"Bowlers Were Good": Hardik Pandya Says After MI Concede 277 vs SRH

"Insane" was the only word that Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper could think of to sum up the six-hitting slugfest against Mumbai Indians in the IPL on Wednesday. It was a game of many firsts as SRH smashed 277 for three, the highest total in IPL history. Mumbai Indians kept themselves in the game before ending at 246 for five. For the first time, 500 runs were scored in a game, including a record 38 sixes.

"That was insane. The ball was really pinging around. Not until we bowled, it got a bit too close for comfort. They found a boundary whenever they needed it, but we finished it off well," said Cummins at the post-match presentation.

It was a batting beauty but Cummins did not envisage such a big total.

"You never play for 270, but we wanted to be positive and be aggressive, take the game on. It was a good wicket, so we have to suck it up knowing we would go for a few boundaries.

"What's important is to have clear plans with the ball. There was amazing atmosphere in the ground, enjoyed playing here, was incredibly loud," said the skipper after SRH's first win of the season.

Opposition skipp could only doff his hat to the opposition batters though his team also put up a spirited fight with the bat.

"Wicket was good, 277 no matter how bad or good you bowl, if the opposition has to score that much, they have batted well," said Pandya.

Barring all Mumbai bowlers leaked more than 10 runs per over. 17-year-old debutant conceded 66 runs in his four overs.

"The wicket was good but 277, no matter how good or bad you bowl, if the opposition get 277 that means they batted very well. [Bowlers] were good. It was tough out there," Hardik Pandya. 

"Close to 500 runs were scored so the wicket was helping the batters. We could have tried a few different things, but we have a young bowling attack and I liked what I saw today. If the ball goes this much in the crowd, it's definitely different to run around and complete the overs in time. Everyone batted really well, counting Tilak, Ro, Ishan. There are just few things we need to do right and we'll be alright."

He backed Maphaka to come good in the next game.

"He (Kwena Maphaka) was fantastic, coming into his first game and getting overwhelmed, he was alright and backed his skillset, just needs some game time," added the Mumbai Indians skipper.
 

IPL 2024 Points Table: SRH Rise To Third Spot, MI Slip To...

Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 277-3 for the highest-ever Indian Premier League total and went on to beat Mumbai Indians by 31 runs in a six-hitting festival on Wednesday. Australia's Travis Head made a 24-ball 62 to lead the assault after Hyderabad batted first and went past the previous IPL best of 263-5 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2013. Mumbai replied strongly in the match which witnessed 38 sixes for another IPL record, bettering the 33 hits over the fence clubbed three times in earlier seasons.

Left-handed Tilak Varma stood out with his 64 in 34 balls for Mumbai but the effort was not enough on a batting-friendly pitch in veteran batsman Rohit Sharma's 200th IPL match.

Rohit smashed a 12-ball 26 and fellow opener Ishan Kishan made 34 to give Mumbai a flying start but the innings lost momentum after 10 overs due to the ever-increasing asking rate.

Tim David smashed an unbeaten 42 in a late charge but the chase was beyond reach as Mumbai ended on 246-5 -- the team's highest IPL total.

After the victory in the game, SRH rose to the third spot in the points table while MI slipped to the ninth spot in the standings.

Have a look at updated IPL 2024 points table here:

It was records galore as the match also featured the highest run aggregate of 523 runs in 17 years of the IPL.

Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins was the best of the bowlers with 2-35 in his four overs of pace, leading his side to their first win of the season.

Earlier the left-handed Head, dropped on five by David off skipper Hardik Pandya, reached his fifty in 18 balls and after his departure Abhishek Sharma reached his half-century off just 16.

The team's 100 came up in only seven overs and Hyderabad posted the tournament's highest ever total in the first 10 overs of 148-2.

Abhishek fell for 63 off 23 balls but there was no respite for the bowlers who were at the receiving end of some punishing batting.

It was raining boundaries in Hyderabad's innings with 18 sixes and 19 fours as the South African pair of Heinrich Klaasen (80 not out in 34 balls) and Aiden Markram, who hit 42, posted an unbeaten stand of 116.

Mumbai's South African import Kwena Maphaka had a bruising introduction to IPL when the 17-year-old left-arm quick went for 66 runs in his four overs.

Five-time winners Mumbai, who had a change in captaincy after Pandya took over from the experienced Rohit, and Hyderabad started this edition with a loss each.

(With AFP Inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ipl-2024-points-table-sunrisers-hyderabad-rise-to-third-spot-mumbai-indians-slip-to-5323200

"A Dwarf Is A Dwarf": Sidhu's Epic Take On Hardik-Rohit MI Captaincy Row

Former Indian cricket team batter Navjot Singh Sidhu had his say about Rohit Sharma playing under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 after the much-talked-about change in captaincy. Hardik, who completed a sensational trade move from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians, replaced Rohit as the skipper ahead of IPL 2024 and the move has led to massive conversations among fans and experts. In a recent interaction, Sidhu said that Dhoni and Rohit are great players in their own right, and playing in a franchise team under another captain does not diminish their position.

"I have played in an Indian team where five captains used to pay together. Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Krishnamachari Srikkanth and Ravi Shastri. Pick up a brick and you will find a captain both above and below it. There were no issues because they were playing for their nation. The motivation was to play for your country. So, playing under Hardik does not make Rohit smaller." 

Dhoni has passed the baton already and that could have happened in Mumbai Indians as well. But this is a franchise and they look at the performances. They gave it three years and when it did not work, they got a new person for the job. You need to accept it. But Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are great players. A dwarf is a dwarf even if he is standing at the top of a mountain and a God is a God even if they are standing at the bottom of a well," Sidhu said during the analysis on Star Sports.

Navjot Singh Sidhu on Rohit Sharma. pic.twitter.com/OtQNhwitBh

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 24, 2024

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' batting coach Kieron Pollard backed Hardik Pandya's move to open the bowling instead of Jasprit Bumrah and also said the skipper batting at number seven in their IPL opener against Gujarat Titans was a "collective decision".

An inexplicable batting strategy saw MI lose their opener by six runs here on Sunday after they looked on course for victory.

Mumbai Indians won the toss and opted to bowl first and surprisingly, Hardik opened the bowling against his former side.

"You have to plan and decide what you want to do as a team. Hardik (Pandya) has also bowled with the new ball for Gujarat over the last couple of years. He swung the new ball and bowled it well, which was nothing new to us.

"We tried to use the advantage of the new ball swinging along. When I look at the decision made, there is nothing wrong with it, and we move on," Pollard said at the post-match press conference.

(With PTI inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/a-dwarf-is-a-dwarf-navjot-singh-sidhus-epic-take-on-rohit-sharma-hardik-pandya-mi-captaincy-row-5307589

IPL 2024: CSK Stamp Authority, Defeat Gujarat Titans By 63 Runs

Chennai Super Kings batters dazzled before the bowlers ran riot to choke Gujarat Titans in a comprehensive 63-run victory in their second IPL match on Tuesday. Ruturaj Gaikwad's team has covered all its bases and it was evident as Rachin Ravindra prepared a platform with 20-ball-46 allowing Shivam Dube to unlock his beast mode with a 23-ball-51. In between, Gaikwad himself maintained the balance with 36-ball-46 as Chennai's 206 for 6 was a Herculean total in every sense. Titans in reply could manage only 143/8 as Chahar (2/28 in 4 overs), Mustafizur Rahman (2/30 in 4 overs), Tushar Deshpande (2/21) and Matheesha Pathirana (1/29 in 4 overs) one by one tightened the noose on Titans batting unit.

If Gujarat needed to make a match of it, Shubman Gill needed to fire but his poor shot selection of a Deepak Chahar delivery, which wasn't as short as expected for a pull-shot, brought about his downfall.

Once Shubman was gone, Gujarat didn't even have a chance in hell with players like Wriddhiman Saha (21 off 17 balls) and B Sai Sudharsan (37, 31 balls), players, who on most days are pillion riders, playing second fiddle to perfection.

As it was the case, finishers like David Miller (21) and Rahul Tewatia (1) didn't have enough on the board to go for the improbable chase and the inevitable happened. Put into bat, Rachin's slam-bang approach and Dube's final flourish got CSK past 200-run mark.

Rachin made full use of Powerplay, racing to 46 off 20 balls while Dube, a nightmare for spinners then used his long levers to whack 51 in only 23 deliveries to increase the challenge of GT batters by manifold. Dube's innings had as many as five sixes.In between, skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad's chiselled 46 off 36 balls also was a significant contribution in another impactful batting performance on a hard bouncy track that was on offer. Not to forget CSK's Rs 7.60 crore recruit Sameer Rizvi (14 off 6 balls), who pummeled Rashid Khan (2/49 in 4 overs) for two sixes to mark a memorable IPL debut.

It was Rachin, who has already become a darling of the CSK fans, enthralled all and sundry with his audacious stroke-play. While he missed out again on a half-century but team's 'spiritual skipper' Mahendra Singh Dhoni would be all smiles knowing that his choice was perfect to the T. The three sixes -- a flick behind the square and one over long-on off the normally profligate Umesh Yadav and one off Azmatullah Omarzai were hit with so much disdain that it did put Gujarat Titans in a spot. There were some crunchy cover drives as Ravindra let his skipper Gaikwad breathe a little easy at the other end.

Finally, it was GT's 'Go-To' bowler Rashid, who drew the first blood but more because of smart work from Wriddhiman Saha, who removed the bails in a flash after the Black Caps opener lost his balance moved out of his crease trying to whip the delivery.

Saha's next stumping was way easier as Sai Kishore shortened the length and drew him out of his crease for an indiscreet loft. The ball deviated enough and the keeper completed mere formality.

Gaikwad wasn't as fluent as Ravindra to begin with but in his five boundaries and a six, he oozed class before becoming Saha's third victim with the gloves trying to pull Spencer Johnson, only to end up edging one behind the stumps.

After that it was Dube, who just plonked his front-foot and bludgeoned Sai Kishore for two monstrous sixes and also sent Johnson's delivery soaring for a maximum. Dube had the composed Daryl Mitchell for company, who also chipped in with an unbeaten 20-ball-24 in a stand of 57 runs for the fourth wicket in 5.5 overs. 

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ipl-2024-chennai-super-kings-stamp-authority-defeat-gujarat-titans-by-63-runs-5316345

2023 की फाइनलिस्ट टीमें IPL में आज भिड़ेंगी

आज के रोमांचक मुकाबले में कोन जीतेगा

यह कहना मुश्किल है वर्ष 2023 के फाइनलिस्ट जब आपस में भिड रहे हो तो रोमांचक पैदा होना स्वाभिवक है चेपॉक परंपरागत रूप से धीमे गेंदबाजों के लिए मशहूर रहा है
दोनों टीमों के पास कुछ चतुर विविधता वाले गेंदबाज हैं जो बड़े फायदे के लिए in और आउट कटर का उपयोग करते हैं। यह कह नही सकते है की पिच मिलेगी जो गेम 1 में इस्तेमाल की गई थी या क्या हमें आज रात एक अलग सतह देखने को मिलेगी?

, गिल और रुतुराज -

दोनों उम्दा खिलाडी है दोनों ने पहले ऑरेंज कैप जीती है
और यह देखते हुए कि यह उनके संबंधित फ्रेंचाइजी के कप्तान के रूप में उनका पहला आईपीएल सीजन है, दोनों युवा प्रभाव डालने और अपने अधिकार पर मुहर लगाने के लिए उत्सुक होंगे।
ये दो गुणवत्तापूर्ण पक्ष हैं जिनके अधिकांश आधार कवर किए गए हैं, में समझाता हूँ की आज रात हमारा जबरदस्त मुकाबला होगा। टॉस और टीमों के लिए फैसला ही जीत निर्भर है
मुस्तफिजुर रहमान ने सीएसके को बाएं हाथ बोलर है है बहुमुखी प्रतिभा के धनी है अपनी नई फ्रेंचाइजी के पहले दिन, बांग्लादेश के तेज गेंदबाज ने दिखाया कि वह कथित 'कोर्स फॉर कोर्स' से कहीं अधिक हो सकते हैं।

गुजरात टाइटन्स

इसकी नेतृत्व शुबमन गिल के हाथ में है एक कोने में हमारे पास चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स है -
अपने नए कप्तान - रुतुराज गायकवाड़ के नेतृत्व में। इन भारतीय खिलाड़ी एक-दूसरे के खिलाफ हैं,
आईपीएल 2024 के 7वें मुकाबले इस सीज़न के सभी मैच घरेलू टीमों ने जीते हैं।
चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स ने टूर्नामेंट के शुरुआती मुकाबले में रॉयल चैलेंजर्स बैंगलोर को हराया,
जबकि गुजरात टाइटंस ने रविवार को भारत के सबसे बड़े स्टेडियम में पांच बार के आईपीएल चैंपियन - मुंबई इंडियंस को हराया। खिलाड़ियों और उनके चेन्नई सुपर किंग्स में शामिल होने के बारे में कुछ बात है। हमने पिछले सीज़न में अजिंक्य रहाणे का खेल देखा
मुस्तफिजुर रहमान को पिछले सप्ताह अपने सर्वश्रेष्ठ प्रदर्शन में वापस आते देखा। रुतुराज गायकवाड़ ने पावरप्ले में दीपक चाहर, तुषार देशपांडे और महेश थीक्षाना को फाइन लेग और सर्कल के बाहर थर्ड मैन से गेंदबाजी कराई,
लेकिन फिर वे मुस्तफिजुर के लिए डीप पॉइंट और डीप स्क्वायर लेग बन गए। बाएं हाथ के खिलाड़ी के एंगल और अच्छी लेंथ पर हिट करते रहने की उनकी दृढ़ता ने तुरंत सफलता दिला दी।
रूम के लिए अपने अगले पैर को साफ करने और ऑफ-साइड पर हवाई शॉट लगाने की डु प्लेसिस की क्षमता का परीक्षण उस गेंद से किया गया जो उनके ऑफ-स्टंप से दूर जा रही थी,
और उन्होंने एक बड़े शॉट के साथ मौका लेते हुए गेंद को कैच कर लिया,
जिसे अच्छी तरह से पकड़ लिया गया। रचिन रवीन्द्र द्वारा।
रजत पाटीदार को 135 किमी प्रति घंटे की रफ्तार से गेंद का सामना करना पड़ा, जिससे वह पीछे नहीं निकल सके, जबकि उनके पैर क्रीज पर टिके रहे।

जब 12वें ओवर में मुस्तफिजुर अपने दूसरे ओवर के लिए वापस आए, तो विराट कोहली उस स्टैंड को मजबूत करना चाह रहे थे
जो उन्होंने कैमरून ग्रीन की कंपनी में बनाना शुरू किया था
और स्कोरिंग दर की सुई को थोड़ा और आगे बढ़ाना चाहते थे।
कोण की सरलता और ऑफ-स्टंप से दूर की रेखा ने एक बार फिर मुस्तफिजुर के पक्ष में काम किया, क्योंकि कोहली ने डीप मिडविकेट पर अजिंक्य रहाणे और रवींद्र के संयुक्त प्रयास से गेंद को आउट कर दिया।
उनका केवल चौथा विकेट - ग्रीन का - एक ट्रेडमार्क कटर था जिसे लेग स्टंप के बाहर अवे टर्न के साथ पिच किया गया था,
जिसका ऑस्ट्रेलियाई को रूम बनाते समय और कट शॉट खेलने की कोशिश करते समय अनुमान नहीं था।

दिनेश कार्तिक ने कहा, "यह बहुत अच्छी पिच थी। यह सामान्य धीमी चेपॉक टर्नर नहीं है
जिसकी हम शायद अपने दिमाग में कल्पना कर रहे हैं।" "गेंद बहुत अधिक स्किड हुई, यह बल्लेबाजी के लिए अच्छा था। उसने [मुस्तफिजुर] वास्तव में अच्छी गेंदबाजी की।
जो चीज इसे कठिन बनाती है वह यह है कि वह 138-139 किमी प्रति घंटे की रफ्तार से गेंदबाजी कर सकता है
और फिर उसके पास धीमी गेंद है जो वास्तव में भ्रामक है।" . वह 120-125 पर गेंदबाजी करता है,
जिससे उसे लाइन में लगाना वाकई मुश्किल हो जाता है। यही उसके बारे में बहुत खास है। वह एक विश्व स्तरीय गेंदबाज है।"

मुस्तफिजुर के चार विकेट उनकी पहली 10 गेंदों में आए, और उन्होंने 29 रन देकर 4 विकेट लिए - सीएसके के लिए आईपीएल डेब्यू करने वालों में 2009 में शादाब जकाती के 24 रन देकर 4 विकेट के बाद दूसरे स्थान पर रहे। सीज़न के शुरुआती गेम में उनका शामिल होना आकस्मिक हो सकता है - मथीशा पथिराना की चोट के कारण - लेकिन गैर-चेपॉक जैसी परिस्थितियों में भी क्षण बनाने की क्षमता श्रीलंकाई के फिट और उपलब्ध होने पर सीएसके के निर्णय लेने में एक परत जोड़ती है

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"Still Got It": Kohli's Massive Declaration Amid Chatter Over T20 WC Spot

After a minor hiccup in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 204, Virat Kohli is back where he belongs. The same craftiness and class that Kohli has been known to exude was visible once again as he registered his 100th T20 fifty-plus score, becoming the first Indian and overall only third player to do so, in a match against Punjab Kings on Monday. He scored 77 runs in 49 balls, with 11 fours and two sixes. He scored his runs at a strike rate of over 157. RCB beat PBKS by four wickets, and Kohli played a major role.

Kohli, who took a two-month paternity break, didn't forget to mention that whether it is cricket in the Olympic program or T20 World Cup in the USA, he is 'The Face'.

In 378 appearances in T20s, Virat has scored 12,092 runs at an average of 41.26, with eight centuries and 92 fifties. His best score is 122*. Virat is India's leading T20 run-getter and overall sixth. Kohli's scintillating 77 came in the backdrop of chatter that the former Indian cricket team captain may not be picked for the T20 World Cup. 

After getting the Orange Cap, Kohli opened up on his form. "[To the crowd] Don't get overexcited, it's just two games. I know what this (orange cap) means. [Love story with the crowd] It's been going on for years. People talk a lot about playing the sport. At the end of the day, you don't talk about the achievements, stats or numbers but the memories. It's what Rahul Dravid says. The friendship, love, appreciation, and backing has been amazing and is what you'll miss and never forget," he said.

He then went on to say that he still has it in him to perform in the shortest format.

"In T20, I'm opening, I try to give the team a blazing start. But when wickets start falling, you have to understand the conditions as well. The wicket wasn't as placid as normal here. It was a bit two-paced. Had to play correct cricketing shots, couldn't hit balls across the line. Tried a few, felt like I needed big hits at the other end, which didn't happen as Maxi and Anuj got out quickly. Disappointed not having finished it off. It was a slot ball that I sliced straight to deep point. Not a bad bad though playing after two months and getting into the tournament," he said.  

"I had to, bowlers know I play the cover drive pretty well. So they won't allow me to hit gaps. Guys like KG and Arshdeep, if they are hitting length, you have to create momentum, once you're closer to the ball you negate the bounce. You have to come up with a game plan and try to keep improving. I know my name is often used to just promote the T20 game across the world when it comes to T20 cricket these days but still got it I guess." 

Though players' places in the T20 squad will be defined on the basis of the IPL 2024 campaign, a report has claimed that chief selector Ajit Agarkar has been asked to 'convince' Virat to make way for youngsters in the team.

As per a report in The Telegraph, Virat was informed by Agarkar about the need for a change in his approach. The conversation prompted Kohli to bat more aggressively in T20Is against Afghanistan but could only register the highest score of 29 in a match.

The report further claims that the selectors are of the opinion that the slow wickets in the West Indies wouldn't suit Kohli's natural game as a batter. Hence, the selection committee has been assessing its options for the showpiece event.

With PTI and ANI inputs

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/still-got-it-virat-kohlis-massive-declaration-after-77-for-rcb-amid-chatter-over-t20-world-cup-spot-5309650

IPL 2024 Points Table: RCB Register First Victory. The Leaders Are...

Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their first victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and moved up to the sixth position in the points table. Virat Kohli was the top performer for RCB with a brilliant 77 while Dinesh Karthik finished it in style as the team bounced back from their loss against Chennai Super Kings in the opener. Rajasthan Royals are currently top of the table thanks to the best Net Run Rate (NRR) followed by CSK, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings.

Virat Kohli produced a quality half-century on a slightly gummy pitch that took the Holi-day crowd on a joyride and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings.

The 177-run target wasn't a massively tough one, but needed a meticulous scaling down because of the deck's nature.

Kohli (77, 49b, 11x4, 2x6) conducted it to near-perfection as RCB made 178 for six with four balls to spare to register their first win of this IPL.

The Royal Challengers needed 47 from 24 balls from that point Dinesh Karthik (28 not out off 10 balls) and 'Impact Player' Mahipal Lomror (17 not out, 8 balls)carried them past the rope with some sensible cricket. Karthik team's designated finisher showed that he can seamlessly switch from microphone to willow as he walloped Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh with minimum fuss to finish it in style.

Kohli's innings was not a blemish free effort as he received reprieves on the very first ball on zero and then when he was on 33, and on both the times pacer Sam Curran was the aggrieved party.

But when Kohli bats at such a lofty zone those are momentary distractions – for him and for the fans.

He showed that in no little measure, clanking Curran for three more fours after that first drop as 16 runs cascaded in the opening over of the chase.

There were his money shots too – cover drives, swat-flicks, lofts over extra cover as Kohli dismantled the Kings attack all alone.

But a shot stood out from the rest for its sheer timing and execution. Rabada, who was otherwise superb for a 2/23 figure, pitched one slightly short, and Kohli danced down to magnificently flay the offering over the covers for a four.

The inside out maximum over covers off leg-spinner Rahul Chahar too has the touch of Kohli's genius.

Those shorts also bore testimony of Kohli's class on a tacky deck where other RCB batters such as Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell struggled to get a move-on against Rabada and highly-impressive spinner Harpreet Brar (2/13).

It reflected in the fact that the highest partnership in RCB innings was a 43-run association between Kohli and Rajat Patidar (18, 18b) for the third wicket.

But the lone Odyssey of Kohli ended when his slash off Harshal Patel's slower ball on off-stump failed to generate enough power and distance to clear Brar at deep third man.

(With PTI inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ipl-2024-points-table-royal-challengers-bengaluru-register-first-victory-the-leaders-are-5309621

"Where Is Bumrah?": Pietersen, Gavaskar Blast Hardik For Tactical Decision

Former England cricket team batter Kevin Pietersen and legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar were extremely critical of Hardik Pandya's decision to bowl the first over during the match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024 on Sunday. The MI skipper decided to start proceedings with the new ball instead of choosing star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah - a choice that led to a lot of discussion in the commentary box. Things got worse as Hardik was taken to be the cleaners by GT openers Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha with the all-rounder conceding 20 runs in his first six deliveries.

"Why Jasprit Bumrah is not opening the bowling? I don't understand this," Pietersen remarked.

"Very good question. Very, very good question," Gavaskar replied on commentary.

Even Irfan Pathan took to social media to have his say on the matter.

“Where is Bumrah?” he posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Where is Bumrah?

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 24, 2024

Gujarat went on to score 169 runs with the bat, a decent total on the wicket. Mumbai Indians were off to a bad start as Ishan Kishan feathered an edge to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, dismissed for a four-ball duck by Azmatullah Omarzai. MI was 0/1 in 0.4 overs.

Rohit Sharma later on developed a brief partnership with young batter Naman Dhir, a 24-year-old with an experience of four T20 innings. Rohit smacked Umesh Yadav for two cracking fours while Naman smashed Omarzai for three fours and a six.

However, Omarzai had the last laugh, trapping Naman leg-before-wicket for 20 in 10 balls, with three fours and a six. MI was 30/2 in three overs. Rohit, however, was unfazed as he continued punishing Umesh with a four and a six.

Dewald Brevis was next up on the crease. With a delightful boundary on Rashid Khan's delivery, Rohit helped MI reach the 50-run mark in 5.4 overs.

Australia pacer Spencer Johnson delivered an expensive over to conclude the first half of the innings, being hit for two fours by Rohit and a six by Brevis. At the end of 10 overs, MI was 88/2 with Rohit (40*) and Brevis (26*) unbeaten.

Brevis hit Mohit Sharma for a four to help MI reach the 100-run mark in 11.1 overs.

The 77-run partnership for the third wicket was ended by Sai Kishore, who trapped Rohit leg-before-wicket for 43 in 29 balls, with seven fours and a six. MI was 107/3 in 12.1 overs.

At the end of 15 overs, MI was 126/3, with Brevis (46*) and Tilak Varma (15*) unbeaten.

Mohit turned things around for GT, dismissing Tim David for 11 in 10 balls after he was caught by David Miller. MI was 142/5 in 18 overs, needing 27 runs in the final 12 balls.

In the next over, Spencer started off by conceding a six, but got Tilak on the next ball, caught by Abhinav Manohar for 25 in 19 balls. MI was 148/6, needing 21 in 10 balls.

Hardik Pandya and Gerald Coetzee were the fresh pair and they took the team to the last over with 19 runs to get in the final over as Gerald was dismissed on the final ball of the over by Spencer for one run. MI was 150/7 in 19 overs.

Shams Mulani was next up on the crease. Hardik started the next over with a six and four. However, he was dismissed for 11 in four balls by Umesh, caught by Tewatia. MI was 160/8, needing nine runs in three balls. Umesh was on a hat-trick, getting Piyush Chawla on next ball for a duck. MI was 160/9, needing nine in two balls.

MI finished their innings at 162/9 in 20 overs, losing by six runs.

With ANI inputs

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/where-is-jasprit-bumrah-kevin-pietersen-sunil-gavaskar-blast-hardik-pandya-for-tactical-decision-5303879

IPL 2024 Points Table After Gujarat Titans' Narrow Win Over Mumbai Indians

An inexplicable batting strategy by Mumbai Indians at the death saw Shubman Gill make an auspicious debut as Gujarat Titans captain with a thrilling six-run victory in their opening IPL game in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) was at his absolute best in his first IPL game in two years, firing in his express yorkers at will to help Mumbai Indians restrict Gujarat Titans to 168/6. But Bumrah's effort was not enough as batters like Tilak Varma and skipper Hardik Pandya failed to complement his brilliance. MI ended at 162/9 as things went downhill when all they needed was 43 runs off last five overs with seven wickets in hand.

MI thus failed to break their opening game jinx. The last time they won their IPL opener was against Chennai Super Kings way back in 2012.

After the game GT held the fourth spot in the IPL 2024 table with two points and an NRR of +0.300 while MI were at the 7th spot.

Rajasthan Royals, who won their campaign opener against Lucknow Super Giants in the day game on Sunday, held the top spot with two points and an NRR of +1.000. Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings held the second and third positions, respectively.

See the updated IPL 2024 points table here -

While spinners Rashid Khan (0/23 in 4 overs) and R Sai Kishore (1/24) gave very little with the ball despite the dew setting in, veteran Mohit Sharma (2/32) used his variations with different types of slower deliveries to turn the course of the match.

Spencer Joshnson (2/25) and Umesh Yadav (2/32) were brilliant bowling the 19th and 20th over as Hardik Pandya relegating himself to No. 7 in batting order is something that would need explanation. He did hit a six and four in the last over but Umesh had the last laugh.

Even Tilak Varma refusing a single to Tim David also beggars belief.

MI lost their first wicket without a run on the board after Ishan Kishan failed to open his account, nicking an Azmatullah Omarzai (2/27) delivery to Wriddhiman Saha as the pacer set him up with some excellent swing bowling. After testing Kishan with inswingers, Omarzai got one to move away and the batter could only edge it to the keeper.

New face Naman Dhir began with a flurry of boundaries, leaving the likes of Ravi Shastri excited in the commentary box as the experts discussed the best possible combination for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Having being hit for three fours and a six by Dhir, Omarzai had the last laugh as the batter was adjudged lbw after the Afghan had opted for a review after the on-field umpire thought otherwise.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma (43 off 29 balls) found one on the slot and flicked Umesh Yadav over mid-wicket for a maximum as MI reached 52/2 at the end of powerplay.

Dewald Brevis (46 off 38 balls) also was in fettle as the South African struck sixes off Rashid Khan, Spencer Johnson and Sai Kishore as MI inched closer to the target of 169.

However, Sai Kishore trapped Rohit and Impact Sub Mohit had Brevis caught and bowled to bring GT back into the contest.

Tilak Varma (25 off 19) perished while truing to force the pace, and MI skipper Hardik Pandya too failed to complete the chase after coming close.

Earlier, young left-hander B Sai Sudharsan top-scored with a 45 off 39 balls for GT, while Rahul Tewatia made 22 off 15 balls down the order.

But the evening, without an iota of doubt, belonged to Bumrah, who missed the whole of last edition due to a lower back stress fracture.

He dismissed David Miller and Sudharsan in the 17th over in a space of three deliveries but it didn't help in final outcome.

Assuming that there could be dew later in the evening, MI's new skipper Hardik Pandya invited GT to bat first, and Shubman Gill in his first game as captain was up to the task.

Looking to make an impact against his former team, Pandya opened the bowling and Wriddhiman Saha (19) slapped a wide ball through the off-side to begin GT's campaign with a boundary.

Up against Gill, Pandya erred in line and the stylish batter used his wrists to whip him off his pads for a four, as the MI captain conceded 11 runs after his surprise move to start the proceedings at the expense of one of the world's best bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah.

As Saha got a few useful boundaries, Gill found the fence with consummate ease as GT were off to a flyer.

However, Bumrah's introduction in the fourth over brought MI instant success as the lead pacer sent back Saha with an express yorker, hitting the base of the middle stump. The former India stumper couldn't bring his bat down in quick time.

Spin was brought on in Shams Mulani and Gill rocked back to cut the left-arm spinner through covers for a four. The GT captain then got down on one leg to slog-sweep Mulani for a huge six over deep square-leg.

Piyush Chawla bowled an economical first over, even as GT managed 47 runs for the loss of one wicket in the powerplay.

Chawla continued and Gill tried to disturb his rhythm, but failed. He danced down the ground to hoick him but did not get the necessary elevation, as Rohit Sharma, who is normally not seen fielding in such positions, judged it well to complete a neat catch in the deep.

The experienced Chawla snared the big fish with a googly as Gill (31 off 22 balls) walked back after getting his eye in, much to the relief of the hordes of Mumbai supporters at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

However, with Sai Sudharsan determined to start from where he left in the title clash against CSK last season with a magnificent 96, MI knew they had their task cut out.

(With PTI Inputs)

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/updated-ipl-2024-points-table-after-gujarat-titans-narrow-win-over-mumbai-indians-5304145

Shreyanka Patil Has A Special Message For RCB Men's Team In IPL 2024

The Indian women's cricket team received the 'Sports Performance Of The Year' award at the NDTV Indian Of The Year 2024 award ceremony held in New Delhi on Saturday. The team was represented by Shreyanka Patil, Shafali Verma, Sneh Rana and Radha Yadav. They were presented the award by tennis icon Sania Mirza. Shreyanka spoke about the change that women's cricket has seen in India over the past few years and thanked the BCCI for their support when it comes to opportunities and finances. 

"Firstly thank you NDTV for having us here and presenting this wonderful award. Means a lot. To answer this question, I think it's changed thoroughly over the past few years. Women's cricketers are also given preference for being financially and it is also opportunity for us. It's been amazing and thank you BCCI for giving us an opportunity and also giving us financial support," Shreyanka said.

Shreyanka was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side that won the recently concluded Women's Premier League (WPL) title after defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. This was the first time that a RCB side (men's or women's) won a title and Shreyanka had a special message for Virat Kohli and Co for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign.

"I mean we were all waiting for this cup for past 16 years and we finally did it but I think the men's team are doing really great. They're working really hard for that trophy and we can all see that that they're really working hard and really wanting to do well and get the trophy home. I think they'll really do it very soon and good luck for them and thank you so much," the youngster said.

source https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/ndtv-indian-of-the-year-shreyanka-patil-has-a-special-message-for-rcb-mens-team-in-ipl-2024-5298368