Cricket

Whom Does He Need To Prove: Ashwin Backs Kohlis Retirement Stance, Says He Went Through The Same Feeling

ICC ODI World Cup: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his support behind Virat Kohli following the latters candid remarks about stepping away from Test cricket and the pressures that influenced his decision Kohli, speaking on the RCB podcast, revealed that the constant expectation to justify his place after every outing played a major role in his decision to retire from the longest format after Indias tour of Australia. The comments sparked widespread discussion across the cricketing world, and Ashwin, who himself retired from international cricket midway through Indias 2024 Australia tour, said he completely understood Kohlis mindset. Virat said, 'I don't have to prove my work to anyone,' and that's absolutely right. Why, man? I also felt the same. There was nothing left to prove. Whom does he need to prove himself to after playing for so many years and winning so many matches for India? Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. Ashwin spoke at length about the emotional and mental burden that senior players often carry, especially after years of performing under relentless public scrutiny. According to the veteran off-spinner, there comes a stage in a cricketers career where external validation ceases to matter. What people say from the outside is just their job. When you are young, there is often a strong urge to say, 'I will prove you wrong.' But maturity and wisdom come when you realise that the battle is not with anyone else, but with yourself. The moment you have that realisation, life becomes very easy. I think Virat has reached that point. It is not easy to leave regrets behind, he added. Kohlis original remarks had offered a rare insight into the mental fatigue experienced by elite athletes late in their careers. The former India captain suggested that repeatedly being placed in situations where he felt compelled to justify his value had taken a toll on him. What people say from the outside is just their job. When you are young, there is often a strong urge to say, 'I will prove you wrong.' But maturity and wisdom come when you realise that the battle is not with anyone else, but with yourself. The moment you have that realisation, life becomes very easy. I think Virat has reached that point. It is not easy to leave regrets behind, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The batting great also addressed speculation surrounding his potential participation in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, making it clear that he no longer feels the need to chase approval or silence critics at this stage of his journey. Article Source: IANS

It Is Simple Math, Says Patel On GT's Qualification Scenario After KKR Loss

Kolkata Knight Riders: Gujarat Titans(GT) batting coach Parthiv Patel admitted that there is no panic in the dressing room despite the 29-run loss against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Saturday, as the team is looking to keep things simple and qualify for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs by winning their last group stage match. According to Parthiv, GT is not dependent on other teams' results, and it's a big relief as they can secure the qualification mark on their own by winning the match against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), to be played at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad on May 21. It's a simple scenario for us. We don't have to worry about other results either. It is in our hands. If we win the game, we qualify, as simple as that. I don't think we have to think about other results. For us, it is simple math, Patel said in the post-match press conference. We try to keep it as simple as possible. We know our strengths and our weaknesses. We want to build on our strengths and want to ensure we make fewer unforced errors. But the game is such that sometimes you make mistakes, but our plan is not to complicate things and keep them simple, he added. It's a simple scenario for us. We don't have to worry about other results either. It is in our hands. If we win the game, we qualify, as simple as that. I don't think we have to think about other results. For us, it is simple math, Patel said in the post-match press conference. Also Read: Live Cricket Score In reply, despite the 85-run innings from captain Shubman Gill, the visitors failed to cross the line and scored just 218 runs. With this loss, GT still sits in the second spot in the points table with 16 points in 13 matches. Article Source: IANS

'It is simple math' for GT but the 'upper ceiling' complicates matters

If you have to score targets further than 225, it will come back and hurt them, Sanjay Bangar says after GT fell 29 runs short of KKR's 247

Babar scraps after Taskin and Mehidy leave Pakistan in deep trouble

Pakistan, responding to Bangladesh's 278, went to lunch on the second day at a rickety 96 for 4

IPL 2026: Cameron Green Says KKR Have Finally Found The Right Balance After Crucial Win Over GT

Kolkata Knight Riders: Cameron Green believes Kolkata Knight Riders have finally found the right balance in their playing XI and batting order, with the Australian all-rounder insisting the defending champions are still firmly in the hunt for an IPL 2026 playoff spot after their commanding 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens. Green played a pivotal role in KKRs massive total of 247/2, hammering an unbeaten 52 off 28 deliveries while stitching together a match-defining 108-run partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Reflecting on KKRs campaign so far, Green admitted the side took time to settle on the ideal combination but praised the calmness within the dressing room despite inconsistent results earlier in the season. The coaching staff have been awesome. There was no panic behind closed doors. I think it just took us a while, maybe a bit too long, to figure out the right roles and get the right people in the right positions. I like to think I can bat in a few positions, but its about what is best for the team. Ajinkya Rahane has been awesome at the top for us, and the same goes for Angkrish, our youngster at number three. So, its just about where I fit into the team, and number four seems to be it. Weve found that now, so yeah, were giving ourselves a little chance here, Green told JioStar. Greens innings provided the finishing flourish after Finn Allens explosive 93 had dismantled the Titans bowling attack early in the evening. By the time Green arrived at the crease, KKR already had momentum on their side, and the Australian ensured there was no let-up in intensity. One of the standout moments of his knock came against Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 bowlers in world cricket. Green once again managed to attack the Afghanistan leg-spinner successfully, continuing a trend that has worked in his favour in previous encounters as well. However, the Australian dismissed suggestions that he has found a special formula against Rashid, instead crediting the platform laid by the top order. One of the standout moments of his knock came against Rashid Khan, widely regarded as one of the most dangerous T20 bowlers in world cricket. Green once again managed to attack the Afghanistan leg-spinner successfully, continuing a trend that has worked in his favour in previous encounters as well. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After a season marked by inconsistency, the Knight Riders now appear to have rediscovered momentum at the right time, powered by a settled batting order and a series of aggressive performances with the bat. Article Source: IANS

'I was probably a shell of a human for a bit' - being dropped helped, says Allen

I probably wasn't enjoying it as much as I should have at the time, because I was putting so much pressure on myself, Finn Allen says of his struggles early on in IPL 2026

Svitolina beats Gauff to win Italian Open

In the men's final on Sunday, home favourite Jannik Sinner will face Casper Ruud

England Women vs India Women at Lords: Historic First Womens Test Set for Summer 2026

As per the full fixture list for 2026 international summer, featuring both the Mens and Womens teams, England has a packed season of cricket across all formats. Talking of womens schedule, a highlight of the summer is the ICC Womens T20 World Cup, scheduled from 12 June to 5 July 2026. England Women will play bilateral series against New Zealand, India, and Ireland on either side of the World Cup. For the first time, Lords will host a womens Test match alongside the marquee England Mens Tests and the ICC Womens T20 World Cup Final, in a blockbuster 2026 summer. England Women under Nat Sciver-Brunt shall face India in a Rothesay Test, at Lord's, from July 10. The historic moment shall mark 50 years of the first womens ODI at the Ground, a significant milestone in the growth of womens cricket in England. MCC Chief Executive Rob Lawson said, To host a womens Test at Lords is a huge honour. With attendances on the rise and over 19,000 tickets sold for our recent womens ODI, its only fitting we now host a Test. However, the iconic venue is likely to break the UK Womens Test match attendance record, as until ten weeks prior to the Test at Lords, over 23,207 tickets had been sold. With the match not starting until 10 July and the ICC Womens T20 World Cup just before it, the ticket sales are expected to surge further. Fifty years ago, Rachael Heyhoe Flint led a womens side onto the Main Ground, the Home of Cricket, and now the first ever womens Test match is scheduled here. The Ground will also host four matches in the ICC Womens T20 World Cup, including the Final that has already sold out. MCC has seen rapid progress in womens and girls cricket at Lords during all these years, and the same momentum is continuing. Recently MCC celebrated the womens game with permanent visual markers which include: - The exhibitions on womens cricket in the MCC Museum. - The installation of the Rachael Honey Flint Gate. - A commemorative Womens Ashes plaque in the Harris Garden. - A portrait of Charlotte Edwards in the Long Room. The womens Test with the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side is likely to see a fierce contest on the field over the four days as both sides will be looking to register a win. There has been a long debate as to why England women have never played a Test match at Lords, while their male side generally play there twice a year. Its on record that on both occasions England women have played at Lords over the last two years, they attracted a large crowd: *21,610 spectators watched England Women take on Australia in the 2023 Ashes at Lords, the highest bilateral attendance for an England Womens home international. *The Hundred womens final in 2025 at Lords drew 22,542 The fact is that the number of women's Tests is continuously decreasing and for the last three years no womens Test match has been played in England. Overall, the MCC has maintained a strict mans-only stance and thats why it has taken so many years for women to play a Test here. In 1986, when former India captain Diana Edulji was denied entry to the pavilion, she had suggested that the MCC change their name to MCP (male chauvinist pigs). Time changed speedily subsequently and in 2017, after defeating India in the World Cup final in front of a packed crowd, Heather Knight said seeing Lords sold out for a womens match is something I never thought Id see. Important Lords milestones wrt women's cricket: 1967: For the first time, the idea of admitting women as members was discussed by the Committee. 1976: The first womens ODI was played at Lords. 1990: A membership application from one R. Flint (Rachael Honey Flint, the most prominent woman cricketer of her generation) stirred the MCC. 1998: The Womens Cricket Association merged into the new England and Wales Cricket Board, headquartered at Lords. This again started the discussion on membership for women. Ultimately, the rules were changed to make either men or women eligible to apply to become members of MCC. A few months later, a group of 10 women were granted Honorary Life Membership. In 2021, Clare Connor CBE, former England captain, the first woman to lead her country to an Ashes win in 42 years, and at that point the ECBs Managing Director of Womens Cricket, became the first ever female president of the MCC. The MCC presidency runs annually, and Connors one-year tenure formally began on 1 October 2021 (after the term of her predecessor, Kumar Sangakkara, was extended by a year due to COVID). 2023: The birthplace of the Women's Ashes was honoured in a formal plaque ceremony in the Harris Garden. Also Read: Live Cricket Score When India Women take on England Women in the first ever women's Test match at Lord's, it will be a truly special occasion, and one of real significance for the game.

IPL 2026: Bangar Calls Narine legend Of The League After Another Masterclass

Kolkata Knight Riders: Sanjay Bangar described Sunil Narine as a legend of the league after the veteran spinner once again played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders important win over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Narine posted figures of 2/29 in KKRs 29-run victory on Saturday and received the Player of the Match award during his 200th IPL appearance. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Bangar ranked Narine among the top players in IPL history and praised his impressive consistency over more than a decade in the tournament. Many great names have played in this league, but longevity is a factor, Bangar said. He has had to overcome many issues related to how his bowling action was questioned at times, but he seems to have found a way to deliver with the same overspin thats usually part of his skill set, while still getting the ball to turn both ways. And that creates doubt in the batter's mind. I think those qualities make him a legend of the league. Bangar noted that Narines latest performance felt routine due to the high standards hes maintained throughout his IPL career. These are standard figures for him. He hasnt done anything extraordinary; he just did what he does regularly, Bangar said. The former India batting coach also shared an interesting off-air conversation with Ambati Rayudu about how batters have approached Narine over the years. Rayudu said that he tended to bat defensively against him; those singles and twos were the way to go, Bangar revealed. But there have been times when people have tried to slog-sweep him or play off the back foot through the off-side. However, nobody has really taken him down the way other spinners have been handled in the IPL. He seems to be a complete revelation because none of the batters over the last 12 or 13 years, in the 15 years that he has played in the IPL, has been able to dominate him. But there have been times when people have tried to slog-sweep him or play off the back foot through the off-side. However, nobody has really taken him down the way other spinners have been handled in the IPL. Also Read: Live Cricket Score With 205 wickets and three IPL titles to his name, the mystery spinner's legacy keeps growing with each season. Article Source: IANS

Rayudu Hails Narine As 'greatest IPL Player' Of All Time

Indian Premier League: Ambati Rayudu believes Sunil Narine is the best player in the history of the Indian Premier League. The veteran all-rounder once again delivered a match-winning performance for Kolkata Knight Riders. Narine had figures of 2/29 in KKRs 29-run victory over Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 on Saturday, earning the Player of the Match award in his 200th IPL appearance. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show after the game, Rayudu said Narine's consistency and ability to impact matches with both bat and ball make him the greatest player the tournament has ever seen. Best IPL player, according to me, of all time, Rayudu said. Hes a proper match-winner with the ball and with the bat. There have been great players in the IPL, but this guy always stands out. He's at the top of the list for me. Narine's long career and impact continue to set him apart in the league. He is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 205 wickets, behind only Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. A one-franchise player since joining KKR in 2012, Narine has played a key role in all three of Kolkatas IPL title wins. He took 24 wickets at an economy of 5.47 during KKRs title-winning season in 2012, followed that with 21 wickets in 2014, and added 17 wickets during their championship run in 2024. Remarkably, Narine has never given up more than eight runs per over in a single IPL season. He remains one of the leagues most economical bowlers, even in an era dominated by batters. Rayudu also explained why Narine is such a tough bowler to face compared to other leading T20 spinners. I think Rashid Khan has a unique problem, especially on pitches like that, because everything is a topspinner, Rayudu said. Rayudu also explained why Narine is such a tough bowler to face compared to other leading T20 spinners. Also Read: Live Cricket Score As a batsman, it's always tough to line up against someone like Sunil Narine because the ball tends to hold. You often lose your shape. Article Source: IANS

Finn Allen admits IPL pressure made him a shell of a human before stunning KKR comeback

Finn Allen admitted he had become a shell of a human after putting too much pressure on himself during a tough start to the Indian Premier League 2026 season. However, stepping away briefly and rediscovering his love for batting has helped turn his fortunes around for Kolkata Knight Riders. On Saturday, Allen delivered one of the best innings of the tournament. He scored 93 runs off just 35 balls, hitting four boundaries and 10 sixes. This effort propelled Kolkata Knight Riders to a huge total of 247 against Gujarat Titans. Gujarat finished with 218/4, leading to a vital 29-run victory that kept KKR's playoff hopes alive. The explosive New Zealand opener had a rough start to the season, managing only 81 runs in his first five matches before being dropped for three games. However, his return to the lineup earlier this month marked a significant turnaround, starting with an unbeaten century off 47 balls. After Saturdays win in Kolkata, Allen opened up about the mental struggle he faced during his slump. To be honest, at the start of the tournament, I was putting far too much pressure on myself to perform, and I was probably a shell of a human for a bit there. It was all self-inflicted, Allen told reporters. I love playing cricket, I love batting, and I wasnt enjoying it as much as I should have at the time because I was putting too much pressure on myself. So having those few games off really helped me. Allen mentioned that simplifying his approach and focusing on enjoyment rather than expectations made a big difference in his batting during the shortest format. I think what I really worked on was being relaxed and enjoying myself. If I watch the ball harder, I am in a better position and Im a better cricketer for it, Allen said. Allen mentioned that simplifying his approach and focusing on enjoyment rather than expectations made a big difference in his batting during the shortest format. Also Read: Live Cricket Score This victory kept Kolkatas playoff hopes alive in a tightly packed mid-table race. KKR currently ranks seventh with 11 points but still has two matches left in the league stage. Article Source: IANS

Rayudu calls Narine the 'best IPL player of all time' after latest heroics

These are regulation figures for him, he has not done anything extraordinary, Sanjay Bangar says after Sunil Narine's 2 for 29 in KKR's win over GT

Gill: 'We didn't deserved to win this one'

GT dropped four catches, three of them sitters with Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green all benefiting from the chances

Taylor and Miles all smiles as Gloucestershire hit back in seesaw contest

Northants lose 6 for 42 in chaotic evening session before hosts reach stumps three down

IPL 2026: Score Of 200210 Was Par, But We Dropped Too Many Catches, Admits GT Skipper Gill

Kolkata Knight Riders: Kolkata Knight Riders ended Gujarat Titans fivematch winning streak with a 29run victory at Eden Gardens on Saturday, a result that lifted them to sixth place on the points table and kept their playoffs hopes alive. GT skipper Shubman Gill admitted his sides fielding lapses proved costly, including dropping Finn Allen twice as he went on to smash a fiery 93. Looking at the wicket, 200210 was par score, but we dropped too many catches. Pitch was good, the odd one was stopping, but I felt we batted well to get to the score we did. No concerns, but our fielding could've been a lot better. We set a certain standard, and dropping 3 sitters - we didn't deserve to win this one. Looking at it that way, best to have a game like this now than in the Qualifiers. I think rest and recover for a couple of days, travel back to Ahmedabad, see how the wicket is, and then plan accordingly (for the next game), Gill said at the conclusion of the game. KKR are now at sixth spot and behind the Punjab Kings, who are at fourth place. GT, who had thrived in bowlerfriendly conditions during their winning run, were undone by Eden Gardens batting surface and a poor fielding display, with Allens explosive 93 proving to be the difference. KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane lauded his batters for their intent, as they posted a massive 247/2. Very good game, really happy with two points. Amazing to see Allen, Angkrish, and Green's knocks. Credit goes to these batters. Preparation has always been fantastic. Talk was all about taking one game at a time. Intent was amazing. Don't forget they're a quality bowling attack. It was amazing to see batters going out there and dominating. Speaking of bowlers, Rahane lauded Saurabh Dubey and Sunil Narine. It's all about trusting their ability. All these guys have been doing well in the domestic season. Saurabh Dubey played well in the Vidarbha league. When he came here, all the coaches thought he had the talent. Credit to these guys who have been doing well, working hard, it's all about belief and confidence. Makes my job easy when you know Sunil Narine is in the team. Varun was struggling, but credit to him as well. The courage to play with a sore foot, he said. Player of the Match Sunil Narine reflected on his milestone appearance, as his spell of 2-29 ensured GT ended 29 runs short. It comes with hard work. The guys have been training really well, putting in the hard yards, and it's showing. Hope it continues, no matter what the tournament has in store for us. It's all about planning what is in front of you. Every game brings a different challenge. All about trying to win the scenarios and trying not to overthink. Being a senior guy, God has given me the talent and health to play 200; hopefully, I play many more, he said. Player of the Match Sunil Narine reflected on his milestone appearance, as his spell of 2-29 ensured GT ended 29 runs short. It comes with hard work. The guys have been training really well, putting in the hard yards, and it's showing. Hope it continues, no matter what the tournament has in store for us. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I'm not used to the keeping duties; it's taking everything out of me. The score says it all. I thought it was a great surface. Hope we can play on these surfaces every game. They have to kick me out of the nets, I play a lot of balls. Ever since I was a kid, my coach, Abhishek Nayar, has gotten me used to hitting 1000 balls a day. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green Pyrotechnics Keep KKR's Hopes Alive With 29-run Win Over GT (ld)

Kolkata Knight Riders: Skipper Shubman Gills fluent 85 was not enough to extend Gujarat Titans winning run as Kolkata Knight Riders secured a 29run victory to halt their opponents fivematch unbeaten streak and keep their own playoff hopes alive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. Finn Allens blistering 93 set the tone for KKR before Angkrish Raghuvanshis careerbest 82 not out and Cameron Greens unbeaten 52 powered the hosts to 247/2, and were also aided by GTs poor fielding display. GTs chase was built around Gills strokefilled 85 off 49 balls, laced with five fours and seven sixes. Jos Buttler also chipped in with 57 off 35 balls, but the dismissal of both batters in quick succession left the chase adrift. Sai Sudharsan returned from a blow to the elbow to compile a fighting 53 not out off 28 balls. Yet GT ended up at 218/4, undone by KKRs disciplined death bowling and a tight spell of 2-29 from Sunil Narine. Chasing a daunting 248, GT began brightly with Sudharsan and Gill adding 42 runs in the first three overs, before the former retired hurt after being struck on the elbow. Nishant Sindhu replaced him but fell cheaply to Sunil Narine, caught at longoff in the spinners 200th IPL appearance. Gill pressed on by carving Matheesha Pathirana, who later went off the field after picking up a hamstring strain, through extra cover and launching Narine and Anukul Roy for successive sixes. Buttler joined in by cutting Varun Chakaravarthy for four and adding steady singles as the partnership grew. Gill looked in supreme touch and reached his fifty off 33 balls and continued to dominate, smashing Varun Chakaravarthy for backtoback sixes and a four. Buttler too found rhythm, carving Tyagi for six and reaching his halfcentury with a diving second run. At 177/1 in 16 overs, GT appeared in contention to complete the chase, needing 71 off the last four overs. But Narine struck the decisive blow when Gill swept straight to Anukul Roy at the ropes. Buttler tried to keep the chase alive by carving boundaries, but sliced to longoff against Saurabh Dubey. Sudharsan returned to complete his innings, reaching a fighting fifty, but the task had grown too steep. Cameron Green closed out the match with a short ball that Tewatia gloved to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, as KKR moved to sixth spot and are just two points behind Punjab Kings, who are at fourth place. Previously, Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Green provided solid support by sharing an unbroken 108-run stand with Raghuvanshi for the third wicket and helping himself to 52 not out off 28 balls, laced with three fours and four maximums as the runs continued to flow unchecked for KKR. Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. After being given two reprieves, Allen was in imperious touch, punishing Rashid Khan with backtoback sixes and raising a 21ball halfcentury. He continued to toy with the attack, hammering Arshad Khan for three sixes in an over and racing to 93 off just 35 balls. His dismissal of Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, caught by Rashid at longon, ended a breathtaking knock but left KKR well placed for a huge score. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Green provided the late fireworks, smashing Rashid for a straight six and then hammering Rabada and Siraj for boundaries with powerful pulls and drives. He reached his fifty off 26 balls and finished unbeaten to ensure KKR had a fantastic finish, and it was enough at the end to get a win over high-flying GT. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 247/2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out; R Sai Kishore 1-38, Mohammed Siraj 1-50) beat Gujarat Titans 218/4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Jos Buttler 57; Sunil Narine 2-29, Saurabh Dubey 1-23) by 29 runs Article Source: IANS

Allen, Raghuvanshi and Green trump Gill, Buttler and Sai Sudharsan to keep KKR alive

Fireworks from the KKR trio lifted them to the highest total any team has put up against Gujarat Titans

Tom Abell, Craig Overton hundreds turn screw for Somerset

Sussex made to toil between showers as home side run up 526 for 8 declared

Aitchison makes history with century after five-for for Derbyshire

Middlesex face uphill task after improbable allround heroics from nightwatcher

IPL 2026: Mohammed Siraj Completes 200 T20 Wickets In Match Against KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders: Gujarat Titans' experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj reached a milestone in his career on Saturday by claiming his 200th wicket in T20 cricket during their match against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The fast bowler from Telangana reached the landmark by claiming the wicket of KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, becoming the 21st Indian bowler to register 200 wickets in the shortest format of the game. Siraj claimed the all-crucial wicket in the fifth over of the innings with a fuller inswinging delivery that breached Rahane's defence and crashed into the stumps. It also added to Siraj's strong record against the former India batter in the IPL, dismissing him for the third time. The milestone underlines Siraj's position as one of India's leading fast bowlers across formats over the last few years. The Indian pacer reached the 200-wicket mark in his 174th T20 appearance, at an average above 25 and an economy rate slightly over eight runs per over. He also has six four-wicket hauls in the format. Of the right-arm pacer's 200 wickets in T20 cricket, 123 have come in 121 IPL matches with three four-wicket hauls to his name. Siraj made the breakthrough as Kolkata Knight Riders posted 247/2 in 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans. Powered by Finn Allens blistering 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshis composed 82 not out, and Cameron Greens unbeaten rapid halfcentury, KKR posted a mammoth 247/2 in their 20 overs against the Gujarat Titans. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. Article Source: IANS

Glamorgan seamers prosper on damp day in Birmingham

Warwickshire off the pace despite Oliver Hannon-Dalby's second successive five-wicket haul

Ekansh Singh makes mark with bat and ball as Durham stutter

Kent allrounder profits from Ben Stokes no-ball, with Division Two leaders under the pump

Fisher finishes with four as rain limits Surrey reply

Overnight centurions Bairstow and Lyth unable to go big for hosts

Chathli, Brown combine for Surrey to sink Lancashire

Captain top-scores amid fine allround display from departing Australian to seal three-wicket win

IPL 2026: You Dont Captain When You At-bat, Says Sangakkara As He Decodes Roles Of Fit-again Parag

Indian Premier League: In the high-stakes ecosystem of the Indian Premier League (IPL), managing young talent burdened with multi-faceted responsibilities is one of the toughest challenges for any modern coach. Ahead of the Rajasthan Royals crucial game against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kumar Sangakkara, RRs head coach and director of cricket, provided an expansive masterclass into how the franchise navigates the development of its young captain, Riyan Parag. In a major boost for the inaugural champions as they look to solidify their playoff credentials, Sangakkara confirmed that the team expects Parag to be fully fit from a hamstring niggle and be ready to lead the side from the front. Parag was back batting in the nets after a hamstring niggle ruled him out of RR's last game against the Gujarat Titans, which they lost by 77 runs. Parag has averaged just 23, and his one good knock, ironically, came against DC, when he cracked 90 in Jaipur. We were expecting him to be fully fit and ready. I think Riyan has three roles. One is captain, leader, and batter. Every single time, he's got to separate the three a little bit. Captaincy and leadership go a little bit more hand-in-hand, whereas batting, he just has to enjoy his batting as Riyan Parag, the batter. You saw in the Kings game and then in the game after that against DC how well he did in terms of his execution, his real short skill, and situational awareness. Those are three key things for a batter. Unfortunately, he had a little hamstring niggle after that game, so he couldn't really continue that momentum. But every game is an opportunity for him to do that, and he's one of our best batters by far. So I have no issues with his skill, and the conversation is all about just making sure that you are batting as Riyan Parag, the batter. You don't captain when you bat. I thought his captaincy this season has been excellent - very, very good. He's learning very quickly. He's making some good, great decisions out there, said Sangakkara in the pre-match press conference. Stepping into RRs captaincy brings intense scrutiny, but Sangakkara revealed that Parag has displayed an exceptionally mature appetite for self-improvement. But also, he's got a process for when plans are set, and how to follow them. He has a lot of time with the players and the bat group staff to try and get his plans right. Then, in his leadership role, he has spent quite a good time with the players, the overseas, the Indians, just talking to them, understanding them a little bit more. I think he's been in those roles, and he's been very, very good. So I think he just needs to keep believing in himself and go out there, and when he bats, just have some fun with a smile because everyone knows what he can do. Then do the other two roles as well as he's been doing so far, he added. Sangakkara also described the team's itinerary as weird, characterised by a rapid succession of back-to-back games followed by twin eight-day breaks. It's not too difficult. Sometimes you do tend to think too far ahead. So we have these little conversations with the players about keeping their focus, taking it ball by ball. They've been pretty good. You can't really shy away from the fact that you've got to keep winning each game, and that's a good challenge for these guys. The real key is to be consistent in your standards. We've had really good days with both bat and ball. Some days with the ball, not so much with the bat, and that happens in T20 cricket. We've had a kind of weird schedule. We've had quick games one after the other, then an eight-day break, one game, another eight-day break. So sometimes it's good, sometimes it's counterproductive. The primary antidote, as per Sangakkara, to be fresh in a staggered schedule is psychological freshness. But the whole point is, once you know the schedule, just kind of keep your standards up. You practice really with purpose, you don't have to overtrain, and then you just have to keep believing that we have the skills as a unit to really go out there and compete against and beat any side. The real proof of preparation is being able to execute properly in a game. Once you're executing well, the result can go whichever way to the side that plays a little bit better and smarter in those big moments. So those big moments are what we're trying to win and really set up games for us to take advantage of. The guys have been in a good space. They know when things go right, they know when things don't go so well. So you don't really have to beat them over the head with it. Just keep supporting them and just lead them down to kind of the right focus, and then it's just skill versus skill after that. Sometimes, during breaks, just over-training is a problem. So we are here to practice and just to play. So we will have different sessions, but a lot of these breaks have been about refocusing, refreshing, keeping those guys having fun and having them really love being together as a group, and then you train in the last three days. RR, suffering five defeats in their last seven outings, has sparked fears of them entering a chronic second-half wobble, a trend that proved fatal for the franchise in the last two seasons. RR once looked invincible after four successive wins, but now finds itself on a slippery slope and at fifth spot on the points table, with Sangakkara remaining pragmatic about the highs and lows of the league. I think we've had a few close games. We had a 224 game that was chased down. We had a few fielding mistakes in the SRH game. Then, we were not really disciplined in terms of execution in the DC game. I mean, I have no problems when teams have done as much as they can to execute well, give their best effort on the field, and then you walk out and say, 'We got beaten by a better side.' RR, suffering five defeats in their last seven outings, has sparked fears of them entering a chronic second-half wobble, a trend that proved fatal for the franchise in the last two seasons. RR once looked invincible after four successive wins, but now finds itself on a slippery slope and at fifth spot on the points table, with Sangakkara remaining pragmatic about the highs and lows of the league. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Every side goes through the IPL in the same way. Highs, lows, highs, lows, good starts, good middle overs, good ends, bad ends, bad middles - that's the nature of the game. So you've got to keep focusing on the next game, just getting your training right, your focus right. You can't change the past. You don't know what tomorrow will bring, but all you can do is just be ready for it. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: Sometimes You Get A Little Bit Lucky, Says Allen After Hitting An Explosive 93 Against GT

Indian Premier League: Kolkata Knight Riders opener Finn Allen admitted fortune played its part in him hitting a blazing 93 against the Gujarat Titans, but insisted clarity of thought and adapting to conditions were key as his side piled up 247/2 in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at Eden Gardens on Saturday. His knock, studded with 10 sixes and four fours, set the tone for KKR before Raghuvanshi (82 not out) and Cameron Green (52 not out) ensured the innings closed with a flourish, leaving GT staring at a daunting chase. Sometimes you get a little bit lucky (talking about the luck he got early on). I just tried to continue as long as I could. Yeah, it's a beautiful ground to bat at. Boundaries are quite small, and the wicket is usually pretty good. It was a little bit tricky at the start, but we just tried to push through that, Allen said to broadcasters at the innings break. Asked if the pitch improved as the innings went on, he replied, Definitely. It was quite challenging with the new ball. Again, two quality bowlers. So, as I said, I just tried to push through that and get to the middle phase. Allen was effusive in his praise for young teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who struck a careerbest 82 not out. He's a proper player. The way he gets up and starts his innings, the batsmanship that he shows at such a young age, he's a quality player. On whether he had a total in mind while batting, the New Zealander added, No, I think personally, I just try and worry about that towards the back end of the innings if I'm there. Allen was effusive in his praise for young teammate Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who struck a careerbest 82 not out. He's a proper player. The way he gets up and starts his innings, the batsmanship that he shows at such a young age, he's a quality player. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Allen backed his sides batting depth to defend the imposing total and keep themselves alive in the race to the playoffs. I think I'll definitely back our boys. We've got a serious lineup, and I back our boys, he said. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Allens 93, Raghuvanshis 82 Not Out Help KKR Post 247/2 Against GT

Kolkata Knight Riders: Powered by Finn Allens blistering 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshis composed 82 not out, and Cameron Greens unbeaten rapid halfcentury, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a mammoth 247/2 in their 20 overs against Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. Allen played an absolute blinder - dropped twice on 14 and 33, the New Zealander made GT pay dearly, by hitting four boundaries and ten sixes at a strike-rate of 265.71. The Titans did themselves no favours with sloppy catching and ragged fielding that only added to the carnage unleashed by KKR. Once Allen departed as GT halted the 95-run stand for the second wicket, Raghuvanshi took charge by hitting 82 not out off 44 balls, his highest score in the league, studded with four boundaries and seven sixes. Green provided solid support by sharing an unbroken 108-run stand with Raghuvanshi for the third wicket and helping himself to 52 not out off 28 balls, laced with three fours and four maximums as the runs continued to flow unchecked for KKR. Sent in to bat first, KKR were off to a brisk start as Ajinkya Rahane cleared third man for six. But it was Allen who seized control of the innings, launching into Kagiso Rabada with successive towering sixes after taking two fours off Siraj and racing past 30 inside the powerplay. Rahanes dismissal for 14 to Siraj did little to halt the momentum as Raghuvanshi joined Allen to stitch a fluent partnership. After being given two reprieves, Allen was in imperious touch, punishing Rashid Khan with backtoback sixes and raising a 21ball halfcentury. He continued to toy with the attack, hammering Arshad Khan for three sixes in an over and racing to 93 off just 35 balls. His dismissal of Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, caught by Rashid at longon, ended a breathtaking knock but left KKR well placed for a huge score. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Green provided the late fireworks, smashing Rashid for a straight six and then hammering Rabada and Siraj for boundaries with powerful pulls and drives. He reached his fifty off 26 balls and finished unbeaten to ensure KKR had a fantastic finish and left GT staring at a daunting chase. Raghuvanshi, who had survived a close lbw call earlier, grew in confidence, paddling Rabada for six and unfurling reverse sweeps and lofted drives to keep the scoreboard racing. He reached his seventh IPL fifty and went on to compile his career-best IPL knock, striking boundaries at will and exploiting GTs sloppy fielding. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Kolkata Knight Riders 247/2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out; R Sai Kishore 1-38, Mohammed Siraj 1-50) against Gujarat Titans Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: Sometimes The Best Thing Is To Let Vaibhav Be Vaibhav, Says Sangakkara

Indian Premier League: In an era dominated by hyper-analysis, data tracking, and relentless media scrutiny of teenage prodigies, Rajasthan Royals head coach and director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara has revealed they have a no clutter policy for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, adding that sometimes the best thing is to let him be himself. Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 237, punctuated by two half-centuries and a century in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Sooryavanshi currently tops the tournaments six-hitting charts with 40 maximums, leading a high-profile pack that includes Abhishek Sharma (37), Ryan Rickelton (37), Priyansh Arya (32), Mitchell Marsh (31), and Rajat Patidar (31). I think handle is a strange word. Vaibhav is a supremely talented batter. He's very young. The key thing for Vaibhav is to enjoy every moment. He'll have good days, he'll have not-so-good days. It's absolutely fine. The worst thing we can do is clutter his mind, and that's something we avoid. We have a conversation with him. If he needs it, it's never technical. It's never to do with cricket. Sometimes you've got to get their minds off the game. One thing Vaibhav loves is batting. He loves batting, and that's a great sign to see from a young player. He enjoys playing cricket, but the most important thing about Vaibhav that I've seen is that he reads the game very well. So he's a smart little kid, and he'll keep understanding himself and the game and how to be in groups as he grows up. But so far, he's been a wonderful addition to our team, not just in terms of the runs he scores, but around the group. He's held his own with all his senior players. He loves a joke, smiles, and loves a bit of banter, and he's forged some really good relationships. So sometimes the best thing is to let Vaibhav be Vaibhav, said Sangakkara in the pre-match press conference. Despite Sooryavanshi's staggering metrics and his ability to pull off astonishing shots that veteran batters struggle to execute in T20s, Sangakkara flatly rejected the notion that the youngster is receiving specialised elite curation or being treated differently than the rest of the squad. I think one of the most important things in managing or coaching or whatever it is, is to understand your players. Each player is different, so you can't fit everyone into one box. You've got to first spend enough time with them to understand how they think, what their personalities are, how they react to a challenge, what their emotional intelligence is, all of these things. Vaibhav, for being such a young player, is very, very attuned to tactics; he's very attuned to reading bowlers, reading the game. He's very good with his peers and also his older teammates. He's great with internationals. So there's not a lot to do with Vaibhav. Everyone knows how talented he is. I don't have to sit here and tell you he's incredibly good. He's not a special project for us. He's a special player, but we try to treat every single player the same. We're very even-handed in how we treat our players. We're very mindful of the fact that each player is important, especially the players who haven't played as yet. Sometimes they're more important than the ones that play because they bring a lot of energy and support from the outside. So you have to support those players as well. It's not easy, and up to now, Vaibhav's been lovely to have with us, he added. However, Sangakkara was quick to issue a realistic reminder that the honeymoon period will eventually evolve into a tactical chess match for Sooryavanshi as opposition video analysts begin to dissect the teenager's game. The key to surviving that transition, according to the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, lies in preserving the inner child within Sooryavanshi, who fell in love with the sport a few years ago. But for Vaibhav, this is just the start, and he'll face different challenges as he grows older, as he starts playing more international cricket, as bowlers try to plan against him. The one thing he should never lose is his enjoyment of batting, and he should always bat with the same love he had for this skill. At 12, 13, 14, he's 15 now - he must never lose that love and fun that he has with batting. So the thing we try to do with Vaibhav is allow him to be himself. Have him have fun and be light. He loves his batting. So we always say, tell us how much you want to bat. Just make sure that you're not too tired, that you're fresh for a game. Then, in terms of managing him, we try to look after him as well as we do any other player. Sangakkara then offered an equally robust defense of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, who started brilliantly as number three batter, but has averaged under 19.7 in his last seven innings. I think for Dhruv, it's very simple not to be too hard on himself. I know there are a lot of expectations from around him, a lot of expectations from himself. But you can't beat yourself up about it when things go perfectly well. Nothing really goes perfectly well. Dhruv is, again, a very, very wholesome young man. His head's always in the right place. He's very grounded, very focused on doing everything right, and works hard. He's got some great interests outside cricket, one of which is coffee. All he needs to do is bat like Dhruv Jurel. I mean, he's got everything. He's got all the shots. He's superbly fit. He's very good with his gloves. It's just a matter of time. If he just keeps doing what he's doing currently, just keeps that focus, keeps working hard, no one's going to stop him. You look at his close friend, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Yash is, to me right now, one of the top five most accomplished batters in the world in every format. We're very lucky to have him. So he's got some great cricketers around him that he can feed off, he can talk cricket with. He's got some really good staff in Vikram Rathour, Trevor Penney, Sid Lahiri, all of these that he can speak with about batting. You can have all these conversations, but ultimately, making those decisions is up to you. I have no doubt that Dhruv Jurell is destined for very good things in the future, not just in RR colours, but also in Indian colours, elaborated Sangakkara. Speaking further on Jaiswal, whos averaged 18.9 in his last seven innings, Sangakkara highlighted how the left-handed opener provides a completely different kind of tactical reassurance compared to the explosive Sooryavanshi, adding that his ability to grind out runs in hostile environments makes him an interesting case study. See, when you focus, I mean, everyone focuses a lot on Vaibhav because he's young, exciting, and does things sometimes other batters can't. But that's the same thing with a batter like Yash. Yash does things other batters can't do - that is just slow runs in any condition against any moving attack, anywhere in the world, at any moment. Speaking further on Jaiswal, whos averaged 18.9 in his last seven innings, Sangakkara highlighted how the left-handed opener provides a completely different kind of tactical reassurance compared to the explosive Sooryavanshi, adding that his ability to grind out runs in hostile environments makes him an interesting case study. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Ultimately, you play cricket, you have to be able to take responsibility for what you do for your side. Sometimes that means doing well for yourself because it helps the side, and Yash just needs to keep focused, smile, relax, and enjoy his batting. Every time he does that, he does well for us. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026: DC Assistant Coach Bell Likens Intelligent Rahul To Root, Pietersen; Rallies Behind Under-fire Axar

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Ian Bell drew glowing parallels between wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul and England batting greats Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, praising the Indian batters relentless work ethic and intelligence in evolving as a modern T20 batter ahead of Sundays Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Rahul, who has been the linchpin of DCs misfiring batting line-up this season, has endured a lean patch since smashing a record-breaking, unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings last month. The elegant right-hander has crossed the 30-run mark just once in his last five innings. Overall, Rahul remains DC's top scorer this season with 477 runs from 12 matches at an average of 43.36 and a strike rate of 178, including three half-centuries and an unbeaten 152. It's been amazing to work with KL, to be honest with you. Again, I didn't have to say too much. He's a smart cricketer. He knows what he needs to do to keep evolving his game. Again, if he wants to get back in the India T20, he knows where that game has gone in the power play and where you have to be. So I think he's a really intelligent cricketer, which, again, as a coach and working alongside. Again, when I've been fortunate enough to play with great players, Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root, they're very similar. They work extremely hard away from the cameras. They know what they're doing. They come to training with a purpose. So he's been really great to work with, really, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. DC will be desperate for Rahul to find his groove as he faces a challenging battle against RRs pace spearhead Jofra Archer. Historically, Rahul enjoys an exceptional record against RR, aggregating 826 runs from 18 innings at an average of 51.62 and a strike rate of 135, featuring eight half-centuries. His last five scores against the Royals read a consistent 75, 38, 76, 58, and 39. I've picked his brains a lot as well, which has been great for me as well. But he's great, again, around the group with the younger batters. But I think for his own game, he knew what he wanted to do coming to this club. We know he can score a volume of runs. But can he then slightly take that more to where the game is going now? I think he's proven to everyone he can do that. Hopefully this is the, like I said, for the next few years, that's where it's going, and who knows where it can go after this, and I think that's the impressive thing. The same is true when you watch Virat as well. I think players who've played so much cricket and get to that stage in their career, if you are willing to improve and get better, I think that shows hunger and desire. KL, as I said, around the group, shows that every day, added Bell, who played 118 Tests and 161 ODIs for England. While Rahul has spearheaded DC batting, Bell emphasised the need for individual ownership within the wider batting order, especially while batting first. I think there's no doubt about the way the game is going in T20 cricket. We've seen the scores this year. I mean, we've managed ourselves to score 265 and then not defend it. So we know where the game's going and plan A is to be ultra aggressive, but we've also seen here in Delhi where the wicket can be a little bit different, and you've got to use different skills. If the ball's turning and it's a bit tacky, then you have to adapt. You've got to be able to play the likes of Narine differently. You've got to find your options as well as using your power game. So I think there's a part of play when the surface isn't absolutely true. But again, I think for us here, we still want to give the guys absolute clarity and license to be as aggressive as possible. We know that you're not going to win T20 cricket anymore by playing safe and building a foundation. But I think the best teams can adapt. I think that's where we have to be, certainly here at home, and we've got to be better at doing that by adapting to when the wicket is really good, to when the wicket maybe is holding a little bit and finding what is a match-winning score if we bat first. Bell also strongly voiced his backing for skipper Axar Patel, who has faced turbulent form this season. Axar has managed just 100 runs from nine batting innings at a disappointing average of 12.5 and a strike rate of 112. Barring a 30-ball 56 against the Punjab Kings, Axar has registered single-digit scores in seven of his other eight outings. Statistically, this is Axar's third-worst season with the bat in tournament history, only slightly ahead of his averages in 2021 (8) and 2014 (10.3). His primary struggle has come against spin, where he averages a meagre 9.5 with a sluggish strike rate of 70, compared to an average of 13.5 and a strike rate of 131 against pace. On the bowling front, Axar has fared better but has lacked his trademark penetration, picking up 10 wickets from 11 innings at an economy rate of 8.10. Furthermore, while he has been restrictive against right-handers this season - yielding seven wickets at an economy of 7.2, he has been taken to the cleaners by left-handed batsmen, conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 12. I think it's been really important to really support him and get around him. It's not easy - he's an important player not just for this franchise, but for India as well in T20 cricket. As somebody who can bat and field, they're so important to your team. He's obviously disappointed, as more than probably anyone. I know that people on the outside, supporters, want him and individuals like him who work hard at the game. He's desperate to do well for this franchise and for himself as well. It was great to see the way he played the other day. He put the positive option, I think the first boundary, on a seamer-friendly pitch. He advanced down and really took the momentum back to our side in that game, and hopefully, he can finish on a real high. We know what he can do at his best, and we've got to keep supporting him through that, and it happens to all cricketers. We've all been there when, unfortunately, cricket is a tough game, and sometimes you have to ride it; you've got to keep backing yourself. You've got to keep putting yourself out there in pressure situations, and it will all come good. He works hard, is respected and supported by the playing group, and we hope that he can come through. He's a great character in that dressing room, as we know. In all the teams he's played for, he's the kind of person you want in your dressing room, and we want to help him as the leader of that team. Hopefully, the other day was just the start of him finishing on a high at the back end of this competition, explained Bell. Turning his attention to their immediate opponents, RR, Bell openly acknowledged the threat posed by their young batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, branding him the ultimate prized wicket that DC must take out early. Sooryavanshi has amassed 440 runs across 11 innings at an impressive average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 237, punctuated by two half-centuries and a century. Sooryavanshi currently tops the tournaments six-hitting charts with 40 maximums, leading a high-profile chasing pack that includes Abhishek Sharma (37), Ryan Rickelton (37), Priyansh Arya (32), Mitchell Marsh (31), and Rajat Patidar (31). I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. So the guys would have done a lot of work. I'm sure he's chomping at the bit as well because we got him out early last time, so he'll be desperate to, I suppose, put that right, as all top players want to do. So, it's really important to take him out quickly. I don't want to give too much away. I think Munaf said that last time. We're not going to give too many plans away. I mean, he's a fantastic young player, isn't he? The talent is absolutely scary, and we want to get him out early - there's no doubt. I think when you play against Rajasthan Royals, I think he's the prized wicket, and you want to get him out early because you know the damage he can do if he stays with that crease long enough. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I know Trevor Penney and Kumar Sangakkara well. He's got some amazing people there that can guide him well, and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before we see him with India as well, but he's a scary talent, really. It's amazing to watch. So, we'd love to get him out early tomorrow, but I suppose from a neutral point of view, when he's playing against other teams, it's nice to watch him bat, concluded Bell. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: We Cant Win Competitions Being This Inconsistent, Says DC Assistant Coach Bell

Indian Premier League: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell admitted that chronic inconsistency on their home turf has plagued their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign and that one can't win competitions with those extremes the side has displayed this season. But Bell asserted that DC is highly motivated to finish their home leg on a high note for its fans when they face the Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday evening. After acing a sensational run-chase against Punjab Kings, DC face a must-win situation against RR to retain their mathematical, albeit bleak, chances of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs. But a defeat will officially eliminate DC from the tournament's Playoffs race. Desperate to finish their home leg on a high, DC will look to arrest a harrowing slump at their base venue, where they havent been able to grasp the varying behaviour of the pitches. Despite kicking off their season with a comfortable home victory against the Mumbai Indians, DC have suffered five consecutive defeats in their backyard and hold a dismal 17 percent win record at home this season. I think just being very inconsistent is one thing. I know there's been a lot of talk about the wicket, but I think, again, you can't use that as an excuse too much. It's the same for both teams. I think we have to accept, and it has been a crazy season for the fact that we scored 265 here, followed that up by being bowled out for 75 - you can't win competitions if you're that inconsistent, and I think we have to accept that reality. I think the guys are working extremely hard, and there's no doubt in front of your home fans that you want to make this a fortress. But we know, I mean, history probably tells, it's not just this season, but in years gone by, it's not been an easy venue to win games for Delhi, so I think that's something that needs to be addressed. We had a really good chat today about that, and we want to finish on a real high here at home, as we did in the last two games. I think it's really important that tomorrow is a performance that people can go away with excited and proud of the team, said Bell in the pre-match press conference. A volatile top-order and a lack of consistency in top-order batting roles have severely hampered DCs ability to maximize the powerplay overs. The franchise's search for a settled combination has seen it experiment extensively at the top. The pairing of KL Rahul and Abhishek Porel was the third different opening combination deployed by DC this season, while the critical number three slot has evolved into a revolving door, with Sahil Parakh becoming the fourth batsman to occupy the position. This frequent shuffling of roles has directly dented the team's ability to gain early momentum. Statistically, DCs opening partnerships this season have yielded 388 runs across their outings at a modest average of 32.3. While the dynamic stands at a healthy strike rate of 161, comprising two half-centuries, one century, and a best partnership of 110, the lack of stability has prevented DC from getting off the blocks consistently. It's, again, a good question and something that's been discussed a lot. You're right - I think when you look at the top four teams at the moment, there's a lot of consistency in the batting lineup, certainly the top four, and the combinations haven't quite worked for us, and it's something probably, over a period of time now, not having that stability in the batting lineup is something that, obviously, we're working towards, and guys have to take those opportunities as well and turn them into matchwinning performances. I suppose if we look statistically, KL's, again, had a fantastic year. He's increased his strike rate, which is what a lot of people have asked him to do. But we need other people to step up as well and be more consistent, and as you said with Ashu (Ashutosh Sharma) as well, we know what he can do. Personally, in this format of the game, you want your most aggressive players out in the park, so it's been great to have him in the team now, and the likes of him and Miller together is a really dangerous thought for any opposition team. So, great that he's playing now, and what I personally look at a lot of the other teams is a lot more stability, but again, I think that's down to players taking their opportunity as well. That's really important as well, not just about selection, but when you get your chance at this level and in any franchise, especially here, you have to grab it with both hands, and I don't think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that's important as well. I think any coaching staff wants to give clarity and confidence in selection, but players have to be able to take the opportunity. We see that, and it's about putting in performances for the franchise of winning games of cricket, explained Bell. Bell insisted the team environment remained positive despite results, adding that the squad's motivation remains simple: playing for a win at home for everyone involved with the team. No, it's been easy. I think when we're representing the Delhi Capitals, we have a responsibility to go out there and put the best performance we have, not just for the individuals in the team, but for the supporters and owners. That's really important as well, not just about selection, but when you get your chance at this level and in any franchise, especially here, you have to grab it with both hands, and I don't think anyone quite yet has made himself undroppable by performance, and I think that's important as well. I think any coaching staff wants to give clarity and confidence in selection, but players have to be able to take the opportunity. We see that, and it's about putting in performances for the franchise of winning games of cricket, explained Bell. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But the important thing is putting in a performance tomorrow, firstly, and just making sure we win the game tomorrow, and it's a good performance, whether we bat first, bowl first, we put in a good performance. We can't control the results, and then we'll move on to the last game, concluded Bell. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Dropped Catches, Dip In Catching Efficiency - Fielding Issues Raise Huge Alarms

Indian Premier League: On the eve of taking on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, the social media accounts of Rajasthan Royals (RR) posted an interesting 20-second clip of its fielders taking catches at practice with both hands and Ravi Bishnoi completing a grab with his right hand. More than the video, the caption caught the eye, as it said Dont drop your catches, along with laughter and folded hand emojis attached. If one were living under a rock, then that line would have been seen as another attempt by RRs social media admins to generate quirky laughter. But if one digs deeper, then that caption also points towards a trend which has been a nagging concern of dropped catches and a dip in catching efficiency, raising huge alarms in the ten-team competition. The cricketers in 2026 are faster, fitter, and more athletic than any generation before them. The way they dive, slide, and leap to complete acrobatic catches would have seemed extraordinary even a decade ago. IPL 2026 is shaping up as the most telling reminder yet that athleticism and catching proficiency are two very different things. The data from CricViz tells the story in cold, unforgiving numbers. After 59 matches in IPL 2026, fielding sides have held 541 catches and dropped 153 - a catching efficiency of 77.9 per cent. Six of the 10 franchises are operating below the 80 per cent threshold. The scale of the problem is not lost on the game's insiders, and its consequences in a format where 200-plus totals are now routine, and the Impact Sub rule has tilted the balance further toward batters have been severe. No team better illustrates the crisis than the Delhi Capitals. With a catching efficiency of just 65.4 per cent - the worst in the competition - DC have squandered 19 out of 36 chances. Think of how many times Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao was left ruing about dropped catches costing them crucial runs after losing matches. Sunrisers Hyderabad have dropped 24 catches the most by any side this season but their catching efficiency percentage is slightly better at 72.7 percent. At the other end of the spectrum, Kolkata Knight Riders lead the standings by holding 56 catches and dropping just eight chances at a healthy 87.5 per cent in ten matches and have conceded only one difficult drop all season. Rajasthan Royals (83.8 percent), Lucknow Super Giants (82.5 percent), Gujarat Titans (82 percent), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (81.6 percent) have also shown what a cohesive fielding unit can achieve. Punjab Kings, with a catching efficiency percentage of 73.5, have encapsulated the paradox of the modern fielding unit - captain Shreyas Iyer produced one of the catches of the tournament - a breathtaking mid-air relay against the Mumbai Indians to dismiss Hardik Pandya. Holding his balance in flight, Iyer tossed the ball back to teammate Xavier Bartlett before crossing the boundary rope. It was the kind of moment that makes highlight reels for years. Yet Iyer's brilliance has not been reflected in the unit around him his teammate Shashank Singh has had a tournament to forget in fielding by dropping six catches, including spilling three chances in a single innings against Lucknow Super Giants. As per CricViz data since 2020, overall catches have grown significantly from 459 in 2020 to a peak of 645 in 2024, suggesting that high-scoring matches have occurred in the tournament. The catching percentage peaked in 2023 at 81.5 percent, but has declined since then, to 75 percent in 2025 and 77.9 percent so far in 2026. Drops have risen sharply - from 129 in 2020 to hitting a peak of 207 in 2025, and with 153 dropped catches in 59 matches, IPL 2026 is on pace to reach a similarly high metric. Raw drop counts tell only part of the story. Cricket-21's runs-saved and runs-missed metrics put a harder number on the damage, and the figures are sobering. Naman Dhirs eight drops have not merely handed batters second lives, but cost Mumbai Indians 27 runs - the highest by any individual fielder in IPL 2026. Shashanks struggles in fielding acquire an even grimmer dimension through this lens: his dropped catches have cost Punjab Kings an estimated 22 runs in the field this season. What also makes for a grim reading is that not a single one of Shashanks six drops are classified as a difficult chance. According to Cricket-21 data, all of them were classified as easy or medium, as Shashanks catch efficiency stands at a near-indefensible 14.3 per cent. SRH have leaked 128 runs through fielding lapses this season - the worst figure of any franchise - while saving only 57. That net deficit of 71 runs is not an abstraction - in a format where margins between winning and losing a game can be as thin as 10 or 15 runs, it is the difference between finishing at the top spot and ending up at number four. Chennai Super Kings compound the picture further with 16 missed run-out opportunities, the most for any side. LSG, despite being at the bottom of the points table, emerges as the standout team when runs saved are the currency. Their fielders have saved 133 runs this season, the most for any franchise. In terms of individual catching, by combining all keepers and fielders, Jos Buttler leads outright with 17 catches. Jitesh Sharma stands out for efficiency - 12 catches and a stellar percentage of 92.3. Rishabh Pant has saved 26 runs, which makes him the most valuable fielder on either side this season, while Nicholas Pooran, Anukul Roy, Pathum Nissanka, Dhruv Jurel, and Noor Ahmad have saved 17 runs. Those inside the system are not surprised to see fielding and catching being an issue in IPL 2026. A senior fielding coach, who has worked at the highest level, spoke to IANS on the condition of anonymity on the roots of the malaise in catching and fielding. There are many reasons behind it: number one, hard hands. Number two, they don't get under the ball. Instead, they try to reach out to the ball. Number three, they want to make it a little glamorous. I havent seen someone running, nicely pausing, and taking a catch. Instead, someone has run and made a slide and taken the catch. But what I can see is, the easy catch, they make it look difficult and glamorous, and that's maybe one reason why so many dropped catches are happening on the field, said the fielding coach. The coach did not spare the culture around practice. Whatever is there has to be caught; it's simple. One doesn't have to think too much. It should be treated like a routine - waking up in the morning, taking a bath, and having breakfast. It should be deeply embedded in the routine of all players so that those chances arent missed. Another fielding coach, a regular in the cricketing circuit, told IANS that pressure and constant travel are also leading to catches being dropped regularly. Everyones talking about dropped catches, and rightly so, as fielding decides the outcome of games. But sometimes we forget that constant travel and the high pressure of playing matches are always around. It needs to be seen if players are getting enough sleep, and whether they are fresh mentally and physically for giving it their all on match day? As per my view, most catches are going down on the square boundaries. Are those exact-match scenarios being replicated in practice by coaches? Also, are your best fielders in the hot zones on match days? We also saw that new LED lights were installed in Jaipur, which took some time for RR fielders to adjust. Another fielding coach, a regular in the cricketing circuit, told IANS that pressure and constant travel are also leading to catches being dropped regularly. Everyones talking about dropped catches, and rightly so, as fielding decides the outcome of games. But sometimes we forget that constant travel and the high pressure of playing matches are always around. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The athleticism is not in doubt, as the IPL has always showcased that. The question heading into the business end of the season is a simpler and older one: when the ball comes to you, do you hold it? Right now, for far too many players and teams in IPL 2026, the answer is no. One can just hope that teams like RR will hope that the efforts done in practice and showcased on social media are executed on the field to arrest the great fielding and catching slide. Article Source: IANS

Rain wrecks second day at Southport

Weather wipes out any prospect of play

BAN vs PAK: Litton's Rearguard Ton Propels Bangladesh To 278 In Pakistan Test

Litton Das struck a century to rescue Bangladesh from a top-order collapse, as the hosts posted 278 in their first innings of the second and final Test against Pakistan on Saturday. Pakistan reached 21-0 at stumps in reply with Azan Awais on 13 and Abdullah Fazal on 8 in Sylhet. Batting at number six, Litton struck 16 fours and two sixes in his 159-ball 126, his sixth Test century, after Bangladesh had been reduced to 116-6 after lunch. Pakistan, trailing 1-0 in the two-match series after a 104-run defeat in Mirpur, opted to bowl and the decision immediately paid off. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell for a duck, edging Mohammad Abbas to second slip off the second ball of the match. Debutant Tanzid Hasan made a bright start, striking three boundaries in a fluent 26 off 34 balls, but threw his wicket away attempting an ambitious pull shot off Abbas, who took the catch off his own bowling. Mominul Haque was bowled for 22 by Khurram Shahzad. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship with a 43-run stand. But both fell after lunch as Bangladesh lost three wickets for 15 runs. Shanto edged Abbas behind for 29, Mushfiqur departed lbw for 23 and Mehidy Hasan Miraz was caught at deep fine leg for four to leave the hosts 116-6. Litton added 60 runs with Taijul Islam (16) off 114 balls for the seventh wicket and brought up his fifty off 93 balls. He took just 42 balls more to reach three figures with a cover drive off Shahzad, and then hit the next ball for six. He added 38 with Taskin Ahmed and a crucial 64 with Shoriful Islam off 73 balls for the ninth wicket. The most important thing in this innings is that Taijul, Taskin and Shoriful all batted well and faced a lot of balls, Litton said. Pakistan missed two review opportunities when replays showing faint edges off Mushfiqur and Litton that went unchallenged by captain Shan Masood. We were getting wickets early on. Unluckily, we missed a couple of reviews, said Shahzad. Also Read: Live Cricket Score If we had gotten them out there, the situation would have been completely different.

Unchanged GT bowl at Eden Gardens; Varun back for KKR

There is a chance Pathirana could play his first game of the season; he starts the game on the Impact Player bench

IPL 2026: Unchanged Gujarat Titans Elect To Bowl First Against KKR, Chakaravarthy Returns

Unchanged Gujarat Titans: An unchanged Gujarat Titans (GT) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 60 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. A win for GT, who are on a five-match winning streak, will make them the first side to seal a playoffs spot in IPL 2026, while a defeat for KKR will confirm their exit from the competition. After winning the toss, GT skipper Shubman Gill said, It does look like that (pitch having moisture). There was a little bit of rain around yesterday, and it looks a little bit sticky. We are hoping that it's going to get better in the second innings. Definitely, we believe that batsmen do win you matches, but if you want to win championships, your bowling unit has to be in form, and luckily for us, they are firing on all cylinders. Our bowling unit has been top-notch this season. The momentum is with us, and we have to keep doing the things consistently that we have been doing well. This is not the stage, this is not the time to take any teams lightly, but we're hoping to win the next two and hopefully be stable in the top two positions. It gives the edge to the teams that finish in the top two. You get one extra match. Hopefully, we won't play the extra match, but it does give you an edge; you can go out there and play your game, he said. KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane said Varun Chakaravarthy is back in the playing eleven after recovering from his niggle and replaces Vaibhav Arora. Taking one game at a time. We have to win three games and see what happens. We've been playing really good cricket, the last five games. We were looking to field as well. There's a little bit of moisture. I don't think it'll change too much, he said. Playing XIs: Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, and Mohammed Siraj Impact substitutes: Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Prasidh Krishna, and Kumar Kushagra. Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, and Mohammed Siraj Also Read: Live Cricket Score Impact substitutes: Vaibhav Arora, Ramandeep Singh, Tejasvi Dahiya, Rovman Powell, and Matheesha Pathirana. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Josh Played Smart Cricket And Let Me Attack, Says Marsh As He Praises Inglis After LSG's Win

Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh praised opening partner Josh Inglis for playing a smart supporting role during their match-winning partnership in Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seven-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in Lucknow on Friday. Marsh smashed a sensational 90 off just 38 balls while Inglis made 36 as the duo put on a massive 135-run opening partnership to help LSG chase down 188 in only 16.4 overs at the Ekana Stadium. Marsh said Inglis understood the situation perfectly and allowed him to continue attacking freely. Sometimes it can work like that when someone is really going at one end. I thought Josh played the situation really well during our partnership and allowed me to keep going. He rotated strike at the right times, and hes a really smart cricketer. Its always a pleasure to bat with him, Marsh said in a video released by LSG on X. Marsh added that it was satisfying to finally make strong contributions after a difficult start to the tournament for LSGs batting group. Its been a couple of good knocks now at this ground. Obviously, it was a little frustrating for all of our batters at the start of the tournament. It's been nice to contribute in the last few games and nice to get a win. Its been a hard slog for our team, so Im proud of the boys, he added. The Australian all-rounder also said LSG always believed they had a strong squad despite inconsistent results earlier in the season. I think on paper weve been a very good side. In the IPL, two or three bad overs can lose you a game, and sometimes the opposition also plays brilliant cricket, Marsh said. Marsh added that it was satisfying to finally make strong contributions after a difficult start to the tournament for LSGs batting group. Its been a couple of good knocks now at this ground. Obviously, it was a little frustrating for all of our batters at the start of the tournament. It's been nice to contribute in the last few games and nice to get a win. Its been a hard slog for our team, so Im proud of the boys, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, CSK posted 187/5 after Kartik Sharma scored 71 and Shivam Dube remained unbeaten on 32. But Marshs explosive batting completely changed the game as LSG sealed their fourth win of the season. Article Source: IANS

Pakistan name Iram Javed in T20 World Cup squad

They will first travel to Ireland, where they play a tri-series that also includes West Indies

IPL 2026: Omkar Salvi Backs Bhuvneshwars Experience And Adaptability Ahead Of Punjab Kings Clash

Assistant Coach Omkar Salvi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Assistant Coach Omkar Salvi credited Bhuvneshwar Kumars experience, preparation, and understanding of his own game as key factors behind the pacers strong campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 and emerging as a key player in the team's surge to the top of the standings. Ahead of RCBs away fixture against Punjab Kings on Sunday afternoon, Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently holds the Purple Cap with 22 wickets in 12 innings. Speaking on the former India pacer's contribution to the team, Salvi said, He did really well last season too. The role he was playing did exceptionally well for us. This season, he is in a different role, and everyone knows what a world-class bowler he is and the skills he possesses. He is just enjoying his bowling and expressing himself freely. Salvi also spoke about how Bhuvneshwar has adapted his bowling according to different phases of the innings. Every bowler has their own strengths and teams plan according to that, he said. Bhuvi is bowling with the new ball, so naturally, he wants to explore the swing. At the death as well, he has been using his variations effectively. It depends on which phase the bowler is operating in. He added that the veteran seamers preparation and fitness work ahead of the season had also contributed significantly to his performance. Looking at the experience Bhuvneshwar Kumar has, he understands his body really well, Salvi said. He knows the fitness components he needs to work on, and he has worked religiously on them. That is reflected in his bowling. Every bowler has their own strengths and teams plan according to that, he said. Bhuvi is bowling with the new ball, so naturally, he wants to explore the swing. At the death as well, he has been using his variations effectively. It depends on which phase the bowler is operating in. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Salvi also noted Jacob Bethells adaptability in the batting unit, backing the youngsters ability to perform in different situations. Bethell has proved himself on the world stage and in this format he is a world-class player, Salvi said. It doesnt matter which position he bats in. He is a mature player who adapts himself according to the situation, and we have seen him perform. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: This Chit Business Should Be Banned, Says Rayudu As He Criticises Akash Singhs Celebration

Lucknow Super Giants: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has strongly criticised Akash Singhs 'chit celebration' during Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, saying such celebrations should be banned. Akash, who starred with figures of 3-26, celebrated each wicket by pulling out a small chit from his pocket and showing it to the cameras. The note reportedly read: #Akkionfire Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game. The chit celebration has become a new trend in IPL 2026, and several players, including Urvil Patel and Raghu Sharma, have celebrated milestones by bringing out chits with a message. Akash Singhs celebration quickly went viral on social media, but it also drew criticism from several former cricketers. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Rayudu said he did not like the trend of players bringing out notes and messages during matches. I think they should ban this chit business, absolute nonsense. I dont think theyre supposed to bring chits anyway, Rayudu said. The former CSK batter also questioned the idea behind the celebration and joked about how it must have been planned. I just want to know at what point today he thought, Hey, this will be awesome, Ill pull this out on TV, and everybody will think Im cool.'. I also want to know which friends backed him and told him it was a great idea, He said. I think thats his manifestation. It may not go down well with a lot of people, but its kind of funny and a bit of rubbish, he added. Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan also criticised the trend and said young players should focus more on performances than dramatic celebrations. Im actually surprised with some of this generation coming through. You put your fingers up after your first real IPL performance when people have only just learnt your name. I find it all very fascinating, he said. Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn also reacted on social media, saying the celebration trend was no longer interesting. Time to put the papers away. It aint trending anymore. Actually, to be honest, it never really was, Steyn posted on X, formerly Twitter. Akash, meanwhile, defended the celebration and said the note simply gives him confidence during games. Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn also reacted on social media, saying the celebration trend was no longer interesting. Time to put the papers away. It aint trending anymore. Actually, to be honest, it never really was, Steyn posted on X, formerly Twitter. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The left-arm pacer played a major role in LSGs victory by removing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel early in the innings. LSG later chased down 188 comfortably thanks to Mitchell Marshs explosive 90 off 38 balls. Article Source: IANS

New Zealand bowl first as weather threatens Cardiff ODI

England recall Grewcock and Filer after washout in Northampton

Arbeloa Insists No Problems With Mbappe After Forward's Caustic Comments On Being Used As Substitute In Last Match

Real Madrid: As his side gears up for its penultimate game of the La Liga season away to Sevilla on Sunday, Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa faced another difficult session in front of the press on the eve of the match and had to answer some tough questions over his poor relations with star forward Kylian Mbappe. Real Madrid have nothing to play for as archrivals Barcelona have already captured the title while Arbeloa's side are enconsed at the second spot. Their opponents in Sevilla need a win to assure top-flight survival. While his side is safe, the same can't be said about the coach, as Arbeloa's problems continue to grow ahead of the game. As well as a long injury list including Eder Militao, Federico Valverde, Ferland Mendy, and Arda Guler, his poor relationship with Mbappe has hit the headlines, reports Xinhua. That relationship exploded on Thursday night when Mbappe told the press after the 2-0 win over Oviedo that he was Arbeloa's fourth choice forward - something the coach denied, citing the striker's recent fitness issues as the reason Mbappe had been a substitute in a game where the Frenchman was booed when he ran onto the pitch, and every time he touched the ball. I was just coming up here, and I saw him. I told him to relax, said Arbeloa to the press. We had already discussed everything he said, so I take it in my stride as I understand how players feel when they're not playing. Kylian wasn't happy the other day, and I see what's happened these past few days as perfectly normal, and my relationship with Mbappe remains the same, he added. I was just coming up here, and I saw him. I told him to relax, said Arbeloa to the press. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For me, as a player and a Real Madrid fan, Mourinho is number one. I thought that a month ago, and I still think it. He is and always will be one of us. If he's here next season, I'll be very happy to see him back home, concluded Arbeloa. Article Source: IANS

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IPL 2026

'Kartik Sharma Is Turning Into A Complete Middle-order Batter': Rayudu

Chennai Super Kings: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu praised young Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Kartik Sharma after his impressive 71 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), saying the youngster is developing into a complete middle-order player. Kartik played a fighting knock of 71 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes after CSK lost early wickets in their seven-wicket defeat to LSG at the Ekana Stadium. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Rayudu said Kartiks preparation against pace bowling stood out during the innings. I think its been exceptional. He was prepared for a lot of short bowling against a team that has good fast bowlers - that shows his preparation has been spot on, Rayudu said. Rayudu also praised Kartiks batting against spin and his ability to judge length quickly. His game against spin, too, has been quite exceptional in reading length. I just think hes turning into a complete middle-order batter. Especially for conditions at home in India, he is looking very, very good, he added. The former CSK batter said Kartik already has the ability to clear the boundary consistently against both pace and spin. He can hit sixes against both fast bowlers and spinners. His batsmanship will improve over time with confidence and experience. He will understand better when to take singles and doubles on certain pitches. Once he gets into those details, I feel his strike rate will improve even more, Rayudu said. Rayudu also highlighted Kartiks quick improvement despite batting lower down the order earlier in the season. He can hit sixes against both fast bowlers and spinners. His batsmanship will improve over time with confidence and experience. He will understand better when to take singles and doubles on certain pitches. Once he gets into those details, I feel his strike rate will improve even more, Rayudu said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier in the match, CSK posted 187/5 thanks largely to Kartiks innings and Shivam Dubes unbeaten 32. But LSG chased the target comfortably after a brilliant 90 from Mitchell Marsh and a 135-run opening partnership with Josh Inglis. Article Source: IANS

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

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium: Punjab Kings (PBKS) will clash with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 61st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium on Sunday. Punjab began their campaign in dominant fashion, winning six of their opening seven matches and emerging as one of the strongest sides in the tournament. However, their momentum has faded in recent weeks, with Shreyas lyer's men suffering five consecutive defeats. As the playoff battle heats up, PBKS will be desperate to halt the slide and strengthen their chances of securing a top-four finish. PBKS are currently placed at fourth position in the points table with 13 points in 12 matches. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been one of the best teams in IPL 2026, winning eight of their 12 matches so far. They are almost through to the playoffs and will now look to secure a top-two finish with a win against the Kings. RCB are coming into this match with confidence after beating the Kolkata Knight Riders, thanks to a brilliant century from Virat Kohli. The finalists of IPL 2025 will face each other for the first time this season. Last time they met, RCB came out on top and later won the title. With both teams in very different situations this season, this match promises to be an exciting contest between two strong sides. PBKS and RCB have faced each other 37 times in the IPL so far. RCB holds a slight edge with 19 wins, while PBKS have won 18 matches. There have been no ties or no results between the two teams. Their first meeting came on May 5, 2008, when PBKS secured the victory. The most recent clash was on June 3, 2025, with RCB coming out on top. When: Sunday, May 17, 3:30 PM IST Where: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala Where to watch: The PBKS vs RCB match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. Squads: Where to watch: The PBKS vs RCB match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game. 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 (wicketkeeper), Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh lyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra. Article Source: IANS

Mohsin Naqvis Attendance In Doubt As ICC Board Meeting Heads To Ahmedabad: Report

The International Cricket Council: The International Cricket Councils upcoming quarterly meetings will take place in India later this month in Ahmedabad. However, there is still uncertainty about Mohsin Naqvi's participation due to ongoing tensions between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), according to a report. The ICC chief executives committee meeting will be held virtually on May 21. The in-person ICC Board meeting is scheduled for May 30 and 31 in Ahmedabad, coinciding with the final weekend of the Indian Premier League 2026. According to an India Today report, the meetings were initially planned for Doha, Qatar, in March and April, but were moved to India because of the continuing crisis in West Asia. Now that the meetings will be in Ahmedabad, it is uncertain whether PCB chairman Naqvi will travel to India for this important gathering. Usually, Naqvi would attend the ICC Board meeting in person as Pakistan's representative. However, ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, along with deteriorating cricket relations between the two boards, have made his attendance questionable. Reports indicate that relations between Naqvi and the BCCI have been strained since he took over the PCB. The friction escalated after a surprising incident at the conclusion of the recent Asia Cup in Dubai. Usually, Naqvi would attend the ICC Board meeting in person as Pakistan's representative. However, ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, along with deteriorating cricket relations between the two boards, have made his attendance questionable. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The awkward situation ended with Naqvi leaving the stadium with the trophy and medals. The silverware is reportedly still in Dubai on Naqvis orders, while the BCCI has requested its return and taken the issue to the ICC. Article Source: IANS

'CSK Dont Have Too Many Smart Heads On The Field': Rayudu After Loss To LSG

Chennai Super Kings: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Chennai Super Kings lacked experienced and calm voices on the field to guide Anshul Kamboj during a difficult spell against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Friday. Kamboj had a forgettable outing as Mitchell Marsh smashed him for four consecutive sixes in one over during his explosive 90 off 38 balls. The young pacer eventually conceded 63 runs in 2.4 overs as LSG chased down 188 in just 16.4 overs to win by seven wickets. Speaking on ESPNcricinfos TimeOut show, Rayudu said CSK missed experienced players who could have stepped in and helped Kamboj reset mentally during the attack. I feel the CSK side, when you look at them at the ground, there are not too many smart heads or experienced heads there, players who could just control the game, who can go and give him a pat and say, Boss, just wait, hang on for ten seconds, tie your laces up, Rayudu said. Rayudu felt wicketkeeper Sanju Samson was too far away from the action to make a real impact in that situation and said someone needed to interrupt Kambojs thought process before things got worse. Maybe ask him, Do you think a slower ball can work? Do you think we can bowl a yorker now? Just change his chain of thought. Dont let him get lost in that moment, he added. Despite the expensive spell, Rayudu defended Kamboj and said the young pacer had simply run into two batters in outstanding form. Maybe ask him, Do you think a slower ball can work? Do you think we can bowl a yorker now? Just change his chain of thought. Dont let him get lost in that moment, he added. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Earlier, CSK posted 187/5 thanks to Kartik Sharmas 71 and an unbeaten 32 from Shivam Dube. But Marsh and Josh Inglis put on a 135-run opening stand to take the game away from CSK and hurt their playoff hopes badly. Article Source: IANS

'Exceptional' Kartik Sharma is beginning to live up to his big billing

Since he has come at No. 4 or No. 5, he has been batting exceptionally well, Ambati Rayudu says about CSK's 20-year-old batter Kartik Sharma

'No One Works Harder Than Akash Singh': Justin Langer After LSGs Big Win Over CSK

Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer praised left-arm pacer Akash Singh for his hard work and professionalism after the teams convincing seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026. Akash played a key role in the victory with figures of 3-26, removing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel to put CSK under pressure early in the innings. Speaking after the match, Langer said Akash fully deserved his success because of the effort he put into improving his game. The thing about Akash Singh, no one works harder on their game. He is literally the most professional player youll ever see. When you see someone like him get the opportunity, youre so happy for him because hes worked so hard. You love seeing players get the rewards for their hard work, Langer said in a video released by IPL on X. Langer also praised the opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis, who put together a match-winning 135-run stand while chasing 188. Marsh smashed 90 off 38 balls while Inglis made 36 as LSG chased down the target in just 16.4 overs. The LSG coach revealed that the team had made changes in the batting order after struggling earlier in the season. Five games ago, our batting wasnt working. Mitch had been playing well. Aiden Markram selflessly moved down to number four, even though his numbers as an opener for South Africa and for us last year were elite, but we felt we needed a bit more energy at the top of the order and that they would complement each other, he said. They are good mates, they play for Australia, and both come from Western Australia. Josh played well in the last game, and Mitch played brilliantly today. Those partnerships were outstanding, he added. Langer also called the IPL the toughest domestic T20 tournament in the world and stressed that every game carries pressure and importance. The IPL is such a competitive competition. Its the best domestic league in the world, he said. Every single game is important, for the players, the team, the owners, and the families, whether its the first game or the last game of the season. The IPL is such a competitive competition. Its the best domestic league in the world, he said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score I think it was nice to play CSK twice in a few games, so we were very well prepared for them. It was nice to get the result, he said. Article Source: IANS

'It Was An Absolute Masterclass': Boucher Praises Marsh After LSGs Win Over CSK

Former South Africa: Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Mark Boucher described Mitchell Marshs innings against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a 'masterclass' and said the conditions at the Ekana Stadium perfectly suited the Australian batters in Lucknow Super Giants Marsh smashed a stunning 90 off just 38 balls, while Josh Inglis added 36 as LSG chased down 188 in only 16.4 overs to register a dominant seven-wicket victory. It was an absolute masterclass. Both Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh said that the wicket reminded them of Perth. How many boundaries were hit square of the wicket? Marsh knew the bowlers were going to bowl back of a length because thats what had worked for the LSG bowlers earlier, Boucher told Jio Hotstar. Boucher said Marsh used the pace and bounce of the pitch brilliantly and looked completely comfortable throughout his innings. He was using the pace and knows how to bat in these conditions, he said. The former South African star also suggested that LSG should continue preparing similar surfaces at home because their squad is well suited for such conditions. And maybe, considering how the surface played, this is the future for LSG. They need to play on these kinds of wickets, Boucher said. They have fast bowlers who can bowl effectively on such surfaces and extract something from them, and they also have batters who thrive in bouncy conditions, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Inglis. It could stand them in good stead for next season as well, he added. And maybe, considering how the surface played, this is the future for LSG. They need to play on these kinds of wickets, Boucher said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score But Marshs explosive knock and the 135-run opening stand with Inglis completely took the game away from CSK and badly hurt their playoff hopes. Article Source: IANS

'What You Learn From Mistakes Is More Important': Shastri Backs Kamboj After Tough Outing Vs LSG

Chennai Super Kings: Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has backed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) young pacer Anshul Kamboj after a difficult outing vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Shastri believes that the 25-year-old will definitely learn a lot from his mistakes in the match and come back stronger. Kamboj had a difficult day as Marsh smashed him for four consecutive sixes in one over during a brilliant knock of 90 off 38 balls. The CSK pacer ended with expensive figures of 63 runs in 2.4 overs as LSG chased down 188 in just 16.4 overs. Speaking about Kambojs bowling, Shastri said the young fast bowler should have changed his plans once Marsh started attacking the short balls. After getting hit for four sixes, what should Anshul Kamboj have done? In my opinion, he should have bowled more yorkers and aimed at the stumps. When you know Marsh is waiting for short balls, either bowl yorkers or bowl bouncers outside the off stump with protection behind. The bouncers should be closer to head height, not chest or waist height, because players like Marsh are very comfortable playing those deliveries, Shastri told Jio Hotstar. Former Indian captain, however, said difficult moments help young cricketers improve. If he had not been hit for four sixes, he would not have learned from it. Everyone makes mistakes, but learning from them is the most important thing, he added. Despite the defeat, Shastri said CSK should take positives from the game after posting 187/5 on a pitch that was not very easy for batting. Kartik Sharma scored 71 while Shivam Dube made an unbeaten 32 to help CSK recover after early wickets from Akash Singh. I would still take positives from this game for CSK. This was not an easy wicket, and they still scored 187. Sanju Samson and Ruturaj Gaikwad did not score many runs, so if they come back into form, it will help the team a lot. The bowlers will also learn what lengths to bowl on pitches like this. In Chennai, they know the conditions much better and will be stronger at home. Shastri said the defeat should be seen as a learning experience ahead of CSKs next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The bowlers will also learn what lengths to bowl on pitches like this. In Chennai, they know the conditions much better and will be stronger at home. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Meanwhile, after this loss, CSK are currently placed at sixth position in the points table with 12 points in 12 matches, and they would now have to win both their remaining matches to have a good chance at securing their birth in the playoffs. Article Source: IANS

Honours even as Pakistan quicks strike before Bangladesh fight back

The session was marred for Pakistan when Hasan Ali, in his attempt to take a catch off his own bowling, struck the side of his head on the turf and had to be stretchered off

Mitchell Marsh zooms to No. 6 on IPL 2026 Orange Cap table

Both Anshul Kamboj and Prince Yadav, contenders for the Purple Cap, went wicketless - and were expensive - in the LSG vs CSK game

'Hard Work Gives Me Satisfaction': Akash Singh Opens Up After Match-winning Spell Vs CSK

BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Left-arm pacer Akash Singh said hard work and self-belief are the driving forces behind his performances after producing a match-winning spell in Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) emphatic seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2026 at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. Akash ripped through CSKs top order with figures of 3-26, dismissing skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel to leave the visitors struggling early on a fiery red-soil pitch. After the magical performance, the youngster said that he constantly motivates himself mentally during pressure situations and believes preparation is the key to succeeding at the highest level. If I am under pressure or something like that, I keep telling myself things that give me motivation to perform well at this level. If you work hard, you get satisfaction. Whether you play or not, you are ready for the match, Akash said in a video released by IPL on X. And if you work hard, you know that when my chance comes, I have to seize it. I get satisfaction from hard work. For me, the most important thing is hard work because its in my hands. If I dont do that, I cant expect myself to go to the match and perform. That will never happen, he added. Akash also explained his animated chit-from-pocket celebration, saying it symbolised confidence and self-motivation. I think this is basically Aki on Fire. Its about how Aki on Fire knows how to take wickets, Akash said. Akash further stressed the importance of understanding strengths and weaknesses in the T20 format and credited conversations within the team setup for boosting his confidence. The understanding is that in a T20 game, you have to understand what your strength is, but at the same time, what your opponents weaknesses are. This chit-chat is giving me confidence. For me, this is the mantra, he added. Akash further stressed the importance of understanding strengths and weaknesses in the T20 format and credited conversations within the team setup for boosting his confidence. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Marsh smashed a scintillating 90 off just 38 balls, while Josh Inglis made 36 and Nicholas Pooran finished unbeaten on 32 off 17 balls as LSG chased down the target in just 16.4 overs to register their fourth win of the season. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: LSG Skipper Rishabh Pant Fined For Slow Over-rate Against CSK

Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant has been fined Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during his sides IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday. The sanction was imposed under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct, marking LSGs first minimum over-rate offence of the season. Rishabh Pant, Captain, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match No. 59 of TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Friday. As this was his teams first offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPLs Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Rishabh Pant was fined INR 12 lakhs, IPL said in a statement. Riding on Akash Singhs fantastic three-fer, Mitchell Marshs brutal 90 off 38 balls and Nicholas Poorans late fireworks, LSG managed to thrash Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets. CSK had posted 187/5, thanks to Kartik Sharmas career-best score of 71 in T20s and an unbeaten 32 from Shivam Dube, after Akashs spell took out the top order on a fiery red soil pitch. But Marsh and Josh Inglis set the tone right from the start via a massive 135-run opening stand. Riding on Akash Singhs fantastic three-fer, Mitchell Marshs brutal 90 off 38 balls and Nicholas Poorans late fireworks, LSG managed to thrash Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets. Also Read: Live Cricket Score After he, Inglis and Abdul Samad fell in quick succession, Pooran produced some emphatic hits to smash 32 off just 17 balls. He slammed one four and four maximums to help LSG reach with 20 balls to spare and dent CSKs playoffs hopes in a thumping fashion. Article Source: IANS

Fatima Sana To Lead As Pakistan Announces 15-member Squad For Womens T20 WC 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday announced 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, with Fatima Sana retained as captain for the global tournament to be held in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5. The squad will also participate in a preparatory tri-series in Ireland featuring co-hosts Ireland and West Indies ahead of the World Cup. Among the selected players, Eyman Fatima, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Saira Jabeen, and Tasmia Rubab are set to feature in the Womens T20 World Cup for the first time. Twenty-four-year-old Fatima, who will appear in her third Womens T20 World Cup, will captain Pakistan in the tournament for the second consecutive edition after leading the side in the 2024 event held in the UAE. Pakistan head into the tournament after a successful home T20I series against Zimbabwe in Karachi, where they completed a 3-0 sweep. Ahead of the World Cup, Pakistan will take part in a tri-series in Dublin from May 28 to June 4, playing against Ireland and the West Indies. The side will also play two warm-up matches against Sri Lanka on June 6 and Scotland on June 9 in Derby. Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India on June 14 at Edgbaston in Birmingham before facing South Africa at the same venue on June 17. They will then travel to Southampton to play Bangladesh on June 20 before taking on Australia at Headingley in Leeds on June 23. Pakistans final group-stage fixture will be against the Netherlands in Bristol on June 27. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals scheduled on June 30 and July 2, while the final will be played at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 5. Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Saira Jabeen, Tasmia Rubab, and Tuba Hassan Pakistan Squad: Also Read: Live Cricket Score Amber Kainat, Momina Riasat, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, and Umm-e-Hani Article Source: IANS

Rayudu on Kamboj's horror day: 'Like getting a golden duck'

Anshul Kamboj was hit for eight sixes by Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran as he returned 2.4-0-63-0 in CSK's loss to LSG

Hasan Ali stretchered off the field in Sylhet after picking up injury

Hasan Ali landed awkwardly while attempting a catch off his own bowling in the eighth over of the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet

Pakistan lose eight WTC points for slow over-rate in first Test against Bangladesh

Pakistan became the second team to be docked points for bowling their overs slowly in the ongoing WTC cycle after England lost two points during the Lord's Test last year

IPL 2026: 'Bowling Had An Off-day Today,' Says CSK Skipper Gaikwad

Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted that Chennai Super Kings endured an off-day with the ball after their seven-wicket defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Friday, but insisted the five-time champions still remain firmly in the hunt for an IPL 2026 playoff berth. CSK find themselves in a precarious position of having 12 points from 12 matches. They are already in must-win territory for the remainder of their league encounters and have to be dependent on other results going their way as well. Having already been knocked out,LSG gaveChennai a major setback with a ruthless chase that was piloted by the duo of Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis. Taking lessons from this loss, Gaikwad admitted that the bowlers could not stick to the plans consistently. Bowling had an off-day today, Gaikwad said after the match. The first challenge is getting to Chennai and make sure we improve on the areas we need to improve, and then adapt and assess the conditions [in the remaining two league games]. Despite the setback, the CSK captain maintained that qualification remains achievable and refused to panic over the teams position in the points table. It is simple [playoff hopes], nothing complicated, Gaikwad said. Nothing to worry about, just ensure we have a good day and hope that we turn things around. CSK put up a good score given they felt this would be a much lower-scoring game. But once LSG's aggressive intent came through it was difficult for CSK to stem the run rate. Gaikwad believed the pitch gave enough assistance to the pacemen but it was a credit to the Lucknow batters that they managed to pick their scoring chances. There was a bit of something for the fast bowlers. Found it difficult to hit it off a hard length, he explained. We were looking at 160-170, and got 180. Nothing much better we could have done from a batting point of view. Marsh and Inglis added a dominant opening stand that effectively killed the chase early, with both batters taking on the short-ball strategy employed by Chennais bowlers. Gaikwad said CSK had specific plans against the two overseas batters but admitted the execution fell short under pressure. They (LSG) batted well and played some extraordinary shots, Gaikwad said. We were looking [to bowl the short ball] but [Josh] Inglis played differently in the last game, and Marsh plays the short ball well, so we were trying to hit a hard length. They (LSG) batted well and played some extraordinary shots, Gaikwad said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Sometimes the opposition can play good cricket than you, and you have to accept it. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Why Not Try Players Who Have Not Played Much, Reveals Pant On Skipping Bat Vs CSK

Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant has revealed that he deliberately chose not to bat during Lucknow Super Giants successful chase against Chennai Super Kings in Lucknow, saying the decision was taken to give opportunities to players who had not received enough game time in IPL 2026. Padded up in the dugout and looking ready to bat, Pant was a surprise absentee even after LSG lost three wickets in quick succession after cruising to 135 for no loss in the 12th over in the chase of 188. Nicholas Pooran, instead, came in at No. 3 followed by Abdul Samad and Mukul Choudhary as Lucknow eventually completed the chase comfortably with seven wickets in hand. The decision came after discussions in the team management after the match explained the decision, Pant said. See, I was ready to bat and the idea came up, Pant said at the post-match presentation. I was in the dressing room. The idea came in: why not try players who have not played much, they haven't got much chances, and that was the idea. Pant admitted he was initially uncertain about staying back despite wanting to be involved in the middle. I was thinking again and again, should I do it or not, because I still wanted to be out there in the field. But you know, sometimes you have to respect some things for the think tank. The move seemed a bit controversial considering Pant has batted at the top throughout the season. The left-handed batter has played 11 innings in IPL 2026 till now with 7 of those innings coming at number three, 3 at number four and 1 at number 3. LSG have tinkered quite a bit with their batting order before finding a stable opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis who put on 135 runs for the franchise at the top against CSK. Pant added that the plan of the franchise from the beginning was to use the foreign batsmen in the top order. See, definitely that was the first thought, Pant said when asked about loading the top order with overseas players. That getting two overseas players to open the innings and Nicky (Pooran) batting at three. That was the idea. However, Pant acknowledged that injuries and inconsistency prevented the plans from fully working this season. Inglis missed a large part of the tournament, while Aiden Markram and Pooran struggled for consistency at different stages. Sometimes it's difficult when thought process is not being implemented all the time, Pant said. But at the same time, we take pride, and we are confident as a team. The only thing I would say is it's frustrating when you know what you have as a team, [but] just because of little thought process here and there and you can't implement things the way you want. Things can happen. Sometimes it's difficult when thought process is not being implemented all the time, Pant said. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The only thing that can harm us is having too many thought process. Article Source: IANS

Babar returns, Tanzid handed debut as Pakistan ask Bangladesh to bat in overcast Sylhet

Bangladesh have also brought in Shoriful Islam, leaving out Shadman Islam and Ebadot Hossain; Pakistan have left out Shaheen Shah Afridi, Imam-ul-Haq and Noman Ali, with Khurram Shahzad and Sajid Khan coming in

CPL 2026: defending champions TKR hold on to Pollard, Pooran, Narine and Hosein

Here's a look at how the seven CPL 2026 squads are looking after they completed their quota of local players

Sanderson stars again but Price proves value to Gloucestershire

Unbeaten fifty anchors hosts before three wickets before close redresses balance on Northants' day

IPL 2026: Akashs Three-fer, Marshs Scintillating 90 Helps LSG Thrash CSK By Seven Wickets (Ld)

BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Riding on Akash Singhs fantastic three-fer, Mitchell Marshs brutal 90 off 38 balls and Nicholas Poorans late fireworks, Lucknow Super Giants managed to thrash Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. CSK had posted 187/5, thanks to Kartik Sharmas career-best score of 71 in T20s and an unbeaten 32 from Shivam Dube, after Akashs spell took out the top order on a fiery red soil pitch. But Marsh and Josh Inglis set the tone right from the start via a massive 135-run opening stand. Marsh was scintillating in hitting nine fours and seven sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 236.84, before an unfortunate run out stopped him ten runs short of reaching a fantastic century. After he, Inglis and Abdul Samad fell in quick succession, Pooran produced some emphatic hits to smash 32 off just 17 balls. He slammed one four and four maximums to help LSG reach with 20 balls to spare and dent CSKs playoffs hopes in a thumping fashion. Marsh ran after CSKs bowlers from the get go hitting three boundaries as Mukesh Choudharys opening over went for 15 runs. Inglis too joined in by getting a boundary off Anshul Kamboj and Spencer Johnson. The real carnage began when Marsh smashed Kamboj for four consecutive sixes and a four, as 28 runs came off the fifth over. By the end of the powerplay, LSG were cruising at 86/0. Marsh reached his fifty in just 21 balls by pulling Johnson for four and continued to dominate by hammering him and Noor Ahmad for towering sixes. Inglis played second fiddle by adding 36 off 32 balls before falling to Mukesh. On the very next ball, Marshs dismissal came in unfortunate fashion - run out for 90 after a straight drive from Pooran deflected onto the stumps post a brush off Mukeshs hand at the non-strikers end. By then, Marshs brutal knock had already broken CSKs spirit, though Johnson castled Samad later. Pooran, who had been quiet initially, exploded at the death. After Mukul Choudhary chipped in with handy boundaries, Pooran tore into Kamboj in the 17th over smashing finish the game in style, as LSG sealed back-to-back home wins. Kamboj endured a nightmare, conceding 63 runs in 2.4 overs, as CSKs bowlers looked bereft of ideas once Marsh teed off, and by the time Pooran applied the finishing touches, CSK and their loyal supporters were left shell-shocked. What had seemed a defendable, competitive total at the halfway stage was dismantled with ruthless efficiency by Marsh-powered LSG. Previously, Kartik overcame a sluggish start to hit 71 off 42 balls laced with six fours and five sixes at a strike-rate of 169/05. It was a dazzling knock where Kartik took on every LSG pacer after the top-order fell to Akash. Dube then brought out the big shots to hit an unbeaten 32 off 16 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, while Prashant Veer also made 13 not out off 10 deliveries and ensured CSK posted a competitive total by getting 60 runs off the last five overs. Opting to bat first, CSK were off to a brisk start as Samson cracked three boundaries in the opening over off Mohammed Shami. Ruturaj Gaikwad too found the ropes against Akash, but the left-arm seamer struck back quickly. He hurried Gaikwad on the pull and had him caught at mid-on, while Samson couldnt keep a flick out and holed out in the deep. Urvil Patels stay was brief, as Akash had him pulling to deep mid-wicket to leave CSK in trouble. At 52/3, Dewald Brevis joined Kartik and the pair stitched together a vital 70-run stand off 44 balls. Brevis announced himself with a six off Akash and added 25 off 16 balls before Shamis short ball had him caught at fine leg. Kartik, meanwhile, grew in confidence with every boundary coming off his bat and his risks paying off. He reached his second fifty of the season off 35 balls with a towering six off Shami and continued to punish Shahbaz Ahmed and Prince Yadav with a flurry of boundaries. Shahbaz eventually ended his stay, but not before Kartik had given CSK the platform they needed. Urvil Patels stay was brief, as Akash had him pulling to deep mid-wicket to leave CSK in trouble. At 52/3, Dewald Brevis joined Kartik and the pair stitched together a vital 70-run stand off 44 balls. Brevis announced himself with a six off Akash and added 25 off 16 balls before Shamis short ball had him caught at fine leg. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 187/5 in 20 overs (Kartik Sharma 71, Shivam Dube 32 not out; Akash Singh 3-26, Mohammed Shami 1-41) lost to Lucknow Super Giants 188/3 in 16.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 90, Josh Inglis 36; Mukesh Choudhary 1-24, Spencer Johnson 1-39) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS

Dawkins, Northeast thrive as Stokes suffers through the sickness

England skipper deepens Crawley gloom but endures tough day at Beckenham

Kellaway century steers Glamorgan before Warwickshire fight back

Hannon-Dalby and Bamber take three wickets each to even the contest by stumps

Fisher lands the whoppers but Bairstow, Lyth make it Yorkshire's day

Recalled England seamer takes wickets of Root and Brook but Surrey struggle elsewhere

ICC suspends funding to Cricket Canada over governance-related issues

ESPNcricinfo understands the funding suspension will not impact any cricket activities, including high performance programmes

IPL 2026: Mitchell Marsh Hits Scintillating 90 As LSG Thrash CSK By Seven Wickets

BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Riding on Mitchell Marshs brutal 90 off 38 balls and Nicholas Poorans late fireworks, Lucknow Super Giants produced a stunning run chase to thrash Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. CSK had posted 187/5, thanks to Kartik Sharmas career-best score of 71 in T20s and an unbeaten 32 from Shivam Dube. But Marsh and Josh Inglis set the tone right from the start via a 135-run opening stand. Marsh was scintillating in hitting nine fours and seven sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 236.84, before an unfortunate run out stopped him ten runs short of reaching a fantastic century. After he, Inglis and Abdul Samad fell in quick succession, Pooran produced some emphatic hits to smash 32 off just 17 balls. He slammed one four and four maximums to help LSG reach with 20 balls to spare and dent CSKs playoffs hopes in a thumping fashion. Marsh ran after CSKs bowlers from the get go hitting three boundaries as Mukesh Choudharys opening over went for 15 runs. Inglis too joined in by getting a boundary off Anshul Kamboj and Spencer Johnson. The real carnage began when Marsh smashed Kamboj for four consecutive sixes and a four, as 28 runs came off the fifth over. By the end of the powerplay, LSG were cruising at 86/0. Marsh reached his fifty in just 21 balls by pulling Johnson for four and continued to dominate by hammering him and Noor Ahmad for towering sixes. Inglis played second fiddle by adding 36 off 32 balls before falling to Mukesh. On the very next ball, Marshs dismissal came in unfortunate fashion - run out for 90 after a straight drive from Pooran deflected onto the stumps post a brush off Mukeshs hand at the non-strikers end. By then, Marshs brutal knock had already broken CSKs spirit, though Johnson castled Samad later. Pooran, who had been quiet initially, exploded at the death. After Mukul Choudhary chipped in with handy boundaries, Pooran tore into Kamboj in the 17th over smashing finish the game in style, as LSG sealed back-to-back home wins. Marsh reached his fifty in just 21 balls by pulling Johnson for four and continued to dominate by hammering him and Noor Ahmad for towering sixes. Inglis played second fiddle by adding 36 off 32 balls before falling to Mukesh. On the very next ball, Marshs dismissal came in unfortunate fashion - run out for 90 after a straight drive from Pooran deflected onto the stumps post a brush off Mukeshs hand at the non-strikers end. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 187/5 in 20 overs (Kartik Sharma 71, Shivam Dube 32 not out; Akash Singh 3-26, Mohammed Shami 1-41) lost to Lucknow Super Giants 188/3 in 16.4 overs (Mitchell Marsh 90, Josh Inglis 36; Mukesh Choudhary 1-24, Spencer Johnson 1-39) by seven wickets Article Source: IANS

ICC meetings set to revisit WTC format structure, one-Test series proposals

One of the recommendations is to bring Zimbabwe, Ireland and Afghanistan into the WTC

Waite, Lategan provide ballast for Worcestershire

Balderson leads the line for Lancashire with three wickets

Pakistan Captain Fatima Sana Scripts Fastest Womens T20I Fifty

Fatima Sana: Fatima Sana rewrote the record books with a breathtaking display of power-hitting as the Pakistan captain smashed the fastest half-century in womens T20 internationals during the third T20I against Zimbabwe in Karachi. The 24-year-old reached her fifty in just 15 balls, beating the previous record jointly held by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield and Richa Ghosh who all scored their fifties in 18 deliveries. Sanas phenomenal innings also matched the record for the fastest fifty in womens T20 cricket, equalling the achievement of Marie Kelly for Warwickshire in 2022 and Laura Harris for Otago earlier this year in New Zealands Super Smash competition. Sana walked out to bat with Pakistan in a comfortable position of 152 for 4 in the 17th over after electing to bat. What followed was a vicious assault on Zimbabwes bowling attack. She opened her account with a four off Michelle Mavunga and then bowled a brilliant spell against Kudzai Chigora, smashing four on the trot. Sana completely tore apart Nomvelo Sibanda in the second last over of the innings. The Pakistan captain slammed 4, 4, 6, 6 and 4 in a destructive over that yielded 24 runs and propelled her to 48 off just 14 balls. If Sana had two runs to get for the record, she was in a cool frame of mind, nudging Zimunu for a couple on the second ball of the last over to bring up her historic half-century. She was not done yet, adding two more boundaries to end on a sensational 62 off just 19 balls to remain not out. In her innings, she struck 10 fours and two sixes. It took Pakistan to 223 for 4, their second highest total in women's T20Is, after the 237 they scored earlier in the same series. Before Sanas explosive innings, the record for fastest fifty by a Pakistani in T20Is was held by Nida Dar who achieved the feat in 20 balls against South Africa in 2019. Sana completely tore apart Nomvelo Sibanda in the second last over of the innings. The Pakistan captain slammed 4, 4, 6, 6 and 4 in a destructive over that yielded 24 runs and propelled her to 48 off just 14 balls. If Sana had two runs to get for the record, she was in a cool frame of mind, nudging Zimunu for a couple on the second ball of the last over to bring up her historic half-century. She was not done yet, adding two more boundaries to end on a sensational 62 off just 19 balls to remain not out. In her innings, she struck 10 fours and two sixes. It took Pakistan to 223 for 4, their second highest total in women's T20Is, after the 237 they scored earlier in the same series. Also Read: Live Cricket Score She had already registered her highest T20I score of 90 off 41 balls against South Africa earlier this year. Article Source: IANS

Rew, Abell, Lammonby give Somerset solid start

Trio of half-centuries set up hosts, as captain continues prolific form and Rew celebrates England call-up

Fatima Sana smashes fastest fifty in women's T20Is

Her 15-ball effort broke the record previous held by Sophie Devine, Phoebe Litchfield and Richa Ghosh, off 18 balls

Charley Phillips four-for sets up victory for The Blaze over Hampshire

Tammy Beaumont top-scores with 57 as The Blaze clinch sixth consecutive win to stretch lead at top of table

IPL 2026: Things Written On The Note Just Motivates Me During The Game, Says Akash Singh

Lucknow Super Giants: Lucknow Super Giants left-arm pacer Akash Singh said the note he took out during celebration of his three wickets in the IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings are the things which give him motivation to do well in the game. Playing his first game of IPL 2026, Akash took out Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel by using the short ball well, though CSK posted 187/5 on board. I know I express myself well and people tell me that too. But honestly, its about the environment you create around yourself. I spend time understanding how champions think and how champions work hard. My belief has always been simple - if your work ethic and mindset are strong, only then can you dominate. I think it motivates me. Theres no deeper story behind it. On that note I had written things like Akki knows how to take wickets in T20 cricket. It just motivates me during the game. Sometimes these things work, sometimes they dont, but if something helps me stay motivated and helps me perform better, then Im willing to do it. Thats what matters most to me, said Akash in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters. The young pacer also said his approach was built on clarity and aggression with an aim to out-think the batters. My mindset is always about getting big wickets because when you come to the IPL, you shouldnt just come to play - you should come to dominate. That mindset is very important. If you dont think like that, then in a league like this where batting is getting stronger every single day, you will always stay behind. You need to stay one step ahead skill-wise, but at the same time the mental side matters a lot to me. If you dont dominate mentally in this game, you cant move forward consistently. Thats why my approach is always to dominate and honestly the batters name doesnt matter too much to me. I try to think like Im bowling in single-wicket cricket where execution matters the most. In those situations, your body flows naturally and the ball goes exactly where you want it to. So I focus on execution and going after big wickets. Obviously getting big batters out gives a different kind of happiness and if you look at my IPL record, most of my wickets are big players because thats always been my mindset. Asked on how happy he was with his spell, Akash said, I was happy, but at the same time when you are not playing regularly in the IPL, you have to keep pushing yourself constantly. Throughout the season and even in the off-season, I kept working hard, practicing and focusing on whatever was in my control. I try to think like Im bowling in single-wicket cricket where execution matters the most. In those situations, your body flows naturally and the ball goes exactly where you want it to. So I focus on execution and going after big wickets. Obviously getting big batters out gives a different kind of happiness and if you look at my IPL record, most of my wickets are big players because thats always been my mindset. Also Read: Live Cricket Score We knew from the previous game how they had dominated and where their weaknesses were, so my attempt was to combine my style with those areas and execute accordingly. That was the plan and thankfully it worked, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Kartik Top-scores With 71, Dubes Late Fireworks Lift CSK To 187/5 Against LSG

BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Kartik Sharma registered his career-best score of 71 in T20 cricket, while Shivam Dube produced late fireworks to take 23 runs off the final over, as the duo lifted Chennai Super Kings to 187/5 in their 20 overs against Lucknow Super Giants at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday. On a red soil pitch, Kartik overcame a sluggish start to hit 71 off 42 balls laced with six fours and five sixes at a strike-rate of 169/05. It was a dazzling knock where Kartik took on every LSG pacer after Akash Singh took out the CSK top-order quickly. Dube then brought out the big shots to hit an unbeaten 32 off 16 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, while Prashant Veer also made 13 not out off 10 deliveries and ensured CSK posted a competitive total by getting 60 runs off the last five overs. Opting to bat first, CSK were off to a brisk start as Samson cracked three boundaries in the opening over off Mohammed Shami. Ruturaj Gaikwad too found the ropes against Akash Singh, but the left-arm seamer struck back quickly. He hurried Gaikwad on the pull and had him caught at mid-on, while Samson couldnt keep a flick out and holed out in the deep. Urvil Patels stay was brief, as Akash had him pulling to deep mid-wicket to leave CSK in trouble. At 52/3, Dewald Brevis joined Kartik and the pair stitched together a vital 70-run stand off 44 balls. Brevis announced himself with a six off Akash and added 25 off 16 balls before Shamis short ball had him caught at fine leg. Kartik, meanwhile, grew in confidence with every boundary coming off his bat and his risks paying off. He reached his second fifty of the season off 35 balls with a towering six off Shami and continued to punish Shahbaz Ahmed and Prince Yadav with a flurry of boundaries. Shahbaz eventually ended his stay, but not before Kartik had given CSK the platform they needed. Urvil Patels stay was brief, as Akash had him pulling to deep mid-wicket to leave CSK in trouble. At 52/3, Dewald Brevis joined Kartik and the pair stitched together a vital 70-run stand off 44 balls. Brevis announced himself with a six off Akash and added 25 off 16 balls before Shamis short ball had him caught at fine leg. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 187/5 in 20 overs (Kartik Sharma 71, Shivam Dube 32 not out; Akash Singh 3-26, Mohammed Shami 1-41) against Lucknow Super Giants Article Source: IANS

Bihar Govt Honours Ishan Kishan With Rs 1 Crore For T20 World Cup Heroics (Lead)

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary: The Government of Bihar has felicitated cricketer Ishan Kishan with a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for his crucial role in Team Indias triumph at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Taking a break from his IPL commitments, the Patna-born cricketer arrived in the state capital and met Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday. The felicitation ceremony was attended by members of Kishans family as well. Congratulating him, the Chief Minister described Ishan as the Son of Patna and encouraged him to continue bringing pride to Bihar through his performances on the global stage. Ishan Kishana brilliant batsman, a Son of Bihar, and a member of the victorious Indian team at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cuphas been honoured with Rs 1 crore for his significant contribution. I extend my heartfelt best wishes for his successful cricketing career, said Samrat Choudhary. Ishan Kishan emerged as one of Indias standout performers in the tournament. He played 9 matches (9 innings) and scored 317 runs at an average of 35.22 and a strike rate of 193. He was ranked the 4th-highest run-scorer in the tournament. His best knock came against Pakistan, where he scored a brilliant 77 runs. In the final against New Zealand, he played a crucial innings of 54 runs, smashing 4 fours and 4 sixes, helping India post a formidable total of 250. Born in Patna, Ishan Kishans journey to international cricket has been anything but easy. Due to issues surrounding the Bihar Cricket Association, he moved to Jharkhand to pursue his career. He rose to prominence as captain of Indias squad in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. His domestic career includes memorable performances, notably a historic 273-run innings in the Ranji Trophy. He later made a mark in the Indian Premier League with standout seasons in 2020, 2022, and 2025. His domestic career includes memorable performances, notably a historic 273-run innings in the Ranji Trophy. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Despite facing setbacks in 2023, including losing his BCCI contract, he staged a strong comeback in the 202526 domestic season. Article Source: IANS

GT eye playoffs spot, KKR hope for favourable home run

GT will become the first team to qualify for the playoffs with a win, while KKR's chances will take a further hit with a loss

Holder's ability to sustain pressure makes him central to GT's success

Holder only began playing in the seventh match of GT's campaign, and has taken 13 wickets in six games since

IPL 2026: LSG And CSK Players Wear Black Armbands As Mark Of Respect For UP Storm Victims

BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium: Players from both Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings, along with match officials, observed a one-minute silence and wore black armbands before commencing their IPL 2026 clash at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the devastating storm that struck Uttar Pradesh earlier this week. A violent storm accompanied by rain and hail swept across the state, leaving a trail of destruction. At least 104 people were killed across a dozen districts, with Prayagraj among the worst affected. The violent storms also damaged 87 homes, killed 114 livestock and uprooted trees, while strong winds hurled signboards and caused widespread damage. Television footage showed billboards crashing onto cars, roadside stalls flattened and walls collapsing in several districts. Coming to the match, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to field against five-time champions CSK on a tacky red-soil pitch. CSK were forced into making changes after allrounder Jamie Overton was ruled out for the season due to thigh injury. Australias left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, returning from a back injury and playing his first competitive game since IPL 2025, has been handed a CSK debut, while left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh would be their Impact Player ahead of left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Akeal Hosein. Coming to the match, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to field against five-time champions CSK on a tacky red-soil pitch. CSK were forced into making changes after allrounder Jamie Overton was ruled out for the season due to thigh injury. Also Read: Live Cricket Score Tearaway quick Mayank Yadav was picked for his third match, with Avesh Khan missing out. Josh Inglis was not part of the starting eleven but is expected to come in as LSGs Impact Player during the chase. Article Source: IANS

Disquiet In Pakistan Camp After Altercation Between Skipper Shan And Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Pakistans shocking defeat against Bangladesh in the first Test has triggered war of words and discontent in the teams dressing room after an altercation between a hapless skipper Shan Masood and under-performing pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi. Pakistan failed to survive two sessions of the first Test on Tuesday and were bowled out for a paltry 163 their second lowest total against Bangladesh -- in a chase of 268 to suffer their third consecutive defeat against the Tigers following their two losses at home in 2024. A disgruntled Shan blamed lack of speed from the pace attack, pointing a finger at Shaheen whose average speed was 132 kph, much below the pace of Bangladeshs Nahid Rana who bowled around 145 kph on average, sources told Telecom Asia Sport. We failed to create pressure because of lack of speed and that is alarming, Shan told the bowlers. To this Shaeen hit back by blaming the poor batting that failed to get a first innings lead and told the skipper to mind his own performance with the bat, said source. Shan managed nine and two in the Test, the lowest by any top four batters from either side. To add injury to insult, Pakistan was docked eight points on slow over rate after match referee Jeff Crowe found them eight overs short in the match. All the players are also fined 40 percent of their match fee. The blame of slow over rate squarely lies on skipper Shan as he was constantly informed by the team analyst of the slow over rate session by session but the captain and bowlers failed to control that. It is a massive blow to Pakistans WTC (World Test Championship) chances, said source. With eight points deducted, Pakistan now lies eighth in the nine-team World Test Championship table one place above the West Indies. They had 12 points from their win against South Africa at home last year. Senior wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan also came under scrutiny from the coaching staff on a poor shot in the first innings. Rizwan was set on 59 and Pakistan was looking set to get a first innings lead before Rizwan played a rash shot and got out. The coaching staff fell short of scolding the senior player but told him to realize his responsibility, said sources. Pakistan collapsed from 5-349 to 368, conceding a 27-run lead rather than establishing a big lead to gain an advantage. There were calls to drop Rizwan and try newcomer Ghazi Ghori but the management decided against this. Pakistan collapsed from 5-349 to 368, conceding a 27-run lead rather than establishing a big lead to gain an advantage. Also Read: Live Cricket Score The team management also denied any wrongdoing in Babars injury, quelling reports he ran away after seeing a green top pitch at Sher-e-Bangla stadium in Dhaka. Article Source: IANS

IPL 2026: Our Support Staff Is Exceptional, They Never Stop Backing Us, Says CSKs Veer

Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Prashant Veer has hailed the franchises support staff for maintaining a positive and stable environment through the ups and downs of the season, adding their backing for helping the players was key in regrouping after early blips. A win for CSK will help them enter the top four phase in the points table. Weve always maintained a very stable team environment, regardless of the results. Our support staff is exceptional; they never stop backing us. Even when we lost those first three games, there was never any negativity in the dressing room. We had total belief that we could turn things around at any moment. That kind of administrative and coaching support made the comeback much easier for the players, Veer said in the pre-match chat with the broadcasters. Veer, who also bowls left-arm spin, was CSK's Impact Player in their win over LSG at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. With him being included in their playing eleven, he is all set to play at the ground where he turns out for Uttar Pradesh in domestic cricket. The conditions in Lucknow suggest we might see some seam movement today. Ive played a lot of cricket here, and this ground traditionally offers something for the bowlers. Knowing that, we arrived two days early to acclimatise and ensure our preparation was tailored to these specific conditions. We feel very well-prepared for the challenge ahead, he said. The conditions in Lucknow suggest we might see some seam movement today. Ive played a lot of cricket here, and this ground traditionally offers something for the bowlers. Also Read: Live Cricket Score My only focus is ensuring the team wins today. If I can contribute with a strong performance to make that happen, thats great, but the team's result is the only thing that truly matters to me, he added. Article Source: IANS

LSG bowl; CSK hand franchise debut to Spencer Johnson

With LSG out of playoffs contention, they brought in Akash Singh, Abdul Samad and Mukul Choudhary into the side