Cricket

Essex's Shane Snater rediscovered his bowling prowess, leading a devastating attack that decimated Lancashire's batting lineup on a rain-affected day at Chelmsford. Snater, who struggled last season, claimed four wickets for 42 runs, including the top three batsmen. Sam Cook provided excellent support with three wickets for 18 runs.Lancashire, asked to bat on a green wicket, collapsed to 146 all out. Keaton Jennings was caught in the gully, while Luke Wells was trapped lbw. Josh Bohannon and George Balderson also fell to Snater's bowling. Cook dismissed Matty Hurst and Tom Bruce, while Noah Thain claimed a wicket on debut.Despite the early setbacks, Jack Blatherwick and Will Williams provided some resistance with a 50-run partnership. However, Blatherwick was caught on the long-leg boundary, and Nathan Lyon was dismissed by Cook. Williams remained unbeaten on 32.In response, Essex openers Feroze Khushi and Nick Browne put on 68 runs for the first wicket before Khushi was caught in the slips for 53. Browne remained unbeaten on 15.The match was interrupted by rain on several occasions, reducing the day's play to just 45 minutes before lunch and two truncated sessions in the afternoon.

Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of legendary England cricketer Andrew Flintoff, has made a promising start to his cricketing career by scoring a half-century in a Second XI Championship match for Lancashire.Batting at number three, Rocky scored 50 runs off 78 balls, including two fours and three sixes. His innings was reminiscent of his father's aggressive batting style, particularly his short arm pull and hook shots.Rocky's performance drew comparisons to Andrew's iconic pull shot against Brett Lee during the 2005 Ashes series, which England won. The younger Flintoff's sixes, including a classy pull shot, evoked memories of his father's dominance as a batting all-rounder.Rocky's elder brother, Corey, also played in the match and bowled four overs for Lancashire, conceding 19 runs. The match ended in a draw on Thursday due to rain.Andrew Flintoff, who represented England from 1998 to 2009, was a formidable all-rounder. In 79 Tests, he scored 3,845 runs at an average of 31.77, with five centuries and 36 fifties. He also took 226 wickets. In 141 ODIs, Flintoff scored 3,394 runs at an average of 32.01, with three centuries and 18 fifties. He also took 169 wickets in the format. In seven T20Is, he scored 76 runs and took five wickets.Rocky's half-century is a testament to his potential as a cricketer. With his father's legacy and his own talent, he has the potential to follow in his footsteps and become a successful international cricketer.

Abahani Limited's dominance in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) continues unabated as they extended their winning streak to 11 matches, crushing Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to secure their place in the Super League phase. With just three wins separating them from their 22nd DPL title, Abahani's supremacy remains unchallenged.In the highly anticipated clash between the league's two wealthiest teams, Abahani's bowlers wreaked havoc, dismissing Sheikh Jamal for a paltry 88 runs, their lowest-ever score in the DPL. The meager target was chased down effortlessly by Abahani in just 10.2 overs without losing a wicket.Shinepukur Cricket Club emerged as the second-placed team with eight wins, edging out Mohammedan Sporting Club and Sheikh Jamal on net run-rate. They secured their Super League berth with victories over Gazi Group Cricketers, Mohammedan, and Legends of Rupganj. Notably, this is Shinepukur's first appearance in the Super League phase.Irfan Sukkur and Habibur Rahman Sohan emerged as the standout batters, guiding their respective teams, Shinepukur and Gazi Group, into the Super League. Irfan's unbeaten 106 against Rupganj and 84 against Gazi Group proved crucial, while Sohan's 55-ball 81 against Brothers Union and unbeaten 102 against City Club sealed Gazi Group's Super League spot.Parvez Hossain Emon topped the batting charts with 585 runs at an average of 53.18, including three centuries. Mohammad Naim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Saif Hassan, and Tamim Iqbal also featured among the top-five scorers.On the bowling front, quick bowler Nahid Rana impressed with 12 wickets this week, including a five-wicket haul against Mohammedan and a four-for against Gazi Group. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed also claimed a five-for.Left-arm quicks dominated the DPL's first phase, with Gazi Group's Ruyel Miah emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 25 wickets at an average of 14.76. Abu Hider and Maruf Mridha, both left-arm fast bowlers, ranked among the top four, while Ifran Hossain, a right-arm quick, finished sixth. Rishad Hossain, the legspinner, and left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam completed the top five.Abahani's dominance was evident in their high-scoring encounter against Prime Bank Cricket Club, where they amassed 341 for 4. Anamul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck centuries, while Towhid Hridoy contributed an unbeaten 65. Prime Bank's response of 283 fell short, with Taskin Ahmed and Tanjim Hasan Sakib claiming three wickets each.In the relegation battle, Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, City Club, and Rupganj Tigers will face off in the playoffs. Partex Sporting Club avoided relegation due to a superior net run-rate compared to Rupganj.Among the young players who made their DPL debuts this season, Maruf Mridha stood out with 19 wickets for Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy. 16-year-old Nuhayel Sandeed became the first left-arm wristspinner to play List-A cricket in Bangladesh, taking two wickets on debut against Prime Bank, coached by his father Mohammad Salahuddin.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, continues to captivate fans with his remarkable performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a recent match against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium, Dhoni once again showcased his exceptional batting skills, leading his team, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), to a solid victory.As Dhoni stepped onto the field amidst thunderous applause, the stadium erupted in a sea of yellow, a testament to the immense love and admiration he commands. The crowd's enthusiasm reached fever pitch as Dhoni unleashed a boundary-hitting spree in the death overs, propelling CSK to a formidable total of 176 for 6.In his unbeaten 9-ball 28 blitz, Dhoni displayed his trademark power and precision, smashing three boundaries and launching the ball into the stands twice. His strike rate of 311.11 left the LSG bowlers reeling, as Dhoni took them to the cleaners in the final two overs.Dhoni's blistering knock not only lifted CSK's spirits but also earned him another significant milestone in his illustrious IPL career. He became the first player to score 5,000 runs as a keeper-batter in the tournament, a testament to his all-round brilliance.In this season, Dhoni has been in impeccable form, remaining unbeaten in all his innings and amassing 87 runs at a staggering strike rate of over 255. His contributions have been instrumental in CSK's resurgence, as they aim to reclaim the IPL title they last won in 2021.Dhoni's performance against LSG was a reminder of his enduring legacy in the sport. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he continues to inspire and entertain fans with his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. As the IPL season progresses, Dhoni's presence on the field promises to generate even more excitement and unforgettable moments.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), languishing at the bottom of the Indian Premier League (IPL) standings, sought respite from their dismal performance with a lighthearted question-and-answer session. The highlight of the session was former RCB captain Virat Kohli's witty response involving teammate Dinesh Karthik's wife.When Karthik asked Kohli to name his favorite sportsperson outside of cricket, Kohli quipped, "Your wife." The response sent shockwaves through the team, including skipper Faf du Plessis."It's a great answer, for sure. I had a different answer in my head. You caught me off-guard, completely, I swear," a stunned Karthik said.Dipika Pallikal, one of India's top-ranked squash players, is married to Karthik. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and have two sons, Kabir and Zian.RCB's dismal performance this season has seen them win only one match out of seven, leaving them on the brink of elimination from the playoffs race. The team's struggles have been attributed to a combination of factors, including poor batting performances and inconsistent bowling.Despite their disappointing results, RCB's players have maintained a positive attitude, engaging in lighthearted banter to keep spirits high. Kohli's witty response to Karthik's question is a testament to the team's camaraderie and resilience amidst adversity.

Rishabh Pant Embraces 'Babysitter' Role for Delhi Capitals TeammatesRishabh Pant, the enigmatic wicketkeeper-batter, has once again taken on the mantle of 'babysitter,' this time for his Delhi Capitals (DC) teammates. In a heartwarming video released by the IPL franchise, Pant was seen engaging with the children of his fellow players, bringing joy and laughter to the team environment.The video, which has gone viral on social media, captures Pant's playful interactions with David Warner's daughters and head coach Ricky Ponting's son. As the clip unfolds, the familiar chant of "Pant, Pant" can be heard in the background, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere.Throughout the video, Pant exudes genuine enthusiasm and joy, highlighting his delight in being back in the IPL environment, surrounded by his teammates and their families. His infectious energy and playful spirit create a sense of camaraderie and warmth within the team.Pant's role as a 'babysitter' has become synonymous with his character both on and off the field. During India's 2018 tour of Australia, he earned the nickname from then-Australian captain Tim Paine, who jokingly asked if Pant would be interested in babysitting his children.However, the term has taken on a more positive connotation, representing Pant's nurturing and caring nature. His interactions with the children of his teammates showcase his genuine love for the game and his desire to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone involved.As the IPL season progresses, Pant's 'babysitter' role is likely to continue, bringing smiles to the faces of his teammates and their families. His ability to balance his on-field brilliance with his off-field warmth and camaraderie makes him a true asset to the Delhi Capitals franchise.

Suryakumar Yadav, the Mumbai Indians' star batter, has provided an update on his fitness following his impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After recovering from ankle surgery earlier this year, Yadav made a comeback in the Delhi Capitals game.Yadav, who had a sports hernia and an ankle that required surgery, was ruled out of India's penultimate T20I bilateral series before the World Cup in June, a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan at home.Speaking during the mid-innings interview after playing a crucial role in Mumbai Indians' victory over Punjab Kings, Yadav said, "It is going really well. I am almost there. I have started fielding. I am also training well. So slow and steady, hoping that all 40 overs I will be on the ground."Since his return, Yadav has registered a duck, fifty, then another duck, followed by another half-century. "That teaches you there are ups and downs in life," Yadav said while talking about his performance.Instead of taking the usual slam-bang approach, Yadav took his time and opened his arms. The explosive right-handed batter discussed his strategy and whether the management had given him any specific instructions."Nothing as much there was a talk going on. Last day we had a batters meeting that there will be a batter who will have to bat at least 15 to 17 overs because when we had a net session we felt that wicket will be a little difficult to get big runs on the board. But I just wanted to be myself. I took a little bit of more time today and after Rohit got out there had to be a batter who batted a little more. I just continued the way I bat," Yadav said.Jasprit Bumrah (3/21) and Coetzee's (3/32) influential spells, along with a scintillating 78-run knock from Yadav, helped the Mumbai Indians defeat the Punjab Kings by nine runs.

Lucknow Super Giants Face Chennai Super Kings in Crucial ClashLucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will lock horns in a pivotal Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 encounter at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.LSG, who had won three consecutive games, have suffered back-to-back defeats against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. Their batting has been a concern, with Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul, and Marcus Stoinis struggling for consistency.CSK, on the other hand, have regained their winning ways with two consecutive victories after two losses. Their fast bowlers have been impressive, while their batters have contributed in high-scoring matches.The pitch in Lucknow is expected to favor pace and bounce, which could benefit both teams' fast bowlers. LSG will be keen to utilize Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya effectively against the in-form Shivam Dube.LSG may consider bringing in Mayank Yadav as an Impact sub for de Kock, while CSK could opt for Moeen Ali in place of Daryl Mitchell.Deepak Hooda, who has struggled for form this season, will be under pressure to perform at No. 3 for LSG. Mitchell, who has yet to make a significant impact for CSK, will be eager to prove his worth.CSK's bowlers have been exceptional in the middle overs, conceding just 7.03 runs per over. Matheesha Pathirana has dismissed Nicholas Pooran three times in three T20 meetings, which could be a key factor in the match.LSG assistant coach Lance Klusener has urged his team to show more intent with the bat, while CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has emphasized the importance of backing players despite fluctuations in form.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) faced off in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Thursday, with PBKS winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Shikhar Dhawan's absence due to a shoulder injury meant that Sam Curran continued to lead the team.PBKS made one change to their lineup, bringing in Rilee Rossouw in place of Jonny Bairstow. Atharva Taide also missed out. MI, on the other hand, fielded an unchanged playing XI.Punjab Kings:* Rilee Rossouw* Prabhsimran Singh* Sam Curran (c)* Jitesh Sharma (wk)* Liam Livingstone* Shashank Singh* Ashutosh Sharma* Harpreet Brar* Harshal Patel* Kagiso Rabada* Arshdeep SinghMumbai Indians:* Rohit Sharma* Ishan Kishan (wk)* Suryakumar Yadav* Tilak Varma* Hardik Pandya (c)* Tim David* Romario Shepherd* Mohammad Nabi* Gerald Coetzee* Shreyas Gopal* Jasprit BumrahThe match began with MI openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan putting on a solid partnership. However, PBKS bowlers managed to break through the defense, with Kagiso Rabada dismissing Sharma for 24. Kishan followed soon after, caught by Liam Livingstone off the bowling of Harpreet Brar.Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma then steadied the MI innings, but both fell in quick succession to Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh, respectively. Hardik Pandya and Tim David attempted to rebuild the innings, but they too were dismissed by Patel and Rabada.MI's middle order struggled to make an impact, with only Romario Shepherd (25) and Mohammad Nabi (22) reaching double figures. The team was eventually bowled out for 131 in 19.3 overs.In response, PBKS openers Rilee Rossouw and Prabhsimran Singh got off to a solid start, putting on 47 runs for the first wicket. Rossouw was particularly impressive, hitting three sixes and two fours in his 43-run knock.After Rossouw's dismissal, Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma continued the momentum, adding 42 runs for the second wicket. Livingstone fell for 22, but Sharma remained unbeaten on 30, guiding PBKS to a comfortable victory with 2.4 overs to spare.