Cricket

Central Sparks continued their winning streak in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, securing a thrilling three-wicket victory over Northern Diamonds in a rain-affected match at Headingley. Despite losing wickets consistently, Diamonds managed to post a competitive target of 81 from 11 overs, thanks to Erin Burns' impressive 30.Sparks' chase got off to a strong start, but Diamonds' Rachel Slater struck twice in the fourth over to put the visitors under pressure. Courtney Webb's dismissal by Burns left Sparks in a precarious position, but captain Eve Jones remained resolute, guiding her team towards victory.With 15 runs required from the final two overs, Burns caught and bowled Charis Pavely, leaving Sparks needing five from the final over. Georgia Davis stepped up to the plate, hitting a chip down the ground for two runs off the final delivery to seal the victory.Jones' unbeaten 26 proved crucial for Sparks, while Davis' three wickets and two runs from the final ball were equally important. For Diamonds, Burns' 30 and Grace Potts' three wickets were standout performances.The victory marked Sparks' third consecutive win in the tournament, while Diamonds remained winless after three matches. The result highlighted the depth and resilience of Sparks' squad, who have shown their ability to overcome adversity and secure crucial victories.

Sunrisers emerged victorious in their Charlotte Edwards Cup clash against defending champions Southern Vipers, securing a thrilling three-run triumph at Arundel. The victory marked Sunrisers' first in the competition since 2021.Chasing a modest target of 135, Vipers appeared to be cruising towards victory after Australian opener Charli Knott's impressive 41-ball fifty. However, Sunrisers' disciplined bowling and aggressive fielding proved to be the difference-makers.Sophie Munro led the Sunrisers' bowling attack with a superb spell of 4 for 27, while Knott's all-round performance included three wickets. The Vipers' chase faltered as they struggled to maintain the required run rate, despite Knott's early heroics.With 32 runs needed from the final three overs, the match remained in the balance. However, the dismissals of key players Georgia Adams and Freya Davies, followed by Elwiss's departure, put pressure on the Vipers.Emily Windsor's stumping off the last ball of the 18th over left Vipers needing 22 off two. Alice Monaghan's dismissal at the end of the 19th over made the task even more daunting, with 12 runs required from the final over.Earlier, Sunrisers had posted a solid 134 for 5, thanks to a 41-run opening partnership between Grace Scrivens and Joanne Gardner. Gardner's 39-ball 42 included a towering six, but her dismissal triggered a collapse as Vipers took three wickets in quick succession.Knott's impressive fielding and bowling played a crucial role in Vipers' resurgence, but Sunrisers' resilience and determination ultimately proved too much for the defending champions.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has closed the application deadline for the position of Team India head coach, with Gautam Gambhir emerging as a leading candidate. However, both the BCCI and Gambhir have remained tight-lipped about the situation.Gambhir's name has gained significant traction, particularly after his successful stint as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who won their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Sunday. However, the BCCI has not yet made any official statements, indicating that they may not have a wide range of high-caliber candidates to choose from.Notably, no notable foreign coach has applied for the post, as BCCI secretary Jay Shah has emphasized the board's preference for someone who has risen through the ranks and understands the domestic structure. The BCCI's primary target was reportedly VVS Laxman, the National Cricket Academy head, but he is believed to be uninterested in a full-time position that requires him to be available for 10 months a year.Sources within the BCCI have indicated that the board is not in a hurry to make a decision, as the team will be busy with the World T20 in June. Additionally, senior players will be rested from tours of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, allowing NCA-based senior coaches to accompany the team.Another factor to consider is Gambhir's close relationship with Kolkata Knight Riders principal owner Shah Rukh Khan. Leaving an IPL team that has been a part of his identity for the former India opener may not be an easy decision.Furthermore, the BCCI is reportedly seeking input from senior India players, who are currently in New York, on whether Gambhir would be a suitable replacement for Rahul Dravid.

Middlesex and Sussex, two of the frontrunners in the Vitality County Championship Division Two, played out a thrilling draw at Lord's. The match was a testament to the resilience and skill of both teams, with Middlesex posting a mammoth 613 for 9 declared in response to Sussex's 554 for 9 declared.Middlesex's batting performance was led by Nick Robson, who scored a brilliant 136, and Max Higgins, who contributed a valuable 106. Nathan Fernandes narrowly missed out on a century, falling nine runs short, while Jack Davies struck a career-best 68 and Henry Brookes registered his first half-century as a Middlesex player.Sussex's bowling attack was led by Jack Carson, who took 4 for 166. However, the Middlesex batsmen were able to withstand the pressure and build partnerships throughout the innings.Sussex's batting performance was anchored by John Simpson, who scored a magnificent 167, and Cheteshwar Pujara, who contributed a solid 129. The Sussex batsmen were able to build a strong foundation, which allowed them to declare their innings and set Middlesex a challenging target.The match ultimately ended in a draw, with both teams sharing the spoils. Sussex maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the table, while Middlesex remained in second place.

Torrential rain has washed out the Bank Holiday Monday clash between South East Stars and Western Storm at Beckenham, leaving both sides with two points.Only six overs were possible in the match, with Western Storm reaching 38 for 3 before the heavens opened, drenching the outfield and leaving pools of water on the bowlers' run-ups.Umpires James Tredwell and Fiona Richards gave the ground every chance to recover, calling for a 4.45pm inspection, but a further shower left them no alternative but to abandon the game.The result means that South East Stars remain unbeaten in the competition, while Western Storm are yet to win.In the little play before the rain, there was a lovely moment for Tilly Corteen-Coleman and a dazzling piece of fielding from Stars' all-rounder Paige Scholfield.England U19 slow left-arm spinner Corteen-Coleman, currently on a pay as you play contract with Stars, gave the hosts the perfect start, bowling Alex Griffiths with the first ball of the game.Shortly afterwards, Tash Farrant removed Emma Corney, the batter's attempted pull shot coming off the toe end of the bat for Phoebe Franklin to take a good catch falling forward at mid-wicket.Then just before the rain arrived, Niamh Holland, who'd struck some fine boundaries square of the wicket, chanced her arm on a short single to Scholfield and paid the price, the South African pulling off a direct hit despite only having one stump to aim at.

Pat Cummins, the Australian fast bowler and current captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has come a long way since his IPL debut in 2014.Cummins made his IPL debut for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir. Despite playing only one match that season, he was part of KKR's title-winning campaign. In that match against the Chennai Super Kings, Cummins bowled four overs, conceding 29 runs, and claimed the wicket of Dwayne Smith.After his debut, Cummins spent much of the season on the bench, carrying drinks and bats for his teammates. However, he remained a valuable member of the team, cheering from the dugout and contributing to the team's success.In 2014, a video surfaced on social media showing Cummins dancing to KKR's anthem 'Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re'. This video resurfaced after Sunrisers Hyderabad's defeat in the 2024 IPL final, where Cummins was the captain.Since his debut in 2014, Cummins has played 58 IPL matches, taking 63 wickets and scoring 515 runs. He has played for KKR, the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), and Sunrisers Hyderabad.In the IPL 2024 Auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired Cummins for a record Rs 20.50 crore, making him the second-most expensive player in IPL history. Cummins was appointed captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad for the 2024 season, and under his leadership, the team reached the final, finishing as runners-up after losing to KKR in Chennai.Cummins' journey in the IPL is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. From carrying drinks and bats to becoming one of the most expensive players in the league, Cummins has come a long way. He is a valuable asset to any team he plays for, and his leadership skills have been instrumental in Sunrisers Hyderabad's success in recent years.

Rishabh Pant Recalls Mother's Anger Over Expensive Bat, Reflects on Cricket JourneyIndian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has shared a heartwarming anecdote about his early days as a cricketer, revealing how his mother's initial disapproval of an expensive bat gifted by his father ultimately fueled his passion for the sport.Speaking on Jio Cinema's recently premiered series "Dhawan Karenge," Pant recounted how his father, a cricket enthusiast, had always dreamed of becoming a cricketer himself. When Pant expressed his desire to follow in his father's footsteps, his father gifted him a bat worth Rs 14,000."My mom got super angry," Pant recalled with a chuckle. "She said, 'Why are you spending so much money on a bat? He's just a kid.'"Undeterred, Pant's father encouraged him to pursue his passion. "He told me, 'If you want to be a cricketer, you need to have the right equipment,'" Pant said.Pant's determination paid off. He made his international debut in 2017 and has since become one of India's most promising young players. He was the Delhi Capitals' top run scorer in the recently concluded Indian Premier League 2024, amassing 446 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 155.40.Reflecting on his journey, Pant expressed gratitude for his father's support. "It was my father's dream to become a cricketer, and I am glad I could fulfill it," he said. "I decided I wanted to be a cricketer when I was in the 5th grade. My dad gifted me a bat worth Rs 14,000, and my mom got super angry."Despite his success, Pant remains humble and acknowledges the importance of staying grounded. "I know I have a long way to go," he said. "I want to keep improving and make my country proud."

'The Test' Season 3: A Thrilling Journey of Redemption and ResilienceAmazon Prime's 'The Test' returns with its third season, offering an immersive and captivating look into the Australian cricket team's path to redemption and their subsequent Ashes series. The docuseries captures the highs and lows of the team's journey, providing an intimate glimpse into the lives of the players and the challenges they faced.One of the most memorable moments of the season occurs during the second episode, when English batter Jonny Bairstow is controversially run out by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The incident sparks a heated exchange between the two teams and ignites a fire within the Australian players. Carey becomes a target of the English crowd's ire, which affects him mentally, as revealed by teammate Steve Smith.The docuseries also delves into the team's preparation for the Ashes series, highlighting the challenges they faced in adapting to the aggressive "Bazball" style of play adopted by England. The series captures the intense rivalry between the two teams, showcasing the determination and resilience of the Australian players as they strive to regain the Ashes.Beyond the on-field drama, 'The Test' also explores the personal stories of the players. Travis Head's absence from the team due to his wedding and his subsequent return to form at the World Test Championship is a testament to the sacrifices and challenges faced by professional athletes. Nathan Lyon's injury and his emotional journey while watching the series from home add a human element to the narrative.The docuseries is expertly edited, ensuring a fast-paced and engaging viewing experience. It features insightful commentary from players, coaches, and experts, providing a comprehensive analysis of the team's performance. The series also includes memorable quotes, such as Marnus Labuchange's observation that "Cricket is a game of small margins. You can feel like you're on top and it can flip in a second."While Season 3 may not have the same level of intrigue as the first season, which focused on the team's image rebuilding exercise after the ball-tampering scandal, it still offers plenty of excitement and drama. The series provides a unique perspective on the world of professional cricket, showcasing the challenges, triumphs, and personal sacrifices that shape the lives of these elite athletes.

BCCI Rewards Groundsmen and Curators for Exceptional IPL PitchesThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recognized the invaluable contributions of groundsmen and curators during the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) season. In a gesture of appreciation, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced that each of the 10 regular IPL venue groundsmen and curators will receive a sum of Rs 25 lakh. Additionally, groundsmen and curators at the three additional venues will be awarded Rs 10 lakh each.Shah hailed the ground staff as "unsung heroes" for their tireless efforts in preparing and maintaining "brilliant pitches" throughout the tournament, despite challenging weather conditions. He emphasized that their dedication and hard work played a crucial role in the success of the IPL season.The 10 regular IPL venues include Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The additional venues this year were Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Dharamsala.This year's IPL witnessed a remarkable trend of high-scoring matches, with the 250-run mark being crossed eight times. The peak team total record was shattered twice during the season.Shah also extended his congratulations to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for their third IPL title triumph. He praised the team's consistency and the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer.The BCCI's recognition of the groundsmen and curators highlights the importance of their contributions to the sport. Their expertise and dedication ensure that players can perform at their best and fans can enjoy high-quality cricket matches.