Cricket

Ishan Kishan, the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter, showcased his exceptional talent with a blistering 86-ball century against Madhya Pradesh in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament in Thirunelveli. Leading Jharkhand from the front, Kishan displayed his aggressive batting style, hitting the opposition bowlers to all corners of the park.After coming in at number six, Kishan initially played cautiously, scoring a composed 61-ball half-century. However, after reaching his fifty, he unleashed his full potential, smashing 114 runs off just 107 balls. His brutal knock included 10 towering sixes and 5 boundaries, with a strike rate of 106.54.Kishan's innings was a testament to his class and versatility, as he seamlessly blended caution and aggression. This performance comes as a timely reminder of his abilities ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins on September 19.Earlier in the match, Madhya Pradesh were dismissed for 225, with Shubham S Kushwah top-scoring with 84 runs. Jharkhand ended the day at 277 for 7, with Kishan's century playing a pivotal role in their strong position.Kishan's return to red-ball cricket after his Test debut for India in July 2023 has been impressive, showcasing his adaptability and potential. His performance in the Buchi Babu tournament will undoubtedly put him in contention for a place in the Indian squad for the Bangladesh series.The 24-year-old will next feature in the Duleep Trophy, which will be played from September 5-24. This tournament is expected to feature several other Indian regulars, providing Kishan with an opportunity to further showcase his skills.

Surrey's Sam Curran produced a scintillating performance, smashing his maiden T20 century to guide his team to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Hampshire at The Kia Oval. The triumph secured Surrey a home quarter-final and the top spot in the South Group.Curran, the England all-rounder, unleashed a barrage of six sixes and seven fours in his unbeaten 58-ball 102. He reached his century with the winning hit, as Surrey chased down Hampshire's target of 184 with five balls to spare.Curran, who was dropped on 11 and caught off a no-ball on 44, shared crucial partnerships with Dominic Sibley (27) and Jamie Overton (21). John Turner emerged as the pick of Hampshire's bowlers, claiming 2 for 30.Hampshire's innings was anchored by Toby Albert's career-best 66, his first half-century in the format. Jordan Clark's economical 3 for 24 kept the target within reach, while Matt Dunn, playing his first T20 match in three years, chipped in with two wickets.Despite missing their leading scorers Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith due to Test duty, Surrey's batters stepped up to the challenge. Will Jacks started aggressively with a six off the first ball, but Brad Wheal dismissed him and Laurie Evans in quick succession.Eddie Jack removed Rory Burns with a stunning catch by Tom Prest, leaving Surrey reeling at 27 for 3. However, Curran's reprieve on 11 proved pivotal. He celebrated by hitting Dawson for a six and then punished Howell with two consecutive maximums.Despite losing Sibley, Curran reached his half-century in 34 balls and surpassed his previous career-best in the format with a fourth six. Overton joined the party with two sixes off Jack, and although he departed before the end, Curran sealed the victory with a six into the Bedser Stand.

India's opening batter Abhishek Sharma etched his name in history with a blistering century as the visitors crushed Zimbabwe by 100 runs in the second T20I in Harare on Sunday.Sharma, playing only his second T20I, smashed an unbeaten 100 off just 47 deliveries, becoming the first Indian to score a century in the shortest format outside India. His knock was studded with seven fours and eight sixes, laying the foundation for India's mammoth total of 234 for 2.Ruturaj Gaikwad (77 not out) and Rinku Singh (48 not out) provided valuable support to Sharma, ensuring India posted a formidable target.In response, Zimbabwe's chase was derailed by the brilliance of Avesh Khan (3 for 15) and Ravi Bishnoi (2 for 11). The hosts were bowled out for a paltry 134, handing India a comprehensive victory.Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza acknowledged India's dominance, stating, "The world champions will eventually play like world champions." He admitted that his team's fielding lapses and inability to capitalize on batting opportunities proved costly.Despite the loss, Raza praised the fighting spirit of his batters, particularly Blessing Muzarabani, who impressed with his bowling. He also highlighted the need for improvement in batting consistency and experience.The victory leveled the five-match series 1-1, setting up an intriguing contest in the remaining three matches.

Abhishek Sharma's blistering century in his second T20I match against Zimbabwe has etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket history. The 23-year-old left-hander not only became the highest scorer for India against Zimbabwe in T20Is but also set a new record for the quickest century by an Indian batsman in this format, achieved in just two innings.Sharma's century came off just 46 balls, studded with seven fours and eight sixes. He reached his milestone with three consecutive sixes, scoring his first 50 runs in 33 balls and his next 50 in a mere 13 balls. His aggressive batting put immense pressure on Zimbabwe's bowlers, who struggled to contain his onslaught.With this knock, Sharma has joined an elite list of young Indians to score a century in T20Is. He is now the fourth-fastest Indian to reach this milestone, behind Deepak Hooda (three innings), KL Rahul (four innings), and Suresh Raina (five innings).Sharma's innings was particularly impressive considering the pressure he was under. India had lost Shubman Gill early in the innings, and the onus was on him to provide stability and momentum. He did so with aplomb, taking the attack to the Zimbabwean bowlers from the outset.His partnership with Ruturaj Gaikwad flourished, crossing the 100-run mark. Gaikwad played a supporting role, rotating the strike effectively and allowing Sharma to dominate the proceedings.Sharma's innings came to a dramatic end when he tried to cut Wellington Masakadza and edged the ball to Dion Myers. However, his contribution had already secured India a comfortable victory.Sharma's century is a testament to his talent and potential. He has shown that he has the ability to play with aggression and flair, and he could be a valuable asset to the Indian team in the future.

Maia Bouchier's maiden international century was a testament to her newfound confidence and maturity as a batter. The 25-year-old had twice reached the 90s before, but had never managed to convert it into a three-figure score.In the second ODI against New Zealand at Worcester, Bouchier was determined to break that barrier. She had already played a key role in England's victory, bowling the visitors out for a mere 141 thanks to her 5 for 25.With England needing just eight more runs to win, Bouchier was adjudged not out lbw on 92. The decision was a huge relief for the batter, who admitted that her heart rate was "going through the roof."Undeterred, Bouchier continued to play with composure and determination. She scampered two runs off the next ball, then two singles took her past her previous best of 95.With four runs still needed to win, Bouchier struck a boundary through midwicket to seal the victory for England. It was a moment of pure joy for the batter, who was mobbed by her teammates."I've just started to trust myself more and I've got a lot more confidence in the way I play," Bouchier said after the match. "That's a big thing for me. I time the ball quite well and that's one of my big strengths, so using those as much as I can."Bouchier's century is a sign of her growing maturity as a batter. She has established herself at the top of the order for England and is now one of their most reliable performers.

India-born Estonian batter Sahil Chauhan has etched his name in cricket history by smashing the fastest century in all T20 cricket, eclipsing the previous record held by Chris Gayle. Chauhan's blistering 41-ball 144 not out, adorned with 18 sixes and six fours, propelled Estonia to a resounding victory over Cyprus.Chauhan's journey to this remarkable feat began in the humble village of Manakpur Devilal in Haryana, India. Inspired by the exploits of Rohit Sharma, Chauhan's passion for cricket led him to Estonia, where he discovered the sport anew."I've been a big Rohit Sharma fan since I watched him play," Chauhan said. "He's a brilliant player who doesn't take any pressure. I have learned a lot from him."Chauhan's uncle played a pivotal role in his move to Estonia, where he found employment in a small restaurant business. In 2019, he stumbled upon a cricket team in Estonia and joined their ranks."I started playing here in 2019. I was really bored so I started searching on Google for cricket in Estonia and I found a team's contact information and called them," Chauhan recalled.Despite his humble beginnings, Chauhan's talent shone through. He honed his skills in the Estonian cricket league, patiently awaiting an opportunity to showcase his abilities on a grander stage.That opportunity came in the T20 International match against Cyprus. Chasing a target of 192, Estonia found themselves in a precarious position at 40 for three. Chauhan, batting at No. 5, rose to the occasion."I was just thinking about the innings and the target we had to chase. I just played to the merit of the ball, and that's it," Chauhan said.Chauhan's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting. He dispatched the Cyprus bowlers to all corners of the ground, sending the ball soaring over the boundary with effortless ease. His sixes were a testament to his raw power, while his fours demonstrated his exquisite timing.Estonia eventually chased down the target with six wickets and seven overs to spare, thanks in large part to Chauhan's heroics. His record-breaking century has not only brought him international recognition but has also inspired countless aspiring cricketers around the world.

Kent Spitfires emerged victorious in a thrilling Vitality Blast encounter against Somerset, securing a four-wicket triumph with just four balls remaining. The match at Canterbury witnessed a remarkable century from Kent skipper Sam Billings, who single-handedly rescued his team from a precarious position.Somerset posted a formidable 197 for six, with Will Smeed's blistering 68 from 30 balls setting the tone. Tom Kohler-Cadmore contributed 42, while Kent's bowlers struggled to contain the Somerset onslaught, conceding 95 runs in the opening eight overs.However, Kent's fortunes took a dramatic turn thanks to Billings' heroics. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a sensational innings, smashing 106 runs from 66 deliveries, including 14 fours and two sixes. His century proved to be the catalyst for Kent's comeback, as he forged a crucial 109-run partnership with Joe Denly.Despite Denly's dismissal for 32, Billings continued to dominate the crease, reaching his century in style with a boundary through cover. With Kent needing just 10 runs from the last two overs, Billings was caught on the boundary, leaving Joey Evison the task of finishing the job.Evison rose to the occasion, hitting a boundary and scrambling two runs off the next ball to seal a memorable victory for Kent. The Spitfires' triumph was made all the more impressive considering they had been reeling at 37 for four in the fifth over.Somerset's bowlers had initially put Kent under pressure, with Craig Overton dismissing Zak Crawley and Daniel Bell-Drummond cheaply. However, Kent's bowlers fought back, with Matt Parkinson claiming two wickets and Zak Crawley taking four catches, equaling Kent's Blast record.In the end, it was Billings' brilliance that proved decisive, as Kent secured a thrilling victory and moved up the Vitality Blast standings.

Shubman Gill's Century Marks Historic Milestone in IPL HistoryShubman Gill's scintillating century for Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings not only propelled his team to a crucial victory but also etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history. Gill's 104 off 55 deliveries, adorned with nine fours and six maximums, marked the 100th century ever scored in the IPL.This milestone is a testament to the high caliber of batting performances that have graced the IPL over the years. Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain, holds the distinction of scoring the inaugural IPL century in 2008. His unbeaten 158 for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) set a high benchmark for the matches to follow.Among the numerous batting stalwarts who have graced the IPL, Virat Kohli stands out with the most centuries to his name. The Indian batting maestro has amassed an impressive tally of eight hundreds, showcasing his consistent brilliance and dominance in the league. Kohli's achievements have not only contributed to his team's success but also cemented his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the world.The IPL has become a breeding ground for both established and emerging cricketers, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and contribute to the evolving narrative of cricket in India. With each passing season, the anticipation for more such remarkable innings continues to grow among cricket enthusiasts.The journey from McCullum's first century to Gill's 100th encapsulates the essence of the IPL - a blend of experience, youth, and the unrelenting spirit of cricket. The league has not only entertained millions of fans but also played a pivotal role in the development of Indian cricket, nurturing young talent and inspiring future generations.

Mumbai Indians' star batter Suryakumar Yadav has rediscovered his blistering form, smashing a match-winning century against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to revive his team's playoff hopes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.Yadav's 51-ball century was a masterclass in batting, rescuing Mumbai from a precarious 31/3 against Hyderabad on Monday. Partnering with Tilak Varma, Yadav unleashed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, leaving the SRH bowlers helpless.The cricket world erupted in praise for Yadav's brilliance, with South African pacer Wayne Parnell jokingly suggesting a DNA test to explain his exceptional talent."Has anyone ever done a DNA test on @surya_14kumar? This guy is DIFFERENT, different," Parnell tweeted.Yadav's return to form is a timely boost for Mumbai, who have struggled for consistency this season. The Indian batter, ranked No. 1 in the ICC T20I rankings, proved his worth with a dominant display.Former India cricketers Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif, and Parnell hailed Yadav's destructive knock."Surya Kumar Yadav's match-winning 100 for struggling MI is a show of character. By taking on Cummins before the World T20, he has made a strong statement," Kaif tweeted."Last game Surya Kumar Yadav scored half century and at the start till 15 balls he was literally playing with 100 strike rate and end up scoring at 160. Today also started responsibly. Commitment and skill," Pathan tweeted.Speaking after the match, Yadav downplayed concerns about his fitness, despite limping after his century."I have done this after a long time. I fielded for 20 overs and batted for 18 overs, only tired (nothing else to worry about.) I feel it was the need of the hour for me. I went out to bat, needed someone to bat till the end. I just enjoyed my time," Yadav said.Yadav's century has reignited Mumbai's playoff hopes and sent a warning to their rivals. The Indian batter's return to form is a major boost for the team and the IPL as a whole.