Cricket

New Zealand's dramatic three-run victory over England in the third T20I kept the series alive, thanks to a captain's performance from Sophie Devine and a late collapse from the visitors.Devine led the charge with a blistering 60 off 37 balls, while Amelia Kerr contributed 44* as New Zealand posted 155 for 3. England appeared to be cruising towards victory with Maia Bouchier's 71, but Devine's dismissal of Bouchier sparked a middle-order meltdown.Kerr ran out Heather Knight and removed Amy Jones, leaving England needing eight off the last over. Suzie Bates, bowling her first over of the match, held her nerve to secure the win for New Zealand.The final over was filled with drama, as Devine's penultimate delivery looked to be a wide but was not called. England needed eight off the last ball, and Bates delivered, removing Holly Armitage and then Charlie Dean to seal the victory.Devine and Kerr had earlier laid the foundation for New Zealand's total, adding 99 for the third wicket. Devine's fifty came off 30 balls, while Kerr remained unbeaten on 44*.Bouchier gave England a strong start with her maiden T20I fifty, but her dismissal proved to be the turning point. Tammy Beaumont and Bouchier had put on 92 for the second wicket, but New Zealand's bowlers tightened their grip after Beaumont's departure.England's attack suffered a setback when Sarah Glenn was forced off the field after failing a concussion test. Her absence will be a blow, but the return of Sophie Ecclestone in the fourth match will provide some compensation.

Hardik Pandya, the newly appointed captain of Mumbai Indians (MI), has expressed his profound gratitude for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in shaping his illustrious career. In a heartfelt video shared on social media, Pandya acknowledged the transformative impact the T20 league has had on his journey."In my 10th IPL season, I'm grateful for the journey, the growth, and everything that's come my way," Pandya captioned the post. "And to be back with a team that's always been in my heart."Pandya's journey with MI began in 2015 when he joined the franchise for a modest fee of INR 10 lakh. Since then, he has evolved into one of the world's most formidable all-rounders. His exceptional performances with both bat and ball have earned him a reputation as a match-winner.In the video, Pandya emphasized the pivotal role the IPL has played in his career. "IPL has given me everything," he said. "IPL gave me my identity. Otherwise, I would still be in Baroda where I am but not this Hardik. Some other Hardik would've been there."Pandya's return to MI marks a significant chapter in his career. He replaces Rohit Sharma, the five-time IPL-winning skipper who led the franchise to unprecedented success. Pandya's appointment has been met with both excitement and skepticism, but he is determined to prove his worth as a leader."I'm really excited about this new challenge," Pandya said. "I've always wanted to captain MI, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. I know it's a big responsibility, but I'm ready for it."Pandya's appointment has sparked controversy among fans, with some questioning the decision to remove Sharma from the captaincy. However, Pandya has remained focused on his goal of leading MI to another IPL title."I'm not here to replace Rohit," Pandya said. "I'm here to lead MI in my own way. I have my own style, and I'm confident that I can bring success to this team."As the IPL 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Pandya and MI. The all-rounder will be eager to prove his mettle as a captain and guide his team to glory.

Shah Rukh Khan's Smoking Controversy Overshadows KKR's Thrilling VictoryKolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) thrilling 4-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens on Saturday was marred by a controversy involving team owner Shah Rukh Khan. Social media posts alleged that Khan was smoking inside the stadium premises, sparking criticism and debate.The incident occurred during the IPL 2024 match, with pictures and videos circulating online suggesting that Khan was smoking in the VIP box. NDTV could not independently verify the authenticity of the claims. However, the incident drew widespread attention and condemnation from many users.The controversy comes amidst a similar incident during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final, where Imad Wasim was photographed smoking a cigarette inside the dressing room. Such incidents have raised concerns about the adherence to smoking regulations in sports venues.Meanwhile, on the field, Andre Russell's explosive half-century propelled KKR to a challenging total of 209. SRH's Heinrich Klaasen fought valiantly with a 29-ball 63, but his efforts ultimately fell short as KKR held on for a narrow victory.The match began with a blistering start from SRH openers Mayank Agarwal and Abhishek Sharma, who raced to 50 runs in just 4.3 overs. However, Harshit Rana dismissed Agarwal for 32, and Andre Russell claimed the wicket of Sharma for 32, leaving SRH at 71/2.Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram helped SRH cross 100 runs, but Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine struck to leave the visitors in trouble at 111/4. Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Samad briefly threatened a comeback, but Russell dismissed the latter for 15.Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed then forged a 50-run partnership, giving SRH hope. Klaasen reached his half-century in just 25 balls, and the duo needed 13 runs off the final over. However, Rana dismissed both Klaasen and Ahmed in the final over, securing a thrilling victory for KKR.

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has expressed his satisfaction with his performance in the IPL opener despite limited game and preparation time due to his commentary commitments. Since the last IPL, the only competitive cricket Karthik played was in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He was on air during the recently concluded India-England Test series and admitted that finding training time in between his commentary duties was challenging.Karthik, who is playing his last IPL, made an unbeaten 38 off 26 balls to help RCB recover to 173 for six against CSK on Friday night. By his own admission, he was rusty in the middle. "It's been extremely challenging, doing a bit of commentary and to keep practicing cricket between Test matches and in between the time that I get, it's been a lot of hard work," Karthik told reporters after the game. "So, I am happy that Game 1 has gone positively for me, and it feels good to score some runs."The 38-year-old is hoping that play-offs happen at his home ground here and he can return to Chepauk to play his last IPL game. "Time will tell, I guess. I genuinely wish it's not because the last couple of (playoff) games will be here, so I could be back for that, which could then be my last (here)," he said when asked if it could be last game in Chennai.Defending champions CSK was able to chase down 174 comfortably on a good batting track. CSK pacer Mustafizur Rahman produced his best IPL figures of 4-29 to make the difference. Karthik was all praise for the left-arm pacer from Bangladesh. "He bowled brilliantly. He showed his skills in all the three spells," he reckoned. "He is bowling a lot quicker than he normally does and hits the right lengths. The slower balls came out well. It was a very good pitch. Not the usual slow Chepauk turner that we are visualising in our mind. The ball skid on a lot more, and it was good for batting, and he (Rahman) bowled well. What makes it tough is that he can bowl at 138/139 (kmph), and then he has a slower one, which is very deceptive. And he bowls it at 121/125 (km/h), which makes it hard to line him up.For RCB, Anuj Rawat was the top scorer with 48 and his 95-run stand with Karthik allowed the team to post a fighting total. "I couldn't be happier for him. He has been a part of this team for two years, and people can see how much talent he has. The ball flies off his bat. He has got great bat speed and is a strong boy. He works hard at the nets," said Karthik. "The last two years haven't exactly panned out. Last year, he showed towards the end how good he is, but today (Friday), he showed what skills he has got. I just wish he keeps continuing this form because he is a key player for us. A left-arm hander through the middle and hits the long ball with a lot of power. So, it's great to see him do so well," he added.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has heaped praise on former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, describing him as "intuitive, instinctive," and a natural leader. Tendulkar revealed that he had recommended Dhoni for the captaincy in 2007, recognizing his exceptional qualities.After India's disappointing performance in the 2007 50-over World Cup, Tendulkar was offered the captaincy. However, he declined due to his physical condition. Instead, he suggested Dhoni's name to then BCCI president Sharad Pawar."I said, 'My body is in terrible shape, I do not think a captain who will now and then go to the dressing room and have his ankle strapped or some treatment on his shoulder and all that, it is not the right thing to happen to our team,'" Tendulkar recalled.Tendulkar had observed Dhoni's leadership skills firsthand while fielding in the slips. "Invariably, I would ask him, 'What would you have done right now?' And the answers were balanced. He is very intuitive; he is instinctive, and the awareness of that given moment is remarkable," Tendulkar said."His mind is very stable, he is calm, he is instinctive, and he makes the right decisions. At that time, I recommended him to the BCCI President and said, 'I see leadership qualities in him, so you should consider him,'" Sachin added.Dhoni's legacy as a captain is unparalleled. He is the only captain to have won all three major ICC titles: the T20 World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and the Champions Trophy. Additionally, he has led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 titles.Despite stepping down as CSK captain this season, Dhoni's influence remains evident. In their IPL opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he was seen actively assisting new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in setting field positions.CSK's next match will be against last year's runners-up, the Gujarat Titans, in Chennai on March 26.

Rishabh Pant, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter of the Delhi Capitals (DC), made a triumphant return to competitive cricket in the IPL opener against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Saturday. After a 453-day hiatus following a horrific car crash in December 2022, Pant's comeback was met with immense anticipation and emotion."It's a really emotional time for me," Pant expressed at the toss, his voice filled with gratitude. "I just want to enjoy the moment."Batting at No. 4, Pant showcased his characteristic aggression, scoring 18 runs off 13 deliveries before being dismissed by Harshal Patel. Despite his brief stay at the crease, Pant's presence and positive intent were evident.Pant's return to the field is a testament to his resilience and determination. The accident in December left him with multiple injuries, including a damaged ligament in his right knee, wrist, and ankle. He underwent extensive rehabilitation to regain his fitness and form.During his absence, Pant relinquished his captaincy of the Delhi Capitals to David Warner. Under Warner's leadership, the team struggled, finishing ninth in the league table.Pant's return is a major boost for the Delhi Capitals, who are eager to break their IPL title drought. The left-handed batsman has played 129 internationals for India, scoring over 4,000 runs and six centuries. His attacking style and leadership qualities will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season.

Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach Ricky Ponting has expressed immense confidence in captain Rishabh Pant's ability to make a remarkable return to competitive cricket in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season against Punjab Kings (PBKS).Pant, who suffered a life-threatening car crash in December 2022, has been out of action since then. However, the 26-year-old has undergone an impressive recovery during his rehab process.Ahead of the game against PBKS, Ponting revealed that he had to forcefully drag Pant out of the nets on several occasions, indicating the skipper's eagerness to return to the field. "We had a week's training in Vizag before coming here and trust me Rishabh is back and ready to play. He is batting and moving behind the stumps beautifully. Sometimes he bats too much and I have to drag him out of nets," Ponting said.Ponting believes that Pant is capable of producing something special in the opening match. "I've seen where his game is at, and don't be surprised if something special happens tomorrow. His attitude and smile and what he wants to do for the team is infectious. Everyone wants to be like Rishabh," he added.Pant, who is making his comeback after a long and arduous rehab, expressed his gratitude for being able to return to the field. "Jittery, nervous, excited...all of it, but at the same time, just happy, being able to come back to professional cricket. I'm just looking forward to playing my first game tomorrow," Pant said.However, Pant acknowledged that it will take time to regain his previous form and is taking a cautious approach. "Every time I take the field, it's a different feeling altogether. I think, as a batter, as long as I can bat. It is better because the more I bat, I will be in a better position to execute shots, muscle memory is intact even though I haven't played for nearly a year and half," the swashbuckling batter said."But I have been playing since childhood, so it doesn't go away that easily. So, the more I practice, the better chance I will give myself as a cricketer," he added.With Pant's return, DC will be hoping to make a strong start to their IPL 2024 campaign. The team will be looking to Pant to provide stability and leadership as they aim to challenge for the title.

Anand Mahindra, the renowned industrialist and owner of the Mahindra Group, has fulfilled his promise to gift a Mahindra Thar to Sarfaraz Khan's father, Naushad Khan. The gesture was a testament to Naushad's unwavering support and sacrifices that paved the way for Sarfaraz's remarkable Test debut for India.Mahindra's promise stemmed from a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which captured the heartwarming story of Sarfaraz's journey to the international stage. Touched by Naushad's dedication as Sarfaraz's coach and mentor, Mahindra pledged to reward him with a Thar.True to his word, Mahindra presented the Thar to Naushad in a heartwarming ceremony. The video of the unveiling, shared on social media, showcased the joy and gratitude of the Khan family.Sarfaraz's Test debut was a memorable affair, as he became the fastest batter to score a fifty on his maiden outing. His impressive performances, including half-centuries in both innings, earned him a place in the Indian team for the subsequent Test matches against England.The Mumbai-based batsman's success is a testament to his talent and the unwavering support of his father. Naushad's guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping Sarfaraz's career, instilling in him the belief that he could achieve his dreams.Sarfaraz's father urged him to approach domestic matches with the same intensity and determination as if he were playing for India. This mindset helped Sarfaraz maintain his focus and consistently deliver impressive performances, eventually earning him a call-up to the national team.The young batter's journey has also resonated with fans on social media, leading to a surge in his Instagram followers. Sarfaraz expressed his gratitude for the support, acknowledging that it has been a significant boost to his confidence.Anand Mahindra's gesture of gifting a Thar to Naushad Khan is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of parents who play a crucial role in shaping the careers of their children. It is a reminder that behind every successful athlete, there is often a support system that deserves recognition and appreciation.

Nimesh Kataria, a seasoned financial executive with a proven track record at Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Kataria will assume his role in April and will join the ECB board, replacing Scott Smith, who is stepping down after eight years of service.Kataria's appointment comes at a crucial juncture for English cricket, as the ECB seeks to navigate financial challenges and drive growth. His expertise in financial management and strategic planning will be instrumental in shaping the ECB's financial strategy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport."We are delighted to welcome Nimesh to the ECB at a time when our sport is facing significant opportunities and challenges," said Richard Gould, ECB Chief Executive Officer. "His financial acumen and strategic insights will be invaluable as we strive to grow cricket and make it the most inclusive sport in the country."Kataria expressed his enthusiasm for joining the ECB and contributing to the development of cricket. "I am honored to be part of the ECB team and eager to play a role in expanding the reach of cricket and inspiring more people to embrace the sport," he said. "As a lifelong cricket fan, I am aware of the challenges facing the game in England and Wales, but I am confident that we can overcome them and secure a bright future for cricket."Gould paid tribute to Smith's contributions during his tenure as CFO. "Scott has been instrumental in driving significant change during his eight years with the ECB," Gould said. "His leadership has contributed to increased revenue, the creation of The Hundred, and record funding for the cricket network."Smith's expertise also proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the financial stability of cricket members. "We are deeply grateful for Scott's dedication and the immense value he has brought to the game," Gould added.Kataria's appointment signals the ECB's commitment to financial prudence and strategic growth. His experience and passion for cricket will be key assets as the ECB navigates the evolving landscape of the sport and strives to make cricket accessible and enjoyable for all.