Showing posts with label cricket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cricket. Show all posts


RCB's Collective Effort vs. DC's Trio: Jitesh Sharma Speaks Unfiltered Before Crucial Match

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Jitesh Sharma thinks his team has a distinct edge over the Delhi Capitals going into their upcoming IPL 2024 match. In anticipation of the game, Jitesh cited RCB’s current streak of victories and more balanced performances as primary factors behind their optimism.

"We hold an advantage since we've competed in away matches and secured victories in tough encounters," Jitesh stated. RCB has begun IPL 2025 with strength, triumphing over the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their first game at Eden Gardens, followed by wins against powerhouse teams Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians on their own turf.

Despite remaining the sole undefeated team in the league after winning all three of their matches, Jitesh offered an honest assessment, pointing out that their heavy reliance on key players might pose a problem.

"Additionally, our batting lineup has seen contributions from everyone involved. However, in DC, they seem to depend heavily on just three players. It should make for an interesting challenge," he stated.

The RCB's revival has been based on "intelligent cricket," as stated by the wicketkeeper-batter. He elaborated that their strategic approach has enabled the squad to transition from uncontrolled aggressiveness to well-paced play.

"We're playing intelligent cricket and aggressively taking on each bowler. We understand everyone’s strengths, and the team management has assigned clear roles. Essentially, Jitesh will focus on specific bowlers, while the rest of us will handle different ones," he stated.

We aren't aiming for blind domination. It's not as though we're consuming some enchanted elixir. We simply aim to implement our strategy.

Jitesh on the roles of Bumrah and Karthik

Jitesh, who faced Jasprit Bumrah Recently, he expressed great admiration for the Mumbai Indians fast bowler. "It seemed like he had just returned from the ICC Champions Trophy. Bumrah is incredibly precise. He was genuinely fit and has undergone thorough assessments. He is at his best right now," he stated.

The player, who is 31 years old, has shown great confidence while batting for RCB and attributes his good form to the guidance of the team's mentor, Dinesh Karthik.

It has been an incredible journey so far because during the off-season, I put in a lot of effort working with him. The shots I'm using now seem like replicas of his own style. He’s attempting to mold a new type of player from me.

"He has faith in my ability to perform from every angle—360 degrees... I'm truly relishing this new position," Jitesh stated.

Find more articles like this here. Diwida |



PCB Introduces Full Match Officials' Technology in PSL 10: A First for International Edition (English)

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the comprehensive rollout of Match Officials' Technology (MOT) for the upcoming 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). This marks an important step towards adopting advanced technology-assisted officiating practices in the league’s timeline. From April 11 onwards, PSL Season 10 will consist of 34 games spread out among four different stadiums, beginning with the match between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The concluding fixture—the final—will take place at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where thirteen total matches, including eliminator rounds and the finale itself, will occur. According to the PCB statement, this iteration of the PSL aims to meet international benchmarks through the implementation of various MOT technologies such as automated no-ball recognition systems, Decision Review System (DRS), inning timing mechanisms, and immediate multiple angle video reviews. During these events, umpires will utilize portable devices to document decisions promptly, supported by dedicated Hawk-Eye operators stationed at each location. For the very first time, spectators and participating teams alike will have access to minute-to-minute tracking details regarding pace of play directly from their seats within the stadium or via broadcast streams online. Additionally, viewers watching either on-site displays or televised coverage may anticipate seeing dynamic visualizations related to player challenges alongside countdown clocks indicating remaining game duration. In response to this development, PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer highlighted its significance stating, "By integrating MOT into our framework we aim not only to promote greater openness but also improve overall precision levels leading ultimately to more engaging experiences for all stakeholders involved."

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).


IPL 2025: Faf's Fifty and Starc's Five-Wicket Thriller Secure DC's Big Win Over SRH

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], March 30 (ANI): Faf du Plessis's fiery fifty and Mitchell Starc's scorching five-wicket haul assisted Delhi Capitals in silencing Sunrisers Hyderabad with a seven-wicket victory on Sunday in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

In pursuit of 164, Faf du Plessis and Jake Fraser McGurk adopted a cautious approach in the first over, negating the threat posed by Mohammed Shami.

McGurk broke the shackles and dispatched the ball with a slog sweep over long-on for a maximum of Abhishek Sharma in the second over.

DC had sniffed blood, and the explosive duo set out on a hunt of the Sunrisers' bowling unit to make the most out of the powerplay.

Faf took the brunt of clobbering Shami for runs and thrived with his textbook perfect stroke play. The seasoned South African clubbed the first ball of the third over for a six. He topped it up with two boundaries on the trot to take 15 runs from the over.

The onslaught continued to come in patches as DC garnered 52 runs from the powerplay. Faf didn't drop the tempo and hammered Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins for a six and a four right after the powerplay.

Faf (50) sprinted for a single and celebrated his fifty, only to lose his wicket moments later in the next over to Zeeshan Ansari. Despite losing a wicket against the run of play, McGurk hammered a barrage of boundaries to end the over on a high note.

After misreading Ansari's googly, he found his first boundary with an inside edge, a delivery after Faf's dismissal. On the next ball, he carved it through the backward point to find the boundary rope. He followed it up by smoking the ball past the boundary rope over long-off.

However, on the final delivery of the over, Ansari had the last laugh by tricking the Australian to chip the ball back into his hands. McGurk's rusty cameo concluded on 38(32).

KL Rahul (15) came in, flaunted his boundary-hitting muscle, and returned to the dressing room after missing his sweep, allowing the ball to kiss the bails off the stumps and handing Ansari his second scalp of the day.

Despite finding the breakthroughs in quick succession, Hyderabad was still at its wits' end as Tristan Stubbs and Abhishek Porel pummelled the Hyderabad bowlers. With a full swing of the bat, Porel muscled the ball away for a maximum to finish things in style and lift the Capitals to a 7-wicket win.

Earlier in the match, after losing the toss, the Sunrisers found themselves in trouble early after being reduced to 37/4 before Aniket Verma (74 off 41 balls) and Heinrich Klaasen (32 off 19 balls) put up a crucial 77-run stand to steady their sinking ship.

However, Kuldeep (3/22) delivered key blows, while Starc (5/35) completed his five-wicket haul to wrap up SRH's innings in just 18.4 overs.

After SRH won the toss and opted to bat first, they suffered an early setback when Abhishek Sharma was run out for just one in the first over by Vipraj Nigam. Starc then struck twice in the third over, dismissing Ishan Kishan (2) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0), leaving SRH reeling at 25/3 in 2.3 overs.

Mitchell Starc continued his fine run against SRH, removing two of its explosive young guns, Ishan Kishan (2) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (0) in the third over. SRH sunk to 25/3 in 2.3 overs.

Travis Head, looking to counterattack, was bowled by Starc for 22 off 12 balls, marking the seventh time the pacer has dismissed him. With his departure, SRH was down to 37/4 in 4.1 overs.

Klaasen and Aniket took charge, with Klaasen hitting Starc for a six and a four to take SRH past the 50-run mark in 4.5 overs. By the end of the powerplay, SRH had reached 58/4, with Klaasen (11 *) and Aniket (6 *) at the crease.

The duo accelerated, bringing up their 50-run partnership in just 22 balls, with Aniket smashing two sixes off Axar Patel. SRH crossed the 100-run mark in 9.1 overs, maintaining an aggressive run rate. At the halfway mark, they stood at 105/4, with Aniket (40 *) and Klaasen (31 *) unbeaten.

The 77-run stand between the two was over as Mohit Sharma removed Klaasen for a well-made 32 in 19 balls, with Vipraj Nigam taking a fine running catch. SRH was 114/5 in 10.5 overs. Abhinav Manohar also made a fine impact as Kuldeep Yadav removed him for four runs. SRH was 119/6 in 12 overs.

Aniket reached his maiden IPL fifty in 34 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes.

Kuldeep got his second wicket in the match as skipper Pat Cummins (2) was removed for a duck as he took the aerial route. DC was 123/7 in 14 overs.

Aniket brought down some pressure for SRH, making a meal out of Axar's deliveries and hitting him for a four and two sixes in the 15th over.

Kuldeep picked up his third scalp as Aniket's audacious knock was ended due to a catch by Jake Fraser McGurk near the boundary for 74 in 41 balls, with five fours and six sixes. SRH was 148/8 in 15.5 overs.

Starc got his five-wicket haul as he removed Harshal Patel (5) and Wiaan Mulder in quick succession. SRH was 163/10 in 18.4 overs.

Starc (5/35) delivered the best bowling figures of the innings. Kuldeep picked 3/22 in four overs, while Mohit got 1/25 in three overs. (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).


Harmanpreet's Triumph and Mumbai Indians' Might Clinch WPL 2025 Title Over Delhi Capitals

Mumbai: The Delhi Capitals excelled in every aspect on Saturday evening until their batsmen stumbled yet again under pressure, enabling the Mumbai Indians to secure their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title at the Brabourne Stadium on Saturday. After winning the coin toss, the DC bowlers proved pivotal by limiting the Mumbai Indians to 149/7. Nevertheless, their batting lineup fell short for the third successive final match.

As soon as MI felt they were heading for victory, their bowlers pushed DC into submission, leading to an exciting eight-run triumph. Despite chasing a modest target on a wicket that got better with time, the DC batsmen couldn’t spark their pursuit and fell short of winning.

Explore Beyond The Limits with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!

When MI reached 83 for six, they were already envisioning hoisting the trophy. Yet, Marizanne Kapp’s rapid-fire innings of 40 off just 26 balls put Delhi Capitals back in contention. Nonetheless, Nat Sciver-Brunt (3/30) and Hayley Matthews, who have been consistently effective all season, joined forces once more to dismiss Kapp. Struggling for space, Kapp tried to clear the long-on fielder with her shot but instead handed Matthews an easy catch at the boundary.

Sciver-Brunt then dismissed Shikha Pandey, pushing MI to the brink of victory.

Initially, MI began energetically with the ball, fueled by a boisterous audience, dismissing three of DC's leading run-scorers within 6.2 overs when they were only at 37 runs. Meg Lanning was bowled by a fierce Sciver-Brunt bouncer; Shafali Verma was adjudged leg before wicket off Shabnim Ismail's (1/15) delivery; and Jess Jonassen top-edged an Amelia Kerr (2/25) pitch that resulted in a catch taken by wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia.

After ten more deliveries, Saika Ishaque (33/1) dismissed Annabel Sutherland as DC fell to 44 for four. By the midway point, DC had reached 58 for four but still needed 92 runs off 60 remaining balls.

DC's batting failed to gather pace due to an absence of strong partnerships. Every time DC attempted to build one, MI promptly disrupted their progress. After getting settled, Jemimah Rodrigues (30 runs off 21 balls; 4 fours) aimed to accelerate her innings but unfortunately top-edged a ball from Kerr when trying to guide it towards the leg side. This miscue resulted in a catch taken splendidly by Kerr who ran forward to take the dismissal.

Initially, Harmanpreet Kaur's innings of 66 runs off 44 balls, featuring nine boundaries and two sixes, along with her partnership of 89 runs for the third wicket alongside Sciver-Brunt (who scored 30 runs from 28 balls including four boundaries), helped MI secure a competitive total of 149-7.

In the fifth over, Sciver-Brunt teamed up with Harmanpreet to steady the MI innings without taking unnecessary risks, pulling them out of the difficult situation they were in. By the eighth over, MI had managed only two boundaries, but Sciver-Brunt changed their fortune by hitting another pair off Shree Charani’s delivery in the ninth over.

Afterward, Sciver-Brunt stepped aside as Harmanpreet pushed forward to accelerate MI’s scoring pace. DC’s choice to field first paid off through their bowlers who maintained a disciplined line, effectively restricting the MI batsmen.

Kapp was the first to strike MI when she delivered an economical spell, ending up with figures of 2/11 off four overs and dismissing Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia. In the initial six overs, MI managed only 20 runs, marking their second lowest score during the power play in this tournament’s history following their 19-run performance against the same team in the 2023 season at the DY Patil Stadium.

It seemed like MI was going to dominate the match due to the strong performance from Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt, but they quickly lost three wickets within just eight deliveries.

Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , along with live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Also, find where can one view IPL 2025 matches? in Canada and the USA .



Queensland into Shield final after draw with SA


categories: , , ,

Queensland secured their spot in the Sheffield Shield final against South Australia following a draw in the last round of the season, with other outcomes also working in their favor.

On the afternoon of day four, South Australia’s captain Nathan McSweeney and acting Queensland leader Marnus Labuschagne exchanged handshakes as it became evident that victory was out of reach for both teams.

After declaring with a score of 7-614 in their initial innings, South Australia concluded their second attempt at bat at 5-252. Following this, they dismissed Queensland for 370 runs. However, they were unable to secure victory before running out of time for their upcoming home semi-final.

On Tuesday night, viewers from Queensland found themselves fixated on their TV screens, wishing for neither Western Australia nor New South Wales to triumph in their individual games, thus preventing them from overtaking their position heading into next week’s finale.

Tasmania’s 326-run victory against New South Wales and Victoria’s narrow 34-run triumph over Western Australia set the stage for Queensland to secure second place on the leaderboard and play at Karen Rolton Oval starting the following Wednesday.

"Overall, I am very pleased with the efforts of those lads," stated Labuschagne.

Given our current standing, having gone through five matches without any victories and managing to secure three wins along with a tie in the past five outings, this represents quite an impressive achievement.

When they resumed with scores of 2-66 on day four, South Australia went on to score an additional 186 runs, losing only three wickets in the process.

Jason Sangha scored his fifth first-class hundred with an undefeated 103, achieving three figures by guiding Mitch Swepson’s delivery over the long-off boundary.

It marked one of four sixes for the ex-Sydney Thunder skipper, who had previously slog-swept former Test spinner Swepson over long-on during the game.

On day four, Sangha's achievements stood out as his high-profile teammates faltered around him.

Following his capture of centurion Conor McInerney early on, part-time bowler Labuschagne (2-34) dismissed former Test player Nathan McSweeney (27), ultimately emerging as the unexpected top wicket-taker of the game.

Labuschagne recorded match figures of 4-107.

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey (56), who has been impressively consistent this season, reached his fifty before hitting another part-time bowler, Matt Renshaw, to Ben McDermott at cover.

Carey, having scored 104 in the initial innings, has maintained an average of 120.67 over his last four first-class appearances at bat.



Rajasthan Royals Snatch Thriller Win Over CSK as Ruturaj Gaikwad Exposes Fielding Flaws

Guwahati (Assam), India, March 31 (ANI): Rajasthan Royals ( RR ) initiated their Indian Premier League ( IPL In the 2024 campaign, they secured an exciting 6-run win against Chennai Super Kings. CSK ) in Guwahati. Despite an scorching 81 runs off just 36 deliveries from Nitish Rana , CSK made a comeback with the ball, restricting the Royals to 182/9. However, their batting unit fell short in the chase, leaving captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to reflect on the key moments that cost them the match.

Speaking after the game, Gaikwad admitted that CSK could have been more proactive in the field, especially during Rana's explosive innings.

"In the powerplay, during their batting, Nitish [Rana] batted well, but we were not proactive. He was going behind square, so we had to be more ahead. It is always about one hit, and we were one hit away from crossing the line. We gave 8-10 runs in misfields, and that is something we are looking to improve but that is something that is costing us," Gaikwad said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Despite the loss, the CSK skipper remained optimistic about their batting approach and praised his bowlers for their effort in the latter half of Rajasthan's innings.

"180 was chaseable. It was still a good wicket. If you timed the ball well, it was a good wicket. I was happy towards the end of the innings, after the score they had in the powerplay, they were looking at 220-230," he added.

Gaikwad also spoke about his batting position and the team's strategy, particularly the decision to have Rahul Tripathi take on an aggressive role while he moved down the order.

"Over the years, we had Ajinkya batting at 3 and Rayudu taking care of the middle order. We thought it is better I come back one step. Rahul is known for playing aggressive roles and he can free himself up. Not much difference anyway, so I am getting to bat in the first or second over itself (smiles). Till now, no discussions have happened about me batting at three. It was decided during the auction time and I was convinced about that. I have no problem. I can take risks, rotate strike when needed - that is what you want when you have Shivam [Dube]," Gaikwad explained.

The CSK captain also acknowledged the positives in their bowling attack, particularly the performances of Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, he emphasized the need for better fielding to build pressure on opponents.

"Lots of positives - Noor, as usual, bowling well, Khaleel is bowling well, and Jaddu bhai bowled well. You need that sort of momentum in the bowling department when you get a wicket to build pressure. Not happening since the last game. Once fielding comes together, we will be a really good side," he concluded.

With a long flight ahead and a chance to regroup, CSK will now focus on improving their execution as they aim to bounce back in their next fixture against Delhi Capitals on April 5 in Chennai.

Coming to the match, CSK opted to bowl first after winning the toss. After Jaiswal was dismissed early, an 82-run stand between Sanju Samson (20 in 16 balls, with a four and a six) and Nitish Rana (81 in 33 balls, with six fours and six fours). Later on, skipper Riyan Parag (37 in 28 balls, with two fours and two sixes) held one end steady, but he kept running out of partners. In the end, RR was restricted to 182/9 in their 20 overs.

Noor Ahmed and Matheesha Pathirana (2/28) each were the pick of the bowlers for CSK . Khaleel Ahmed (2/38) also delivered a fine spell for CSK .

During the run-chase, CSK Lost Rachin Ravindra cheaply for a duck. After that, Rahul Tripathi (scoring 23 off 19 deliveries, including two boundaries and a six) formed a 46-run alliance with the captain. Ruturaj Gaikwad . Shivam Dube (18 off 10 deliveries, including one four and two sixes) and Vijay Shankar (nine runs in six balls) were dismissed quickly, leading to CSK to 92/4. Gaikwad did score a fighting 63 in 44 balls, with seven fours and a six, but his wicket changed the game for CSK , leaving them out at 129/5 in 15.5 overs. MS Dhoni (16 in 10 balls, with a four and a six), Ravindra Jadeja (32* in 22 balls, with two fours a six) and Jamie Overton (11* in four balls, with a six) tried their best, but CSK fell six runs short at 176/6 in their 20 overs.

Wanindu Hasaranga (4/35) was the pick of the bowlers for RR While Sandeep Sharma and Jofra Archer took one wicket apiece.

With this win, RR Finally have two points preceding their name and currently sit in the ninth position on the points table. CSK It stands at the seventh position with one victory and two defeats. (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


Tendulkar vs Lara: Nostalgia Returns as India and West Indies Legends Clash in IML 2025 Finale

Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India, March 15 (ANI): The scene is prepared for an encounter between two cricket legends in the finals of the first-ever International Masters League. The big match will take place on Sunday, March 16. Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara will be leading the team India Masters And the West Indies Masters faced off against each other in the final match of the tournament at the SVNS International Stadium in Raipur.

The India Masters One of the top contenders before the tournament began has had an almost flawless journey through the IML. Even though they suffered their sole defeat during the league phase against Australia Masters, they got revenge by defeating Shane Watson's team in the first semifinal on Thursday, March 13.

The team started its campaign with an thrilling four-run victory over the Sri Lanka Masters, followed by a dominant nine-wicket win against the England Masters. India Masters Then they sealed a hat-trick of victories with an eight-wicket victory over the South Africa Masters, but their winning streak came to an end when the Australia Masters won the fourth game. Sachin Tendulkar On their side, however, reclaimed the upper hand by outscoring the West Indies Masters by seven runs, securing the second position in the league stage of the competition. They subsequently defeated Australia Masters in the semifinal by 94 runs.

In contrast, the West Indies Masters kicked off their tournament with successive victories over the Australia Masters and the England Masters. Nonetheless, they faced setbacks as they suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of the Sri Lanka Masters. India Masters A 29-run win against the South Africa Masters in their last group match allowed them to clinch a spot in the semi-finals. In the second semi-final on March 14, they managed to narrowly defeat the Sri Lanka Masters by six runs through sheer composure.

The IML final between India Masters The West Indies Masters event on Sunday is set to deliver an exhilarating finale to a spectacular competition where spectators have had the chance to revisit cricket's glorious past by admiring the legendary skills and iconic performances of cricket greats once more.

The IML finale will be broadcast live on JioHotstar as well as Colors Cineplex (SD & HD) and Colors Cineplex Superhits starting at 7 PM. (ANI)

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


Bold Call for Crucial Shield Showdown


categories: ,

The Vics are currently sitting second-last on the ladder but still have a chance to secure a finals spot by defeating WA. They will require some favorable outcomes from other matches as well. Captain Will Sutherland has been brought back into the team after missing last week’s home defeat against SA due to skipping the game.

"We have not played up to our standards in the past four games, and we're committed to returning to the style of cricket we know we excel at," stated Victoria coach Chris Rogers.

We have the formulas for success at the finals, so now we just need to head to Perth, play intelligent cricket, and deliver a strong showing.

Campbell Kellaway and Harry Dixon have emerged as notable successes for us this season, and we're excited to see their performance against a formidable WA team.

It has been fantastic to witness the advancement of both athletes, who are demonstrating significant potential at such an early stage in their careers.

Moody, who is 29 years old, previously represented Western Australia and is the nephew of the former Test player Tom Moody. He played his final game out of 38 total matches forWA against Victoria in 2023.

Two years back, he relocated to Victoria seeking greater state-level prospects and has since been playing for Melbourne in the Victorian Premier Cricket league.

Throughout the season, Moody has participated in Victoria’s Second XI matches and managed to take 6 wickets for just 24 runs in the initial innings against ACT earlier this week.

He was removed from the second innings of that game due to his Shield commitment.

Discussion about Moody potentially moving up to represent the state gained traction during a Second XI match against Western Australia at Junction Oval in February.

Although Moody didn’t claim any wickets on the last day, reports indicated that he clocked velocities of up to 145km/h.

Moody is included in a 13-member team squad that features experienced fast bowler Peter Siddle. He might be playing his last-ever match at the first-class level, as he announced to this publication earlier this year that he plans to retire from the longer format following the conclusion of the current season.



Indian Wicket-Keeper KS Bharat Signs with English Club Cricket Team

New Delhi [India], March 15 (ANI): The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat is slated to become part of the London-based Dulwich Cricket Club for the 2025 Surrey Championship season, according to Wisden reports.

This step is intended to rejuvenate his cricket career, specifically in Test matches, where he has found it difficult to earn a place in the Indian national side even though he boasts an outstanding performance in domestic-level games.

As reported by Wisden, Bharat has an outstanding first-class performance history, accumulating 5686 runs with 10 centuries and 32 half-centuries in 105 games. Nonetheless, chances of his return to international cricket appear remote, leading him to consider playing overseas.

In the Surrey Championship, which is a Division 1 league, Bharat has an opportunity to showcase his skills and catch the eye of talent scouts.

Significantly, various Indian international players, including Ajinkya Rahane , Venkatesh Iyer , Cheteshwar Pujara , and Shardul Thakur , has participated in county cricket to acquire significant experience and visibility. Bharat’s transfer to Dulwich Cricket Club is viewed as a tactical move aimed at reviving his cricketing journey.

This period will enable him to demonstrate his skills, accumulate significant experience, and possibly rejuvenate his global playing prospects.

KS Bharat He received his initial call-up to the Indian national team in November 2019 but didn’t make his debut until February 2023. His Test match career began with a game against Australia during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and concluded with a match against England in Visakhapatnam in 2024.

He has participated in seven Test matches, scoring a total of 221 runs, with his highest score being 44. IPL ,, he participated in ten matches. Notably, he scored 78*. Delhi Capitals and secured his squad, Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Apart from missing out on the Test team, Bharat, whose base price was Rs 75 lakh, did not attract any bids during the auction. IPL The 2025 mega-auction held in November of the prior year.

This season, Bharat participated in two Ranji Trophy games for Andhra Pradesh, tallying up scores of 19, 41, 52, and 43, along with making nine catches.

KS Bharat was part of the squad competing in the World Test Championship In the final of 2023 against Australia, India suffered a loss by 209 runs. He secured five catches and accumulated 28 runs across both innings. (ANI)

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).


NSW Coach Hopes Konstas Tames His Audacious Style

Former NSW mentor Greg Shipperd has advised Sam Konstas that maintaining consistency in his batting technique is essential, though he strongly believes the young player is demonstrating progress toward finding stability at the crease.

On Thursday, Shipperd supported Konstas' comeback into Australia's Test squad for the June World Championship clash with South Africa, following his exclusion from the recent fixtures in Sri Lanka.

This weekend in Hobart, the opening batsman will face yet another challenge with the pink ball as they attempt to guide New South Wales towards securing a spot in the Sheffield Shield final.

Since his impressive performance with NSW back in October when he scored two centuries, Konstas's striking batting has been a topic of discussion for months now. This standout act of the summer continues to be a source of concern for many.

When he made his Test debut on Boxing Day, he caused a stir nationally by consistently using reverse scoops to disrupt Jasprit Bumrah’s flow as the Indian ace.

However, his method has come under intense scrutiny, especially after he was bowled while attempting to slog sweep Scott Boland during the third over of a Shield match last month.

That dismissal raised doubts about whether Konstas would be able to reclaim his position for the Test Championship final, as another potential struggle in the upper order loomed at Lord's.

In the second innings against Victoria, the opener started cautiously without attempting an aggressive shot over his initial 30 deliveries. Later, he scored a 107-ball 50 as New South Wales secured a draw in Perth during their match last week.

“I’m not certain he deliberately planned that aggressive stance towards Boland; I believe it simply evolved in that specific instance,” Shipperd stated.

After revisiting and reassessing his batting strategy through discussion, he has implemented several changes.

To me, that indicates he's actively listening and absorbing knowledge, which is crucial for him at this phase of his career. He’s still figuring out how to play the game.

I would be quite astonished if the Australian selectors aren’t seriously contemplating him for that opening spot in the WTC final.

Shipperd mentioned that he has maintained frequent communication with Australia's coach, Andrew McDonald, as well as selectors regarding Konstas's progress.

Initially during the earlier part of the summer, the young player aged 19 adopted a rather traditional technique at bat. However, starting from December, he began to exhibit a bolder and riskier attitude towards his batting style.

"As evident, there have been instances where this approach has proven effective for him," stated the NSW coach.

However, the overarching idea is to support him, as many of the most seasoned analysts nearby suggest, advocating for a more steady strategy.

Identifying the appropriate timing within the innings and taking into account what the team requires at that specific point.

We're pleased to see him improve with every match and think about all these factors as each inning progresses for him.

The game in Tasmania might be Konstas's last prior to the Test Championship final, should NSW miss out on qualifying for the Shield decider and if he doesn’t secure a contract with an English county team.

As the Shield enters its final round, bonus points will probably be crucial in deciding which teams—Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, or Victoria—will advance to face South Australia in the finals.

Should New South Wales defeat Tasmania and move past Queensland into second place, Steve Smith could have an opportunity to feature in the finale.



IOC’s Aditya Aditya Unveils Cricket’s Olympic Potential at RCB Innovation Lab Sports Summit

Bengaluru (Karnataka), India, March 15 (ANI): Aditya Aditya , Chief Strategist for Media Business Strategy & Intelligence at the International Olympic Committee , emphasized the effects of incorporating cricket into the Olympic Games and the possibilities of AI transforming the spectator experience during this four-year spectacle.

Speaking to the assembly at the RCB At the Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit discussing the reshaping of Olympic broadcasting for future audiences, Aditya highlighted the importance of including cricket in the Games and explained how this might boost broader enthusiasm for other sports.

"Cricket played a significant role for us. Our aim was to ensure that cricket gets included in the Olympic Games. The objective was straightforward: How could we connect more closely with every fourth individual globally who resides in India and the surrounding region? Picture cricket celebrities observing events like track and field competitions or swimming, perhaps even socializing with athletes such as Neeraj Chopra. These instances help immensely in crafting memorable narratives," he stated according to an official statement released. RCB Indian Sports Summit at Innovation Lab.

Expanding on India's influence in global sports media, he added, "India is a leader in media consumption and digital innovation. With a massive audience of over 1.4 billion people, the opportunities are tremendous. We are excited about the prospects in commercial programs and how they can translate into new opportunities for our partners to engage."

Regarding how AI can improve the fan experience, Aditya discussed various methods through which technology might customize content for spectators.

He suggested that we might use AI to ensure fans can hear the voice of a prominent commentator. In an Indian context, this could be a current renowned commentator, a well-known Bollywood personality, or even a character of their choosing.

He stressed the significance of developing athlete narratives long before the Olympic Games, stating, "It’s crucial to begin planning and promoting these stories far ahead—ideally, a full year in advance. Considering India, just think how different things could be if we had been aware of Dipa Karmakar as a promising talent from the beginning. Such awareness among millions could have generated tremendous excitement leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics."

Aditya highlighted the importance of adopting a more comprehensive narrative strategy to bridge the gap between viewers and sports personalities.

He emphasized that they aim to build an Indian or localized audience in various markets. By learning about local athletes as much as possible, ideally six months to a year ahead, and transcending the limits of sports. They plan to explore movies, television shows, and digital content creators, developing pertinent narratives throughout the year.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).


This Young Team Wants to Play Fearless Cricket: Salman Agha

New Delhi [India], March 15 (ANI): Pakistan will feature in a five-game T-20 series New Zealand The series will start with the T20 match on March 16 at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, followed by three ODIs.

Salman Agha , Pakistan The team’s recently named T20I captain has emphasized the need to improve their approach and tactics, stressing the value of adopting an uninhibited and high-stakes style of play. Due to constant concerns over the batting speed in T20 matches, both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been left off entirely, with sights set on the upcoming T20 World Cup next year.

Saim Ayub remains sidelined because of his injury. Pakistan The squad is quite fresh for this competition, making it challenging for them to face off against the CT 2025 runners-up. New Zealand will also lack several crucial players because of their participation in IPL 2025.

Fast bowler Matt Henry Re-joins the team following his absence from the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai. For the fast-bowling roster, Will O'Rourke and Kyle Jamieson will take part in the first three games since Kane Williamson has chosen to miss this series.

Salman Agha has been named Pakistan The newly appointed T-20 captain is, meanwhile Shadab Khan , who is making his T-20 comeback in this series, has been appointed as his vice-captain. Michael Bracewell has been appointed as the captain of New Zealand since Mitchell Santner can't play because of his obligations with the IPL.

The playing surface at Hagley Oval typically favors batsmen. Second-innings teams have enjoyed higher success rates in T20 international matches at this venue.

Prior to the commencement of the series, the kiwi captain did so. Michael Bracewell spoke about the new-looking Pakistan The squad leader mentioned that new players were joining their team. These newcomers are relatively unheard of, yet he believes that if everyone follows the strategy closely, it will work well for any opponents facing them.

We've likely put a little extra emphasis on ourselves. With a handful of new young players joining the team, Pakistan On the side, there's an element of uncertainty. However, I believe that as long as we understand our objective, that should be sufficient for whoever might oppose us." Michael Bracewell as mentioned in an ESPNcricinfo quotation.

Salman Agha He also shared his opinions before the confrontation between Pakistan and New Zealand He stated, "We've got a fresh team, and our aim is to play fearless cricket. In today’s game, high-risk cricket is essential."

This is a youthful squad, and we aim to play fearlessly. This entails taking big risks, which is essential in contemporary cricket. Such an approach may lead to setbacks, yet we must back our players. Salman Agha said.

New Zealand Team: Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (w) Finn Allen , Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell (c), Ish Sodhi , Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears, Kyle Jamieson, William O'Rourke, Mitchell Hayden

Pakistan Team: Omair Yousuf, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Abdul Samad, Mohammad Haris, Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha (c), Irfan Khan, Shadab Khan , Shaheen Afridi , Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf Sufiyan Muqeem, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan. (ANI)

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).


Athapaththu's 64* and Madara's 3-Wicket Debut Lead Sri Lanka to Victory

In her debut match, right-arm fast bowler Malki Madara put up a commendable performance with figures of 3 for 14, while captain Chamari Athapaththu scored an undefeated 64 runs from just 48 deliveries. As a result, Sri Lanka Women achieved a convincing 7-wicket win against New Zealand Women in the inaugural T20 international held in Christchurch yesterday.

This marked Sri Lanka's inaugural T20I triumph in New Zealand and their second success against the White Ferns in this format.

New Zealand chose to bat first but found it difficult to gain traction as Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained control over their innings, eventually dismissing them for 101 runs in 18.5 overs. In response, the visiting team reached the target swiftly in only 14.1 overs, thanks largely to Athapaththu who set the pace with an impressive performance, hitting 9 boundaries and 2 sixes during her winning effort.

Vishmi Gunaratne, a young opening batsman, was quickly sent back to the pavilion after scoring just 7 runs from 11 deliveries, as fast bowler Jess Kerr gave New Zealand an early advantage. Nevertheless, Athapaththu assumed control and steered her side to triumph, ensuring a 1-0 series edge with 35 balls remaining.

Initially, Emma McLeod led New Zealand with the highest score. She scored an impressive 44 runs from 46 deliveries, including three boundaries, before being declared the last out when debutante Madara concluded their innings. Captain Suzie Bates (21 off 14) was the sole other player to achieve a two-digit tally among the home team members.

Sri Lanka began with two spinners, Sugandika Kumari and Inoshi Priyadharshani, before bringing in Madara as their fourth bowler. Madara made an impact during her 3.5-over spell, while Kavisha Dilhari (2/18) and Priyadharshani (2/25) offered strong backing. The wicketkeeper, Anushka Sanjeewani, performed exceptionally well behind the stumps, executing three dismissals.

During her T20I debut, Madara earned the title of Player of the Match, whereas Manudi Nanayakkara, who leads Sri Lanka’s under-19 team, also played her first match at the senior level in this game.

The two squads will face each other once more in the second T20I on Sunday (16) at the same location.

Chief scores

New Zealand Women’s 101 runs scored in just 18.5 overs by Suzie Bates with 21 points, Emma McLeod scoring 44, Jess Kerr contributing 10; meanwhile, Sugandika Kumari took 1 for 16, Inoshi Priyadharshini claimed 2 wickets for 25, Malki Madara secured 3 for 14, Chamari Athapaththu got 1 for 10, and Kavisha Dilhari achieved 2 for 18.

Sri Lanka Women’s Chamari Athapaththu scored 64*, Kavisha Dilhari got 12 runs, and Nilakshika Silva contributed with 12* as they chased down 102 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 14.1 overs. Jess Kerr took 2 wickets conceding only 18 runs.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).