Prendergast's Heroics Lead Ireland to Thrilling ODI Win Over Sri Lanka

Prendergast’s Heroics Lead Ireland to Thrilling ODI Win Over Sri Lanka

Ireland’s Orla Prendergast orchestrated a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Dublin, showcasing her all-around brilliance with a match-winning century and crucial wickets.

Chasing a challenging target of 261, Ireland faced an early setback with the loss of Gaby Lewis. However, Prendergast and Sarah Forbes steadied the innings with a 49-run partnership. Hunter contributed 42 runs before Prendergast took center stage.

Prendergast’s innings was a masterclass in composure and determination. She reached her half-century off 57 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking despite losing partners at the other end. In the final three overs, Ireland needed 30 runs with only three wickets remaining.

Prendergast rose to the occasion, smashing two fours and a six off Kavisha Dilhari in the 48th over. Her century, off 97 balls, brought Ireland within sight of victory. She fittingly hit the winning single in the final over, securing a memorable three-wicket triumph.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s Vishmi Gunaratne had set the tone with a maiden ODI century. She shared a 122-run partnership with Hasini Perera, who contributed 46 runs. However, Prendergast’s three wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Athapaththu, kept Sri Lanka in check.

Alana Dalzell and Jane Maguire also chipped in with two wickets each, restricting Sri Lanka to a competitive but ultimately insufficient total.

Prendergast’s unbeaten 122 is the second-highest score while batting at No. 4 or lower in a women’s ODI chase. Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award.

This victory marks Ireland’s first successful chase of over 200 in ODIs and their first ODI win over Sri Lanka in five attempts. It is a testament to the growing strength of Irish women’s cricket and the exceptional talent of Orla Prendergast.

Leicestershire Foxes Edge Past Hampshire in Thrilling One-Day Cup Repeat

Leicestershire Foxes Edge Past Hampshire in Thrilling One-Day Cup Repeat

Leicestershire Foxes, the reigning Metro Bank One-Day Cup champions, edged past Hampshire by a thrilling three-wicket margin in a repeat of last year’s final. The match, played at the Uptonsteel County Ground, saw a nail-biting finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Hampshire skipper Nick Gubbins led the charge for his team, scoring a magnificent 136 runs. Liam Dawson contributed a valuable 50, while Dominic Kelly’s quickfire 39 off just 20 balls helped Hampshire post a competitive total of 290 for 8 from their 50 overs.

Leicestershire’s bowlers, led by Tom Scriven (3 for 61) and Chris Wright (2 for 49), kept the Hampshire batsmen in check, preventing them from reaching a higher score.

In reply, Leicestershire’s star duo of Peter Handscomb (74) and Ajinkya Rahane (70) formed a formidable partnership, sharing a 128-run stand for the fourth wicket. Their partnership kept Leicestershire in the hunt, but once they were dismissed, Hampshire sensed an opportunity to avenge their defeat in last season’s final.

John Turner emerged as Hampshire’s bowling hero, taking 4 for 44. However, Liam Trevaskis (60* off 55 balls) and Ben Cox (45 off 50) put up a valiant fight for Leicestershire, adding 94 runs for the seventh wicket. Trevaskis’ two sixes and four fours proved crucial in the chase.

With just one ball remaining, Scriven hit the winning run, securing a thrilling victory for Leicestershire. The Foxes have now advanced to the next round of the competition, one step closer to retaining their title.

London Spirit Eye Maiden Hundred Title as Deepti Sharma Targets Invincibles

London Spirit Eye Maiden Hundred Title as Deepti Sharma Targets Invincibles

The London Spirit, led by star allrounder Deepti Sharma, are poised to face the Oval Invincibles in the Women’s Hundred eliminator on Saturday. Deepti has been a formidable force against the Invincibles this season, showcasing her all-around prowess.

In their first encounter at Lord’s, Deepti top-scored for Spirit with 44 runs and claimed three wickets for 18 runs. In their second meeting at The Oval, she again impressed with an unbeaten 46 runs and three wickets for 18 runs.

Deepti’s performances have been crucial for Spirit, who are determined to secure a place in Sunday’s final against Welsh Fire. “We are very clear about what we have to do and our plans,” Deepti said. “We just need to keep it simple and enjoy each game.”

Deepti has been a consistent performer for Spirit, scoring at least 30 runs in each of her five innings and taking seven wickets at an impressive average of 19.57. She was named Player of the Match in the final game of the regular season, guiding Spirit to a seven-wicket victory over Northern Superchargers.

The boom in franchise leagues has fostered a unique camaraderie among players from different countries. Deepti has forged strong bonds with England captain Heather Knight, former Australia captain Meg Lanning, and England spinners Sarah Glenn and Charlie Dean.

“I always forget in-the-past things,” Deepti said. “I try to be in the present and watch the moment. They are good players and good team-mates, so we gel up every day.”

Spirit faced an anxious wait for their place in the eliminator to be confirmed, but they ultimately secured their spot after the Invincibles defeated Trent Rockets in their final regular match.

The Invincibles, seeking their third Hundred title, will be without Chamari Athapaththu, who has joined Sri Lanka for their ODI series in Ireland. However, they will rely on the match-winning abilities of Marizanne Kapp, who has been instrumental in their success this season.

Kapp’s all-around contributions, including 181 runs and 10 wickets, have earned her high praise from Invincibles captain Lauren Winfield-Hill. “She’s absolutely the first name on any teamsheet in any competition anywhere in the world,” Winfield-Hill said.

The eliminator promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams. Deepti Sharma’s all-around brilliance and the Invincibles’ formidable lineup will make for an exciting contest.

Kai Smith's Maiden Century Powers Warwickshire to One-Day Semi-Finals

Kai Smith’s Maiden Century Powers Warwickshire to One-Day Semi-Finals

Warwickshire’s Kai Smith emerged as an unlikely hero, smashing an unbeaten 130 to guide his team to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Worcestershire in the Metro Bank One Day Cup quarter-final at Edgbaston.

Chasing a challenging target of 286, Warwickshire found themselves in dire straits at 77 for 5. However, Smith, playing in only his second List A match, displayed remarkable composure and skill to rescue his side.

The 19-year-old right-hander played with a freedom and fluency that belied his inexperience. He struck 13 fours and 3 sixes in his match-winning knock, which came off just 104 deliveries.

Smith’s innings was perfectly complemented by a solid 75 from Will Rhodes, who anchored the chase and provided valuable support. The pair shared a crucial 181-run partnership for the sixth wicket, guiding Warwickshire to victory with six balls to spare.

Earlier, Worcestershire had posted a competitive 286 for 9, thanks largely to a stylish century from captain Jake Libby. The opener struck 112 from 115 balls, building on a solid foundation laid by Ed Pollock’s 54.

Ethan Brookes and Tom Taylor also made significant contributions with the bat, while Fateh Singh and Tom Hinley provided late impetus with some lusty blows.

Warwickshire’s bowlers had initially struggled to contain Worcestershire’s batsmen, but they fought back admirably in the latter stages. Ed Barnard, Jake Lintott, and Rae all picked up wickets, with Rae finishing with impressive figures of 3-54.

The victory sends Warwickshire into the semi-finals of the Metro Bank One Day Cup, where they will face Glamorgan on Sunday. Smith’s heroics have earned him widespread praise and have underlined his potential as a future star of the game.

Punjab Kings Ownership Dispute: Preity Zinta Files Legal Appeal to Block Share Sale

Punjab Kings Ownership Dispute: Preity Zinta Files Legal Appeal to Block Share Sale

Punjab Kings Ownership Dispute: Preity Zinta Files Legal Appeal

The Punjab Kings Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise is embroiled in an internal dispute that has escalated to the Chandigarh High Court. Actress and co-owner Preity Zinta has filed a legal appeal to prevent fellow owner Mohit Burman from selling a portion of his franchise shares.

Zinta, who holds a 23% stake in the franchise through KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, alleges that Burman, who holds the largest share at 48%, is attempting to sell 11.5% of his stake to an unnamed party. This action violates an internal agreement among the owners, which mandates that any stake intended for sale must first be offered to existing promoters within a specific timeframe before being offered to external parties.

Burman has publicly denied any plans to sell his shares, but Zinta’s legal action suggests a breakdown in communication and trust within the ownership group. This internal conflict arises at a time when IPL franchise valuations have skyrocketed following the addition of two new teams in 2022. The potential sale of even a partial stake in a franchise like Punjab Kings could be valued at approximately Rs 540-600 crore, making it a significant financial decision with potentially long-term implications for the franchise.

The case, scheduled for a hearing on August 20, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the Punjab Kings. Attempts to reach Zinta, Burman, and Ness Wadia, another co-owner, for comments have been unsuccessful.

The dispute highlights the importance of clear and enforceable agreements among franchise owners, especially in the context of rapidly increasing franchise valuations. It also raises questions about the future of the Punjab Kings franchise and the potential impact on its performance in the upcoming IPL seasons.

Umran Malik's Form Slumps Amidst Domestic Cricket Absence

Umran Malik’s Form Slumps Amidst Domestic Cricket Absence

Umran Malik, the Jammu and Kashmir-based pacer, burst onto the scene in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 with his blistering speed. His impressive performances earned him a Team India debut against Ireland in June 2022. However, the 24-year-old’s form has since taken a dip, leading to limited appearances in the IPL and domestic cricket.

Malik’s struggles in the IPL 2023 and 2024 seasons were attributed to his expensive bowling, as batters found ways to score runs against him. The pacer recently revealed that he missed the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Tamil Nadu due to dengue.

Malik believes that his lack of domestic appearances has contributed to his poor form. He worked with former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan during the Ranji Trophy but faced challenges due to weather and injuries.

Despite the setbacks, Malik remains optimistic and is working on improving his bowling. He is focusing on swing bowling with the new ball and developing a plan to execute his deliveries effectively.

Malik acknowledges the importance of fitting into the bowling group and complementing their plans. He believes that by doing so, he can better handle the challenges he faces on the field.

Lauren Winfield-Hill to Sign Long-Term Yorkshire Deal, Considers Loan for Tier 1 Cricket

Lauren Winfield-Hill to Sign Long-Term Yorkshire Deal, Considers Loan for Tier 1 Cricket

Lauren Winfield-Hill, the England batter, is poised to sign a long-term contract with Yorkshire but is open to exploring loan opportunities in 2025 to maintain her involvement in Tier 1 domestic cricket.

With the restructuring of women’s domestic cricket in England and Wales, Yorkshire was not among the eight teams granted Tier 1 status and funding by the ECB. However, they have been assured of promotion to the top tier in 2026.

This has presented a dilemma for several Northern Diamonds players, including Winfield-Hill, who must decide between relocating to a Tier 1 county or remaining in Leeds for another season.

“My intention is to stick around and commit to Yorkshire,” Winfield-Hill stated. “I haven’t officially signed a contract or anything, but that’s what I’m looking to do. What that looks like with loans or opportunities to play Tier 1 cricket is something that we’ll explore, but if that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen.”

Winfield-Hill’s loyalty to Yorkshire played a significant role in her decision to stay. “I’ve always been really keen to finish where I started and [Yorkshire] is a place that’s really close to my heart. It’s where my friends and family get to come and watch me… those sorts of things are massively important to me.”

However, she is considering a loan deal in 2025 to ensure she continues to play at the highest level. “We’re just working through it all now,” she said. “There’s lots of things that are quite unknown with what Tier 2 and Tier 1 looks like, what the crossover is and all the rest of it.”

“I don’t really want a year of not playing top-flight cricket domestically in England but what that looks like, I’m unsure of now. That’s the truth. We’re trying to get the best of both worlds in terms of being around for Yorkshire stuff, developing that, and making sure that in 18 months or two years’ time, we’re ready to hit the ground running and compete in Tier 1.”

Meanwhile, the Blaze have signed Ireland allrounder Orla Prendergast for the remainder of the season after Nadine de Klerk was ruled out through injury.

Dhoni Set to Become Uncapped Player in 2025 IPL, Boosting CSK's Retention Options

Dhoni Set to Become Uncapped Player in 2025 IPL, Boosting CSK’s Retention Options

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant move that could impact the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. According to sources, the BCCI is likely to categorize Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an uncapped player, a move that would significantly reduce the cost of retaining the legendary cricketer.

Under the current IPL player regulations, players who have retired from international cricket for at least five years are placed in the uncapped category. Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, would qualify for this category under the proposed rule change. This means that CSK could retain Dhoni for a mere Rs 4 crores, a significant reduction from the Rs 12 crores they paid in 2022.

The BCCI’s decision to revisit the uncapped player rule is reportedly driven by the CSK management’s request during a meeting with IPL franchise owners on July 31. Dhoni, who has been a key figure for CSK since the inaugural IPL season, has expressed his desire to continue playing for the franchise.

Despite handing over the captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad before the start of IPL 2024, Dhoni remains a vital cog in the CSK batting lineup. In the 2023 season, he scored 161 runs in just 73 balls, showcasing his ability to contribute in the death overs.

Dhoni has indicated that he will wait for the official IPL player regulations before making a decision on his future. However, the BCCI’s move to categorize him as an uncapped player could make it more financially feasible for CSK to retain his services.

The BCCI’s decision is expected to have a ripple effect on other IPL franchises, as it could set a precedent for the treatment of retired international players. It remains to be seen how the other teams will respond to this potential rule change and whether it will lead to a shift in the retention strategies of the franchises.

Ishan Kishan Blasts Century in Red-Ball Return, Stakes Claim for Bangladesh Series

Ishan Kishan Blasts Century in Red-Ball Return, Stakes Claim for Bangladesh Series

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his exceptional talent with a blistering 86-ball century against Madhya Pradesh in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Thirunelveli. Leading Jharkhand from the front, Kishan displayed his aggressive batting style, hitting the opposition bowlers to all corners of the park.

After coming in at number six, Kishan initially played cautiously, scoring a composed 61-ball half-century. However, after reaching his fifty, he unleashed his full potential, smashing 114 runs off just 107 balls. His brutal knock included 10 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, with a strike rate of 106.54.

Kishan’s innings was a testament to his class and versatility, as he seamlessly blended caution and aggression. This performance comes as a timely reminder of his abilities ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19.

Earlier in the match, Madhya Pradesh were dismissed for 225, with Shubham S Kushwah top-scoring with 84 runs. Jharkhand ended the day at 277 for 7, with Kishan’s century playing a pivotal role in their strong position.

Kishan’s return to red-ball cricket after his Test debut for India in July 2023 has been impressive, showcasing his adaptability and potential. His performance in the Buchi Babu tournament will undoubtedly put him in contention for a place in the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series.

The 24-year-old will next feature in the Duleep Trophy, which will be played from September 5-24. This tournament is expected to feature several other Indian regulars, providing Kishan with an opportunity to further showcase his skills.

Gus Atkinson Ruled Out of Hundred Final for England Test Duty

Gus Atkinson Ruled Out of Hundred Final for England Test Duty

Gus Atkinson, the standout performer in England’s recent ODI series against West Indies, will miss the final of the men’s Hundred tournament due to his unavailability for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Atkinson, who claimed 22 wickets in his debut series and was named Player of the Series, has only featured once for Oval Invincibles this year.

Invincibles’ captain Sam Billings expressed disappointment over Atkinson’s absence but acknowledged the ECB’s cautious approach to player availability following Ben Stokes’ hamstring injury. Saqib Mahmood, who has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, will replace Atkinson in the side.

The Invincibles will also be without Spencer Johnson due to injury, but Tom Curran will return after being rested in the previous match. The ECB is taking a cautious approach to England players’ availability, with Chris Woakes already withdrawn from the tournament. However, Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, and Jordan Cox will be available for the weekend’s matches ahead of the first Test.

Billings emphasized the importance of playing in the Hundred final for young players like Cox, who will gain valuable experience in front of a packed Lord’s crowd. Jofra Archer, who has been carefully managed due to previous injuries, is expected to be available for both the eliminator and final if Southern Brave qualify.

In the women’s Hundred, Chamari Athapaththu will be unavailable for the Invincibles in their eliminator against London Spirit due to her commitments with Sri Lanka’s ODI squad in Ireland. Megan Schutt, the Invincibles’ fourth overseas player, is likely to feature in her place.

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