Cricket

West Indies Women's team kicked off their tour of Pakistan with a resounding 113-run victory in the first ODI, extending their winning streak in the country to seven matches. The triumph was orchestrated by a dominant all-round performance from Hayley Matthews, who notched up an unbeaten century and claimed three wickets.Matthews, who elected to bat first, anchored the West Indies innings with a masterful 140 off 150 deliveries, laced with 15 boundaries and a six. She forged a crucial 101-run partnership with Shemaine Campbelle for the second wicket, providing a solid foundation for the team's total.Despite losing early wickets, West Indies managed to post a formidable 269 for 8 thanks to contributions from Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, and Aaliyah Alleyne. Matthews' century was her fifth in ODIs and her highest score in the format.Pakistan's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost their top order cheaply. Matthews' bowling prowess came to the fore as she dismissed Nida Dar, triggering a collapse that Pakistan failed to recover from.Apart from Matthews' three-wicket haul, Afy Fletcher and Zaida James also chipped in with two wickets each. Pakistan's innings folded for a mere 156 in the 36th over, falling well short of their target.The victory marks a successful start to West Indies' tour of Pakistan, with the second and third ODIs scheduled to take place in Karachi on April 23 and 26.

Ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma shared a lighthearted moment with teammate Romario Shepherd. The incident occurred when Rohit stumbled upon a picture of himself at 20 years old, just starting out for the Indian team.The Mumbai Indians took to social media to post a video of the encounter, captioning it, "Bholi si surat, aankhon mein masti... Jab Hitman met 20-year-old Ro today." In the video, Rohit reacts to the picture, remarking that he was a "small boy" and struggling to grow a beard.The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians are currently eighth in the IPL 2024 points table with just four points, having won only two of their six matches. The five-time champions have a net run rate of -0.234 in the 17th edition of the IPL.In their previous match against Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians won the toss and elected to field first. After a slow start, Ruturaj Gaikwad (69) and Shivam Dube (66*) stitched a 90-run partnership to propel CSK to a formidable 206/4.In response, Mumbai Indians got off to a solid start with Ishan Kishan (23) and Rohit Sharma (101) putting on a 70-run opening stand. However, Rohit's century was not enough to carry the team to victory as they fell short by 20 runs, ending with 186/6.Matheesha Pathirana (4/28) was the standout bowler for CSK, while Hardik Pandya (2/43) was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai Indians.

Meg Lanning, Australia's legendary women's cricket captain, has revealed the harrowing toll that her relentless pursuit of excellence took on her mental and physical health, ultimately forcing her to retire at the age of 31.Lanning's decision to step away from the game shocked the cricket world, but her recent disclosure sheds light on the hidden struggles she endured. After winning the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal, Lanning took a six-month mental health break, working in a coffee shop to escape the pressures of international cricket.Her struggles stemmed from a combination of depression and an unhealthy obsession with exercise and nutrition. Lanning's weight plummeted to 57kg from 64kg as she over-exercised and under-fueled her body. The physical toll manifested in significant weight loss, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating.Lanning's mental health also deteriorated, leading to feelings of isolation and insecurity. She became increasingly withdrawn from friends and family, and her obsessive behavior extended to her training regimen. Lanning would run up to 90km a week, often without taking breaks or eating properly.The former skipper admitted that she felt out of control and uncertain about her future beyond cricket. This anxiety fueled her obsessive behavior, which she initially saw as a coping mechanism. However, it soon spiraled into a dangerous cycle that threatened her well-being.Lanning's on-field performance remained unaffected despite her struggles, but she realized that she was operating on autopilot. The rigors of international cricket and the constant pressure to perform had become too much for her to bear.Since retiring, Lanning has found a healthier balance in her life. She remains involved in cricket but has stepped away from the intense demands of international touring. Lanning's story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health in sports and the need for athletes to prioritize their well-being.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has defended its decision to recall Mustafizur Rahman for the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series, despite the fast bowler's impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.BCB's cricket operations chairman, Jalal Yunus, stated that Mustafizur has nothing more to gain from playing in the IPL. "Mustafizur's learning process is over. Rather, there are many players in IPL who can learn from him. Bangladesh will not benefit from this," Yunus said.Yunus emphasized that the BCB's primary concern is Mustafizur's fitness. "They [CSK] don't have a headache about his fitness, but we do. The reason we are bringing back Mustafizur is not just to play in the Zimbabwe series, but if he is brought here, we will plan him with the workload. But that plan won't happen if he's in IPL," he added.Mustafizur has been a key player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2024, taking 10 wickets in the first five matches. However, Yunus believes that Mustafizur's experience in the IPL is not necessary for his development."We are letting Mustafizur play till May 1. He's coming back on May 2 and will be available from the following day," Yunus said.Mustafizur is expected to play a crucial role in Bangladesh's T20I series against Zimbabwe, which will be followed by a series against the United States of America.

MS Dhoni, the legendary Indian cricketer, may have retired from international cricket in 2020, but he continues to dominate the Indian Premier League (IPL) with his exceptional batting skills. In a recent match against Mumbai Indians, Dhoni once again proved his mettle by smashing three consecutive sixes off Hardik Pandya's bowling in the final four balls of the innings, leading Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a thrilling victory.Dhoni's unbeaten 20-run knock proved to be the decisive factor in CSK's 20-run win. His performance has sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.In a viral podcast video, former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist expressed his admiration for Dhoni and Dinesh Karthik, another experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Gilchrist praised their skills and predicted a bright future for both players."Every game, every night everyone is speculating which Indian is going to get a boarding pass to the Caribbean," Gilchrist said. "The keeper-batsman's role is to an extent up for grabs. Amazing amount of young keeper-batsmen at your disposal to pick from. And I reckon the two standouts, two youngsters who are really shining, who I reckon they both gonna have a big future when they grow up, be older and more mature - Dinesh Karthik and MSD. I reckon they're gonna be great players when they grow up."Gilchrist's sarcastic remark drew smiles from India captain Rohit Sharma and former England captain Michael Vaughan. Rohit acknowledged Karthik's impressive batting performance in recent matches and Dhoni's impact in the CSK game."Yeah, was quite impressed, quite impressed, specially with Dinesh the way he batted a couple of nights back and Dhoni as well, I mean look he came to play four balls, made a huge impact, got those 20-22 runs and that was eventually the difference in the end," Rohit said.However, Rohit expressed doubts about Dhoni's willingness to participate in the T20 World Cup. "Look it'll be hard to convince MSD for sure to come to West Indies, I guess. He's sick and tired. He's coming to US though, to do something else. He's into golf now, so he's coming to play golf I guess. DK will be easy to convince I guess," Rohit said.Karthik has been in excellent form in IPL 2024, scoring 226 runs from seven matches. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he smashed a 35-ball 83 while chasing 288 for victory. Despite his efforts, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lost the match by 25 runs.

Virat Kohli, the enigmatic Indian batter, has emerged as an inspiration not only on the cricket field but also beyond. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence have resonated with millions worldwide, including Donuru Ananya Reddy, the third-rank holder in the prestigious UPSC CSE 2023 exams.In a viral video, Reddy expressed her admiration for Kohli, citing his unwavering spirit and unwavering work ethic as key sources of inspiration. "Virat Kohli is my favorite player," she said. "He embodies the never-give-up attitude and the discipline that drives him to succeed."Kohli's influence extends beyond the cricket pitch. His dedication to fitness and healthy living has made him a role model for aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. His social media presence, with over 800 million followers, allows him to connect with fans and share his insights on life, fitness, and the importance of perseverance.While Kohli's on-field achievements are undeniable, his impact off the field is equally significant. His ability to inspire and motivate others, including those outside the realm of sports, is a testament to his character and the values he represents.Meanwhile, Kohli continues to shine in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite RCB's struggles in the tournament, Kohli has been in scintillating form, topping the scoring charts with 361 runs in seven matches. His century against Rajasthan Royals showcased his class and ability to perform under pressure.Despite Kohli's individual brilliance, RCB has endured a disappointing start to the season, losing seven of their first six games. The team's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, acknowledged the need for improvement and vowed to approach each remaining game as a knockout match.In their next encounter, RCB will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. Kohli's performance and RCB's overall fortunes will be closely watched as they seek to turn their season around.

Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan has taken to social media to express his love for his son, Zoraver, amidst a challenging IPL season for his team. Dhawan posted a heartwarming picture on Instagram, wearing a jersey with his son's name and number.Dhawan's gesture comes after a difficult period in his personal life, following his separation from his former wife, Ayesha Mukherjee, in 2021. The family court of Delhi granted them a divorce on grounds of cruelty. Dhawan had previously expressed his frustration at being blocked from contacting his son.Despite the personal challenges, Dhawan has remained focused on his cricket. In five matches of IPL 2024, he has scored 152 runs at an average of 30.40, including a half-century. However, he missed the previous game against Rajasthan Royals due to a shoulder injury.Punjab Kings Cricket Director Sanjay Bangar has provided an update on Dhawan's injury, stating that he could be ruled out for at least seven to ten days. This is a significant blow to the team, as Dhawan is an experienced opener with a proven track record in the IPL.Dhawan is the second-highest run-getter in IPL history, with 6768 runs in 222 matches. His absence will be a major concern for Punjab Kings, who are currently struggling in the tournament with two wins and four losses.Despite the setbacks, Dhawan remains a key figure for Punjab Kings. His leadership and experience will be crucial as the team looks to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches of the IPL.

Mayank Yadav, the young pacer from Lucknow Super Giants, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the ongoing IPL 2024. His impressive performances, including consistently clocking over 150kmph, have made him a key player for his team. However, an abdominal niggle has sidelined him from several games, raising concerns about his availability.On April 7, Yadav was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over against Gujarat Titans. He subsequently missed games against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, a recent video posted by LSG has sparked speculation about his imminent return.The video, captioned "Phir se udd chala (flying again)," shows Yadav bowling at full speed. This has raised hopes among fans and team management that he may be fit enough to play in LSG's upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings on Friday.LSG coach Justin Langer has expressed optimism about Yadav's recovery, stating that he is targeting the home game against Chennai Super Kings on April 19 for his return. "We want him to play every game if possible," Langer said.Yadav's absence has been a significant blow to LSG, who have struggled to find a consistent replacement. His ability to bowl at high speeds and generate swing has been a major asset for the team.Meanwhile, LSG has also provided an update on the fitness of left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who has missed the team's last two games due to a back injury. Langer revealed that Khan is now bowling and could be available for the upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders.With the IPL playoffs approaching, LSG will be eager to have both Yadav and Khan back in action. Their return would provide a significant boost to the team's chances of securing a top-four finish and challenging for the title.

Jos Buttler's remarkable century against Kolkata Knight Riders has reignited the debate on the importance of athleticism in modern cricket. Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody believes that elite athletes are essential in today's demanding T20 format.Buttler's unbeaten 107 off 60 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling victory, overshadowing Sunil Narine's earlier century. Moody praised Buttler's resilience and physical prowess, highlighting the need for cricketers to be both skilled and physically fit."In today's world of T20 cricket, you need to be an elite athlete," Moody said. "You can't just get away with just being a skilful player."Buttler's performance was particularly impressive considering he had missed Rajasthan's previous game due to injury. Despite losing partners regularly, he remained steadfast, showcasing his mental and physical strength."He's an elite athlete, that's why he's still standing for that very last ball to hit the winning runs," Moody said. "He's coming back from an illness, he's managed to bounce back pretty quickly because he is strong and physically strong."Moody emphasized that athleticism is crucial for cricketers to perform consistently in challenging conditions. "If you don't have the hard yards as an athlete and done the hard work, you can't put in performances like that," he said.Buttler's century serves as a reminder that modern cricket demands a combination of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude. As the game continues to evolve, the importance of elite athletes will only increase.