Islamabad United Qualify for PSL Playoffs with Thrilling Win Over Multan Sultans

Islamabad United Qualify for PSL Playoffs with Thrilling Win Over Multan Sultans

Islamabad United’s relentless pursuit of a playoff berth culminated in a thrilling three-wicket victory over league leaders Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The two-time champions showcased their resilience and firepower in a high-scoring encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Colin Munro, the New Zealand opener, set the tone for Islamabad’s chase with a blistering 84 off just 40 deliveries. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he dispatched the Multan bowlers to all corners of the ground. Captain Shadab Khan provided able support, contributing a valuable 54 off 31 balls.

The duo’s 141-run partnership laid the foundation for Islamabad’s victory. However, the Sultans fought back valiantly, with Usman Khan leading the charge with an unbeaten century. The left-hander struck 15 fours and three sixes in his 50-ball knock, anchoring Multan’s innings and setting a formidable target of 228 for 7.

Despite the early loss of Alex Hales and Agha Salman, Munro and Shadab kept Islamabad’s hopes alive. Their aggressive approach put pressure on the Sultans’ bowlers, who struggled to contain the onslaught. Imad Wasim’s unbeaten 30 in the latter stages of the chase proved crucial, as Islamabad reached the target with three wickets to spare.

The victory propelled Islamabad United into the playoffs, where they will face the Karachi Kings in the first eliminator. Multan Sultans, despite the loss, remain atop the standings with 12 points and a game in hand.

Vidarbha's Harsh Dubey Targets Key Wickets in Ranji Trophy Triumph

Vidarbha’s Harsh Dubey Targets Key Wickets in Ranji Trophy Triumph

Harsh Dubey, the young left-arm spinner for Vidarbha, played a pivotal role in his team’s Ranji Trophy triumph. A day before the final, Dubey was tasked with dismissing a key Mumbai batter, and he executed his plan to perfection.

Of the three wickets Dubey claimed, he cherished Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal the most. “I had made up my mind to dismiss him before the match,” Dubey revealed. “I always do it. Before every match, I pick a player whom I want to dismiss.”

Dubey’s dismissal of Rahane was a testament to his meticulous planning. “I was giving him balls to drive, thinking that there were chances of the ball going in the air if Rahane drives it as the ball was getting stuck on the wicket,” Dubey explained. “The plan succeeded.”

Rahane’s attempt to break free resulted in an uppish drive that was caught by Dhruv Shorey at mid-off. Dubey’s success against Rahane was a significant moment in the match, as it helped Vidarbha gain an early advantage.

Dubey’s performance in the final was a culmination of his hard work and experience. The 21-year-old has been juggling between Vidarbha’s Under-23 and Ranji sides throughout the season. However, the experience of winning championships in the inter-state age-group tournaments helped him enter the final without any pressure.

“There was no pressure of the final. We have won the U-16, U-19, and U-23 finals in the past, so there was no such pressure of the final,” Dubey said. “I was treating it as a normal game and not thinking of it as a big game. I am taking it as just another Ranji contest against Mumbai.”

Dubey’s composure and determination were evident throughout the match. He bowled with accuracy and control, troubling the Mumbai batsmen with his variations. His performance was a testament to his talent and the guidance he has received from his coaches.

PCB Chief Seeks India's Assurance for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

PCB Chief Seeks India’s Assurance for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan

Newly appointed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi is set to embark on a diplomatic mission at the upcoming ICC meeting in Dubai next week. His primary objective is to secure assurances from BCCI secretary Jay Shah regarding India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held in Pakistan.

However, the PCB’s hopes of a swift resolution may be tempered by the fact that the tournament is still nearly a year away. The BCCI is unlikely to make any immediate commitments, given the political sensitivities surrounding India’s travel to Pakistan.

Naqvi is expected to engage in discussions with key ICC figures and Jay Shah on the matter. He will emphasize the importance of India’s participation in promoting the tournament and fostering goodwill between the two cricketing nations.

The PCB is particularly concerned about a repeat of the “Hybrid Model” used in last year’s Asia Cup, where Pakistan hosted only four games while the rest were held in Sri Lanka due to India’s reluctance to send its team to Pakistan.

Naqvi will attempt to convince the BCCI that Pakistan has made significant progress in upgrading its stadiums and security infrastructure, ensuring a safe and secure environment for visiting teams. He will also highlight the fact that Pakistan has consistently traveled to India for ICC events in recent years.

The BCCI, however, remains cautious. A source within the board stated that any decision on India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 will ultimately depend on the Indian government’s clearance, which is unlikely to be granted until closer to the tournament date.

Naqvi’s efforts in Dubai will be a crucial step in building trust and laying the groundwork for India’s potential participation in the Champions Trophy 2025. However, the outcome of these discussions will likely hinge on the political climate and the Indian government’s stance on the matter.

Kohli's Chepauk Conundrum: Can He Conquer the Fortress?

Kohli’s Chepauk Conundrum: Can He Conquer the Fortress?

Virat Kohli, the prolific run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has yet to conquer the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai while representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite amassing 7263 runs in 237 IPL matches, Kohli’s average at the Chepauk is a modest 30, with a strike rate of 111.10.

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Kohli needs to step up his performance at the Chepauk, especially against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL opener on March 22. “The greatness of Virat has been reduced in terms of his overall performance at that venue,” Harbhajan said. “It’s a tricky venue to bat, especially as an opening batsman against a sort of weird tennis ball type bounce.”

Kohli has been dismissed in the Powerplays three times in his last five innings against CSK, and Harbhajan emphasized the importance of extending his time at the crease. “If he’s actually prepared to bat about 20 overs, then he can put together a match-winning performance,” he said.

Kohli has yet to score an IPL century at Chepauk, and his record against CSK is also underwhelming. In 30 matches against CSK, he has scored 985 runs, with a highest score of 90. Harbhajan believes Kohli needs to rediscover his 2016 form for RCB to challenge for the IPL title. “It’s important for him to have a season like 2016, because if Virat goes on to score runs, the team will go forward,” he said.

In 2016, Kohli had an exceptional IPL season, amassing 973 runs from 16 matches, featuring four centuries and seven fifties. This remarkable performance still stands as the highest run-aggregate in a single IPL season.

Delhi Capitals Bat First in Crucial WPL Clash Against Royal Challengers Bangalore

Delhi Capitals Bat First in Crucial WPL Clash Against Royal Challengers Bangalore

Delhi Capitals Opt to Bat First Against Royal Challengers Bangalore in WPL Clash

In the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL), Delhi Capitals captain Meg Lanning continued her trend of choosing to bat first when they faced Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Lanning expressed confidence in the pitch, describing it as “pretty good” while acknowledging that there was “a little bit for the bowlers if you get in the right area.”

Delhi Capitals made a single change to their lineup, bringing back Marizanne Kapp in place of Annabel Sutherland. Lanning emphasized their strategy of fielding their strongest team in every match while considering the workload of their bowlers throughout the tournament.

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Smriti Mandhana also preferred to bat first but stated that she “didn’t mind chasing” after witnessing Mumbai Indians’ successful chase of 191 against Gujarat Giants the previous night. RCB handed a debut to Maharashtra’s left-arm pacer Shradda Pokharkar, who replaced the injured Kanika Ahuja. They also made two other changes among their Indian players, bringing in Shreyanka Patil and Disha Kasat while leaving out S Meghana, Simran Bahadur, and Ekta Bisht. Their overseas contingent of Ellyse Perry, Sophie Devine, Sophie Molineux, and Georgia Wareham remained unchanged.

The pitch used for the match was the same as the one on Saturday, where a team chasing successfully broke a five-game streak of teams batting first winning in Delhi. A victory for Delhi Capitals would secure their place in the playoffs.

Karnataka Dominates Day One of Col. C.K. Nayudu Final with 325 Runs

Karnataka Dominates Day One of Col. C.K. Nayudu Final with 325 Runs

Karnataka’s batting lineup showcased resilience and determination on the opening day of the Col. C.K. Nayudu (U-23) Trophy final against Uttar Pradesh, amassing a formidable 325 runs for the loss of five wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Middle-order batsman Yashovardhan Parantap emerged as the star performer, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 84 runs off 111 deliveries, studded with 12 boundaries. His crucial partnership with Kruthik Krishna (58 not out off 103 balls, 5 fours) for the sixth wicket, worth an unbroken 131 runs, propelled Karnataka to a commanding position.

The home team’s innings got off to a solid start as openers MacNeil H. Noronha (68 off 135 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) and Prakar Chaturvedi (33 off 69 balls, 4 fours) put on a 68-run stand. Noronha continued his impressive form, adding 73 runs with K.V. Aneesh (43 off 76 balls, 3 fours).

However, a middle-order collapse saw Karnataka lose three wickets for just 21 runs, including that of captain R. Smaran. The hosts were in danger of losing momentum, but Parantap and Krishna stepped up to the plate.

Parantap, known for his solid technique and ability to play long innings, held the innings together with his composed batting. He found an able ally in Krishna, who played a patient and supportive role. The duo rotated the strike effectively, punished loose deliveries, and gradually rebuilt Karnataka’s innings.

As the day drew to a close, Karnataka had established a strong foundation for the remainder of the match. With Parantap and Krishna still at the crease and the lower order yet to come, the home team will be confident of posting a challenging total.

Yusuf Pathan Enters Politics, Contests Lok Sabha Polls from Baharampur

Yusuf Pathan Enters Politics, Contests Lok Sabha Polls from Baharampur

Former Indian cricket all-rounder Yusuf Pathan has embarked on a new chapter in his life, announcing his candidacy for the Lok Sabha elections from the Baharampur constituency under the banner of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). This move has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as Baharampur has traditionally been a Congress stronghold.

Pathan’s decision to enter politics has been met with mixed reactions. His brother, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan, expressed his support on social media, praising Yusuf’s compassion and dedication to serving others. However, Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who currently represents Baharampur, questioned the TMC’s motives, suggesting that Pathan’s nomination was a ploy to polarize voters and benefit the BJP.

The TMC’s decision to field Pathan in Baharampur is seen as a strategic move to challenge the Congress’s dominance in the region. The TMC and Congress are part of the INDIA alliance, but seat-sharing negotiations have stalled in Bengal. The TMC is believed to have offered Baharampur and another seat to the Congress, but the grand old party demanded a larger share.

Pathan’s entry into politics has added a new dimension to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bengal. His popularity as a cricketer and his reputation for social work could potentially sway voters in his favor. However, he will face a tough challenge from Chowdhury, who has a strong base in Baharampur and is known for his vocal opposition to the TMC government.

The outcome of the Baharampur contest will be closely watched, as it could have implications for the overall political landscape in Bengal. If Pathan is successful, it will be a major setback for the Congress and a boost for the TMC. Conversely, a victory for Chowdhury would reaffirm the Congress’s hold on Baharampur and deal a blow to the TMC’s ambitions.

Shreyas Iyer's Fielding Excellence Amidst Adversity

Shreyas Iyer’s Fielding Excellence Amidst Adversity

Shreyas Iyer’s Fielding Brilliance Recognized Amidst Recent Struggles

Despite being sidelined from the Indian team for the last three Tests against England due to injury, Shreyas Iyer’s exceptional fielding performance earned him a special mention in the Indian team dressing room. Iyer, who played in the first two Tests, showcased his fielding prowess with brilliant catches and an outstanding run out.

Coach T Dilip praised the 29-year-old’s fielding abilities, highlighting his contributions to the team’s success. However, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were jointly awarded the fielder of the series award for taking the most catches.

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav also received recognition for his impressive work in the outfield.

Meanwhile, Team India completed a dominant 4-1 series sweep over England, winning the fifth and final Test in Dharamshala by an innings and 64 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the Player of the Series for his remarkable tally of 712 runs in five matches.

Despite his recent setbacks, Iyer’s fielding brilliance serves as a reminder of his all-around abilities. His contributions on the field have not gone unnoticed, even amidst his struggles with form and injuries.

KKR Signs Phil Salt as Jason Roy Replacement for IPL 2024

KKR Signs Phil Salt as Jason Roy Replacement for IPL 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders Acquire Phil Salt as Jason Roy Replacement for IPL 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured the services of English batter Phil Salt as a replacement for Jason Roy for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Roy withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons, leaving KKR with a void to fill in their batting lineup.

Salt, who went unsold in the recent IPL auction, will join KKR at his reserve price of INR 1.5 crore (approximately $181,000). The 26-year-old had previously represented Delhi Capitals in the 2023 IPL season.

Salt is a dynamic and aggressive batter known for his power-hitting abilities. He has impressed in various T20 leagues around the world, including the Vitality Blast in England and the Big Bash League in Australia.

KKR’s decision to sign Salt is a strategic move to bolster their batting lineup. The franchise has struggled in recent seasons, finishing near the bottom of the table in the last two editions of the IPL. Salt’s addition is expected to provide KKR with a much-needed boost in the batting department.

Salt will join a star-studded KKR squad that includes the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, and Pat Cummins. The franchise will be hoping that Salt can make a significant contribution and help them return to their former glory in the IPL.

BCCI Introduces Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to Reward Players

BCCI Introduces Test Cricket Incentive Scheme to Reward Players

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a new ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ to reward players for their participation in the longest format of the game. The scheme aims to encourage players to prioritize Test cricket and ensure its financial viability.

Under the scheme, players who participate in 75% or more of the scheduled Test matches in a season will receive an additional incentive of Rs 45 lakh per game. This incentive is in addition to the existing match fee of Rs 15 lakh, meaning that a player who plays all 10 Tests in a season could earn up to Rs 4.50 crore in incentives alone.

The scheme is designed to provide financial security to Test players and reduce the uncertainty surrounding their earnings. This is particularly important for players who may not be guaranteed a place in the playing XI or who may not have lucrative IPL contracts.

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said that the scheme will cost the board around Rs 45 crore for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. He emphasized that the board is committed to giving highest priority to Test cricket and ensuring its financial growth and stability.

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir praised the BCCI’s decision, saying that “freedom from uncertainty is extremely important for performance.” He added that the scheme is a “great step” that will encourage players to take part in Test cricket.

The scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the quality and competitiveness of Test cricket in India. By providing financial incentives, the BCCI is sending a clear message that it values Test cricket and is committed to its long-term success.

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