Hameed's Century Keeps Nottinghamshire in Contention Against Lancashire

Hameed’s Century Keeps Nottinghamshire in Contention Against Lancashire

Nottinghamshire’s Haseeb Hameed, aiming to revive his Test cricket aspirations, notched his first Vitality County Championship century since September 2022 against his former county Lancashire. Despite his unbeaten 137, Nottinghamshire still trail Lancashire’s first innings total by 52 runs at Trent Bridge.

Hameed, who has been dropped twice by England, showcased his batting prowess with 16 boundaries. However, he was fortunate to survive a drop on 104 off Tom Hartley. Hartley, who is set to join the England squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan and the T20 World Cup, went wicketless in 18 overs.

Lancashire’s George Balderson emerged as the bowling star, claiming 4 for 72 from 22 overs. Balderson, who shared a crucial partnership with Keaton Jennings in Lancashire’s first innings, exploited the conditions effectively.

Lancashire’s 331-run total was boosted by a strong finish on day one, with Tom Bailey contributing an unbeaten 31. Olly Stone, who impressed with the ball on day one, picked up three wickets for 56 runs from 23.2 overs.

Nottinghamshire began their chase aggressively, but Ben Slater’s early dismissal set them back. Hameed and Will Young steadied the innings, but Young’s dismissal for 27 opened the door for Lancashire.

Balderson’s return to the attack proved decisive, as he dismissed Joe Clarke and Tom Moores in quick succession. Jack Haynes provided support to Hameed, who reached his half-century from 99 balls and his century from just 63 more.

Despite Hameed’s heroics, Nottinghamshire suffered another setback before tea when Haynes was dismissed for 35. After tea, Lyndon James and Hameed reduced the deficit, but the second new ball brought success for Lancashire. James was caught at first slip, and Calvin Harrison’s promising innings ended with an edge to second slip.

Nottinghamshire will need to dig deep on day three to match Lancashire’s first innings total and put themselves in a strong position in this Division One encounter.

Worcestershire Dominate Kent with Mammoth First-Innings Total

Worcestershire Dominate Kent with Mammoth First-Innings Total

Kent’s hopes of salvaging a positive result against Worcestershire dwindled on day two of their Vitality County Championship clash at Canterbury, as the visitors piled on a mammoth first-innings total of 618 for 7 declared.

Jason Holder and Matthew Waite were the architects of Worcestershire’s dominance, both registering unbeaten centuries. Holder’s 123 came off 184 deliveries, while Waite’s 100 was compiled from 157 balls. Adam Hose also contributed a valuable 90.

Kent’s bowlers toiled tirelessly but were unable to make significant inroads. Joey Evison claimed three wickets, while Matt Parkinson bowled a marathon 44.5 overs for three wickets at the cost of 201 runs.

In reply, Kent’s batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure. Joe Leach struck early, dismissing Ben Compton and Zak Crawley cheaply. Daniel Bell-Drummond and Jack Leaning offered some resistance with a 97-run partnership, but Kent still trailed by a daunting 506 runs at stumps, with Bell-Drummond unbeaten on 54 and Leaning on 43.

Worcestershire’s declaration came after a relentless afternoon session in which Holder and Waite plundered runs at will. Holder reached his century with a single off Leaning, while Waite brought up his ton with a six over mid-on.

Kent’s bowlers were left frustrated by the lack of assistance from the pitch, which offered little help to the seamers or spinners. The hosts will need to produce a remarkable batting performance on day three to avoid a heavy defeat.

England Overcome Poor Start to Beat Pakistan in T20I Opener

England Overcome Poor Start to Beat Pakistan in T20I Opener

England’s women’s cricket team overcame a disastrous start to defeat Pakistan by 53 runs in the opening match of their home international summer.

After losing four wickets for just 11 runs in the first three overs, England were rescued by a match-saving partnership between Amy Jones and Heather Knight. Jones, playing her 100th T20I, scored 37 off 27 balls, while Knight contributed 49 off 39 deliveries.

Dani Gibson’s unbeaten 41 off 21 balls helped England post a competitive total of 163 for 6. Pakistan made a spirited start to their chase, but leg-spinner Sarah Glenn’s four-wicket haul kept them in check.

Glenn, playing her first match for England since suffering a concussion during the recent tour of New Zealand, finished with figures of 4 for 12 from her four overs. Seamer Lauren Bell took three wickets, while left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone and off-spinner Charlie Dean claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan’s chase was derailed by a series of run-outs and poor shot selection. Sadaf Shamas top-scored with 35 off 24 balls, but her dismissal in an unnecessary run-out proved to be a turning point.

England’s victory was a testament to their resilience and the depth of their batting lineup. Despite losing their top order cheaply, they were able to recover and post a competitive total. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain England’s batters, and their fielding was also error-prone.

Sehwag Questions Rohit Sharma's Future with Mumbai Indians

Sehwag Questions Rohit Sharma’s Future with Mumbai Indians

Virender Sehwag, the former Indian opener known for his outspoken nature, has cast doubt on Rohit Sharma’s future with the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise. During a discussion with Cricbuzz, Sehwag suggested that only Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav are assured of retention ahead of the mega auction next season.

Sehwag’s comments raise questions about the status of other key players, including Rohit, Hardik Pandya, and Ishan Kishan. He emphasized that performance should be the primary factor in determining retention, regardless of reputation.

“If you get Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan for one movie, it doesn’t mean it will be a hit film. You have to perform. There has to be something in the script,” Sehwag said. “Look at these big names…they all have to perform. Rohit scored one hundred and it was in a losing cause. In the remaining matches, when did he perform? Ishan Kishan has not gone beyond the powerplay the entire season.”

Rohit’s performance in this IPL season has been underwhelming, with only 330 runs in 12 matches, including one century. However, a video circulating on social media shows Rohit expressing his deep affection for the MI franchise, calling it a second home.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Rohit remains a respected figure in the MI dressing room. He has been the captain of the team since 2013 and has led them to five IPL titles. However, the franchise may need to make some tough decisions ahead of the mega auction if they want to rebuild and regain their dominance in the tournament.

Bumrah's Inswinging Yorker Stuns Narine, Leaves KKR Opener Dumbfounded

Bumrah’s Inswinging Yorker Stuns Narine, Leaves KKR Opener Dumbfounded

Jasprit Bumrah’s Inswinging Yorker Stuns Sunil Narine, Leaving KKR Opener Dumbfounded

In a pivotal moment during the IPL 2024 match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata, MI’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah delivered a remarkable inswinging yorker that left KKR opener Sunil Narine stunned and dismissed for a duck.

Bowling his first over of the match, Bumrah unleashed a deceptive inswinging yorker that Narine initially misjudged, opting to let it pass. However, the ball’s late inswing caught Narine off guard, shattering his off-stump and leaving him in disbelief.

Narine’s dismissal marked his 16th instance of departing for a duck in the IPL, a testament to the bowler’s dominance over the batsman. It also extended Narine’s record as the most dismissed batsman in men’s T20 cricket, with 44 dismissals without contributing to the scoreboard.

Despite this setback, Narine’s performance in IPL 2024 has been exceptional. He is the highest run-scorer for KKR this season, amassing 461 runs in 12 matches at an impressive average of 38.42. His contributions have been crucial to KKR’s success in the tournament.

Bumrah’s dismissal of Narine was a significant moment in the match, as it gave MI an early advantage. The pacer celebrated his achievement in his signature style, showcasing his confidence and dominance on the field.

The dismissal also highlighted the intense rivalry between KKR and MI, two of the most successful teams in IPL history. The match was a thrilling contest, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.

Axar Patel to Lead Delhi Capitals in Pant's Absence

Axar Patel to Lead Delhi Capitals in Pant’s Absence

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence in Axar Patel’s ability to lead the team in the absence of suspended captain Rishabh Pant. Pant was banned for one match after an altercation with Mumbai Indians’ Suryakumar Yadav during their previous encounter.

Ponting praised Patel’s experience and understanding of the game, saying, “He has been vice-captain for the last couple of seasons and he is very sensible and understands the game really well.”

The coach also acknowledged the challenge of replacing Pant, who has been Delhi’s best batter this season. However, he believes the team has the depth to overcome his absence.

“Rishabh has been one of the best players this IPL and not having him is a loss. But it is also a great opportunity for others,” Ponting said.

David Warner, who has missed the last four matches due to injury, is expected to be available for selection. Ponting expressed optimism about his return, saying, “David Warner has trained really strongly. We hope he is available for selection.”

The Delhi Capitals will face the Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 11 in Bengaluru. The match will be a crucial test for Patel’s leadership and the team’s ability to adapt without Pant.

Abishek Porel Impresses Ponting, Set to Keep for Delhi Capitals

Abishek Porel Impresses Ponting, Set to Keep for Delhi Capitals

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on Abishek Porel, the left-handed batter who has impressed in multiple roles during IPL 2024. Ponting has indicated that Porel will don the keeping gloves against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday in the absence of the suspended Rishabh Pant.

Porel, signed by Capitals in 2023 as a replacement for Pant, has scored 267 runs in 10 innings this season at a strike rate of 157.98. He began the campaign batting at No. 9 against Punjab Kings, coming in as an Impact Player and smacking an unbeaten 31 off just 10 balls. Since then, he has been promoted to a top-four role, and in DC’s last game against Rajasthan Royals, he opened the batting and put on 60 in just 4.2 overs with Jake Fraser-McGurk. Porel went on to score 65 off 36, his first IPL half-century, studded with seven fours and three sixes.

“I’ve seen extreme growth in Abishek Porel in this IPL,” Ponting said in Bengaluru ahead of the match against RCB. “He’s a very special talent. He’s starting to work out what IPL cricket is all about. He’s had a couple of different roles as well. He’s made [31] off 10 balls as a No. 9 batsman, and now we see him opening the batting and he’s got better and better every game.”

“I’ve got huge raps on him. I think he’s a very, very good young player, obviously we’ll probably get to see him with the keeping gloves on tomorrow as well, with Rishabh not being there. And then we’ll work out, when we finalise our team, with the batting order and stuff, but I’ll be surprised if he’s not at the top of the order again, because he has played really well, and he’s someone that I think has got a really bright future.”

Ponting also hailed Jake Fraser-McGurk, the swashbuckling 22-year-old batter who has taken this IPL by storm. Fraser-McGurk, picked by DC as a replacement player after Lungi Ngidi was ruled out, has reset the T20 batting template in the powerplay, just like Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have while batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season. Fraser-McGurk has scored his 309 runs while striking at 235.87 and averaging 44.14, with the help of four half-centuries.

“Some of the things he’s done – I think he’s made three 20-ball fifties in this tournament, so he along with Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been the stand-out powerplay batsmen in this entire tournament,” Ponting said. “He’s focused now, like all of us, he’s making sure that we’re ready to go tomorrow. For us, it’s not about what happened yesterday, it’s about what we can do today to get better, and then make sure that we’re ready to play our best game of cricket tomorrow.”

Delhi Capitals Aim to Maintain Momentum Against In-Form RCB

Delhi Capitals Aim to Maintain Momentum Against In-Form RCB

Delhi Capitals Aim to Maintain Momentum Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs looming, Delhi Capitals will face a crucial test against the in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their penultimate league stage match on Sunday. The Capitals, who secured a vital victory in their previous outing, will be determined to keep their momentum going and secure a top-four finish.

However, Delhi will be without their skipper Rishabh Pant, who has been suspended for slow over rate. In Pant’s absence, Axar Patel will lead the team, bringing his experience and leadership qualities to the fore.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting expressed confidence in Patel’s ability to lead the team. “He’s been Vice-Captain at this franchise for the last couple of seasons. He’s a very experienced IPL player, an experienced international player, a sensible guy, understands the game really well,” Ponting said.

Ponting acknowledged the challenge posed by RCB, who have won their last four matches. However, he emphasized the Capitals’ impressive form in recent games. “We’ve won five of our last seven, and we’ve made some huge scores along the way. There are no excuses from us tomorrow, regardless of Pant not being in the lineup,” he said.

Regarding team selection, Ponting provided an update on David Warner’s fitness. “David Warner missed the last game, he got that nasty knock on his hand about a month ago now and hasn’t played a game since. He trained really strongly yesterday, he’ll be out hitting balls in the middle now, so he’ll be doing some more batting today. Hopefully, he’s available for selection for tomorrow,” Ponting said.

The Delhi Capitals will be eager to put in a strong performance against RCB and secure a crucial victory that could boost their chances of reaching the playoffs. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams.

KKR vs MI IPL Match Delayed Due to Rain in Kolkata

KKR vs MI IPL Match Delayed Due to Rain in Kolkata

Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians Clash in Rain-Delayed IPL Match

Kolkata, India – The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) has been delayed due to heavy rainfall in Kolkata. The match, scheduled to take place at the Eden Gardens stadium, was set to be a crucial encounter for both teams.

KKR, currently leading the IPL standings with 16 points, is aiming to solidify their position at the top of the table. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have been struggling this season and are already eliminated from the tournament. However, they are determined to finish their campaign on a high note.

The rain has been relentless in Kolkata, forcing the toss to be postponed indefinitely. The ground staff is working tirelessly to clear the field and make it playable. However, the weather forecast remains uncertain, and it is unclear when the match will be able to start.

KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, has been in impressive form this season. They have won eight of their 10 matches and have a strong batting lineup featuring Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, and Venkatesh Iyer. Their bowling attack, led by Umesh Yadav and Sunil Narine, has also been effective.

Mumbai Indians, captained by Rohit Sharma, have had a disappointing season. They have won only three of their 10 matches and have struggled to find consistency. Their batting lineup, which includes Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, and Kieron Pollard, has not been firing on all cylinders. Their bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, has also been inconsistent.

Despite their struggles, Mumbai Indians will be eager to prove their worth in this match. They have a proud history in the IPL and will be determined to end their season on a positive note.

As the rain continues to fall, the fans are eagerly waiting for the match to start. The atmosphere at the Eden Gardens is electric, and the crowd is ready to witness a thrilling encounter between two of the most popular teams in the IPL.

BCCI Eliminates Toss in CK Nayudu Trophy, Revamps Domestic Cricket Calendar

BCCI Eliminates Toss in CK Nayudu Trophy, Revamps Domestic Cricket Calendar

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced significant changes to its domestic cricket calendar for the 2024-25 season, including the elimination of the toss in CK Nayudu Trophy matches. This move aims to address the issue of home teams preparing pitches that favor their strengths, particularly in the Under-23 tournament. Instead, the visiting team will now have the option to choose whether to bat or bowl first.

Another innovation introduced in the CK Nayudu Trophy is a new points system designed to promote balanced performances. Points will be awarded for batting and bowling performances in the first innings, as well as for the first innings lead or outright win. This system is similar to the one used in the English County Championship and may be implemented in the Ranji Trophy next season if it proves successful.

The Ranji Trophy will also undergo a major change, being split into two phases. The first five games will be played after the Duleep Trophy, which will kick off the domestic season, followed by the Irani Cup and the white-ball tournaments. The last two Ranji league matches and the knockout stages will be held at the end of the season. This adjustment aims to minimize the impact of weather disruptions, particularly in the North and East Zones.

The Duleep Trophy will feature four teams selected by the national selectors, indicating the BCCI’s departure from the zonal system. Additionally, the gap between Ranji Trophy matches will be increased to allow players more time for recovery and to maintain peak performance throughout the season.

In women’s cricket, all Inter-zonal tournaments will have teams selected by the national selectors, ensuring a more competitive and balanced playing field.

These changes are part of a broader effort by the BCCI to revamp domestic cricket and create a more equitable and challenging environment for players. The recommendations were made by a four-member committee led by India’s head coach Rahul Dravid and will be submitted to the Apex Council for approval.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart