Cricket

Hawk-Eye Technology Debuts in IPL to Determine No-Balls for HeightThe Indian Premier League (IPL) has introduced a new Hawk-Eye technology to objectively determine no-balls for height, eliminating the subjective element in umpiring decisions. This technology made its debut during Virat Kohli's dismissal in Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) chase against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Sunday.Kohli was dismissed for 18 off 7 balls, caught and bowled off a high full toss from Harshit Rana in the third over. The delivery appeared to be dipping on the batter, even though it was above the waist height when Kohli made contact with it.The TV umpire, Michael Gough, checked the legality of the delivery using the Hawk-Eye ball tracking technology. The technology revealed that the ball would have passed the batter at 0.92 meters from the ground if he was upright at the crease. Kohli's waist height has been measured at 1.04 meters, which means the ball would have passed below his waist had he been on his crease, making it a legal delivery.Kohli expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, arguing that it should have been a no-ball for height. However, the technology confirmed that the delivery was within the legal limits.The IPL has implemented this technology to remove the subjectivity in adjudicating no-balls above the waist. The system measures the height of the ball as it passes the batter at the popping crease and compares it to the toe-to-waist height of the batter when in an upright position. If the ball is higher than the batter's waist, it is declared a no-ball.In Kohli's case, the projected trajectory of the ball would have taken it 0.12 meters below his waist had he been upright on his crease. Therefore, the delivery was deemed legal.The introduction of Hawk-Eye technology for no-ball height determination is a significant step towards improving the accuracy and consistency of umpiring decisions in the IPL. It eliminates the potential for human error and ensures that batters are not unfairly dismissed due to subjective interpretations of the rules.

Mumbai Indians Coaching Staff Unveils Players' Quirks and PersonalitiesThe Mumbai Indians (MI) coaching staff has provided a fascinating glimpse into the personalities of their players, revealing their unique quirks and habits. In a video shared on MI's official social media channels, head coach Mark Boucher, batting coach Kieron Pollard, and fielding coach James Pamment discussed the distinctive traits of each squad member.Pollard highlighted Tim David's absent-mindedness, noting that he frequently misplaces his glasses and keys, leading to moments of panic. Boucher revealed that star batter Rohit Sharma has a peculiar habit of giving awkward hugs and handshakes.Fielding coach Pemment identified Ishan Kishan as the player who is always on his phone, often making pocket dials. Boucher added that Kishan is also known for his unexpectedly loud laughter.Pollard pointed out Suryakumar Yadav's tendency to make autocorrect mistakes while texting. The coaching staff's insights provide a behind-the-scenes look at the team's dynamics and the unique personalities that make up the Mumbai Indians squad.

Gujarat Titans (GT) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face off in a crucial match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Both teams have struggled in recent matches and will be eager to get back to winning ways.GT, the defending champions, have won three and lost four matches so far. Their batting has been a concern, with the team failing to score big runs consistently. However, their bowling has been impressive, with the fast bowlers taking the most wickets in the tournament.PBKS, on the other hand, have won two and lost five matches. Their batting has also been inconsistent, with the specialist batters failing to live up to expectations. However, the team has found some solace in the performances of their unsung Indian players, Shashank and Ashutosh.The absence of skipper Shikhar Dhawan has been a blow for PBKS. The southpaw has been undergoing rehabilitation since picking up a shoulder injury and his availability for Sunday's fixture is in doubt.GT will be looking to bounce back from their embarrassing loss to Delhi Capitals, where they were bowled out for 89. PBKS will also be keen to get back to winning ways after their narrow defeat to Mumbai Indians.The match promises to be a close contest between two evenly matched teams. GT will be confident of their bowling, while PBKS will hope their batting can finally click.

Cameron Green's Acrobatic Catch Turns the Tide for RCB Against KKRIn a thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a crucial moment against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With the match hanging in the balance, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green stepped up with an extraordinary display of athleticism that ignited the crowd and shifted the momentum in RCB's favor.The incident unfolded in the 6th over when KKR batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempted a casual chip over mid-wicket off a delivery from RCB bowler Yash Dayal. The ball seemed destined for the boundary, but Green, positioned at mid-off, had other plans.With unwavering focus, Green tracked the descending ball over his right shoulder. As it dropped, he arched backward, executing a one-handed stunner even as he tumbled onto his back. The crowd erupted in applause as Green's acrobatic catch left his teammates in awe.Green's stunning catch not only prevented a boundary but also boosted RCB's morale. The dismissal of Raghuvanshi, who had been looking dangerous, proved to be a turning point in the match. RCB went on to restrict KKR to a modest total, setting the stage for a comfortable victory.Green's athleticism and determination were a testament to his exceptional skills as an all-rounder. His ability to make game-changing plays in the field, coupled with his impressive batting and bowling abilities, makes him a valuable asset to any team.The catch also highlighted the importance of fielding in cricket. A well-executed catch can not only save runs but also break partnerships and demoralize the opposition. Green's stunning effort served as a reminder that fielding is an integral part of the game and can have a significant impact on the outcome.

Chennai Super Kings Receive Rousing Welcome Ahead of Lucknow Super Giants ClashChennai Super Kings (CSK), the reigning Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, were greeted with a thunderous reception upon their arrival in Chennai ahead of their highly anticipated match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium.The city was abuzz with excitement as fans, clad in the team's signature yellow jerseys, lined the streets to welcome their heroes. The official CSK social media handle shared a heartwarming video capturing the vibrant atmosphere, with supporters chanting slogans and waving flags.CSK, currently sitting fourth in the points table with four wins in seven games, are eager to bounce back from their recent setback against LSG. In their previous encounter, the Super Giants handed CSK an 8-wicket defeat at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.Despite a valiant effort from former skipper MS Dhoni, who showcased his trademark stroke play with three boundaries and sixes, guiding the team to a respectable total of 176 for 6 in 20 overs, it wasn't enough to secure victory.The crowd at Ekana Cricket Stadium rallied behind Dhoni as he exhibited his prowess with the bat, reminiscent of the fervor witnessed at Chepauk. However, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock's stellar performances, each scoring a half-century, propelled LSG to their fourth win of the season, thwarting CSK's bid for a third consecutive triumph.With the support of their passionate fans, CSK will be determined to turn the tables on LSG and secure a crucial victory on home turf. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched teams, with both sides eager to climb the standings.

Delhi Capitals' hopes of securing a playoff berth in IPL 2024 suffered a major setback after their disappointing defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday. The loss dropped them to seventh place in the points table, with only three wins in eight games.Chasing a challenging target of 267, Delhi Capitals' captain Rishabh Pant failed to provide the impetus, scoring a slow-paced 44 off 35 balls. His lackluster performance drew criticism from fans, who questioned his decision to bat at No. 6 instead of his usual No. 4 position.Despite spirited contributions from Jake Fraser McGurk (65 off 18) and Abhishek Porel (42 off 22), Delhi Capitals struggled to maintain momentum after losing their openers. The team's inability to accelerate the run chase effectively raised concerns about Pant's leadership decisions.Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, set a formidable tone with their batting display. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma amassed a record-breaking 125 runs in the first six overs, laying the groundwork for their team's imposing total of 266/7.Following the disappointing loss, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar offered words of consolation to Pant during the post-match presentation. "I never want your head down, there are lots of games so keep a smile always," Gavaskar told Pant, who responded, "I will try my best, sir."As Delhi Capitals aim to recover from this setback, the scrutiny on Pant's form and leadership decisions intensifies. The team faces challenges in regaining momentum in the remainder of the IPL season.

Travis Head's blistering 89 off 32 balls propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a mammoth 266/7 against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Abhishek Sharma's 12-ball 46 and Shahbaz Ahmed's unbeaten 29-ball 59 further bolstered SRH's total.Head's onslaught began from the second ball of the match, as he dispatched Khaleel Ahmed over mid-wicket for a six. He continued to torment the Capitals bowlers, reaching his half-century in just three overs. Abhishek joined the party, taking on Kuldeep Yadav with three sixes.Capitals' bowling attack, including Anrich Nortje, Khaleel, Mukesh, and Lalit Yadav, struggled to contain the SRH openers. They pitched the ball too short on a pitch that resembled a concrete strip.Kuldeep eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Head, Abhishek, and Aiden Markram. However, his efforts were overshadowed by the carnage inflicted by Head and Abhishek.In reply, Jack Fraser-McGurk and Abhishek Porel tried to match SRH's aggression with a 109-run partnership. But once McGurk departed, the Capitals' chase faltered.SRH captain Pat Cummins and T Natarajan bowled with accuracy and precision, restricting the Capitals to 199/10. Natarajan claimed four wickets for 19 runs, while Cummins conceded just 35 runs in his four overs.Head's dominance has been a recurring theme in the ongoing IPL. He has been in scintillating form since the ODI World Cup, winning over Indian fans with his marauding batting.

Durham's David Bedingham and Scott Borthwick propelled their team to a commanding position in their Vitality County Championship clash against Worcestershire at Chester Road.After dismissing Worcestershire for 184, Durham amassed a formidable 319 for 5, establishing a 379-run lead. Bedingham, who recently made his Test debut for South Africa, continued his impressive form with a blistering 138, while Borthwick contributed a solid 75.Worcestershire resumed their first innings on 78 for 4, with Jake Libby (61) providing the bulk of the resistance. However, Ben Raine and Matthew Potts combined to dismantle the visitors' batting lineup, with Raine claiming 3-40.In Durham's second innings, Bedingham and Borthwick forged a 195-run partnership, dominating the Worcestershire bowlers. Bedingham reached his century off just 79 deliveries, showcasing his aggressive strokeplay.Worcestershire's bowlers struggled to contain the Durham batsmen, with Nathan Smith providing the only breakthrough by dismissing Alex Lees. However, Bedingham and Borthwick continued to pile on the runs, extending Durham's lead to a daunting 379.With only one day remaining in the match, Worcestershire face an uphill battle to avoid their first defeat of the season. Durham, on the other hand, are poised to secure their first victory of the campaign.

Central Sparks broke their 50-over jinx against the Blaze with a resounding 78-run victory in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy opener at Edgbaston.Sparks, who had never defeated Blaze in the format, capitalized on the visitors' depleted squad due to injuries and international commitments. Batting first, they posted a competitive 213 for 9, thanks to Abi Freeborn's 53 and Katie George's late cameo of 32.Blaze's reply was derailed by Emily Arlott's opening spell of 7-4-5-2, which reduced them to 14 for 3. Nadine de Klerk, fresh from her arrival from South Africa, offered resistance with 43, but Hannah Baker's three wickets proved decisive as Blaze's undermanned team crumbled.Sparks' innings began cautiously against de Klerk's economical opening spell. Eve Jones' dismissal trying to flick Grace Ballinger to leg set the tone for a series of starts that failed to convert into substantial scores.Chloe Brewer's reverse sweep for four off Kirstie Gordon was short-lived, as she fell lbw attempting the same shot. Davina Perrin's off-stump dismissal to Munro further tightened Blaze's grip.Marie Kelly's delivery deceived Ami Campbell, resulting in a stumping. However, Freeborn reached a composed half-century before perishing to Munro. George's late flurry provided some impetus, but de Klerk's yorker ended her innings.Sparks' bowlers dominated from the outset. Arlott's early wickets of Teresa Graves and Marie Kelly, followed by Issy Wong's lbw decision against Munro, left Blaze reeling at 39 for 4.De Klerk and Daisy Mullan steadied the ship with a 51-run partnership, but Baker's introduction proved pivotal. She removed both batters in quick succession, followed by Michaela Kirk's dismissal to deep midwicket.Central Sparks' emphatic victory sets the tone for the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy season, while Blaze will need to regroup and address their injury concerns.