enough for whatever comes in front of us at the situation. So I think I've focused on that and looking to play the situation rather than thinking this strike-rate I have to play. More focused on the situation and the conditions what is required. Sudharsan also spoke about returning to a familiar venue and the emotions attached to the venue. I'm catching up with them (family and friends) after the game, but very, very grateful and happy to be back at Chepauk. Highlighting how the format is changing, he stressed the need for adaptability, saying, T20 is evolving and as batters, we'll also have to evolve and be versatile enough for whatever comes in front of us at the situation. So I think I've focused on that and looking to play the situation rather than thinking this strike-rate I have to play. More focused on the situation and the conditions what is required. Also Read: Live Cricket Score On the conditions in Chennai, the left-hander appeared unfazed by the heat. It's actually not so hot. It's okay. And we practise day in, day out in this heat. So, we used to be, we have to be adapted to this. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'Little Things Made The Big Difference,' Says Vettori After SRH Win

Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Head coach Daniel Vettori praised the little but crucial contributions that made a big difference as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulled off a five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. Reflecting on the win, Vettori highlighted how key moments from both the bowling and batting units helped SRH chase down a daunting 229-run target. Just a couple of little things that were extremely pleasing today, that sometimes go unnoticed, but understanding how important they are, Vettori said in a dressing room video released by SRH on X After being asked to bat first, Rajasthan Royals posted a massive 228/6, powered by a sensational 103 off 37 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a quickfire 51 from Dhruv Jurel. Despite the early onslaught, SRH managed to regain some control in the death overs, which proved vital in the context of the match. Vettori singled out Praful Hinge for his comeback after a tough start. I thought that was Hinge today, coming back from that first over to rally and finish off what was a very good last four overs, and in the scheme of things, its probably one of the big contributing factors to us winning tonight, he explained. Chasing the big total, SRH came out with aggressive intent despite losing an early wicket. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a blistering 74 off 31 balls, while Abhishek Sharma smashed 57 off 29 as the duo stitched a match-defining 132-run partnership. Vettori also credited Nitish Kumar Reddy for maintaining the momentum during the chase. On the batting side, that was Nitesh today, to come in and bring that intensity and intent right from the start, to take any pressure away from what was happening in the game after wed started so well, was fantastic, he said. SRH eventually chased down the target with nine balls to spare, completing a clinical run chase in a high-scoring contest. Vettori also credited Nitish Kumar Reddy for maintaining the momentum during the chase. On the batting side, that was Nitesh today, to come in and bring that intensity and intent right from the start, to take any pressure away from what was happening in the game after wed started so well, was fantastic, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, with this win, SRH have moved up to the third position in the points table with 10 points in eight matches. They will next face the Mumbai Indians on April 29. Article Source: IANS

GT bring in Arshad for Prasidh and bowl in Chennai heat

CSK brought in Urvil Patel for Sarfaraz Khan and suggested they might play around with the Impact Player

IPL 2026: Fast Bowling Is A Tough Art, But Im Enjoying It, Says Jamie Overton

Chennai Super Kings: Fast bowling demands endurance, rhythm and constant adaptation, and Chennai Super Kings pacer Jamie Overton believes embracing those challenges has been key to him being able to enjoy his role in the IPL 2026 as while being a crucial cog on the side. As CSK clash against Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday, Overton highlighted the physical and technical demands of his craft. Fast bowling is a tough art and you're never going to bowl at 150 kmph all the time. It's about maintaining speed as much as possible. It's tough, but I'm enjoying it at the moment, he told broadcasters ahead of the game. Elaborating on his approach with the ball, Overton underlined continuity in his role across formats and tournaments. It's just a continuation of what I've been doing all summer. I felt I was playing a similar role in the Big Bash and in the World Cup. just trying to hit the wicket as hard as I can. The England pacer also reflected on coping with the demanding conditions in Chennai. It's a bit warm, it's just one of those conditions you need to get used to. It should be fine, just make sure the players are up and ready to go. It's just about doing the right things outside the game, taking a lot of fluids, having proper food and cardio, all such stuff, just making sure that all those things are taken care of, He stressed that preparation off the field plays a big role, but once the match begins, focus shifts entirely to execution. That's outside the game. Once the game starts, just focus on the match. It's a bit warm, it's just one of those conditions you need to get used to. It should be fine, just make sure the players are up and ready to go. It's just about doing the right things outside the game, taking a lot of fluids, having proper food and cardio, all such stuff, just making sure that all those things are taken care of, Also Read: Live Cricket Score He also praised the support from the home crowd, saying, The crowd has been unbelievable, the fans have supported us a lot. Hopefully, we can push on towards the finals. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Urvil Patel Comes In For CSK As GT Opt To Bowl

Chennai Super Kings: Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl against hosts Chennai Super Kings in the 37th fixture of the IPL 2026 here at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, in the first match-up of the double header Sunday. At the halfway stage of the tournament, both CSK and GT are evenly placed with three wins and four losses from seven matches, making this clash important for momentum and standings. CSK head into the game high on confidence after a dominant win over Mumbai Indians, powered by Sanju Samsons unbeaten 101 and a four-wicket haul from Akeal Hosein. Back at Chepauk, where they have won two of three matches, CSK will look to continue their strong home form. In contrast, GT are under pressure after back-to-back losses to MI and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, despite a century from Sai Sudharsan. While their bowling remains a strength, concerns over an inconsistent middle order persist as they aim to regain form. Winning the toss, GT skipper Shubman Gill said, We're gonna bowl first. It looks like a good wicket. On a wicket like this, it's good to have a total on the board. (The heat is) not that bad. A good bit of breeze going on, so hopefully it wouldn't be too tough on our bowlers. We're doing a lot of the things right. It's just about winning the small moments and I think in bowling when we're leaking runs, we are leaking too many runs in that period of three to four overs. So it's just about hitting that length ball consistently in the middle overs. And that's what the talk has been about. Honestly, if the wicket is nice (in the powerplay), that is our talk. If the wicket is well, get 70-80 in the powerplay, get as many actually in the powerplay but it's very important to assess the conditions and if the wicket is a 170-180 wicket, really you got to assess that as well because I think at the end of the day, it's important to play the conditions rather than something that has not happened. One change, Arshad is coming back in the squad. Meanwhile, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad said, It's a bit on the drier side and more often than not, it will remain the same, so we're batting first really well and wouldn't mind putting on the score again and defend it. The confidence is high looking at the margin of the runs that we won the last game. But again, this game starts fresh, starts from zero. We have to start assessing how the pitch is, bat accordingly, and then try and defend it. But obviously, confidence-wise, we are slightly getting better and better in terms of overall unit. It's just that one or two areas where we need to click, we need to fire, and we'll get better on from that. I've been getting starts and not able to convert it. It's very rare, to be honest, but it doesn't quite happen that often. But as I said, as long as I'm getting starts and as long as someone else is doing the job and we are getting over the line, it's fine. But whenever I feel, I'm there, I'm set, and I feel that today's my day, and I'll have to make sure I'll make it count, and I'm confident with that. We just got one change, Urvil comes in, and we'll play around with the impact player. Playing XIs: Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh Impact Substitutes: Sarfaraz Khan, Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Veer, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Matt Short Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Urvil Patel, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Kartik Sharma, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Gurjapneet Singh Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact Substitutes: Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia Article Source: IANS

Momina Earns Maiden Call-up As Pakistan Name Squad For Zimbabwe ODIs

Bowlers Nashra Sundhu: Pakistan cricket board (PCB) have announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match Women's ODI series against Zimbabwe, which will commence on May 3. The squad sees a notable inclusion in Momina Riasat, who has received her maiden ODI call-up. The series holds added significance as it forms part of the ICC Womens Championship 20252029 cycle. All-rounder Fatima Sana will captain the side, aiming to guide Pakistan to improved results following their recent tour of South Africa, where they suffered 2-1 defeats in both the ODI and T20I series. The squad features a mix of experience and fresh faces, including Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig and Sidra Amin, alongside wicketkeeping options Muneeba Ali and Najiha Alvi. Bowlers Nashra Sundhu, Rameen Shamim and Tasmia Rubab have also been included in the lineup. Pakistan currently occupy fifth place in the ICC Womens Championship standings with two points, having registered a win in their ODI series against South Africa earlier this year. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are set to tour Pakistan for the first time for a white-ball series. The visitors will arrive in Karachi towards the end of April and will undergo a preparatory training camp before the matches. Pakistan currently occupy fifth place in the ICC Womens Championship standings with two points, having registered a win in their ODI series against South Africa earlier this year. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Pakistan women ODI squad for Zimbabwe series: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia Rubab Article Source: IANS

'Just Trying To Escape Him': Cummins On Facing Sooryavanshi

Skipper Pat Cummins: Skipper Pat Cummins admitted that stopping teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was the biggest challenge as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) registered a five-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. Cummins, who gave away just 27 in his four overs revealed that his bowling plan revolved around limiting Sooryavanshis impact by keeping him off strike as much as possible. Yeah, good start. IPL doesnt get any easier in terms of its big scores. So, got away with one tonight. The openers were going pretty hard. Young boy hits it pretty hard. Just trying to escape him really and try and bowl as many balls down the other end, he said in a video released by IPL on X. The 15-year-old had earlier dominated the SRH attack with a sensational 103 off 37 balls, smashing 12 sixes and five fours to power Rajasthan Royals to a massive 228/6 after being asked to bat first. Despite the early onslaught, SRH managed to control the scoring slightly in the death overs, preventing RR from adding another 10-15 runs which could have made the chase even tougher. Chasing 229, SRH came out aggressively despite losing an early wicket. Ishan Kishan led the counterattack with a blistering 74 off 31 balls, while Abhishek Sharma smashed 57 off 29. The duo stitched a crucial 132-run partnership that turned the game in SRHs favour. Kishan echoed Cummins views on the increasing difficulty for bowlers and also spoke about the toss factor as in a light-hearted manner. Not winning the toss, we needed to make a change. Thats the only reason why. I was most happy because you know Pat coming in and winning the toss for SRH finally after the seventh game. So, I felt somehow if he loses the toss today, Ill give away the credit to Mr. Vijay who is our manager. Because of him, I was being unlucky, he said. Kishan echoed Cummins views on the increasing difficulty for bowlers and also spoke about the toss factor as in a light-hearted manner. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kishan was the stand in captain for SRH in first seven games but was unlucky as he lost the toss in all the matches but as soon as Cummins took over as captain, SRH won the toss and opted to bowl against RR. Article Source: IANS

MCA Unveils Official Logo For T20 Mumbai Womens League; Auction On May 2

The Mumbai Cricket Association: The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on Sunday unveiled the official logo for the inaugural T20 Mumbai Womens League and announced May 2 as the date for the player auction for both the mens and womens competitions, marking a defining moment in the evolution of Mumbais cricketing landscape. In a city synonymous with cricketing excellence, the launch of a dedicated womens T20 league is more than just a tournament rollout. It is a structural shift. The unveiling of the logo signals the beginning of a high-intensity, professionally driven platform designed to identify, nurture, and elevate the next generation of women cricketers from Mumbai. Long regarded as the backbone of Indian crickets talent pipeline, Mumbai has produced some of the games finest names. With the T20 Mumbai Womens League, the MCA is now extending that legacy with intent, bringing the same competitive rigour and ecosystem depth to the womens game. The inaugural edition will feature three teams, with a format designed to maximise match exposure and competitive edge. Beyond the immediate spectacle, the league is being positioned as a critical feeder system, enabling players to transition seamlessly into state-level squads and national contention. The timing is strategic. Womens cricket in India is at an inflection point, driven by rising viewership, increased institutional investment, and the success of platforms such as the Womens Premier League. Against this backdrop, leagues like Mumbais are expected to play a pivotal role in deepening the talent pool and strengthening the doestic structure. MCA president Ajinkya Naik said, Mumbai has always set the benchmark in cricket. With the T20 Mumbai Womens League, we are extending that legacy, building a strong, sustainable pathway for womens cricket and shaping the next generation of players. Rajdip Gupta, chairman, League Governing Council, said, The unveiling of the T20 Mumbai Womens League logo is not just a symbolic milestone. It reflects our commitment to building a robust and competitive platform for women cricketers in Mumbai. The vision is clear. We want to create an ecosystem where talent is consistently identified, developed and given the exposure it deserves. This league is a step towards institutionalising that pathway. The newly unveiled logo embodies the spirit of modern womens cricket. It reflects dynamism, ambition, and the fast-paced energy of the T20 format, while staying rooted in Mumbais rich sporting heritage. With momentum building and anticipation growing, the MCA is set to position the T20 Mumbai Womens League as a cornerstone property in Indias expanding womens cricket calendar. More importantly, it reinforces Mumbais ambition to remain at the forefront of cricketing innovation and talent development. The MCA will conduct the player auction for both the mens and womens leagues on May 2. A total of 2,411 players, including 2,048 men and 363 women, have registered for the auction, underlining the scale and depth of the citys cricketing talent pool. Teams in the T20 Mumbai League will be required to build squads comprising a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 20 players, while teams in the T20 Mumbai Womens League will have a squad size ranging from 16 to 18 players The MCA will conduct the player auction for both the mens and womens leagues on May 2. A total of 2,411 players, including 2,048 men and 363 women, have registered for the auction, underlining the scale and depth of the citys cricketing talent pool. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In a clear push towards nurturing emerging talent, each team will be required to include at least two under-19 players in their squads. This move reinforces the MCAs long-term vision of creating a strong pipeline by integrating young prospects into a competitive, high-performance environment early in their careers. Article Source: IANS

LSG vs KKR Match 38, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

LSG vs KKR Match 38 , Cricket Tips : The upcoming contest in the IPL 2026 will feature a contest between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. This contest has a scheduled start of 7:30 PM IST on Sunday at Ekana Stadium. Both teams are in desperate need of a win. They are at the bottom of the points table. A win will help these two teams improve their numbers on the table. But whoever gets beaten, their qualification will be very difficult. Both sides have suffered in all departments, and with the tournament heading into the second half, every game becomes crucial here. LSG vs KKR: Match Details Date : April 26, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 7:30 PM IST Venue : Ekana Stadium, Lucknow LSG vs KKR Live Streaming Details Indian fans can watch the LSG vs KKR match on the Star Sports Network, whereas the live stream of the game will be available on the Jio Hotstar app or website. LSG vs KKR Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 07 LSG : 05 KKR : 02 No - Result : 00 LSG vs KKR: Ground Pitch Report The wicket at Ekana Stadium is pretty good for the bowlers. It is a black soil wicket, which offers grip for the bowlers. The new ball will swing more, and the wicket will slow down over time. Hence, it can become difficult to bat on in the second innings. LSG vs KKR Possible XIs LSG : Rishabh Pant (wk & c), Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mukul Choudhary, Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Rathi, Mayank Yadav KKR : Tim Seifert (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Cam Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy LSG vs KKR Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Mitchell Marsh and Angkrish Raghuvanshi are two in-form players for these two sides, and all eyes will be on them. Probable Best Bowler Prince Yadav has been in fantastic form and is the leading wicket-taker for LSG this season. For KKR, Kartik Tyagi has been exceptional and is bowling at a rapid pace. Today Match Prediction : KKR have been struggling with the ball because of the inexperienced batting unit. Hence, we predict LSG to win this game. LSG vs KKR Match 38, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, LSG vs KKR 2026 Prediction, LSG vs KKR Predicted XIs, Injury Update for LSG vs KKR Match Also Read: Live Cricket Score Disclaimer : The predictions or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.

IPL 2026: Win Or Lose, Delhi Fans Have Just One Hero Virat Kohli

Arun Jaitley Stadium: Results may matter on the points table, but for thousands expected to pour into Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday evening, there is only one reason to be there Virat Kohli. Whether Delhi Capitals win or lose seems secondary for many supporters ahead of their high-voltage IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The capital is ready to welcome home its favourite cricketing icon, with fans eager to witness Kohli in action once again on familiar turf. Delhi Capitals enter the contest after being outplayed by Punjab Kings on Saturday, but that setback is unlikely to affect the turnout. If anything, anticipation has only grown stronger with Kohlis arrival in the city. Outside the stadium and across the streets of Delhi, one emotion dominates Kohli fever. Young fans speaking ahead of the match made it clear that the evening is less about teams and more about the man who has inspired a generation. Delhi Capitals is our team, but Virat Kohli is our emotion, said one college student, proudly wearing a DC jersey. Another fan added, We just want to see him bat live. Even one cover drive from Virat is worth coming to the stadium. Such is Kohlis pull that loyalties may be divided in the stands, with blue and red jerseys mixing with chants reserved for the batting superstar. Whenever Kohli walks out to bat, the noise is expected to rise several decibels. The former RCB captain continues to command unmatched fan following wherever he plays, but Delhi remains special. It is the city where his cricketing journey began, and every return feels like a homecoming. Such is Kohlis pull that loyalties may be divided in the stands, with blue and red jerseys mixing with chants reserved for the batting superstar. Whenever Kohli walks out to bat, the noise is expected to rise several decibels. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As the sun sets over Arun Jaitley Stadium, one thing appears certain the loudest cheers may not depend on the scoreboard, but on the arrival of Virat Kohli at the crease. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026:'He Makes The Best Bowlers Look Ordinary', Says Kaif On Sooryavanshi's Ton Vs SRH

Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif hailed young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a once-in-a-generation talent after his breathtaking century powered Rajasthan Royals to 228/6 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. Sooryavanshis explosive 103 off just 37 balls, studded with 12 sixes and five fours, lit up Jaipur and set the foundation for a high-scoring contest, even though SRH eventually chased down the target. Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a once-in-a-generation talent. At just 15, he is making the best bowlers in the IPL look ordinary, Kaif told Jio Hotstar. He highlighted the youngsters fearless approach, especially his aggressive start against Praful Hinge. He smashed four sixes in a row off Praful Hinge. Hinge had dismissed him last time in Hyderabad, but here in Jaipur, Suryavanshi was on a mission to settle the score, and he did so in dominating fashion. Kaif also pointed out how the teenager showed no hesitation against top-quality bowling, including Pat Cummins. He even hit the first ball he faced from Pat Cummins for a massive six. He is a fearless prodigy whos dominating the IPL like he is playing gully cricket, he said. Two hundreds in two seasons, both at a strike-rate above 250. That tells you everything about his mindset. He doesnt care about the name of the bowler or the match situation. He just keeps attacking, he added. In the match, Rajasthan Royals posted a commanding total, but SRH pulled off a successful chase, riding on 74 from Ishan Kishan and 57 from Abhishek Sharma, who stitched a crucial 132-run partnership to seal a five-wicket win with nine balls to spare. Kaif further underlined the technical strengths that make Sooryavanshi special. He bats like a veteran who has played international cricket for ten years. His ability to pick the length early, his balance at the crease, and his raw power are all world-class. In the match, Rajasthan Royals posted a commanding total, but SRH pulled off a successful chase, riding on 74 from Ishan Kishan and 57 from Abhishek Sharma, who stitched a crucial 132-run partnership to seal a five-wicket win with nine balls to spare. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If he stays fit, stays hungry, and keeps his focus, Indian cricket has found its next superstar for the next 20 to 25 years, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Kohli Returns To 'home' Ground As Upbeat RCB Look To Maintain Dominance Over Struggling DC (preview)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: The talismanic Virat Kohli will be aiming to have another memorable outing at his original home ground as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to extend their good showing in IPL 2026 over a struggling Delhi Capitals in a keenly awaited clash at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday evening. With Kohli requiring just 11 runs to become the first batsman in IPL history to hit the 9,000-run mark, the stage is set for him to add another chapter in his storied love affair with the iconic venue, where he averages a remarkable 66.8, including hitting seven fifties in 11 innings. Monday's contest pits two of the tournament's most in-form batters against each other. If RCB have Kohli in rip-roaring form, DC will be banking on KL Rahul to take charge with the bat again after his sensational unbeaten 152 off 67 balls against Punjab Kings - an innings that went in vain on Saturday afternoon. What will also cheer DC is that Nitish Rana has found his groove, hitting consecutive fifties. Second-placed RCB enter the match on the back of successfully chasing 206 against Gujarat Titans. All five of their wins this season have produced five different Player of the Match awardees. Their pace attack is at its efficient best, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who have been excellent across phases - particularly in the death overs. In terms of batting, with Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar and Tim David all in great nick, RCB's ability to increase and maintain the tempo throughout their innings has been a standout factor this season. DC, however, are a wounded side looking to regroup and with just 24 hours to recover from their defeat to Punjab Kings, the turnaround is unforgiving. The loss of Lungi Ngidi to a head injury leaves a gap in their pace department, with Dushmantha Chameera likely to come in as cover. Their seam attack has been the least effective in IPL 2026, taking just 16 wickets - the fewest for any pace unit this season. Auqib Nabi and Mukesh Kumar have recorded high economy rates, while T Natarajan, though decent in the death overs, has also been expensive. Fielding has been an equally pressing concern, with DC dropping 16 catches this season and their catch efficiency standing at 60 percent - the lowest among all teams. The spin matchup, however, promises to be pivotal, with Axar Patel - DC's captain and RCB's nemesis with 23 IPL wickets against them - likely to bowl in the powerplay, while Kuldeep Yadav adds another dimension in the middle overs. If DC are to win, they will need both Axar and Kuldeep firing on all cylinders, while hoping their batting line-up can blunt the challenge from RCB's disciplined bowlers. At a venue that has produced five 200-plus totals in nine T20s this season - with teams batting second winning seven of those - another high-scoring, riveting contest is firmly on the cards. With the league stage now in its second half, Monday's contest carries significant implications beyond the two points on offer. For DC, it is a potentially season-defining test - one that demands their batting fireworks be backed by sharper execution with the ball and in the field. For RCB, who arrive with both form and a dominant 20-13 head-to-head history over DC, another win will go a long way in further enforcing their credentials in retaining their championship title. When: Monday April 27, 7:30PM IST Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Squads: Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming Also Read: Live Cricket Score Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, and Vihaan Malhotra Article Source: IANS

Ricky Ponting Praises Shreyas Iyers Leadership After PBKS Record Chase

Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting heaped praise on skipper Shreyas Iyer, calling him a great leader and backing his ability to finish games after PBKS pulled off a record-breaking chase of 265 against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. Ponting revealed his strong belief in Iyers finishing ability, stating that the team draws confidence simply from his presence at the crease in a chase. Hes a great person. And thats the reason that I went as hard as I did in the auction. I knew he was going to be a great leader and for us to rebuild this team and rebuild this franchise, he said in a video released by IPL on X. Because one thing I know is that if hes in at the end in a run chase, were not going to lose too many games. And even tonight, I went out at the 11 12 over mark. I just grabbed hold of him and said, if youre in at the end, well win the game. And he did it again, He added. Chasing a daunting 265,PBKS rode on explosive starts from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya before Iyer anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 71 off 36 balls to seal victory with seven balls to spare. Ponting further highlighted Prabhsimran's partnership with Priyansh Arya, noting how their contrasting styles helped PBKS maintain control of the chase. And the partnership that he (Prabhsimran) and Priyansh have together is pretty amazing. They complement each other really well. Left hand, right hand. Both hit different parts of the ground. While praising the batting unit, Ponting acknowledged there are still areas for improvement, especially in fielding and bowling, despite the big win. Its satisfying that youve got the highest run chase, but to have the highest run chase, youve also got to concede a lot of runs. So weve got some work to do with our bowling and our fielding, and well make sure we get that right before the next game, he said. While praising the batting unit, Ponting acknowledged there are still areas for improvement, especially in fielding and bowling, despite the big win. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When you become a coach, and you work with younger-type players, its nice to hear that hes saying that Im having some sort of influence on the way hes playing. But its also nice to hear that theyre listening to the things that you want to teach them. At the end of the day, Im a teacher. Im trying to teach him how to play the game better and how to bat better. Thankfully, hes listening and getting the job done, he added. Article Source: IANS

CSK vs GT Match 37, IPL 2026: Preview, Predicted XIs, Player Tips & Match Prediction

CSK vs GT Match 37 , Cricket Tips : After a tough start, Chennai Super Kings have started picking up the pace. They now have three wins in four games and are looking good. Sanju Samson has struck two centuries in four games. CSK will now take on Gujarat Titans on Sunday. This is an afternoon game, which will begin at 3:30 PM IST at MA Chidambaram Stadium. CSK hammered Mumbai Indians by 103 runs in the previous game. Akeal Hosein's 4/17 played an important role. GT have found it tough in the last few games. Despite Sai Sudharsan scoring a century, GT lost to RCB comfortably. They need to find more consistency from the batting group. CSK vs GT: Match Details Date : April 26, 2026 (Sunday) Time : 3:30 PM IST Venue : MA Chidambaram Stadium CSK vs GT Live Streaming Details The live action of CSK vs GT will be available on the Star Sports Network. Fans can watch the live stream of the Jio Hotstar app or website. CSK vs GT Head-to-Head in IPL Total Matches : 08 CSK : 04 GT : 04 No - Result : 00 CSK vs GT: Ground Pitch Report The wicket in Chennai is good for batting, as there is not much in it for the bowlers. However, the wicket will be dry, because this is an afternoon game. Spinners will have something in it to play. The wicket will get better to bat on. CSK vs GT Possible XIs CSK : Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni, Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmad, Gurjapneet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary GT : Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Manav Suthar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj. CSK vs GT Player to Watch Out For Probable Best Batter Sanju Samson and Sai Sudharsan scored centuries in their last innings. Hence, these two will be the ones to watch out for. Probable Best Bowler Akeal Hosein is in fantastic form, and he will be a key bowler in the powerplay. For GT, Mohammed Siraj will be key with the new ball. Today Match Prediction : GT have been going through a tough batting performance because of their fragile batting unit. Hence, we predict CSK to win this game. CSK vs GT Match 37, IPL 2026, Today 2026 Match, CSK vs GT 2026 Prediction, CSK vs GT Predicted XIs, Injury Update for CSK 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.

'They Need To Be More Proactive': Braithwaite Slams DC's Powerplay Strategy Vs PBKS

Former West Indies: Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite believes Delhi Capitals (DC) did not show enough proactiveness with the ball in the powerplay, allowing Punjab Kings (PBKS) to stay ahead in their record-breaking chase of 265 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. Brathwaite pointed to lapses in DCs bowling plans despite having a daunting total to defend and also raised questions about the lesser use of Natarajan in the first six overs. When you bat and score 200 and a lot, you dont necessarily need to be defensive, but have a mindset that this can be scored. I saw Natarajan bowl just one over in the power play. They could have been a little bit more proactive, Braithwaite told ESPNCricinfo. Defending 264 for 2, powered by KL Rahuls unbeaten 152 and Nitish Ranas 91, DC handed four of the first five overs to Mukesh Kumar and Auqib Nabi, who conceded a combined 87 runs. Captain Axar Patel also went for 20 in his over as PBKS raced to 116 without loss in the powerplay. Brathwaite felt DC missed an opportunity to apply early pressure by not using their key bowlers upfront. Get Kuldeep on early. He may not get a wicket, but he may stem the flow of runs for an over. Natarajan took the pitch out of play. If Natarajan and Kuldeep had bowled three out of the first six overs, and PBKS had scored 65 in the powerplay, PBKS would have so much more to do, he said. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav was introduced only in the eighth over, by which time PBKS had already surged to 127, with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya dominating the attack. The strong start ensured that when PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer came in after the openers fell in the seventh and eighth overs, the required rate remained under control. Iyer went on to anchor the chase with an unbeaten 71 off 36 balls. They did so much in the powerplay that when Shreyas came in, he could be eight off his first eight balls, Brathwaite said. That would never be possible if you need to score 19 or 20 per over, then everybody has to come in and go, he added. Brathwaite further said that defending a total in excess of 260 demands aggressive intent with the ball from the very beginning. They did so much in the powerplay that when Shreyas came in, he could be eight off his first eight balls, Brathwaite said. That would never be possible if you need to score 19 or 20 per over, then everybody has to come in and go, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score DCs troubles were compounded in the field as Karun Nair dropped Iyer twice late in the innings, misses that proved costly as PBKS completed the highest successful chase in IPL history with seven balls to spare. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: 'I Was Telling Him About The Madness With Which He Is Batting', Says Kishan On Sooryavanshi

New Delhi: Ishan Kishan marvelled at the fearless batting of teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, admitting that even opposition players are left wondering what the scorecard could have looked like had the youngster batted longer. Suryavanshi on Saturday hammered a stunning 37-ball 103 for against Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking his second IPL century with this one made off just 36 balls. Reflecting on his conversation with the 15-year-old, Kishan said, I was just telling him about the madness with which he is batting and how he is hitting. Sometimes, you are even scared thinking about what the scorecard could have looked if he had stayed for a few more overs. So, it was important for us to get his wicket. It was 228, it could have easily been 258. Cricket is all about comebacks. We got him out and made a little comeback there. Thats what I told him, When I am playing against you, please go a little easy on my team. I know all your secrets and inside stories, Kishan told JioStar. Vice-captain Kishan played a brilliant knock of 74 runs as Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down 229 runs target in 18.3 overs and registered a dominant five-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Speaking about his role at No. 3, Kishan emphasised the importance of anchoring the innings and making life easier for others in the batting order. After having played for so many years as a No. 3 batter, if you are set, you look to score big and bat till the end. It makes the job easier for the other batters with you, as they dont feel the pressure. That is my only thinking, to keep things as simple as I can, be in a good headspace, and just take it one match at a time. If we play good cricket, the rest of the team will learn from it. In the end, its a team sport. When you play good cricket, it rubs off on the others. I have also made a lot of mistakes, so my only aim is not to repeat them, which unfortunately, I did in the end in this game. Speaking about his role at No. 3, Kishan emphasised the importance of anchoring the innings and making life easier for others in the batting order. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When I wasnt playing and was out of the team, I told myself I cant cry or sulk about it. Its the easiest thing to do for any sportsman. It might earn you the sympathy of a few people, you might even feel good about it, but it wont get you anywhere. The only thing that could have gotten me back into the reckoning was runs. So, I just wanted to improve my game and score as many runs as I could, even if that meant hitting more sixes than any other batter. Only consistent run-scoring can bring you back into the team. If 300 runs in a season are not enough, score 400; if not that, score 500. At the end of the day, cricket is our daily bread. When youre out of the team, you understand its importance and start respecting every game. You become hungrier, and that was my focus: to become the best. Article Source: IANS

Brathwaite Urges Caution In Handling Suryavanshis Meteoric Rise

Former West Indies: Former West Indies cricketer Carlos Brathwaite has called for a careful approach in managing teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He believes the young player should be developed gradually instead of being rushed into international cricket, especially after his impressive performances in the IPL. I apologize, Vaibhav, but if you look at how West Indies handled Brian Lara, he was a generational talent. Everyone knew that, Brathwaite said on ESPNCricinfo TimeOut show following Suryavanshis stunning 37-ball 103 for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking his second IPL century with this one made off just 36 balls. Brathwaite pointed out how Lara was nurtured within the system before taking on international competition. So what did West Indies do? They put him with top players like Viv Richards, but he didn't play international cricket. That was a different time with many tour games, and he developed his skills alongside senior players before making his debut. We all know how his career turned out after that, he explained. Brathwaite recommended a similar path for Suryavanshi, allowing him to learn in the Indian setup without the immediate pressure of international cricket. So maybe there is a way to combine both worlds where he can be part of the Indian team, learn from players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav. There are other young players close to his age that he can learn from before just throwing him into the deep end. Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta supported the call for caution, emphasizing that while Suryavanshi's talent is clear, its important to manage his mental growth. We've seen some really good talents struggle, Dasgupta said. People say he should be in the Indian side, and that's fair. But there are two sides to this story. You need technical skills and mental strength. Technically, he's therewe've seen how he plays against top bowlers. So we know he can handle that side. But on the mental side, he will face challenges. We have to be careful about how we handle that. Dasgupta noted Suryavanshis growth from his debut season to his second year in the IPL. The first year could have been a flash in the pan, an unknown player. But the second year is always tougher because bowlers have plans. We've seen what has happened in this second year. He is a very, very special talent. Technically, he's therewe've seen how he plays against top bowlers. So we know he can handle that side. But on the mental side, he will face challenges. We have to be careful about how we handle that. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Suryavanshis statistics show why he is generating so much buzz357 runs in seven matches during IPL 2026 at an impressive strike rate of 234.86. For a brief time, he held the Orange Cap before Abhishek Sharma passed him. Article Source: IANS

Under-strength New Zealand in front as Bangladesh return to T20Is

New Zealand, with many of their first-choice players currently at the IPL or at the PSL, have a barely recognisable side