SPORTS

It was an impressive bowling effort from the Lucknow Super Giants as they restricted the Delhi Capitals to 149/3 in 20 overs at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. DC made a bright start to the game with Prithvi Shaw smashing the bowlers all around the park en route his 61 off just 34 balls. However, DC's innings faltered after his dismissal as Ravi Bishnoi struck twice (2/22), while Krishnappa Gowtham also bowled impressively on his maiden outing for LSG (1/23) to keep the brisk run-scoring at bay. After Warner (4) and Powell (3) were dismissed in quick succession, Rishabh Pant (39*) and Sarfaraz Khan (36*) remained unbeaten to steer DC to a respectable score.

Kolkata Knight Riders lost opener Ajinkya Rahane in the fifth over as Tymal Mills sent the right-handed batter back to the hut and this ended the 16-run opening partnership. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma played knocks of 52 and 38 respectively as Mumbai Indians posted 161/4 against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 14th game of IPL 2022 season at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Kieron Pollard also chipped in with a quickfire knock of 22 runs off just 5 balls. For KKR, Pat Cummins returned with two wickets.

Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) new captain Ravindra Jadeja has failed to inspire his troops in the ongoing 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Having lost three matches on the spin, the defending champions are reeling at the second last spot in the points table.

Not just his captaincy skills, the all-rounder has failed to make any significant contributions with the bat or ball either. Looking at his body language, many experts feel that the Saurashtra-born is already feeling the leadership pressure and that’s why is struggling to perform to his potential.

There is also an ongoing debate as to who is the real captain of the squad – Jadeja or MS Dhoni. Many former cricketers have slammed Dhoni for not allowing Jadeja to take over the role completely and taking the matters in his own hands. 

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja had recently spoken about revamping Pakistan Super League (PSL) in a bid to change the preference of overseas players over Indian Premier League (IPL). His comments was highly criticised by Indian cricket fans and it came around a time when the BCCI went to the market with the highly lucrative IPL media rights. However, on Sunday, the PCB chief cleared the air on his "we'll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL" comment.

In an interview last month, Ramiz was quoted saying, "This is a game of money. When the cricket economy grows in Pakistan, our respect will rise. The main driver of that financial economy is the PSL. If we take the PSL to auction model, increase the purse, then I’ll put it in the IPL bracket. And then we’ll see who goes to play the IPL over the PSL."

Tom Latham on Saturday broke the record of the highest individual ODI score made on a birthday that earlier belonged to legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar.

New Zealand on Saturday defeated Netherlands by 118 runs as the hosts took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series in Hamilton. Tom Latham was the architect of the victory. New Zealand were in dire straits against the sprightly opponents, reduced to 89/6 within 23 overs.

However, Latham played the ultimate captain's knock, his 123-ball 140* reviving the hosts and eventually taking them to a mammoth 264/9. His knock - it was his career-best score in ODI cricket - was laced with 10 fours and five sixes. It was his birthday, and he couldn't have rung in his thirties any better.