Cricket

Gujarat Giants Face Uphill Battle Against Delhi Capitals in Women's Premier LeagueBengaluru, India - The Gujarat Giants will face a formidable challenge when they take on the in-form Delhi Capitals in Match 10 of the Women's Premier League at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Giants have endured a difficult start to the tournament, suffering three consecutive defeats, while the Capitals have emerged as one of the early favorites with three impressive victories.The Giants' struggles have been evident in their batting, where they have failed to post a competitive total in any of their matches. Captain Harleen Deol has been the only consistent performer, but the rest of the lineup has struggled to find form. The Capitals, on the other hand, have a well-balanced batting unit led by the experienced Jemimah Rodrigues and the explosive Shafali Verma.The Giants' bowling attack has also been inconsistent, with only Sneh Rana and Mansi Joshi showing any signs of promise. The Capitals, in contrast, have a potent bowling lineup that includes the experienced Shikha Pandey and the young and talented Titas Sadhu.The Giants will need to find a way to improve their batting and bowling if they want to have any chance of upsetting the Capitals. Deol will need to lead from the front and inspire her teammates to perform at their best. The Capitals, meanwhile, will be confident of extending their winning streak and consolidating their position at the top of the standings.The match promises to be an exciting contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. The Giants will be desperate to break their losing streak, while the Capitals will be looking to maintain their momentum and continue their march towards the playoffs.

MS Dhoni's future in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a subject of intense speculation, with many experts and fans suggesting that IPL 2024 could be his final season. However, Dhoni's childhood friend, Paramjit Singh, has provided a significant update that suggests otherwise.Paramjit, who played a pivotal role in securing Dhoni's first bat sponsorship, believes that Dhoni will continue playing for at least one or two more seasons. "I do not think this will be his (Dhoni's) last season. He is still fit. I think he will play one or two more seasons. He will definitely play one more season. The reason is he is fit," Paramjit told OneCricket.Dhoni's recent practice sessions, where he was spotted with a 'Prime Sports' sticker on his bat, have further fueled speculation about his future. Prime Sports is a shop owned by Paramjit, and the image of Dhoni using his bat has gone viral, highlighting their enduring friendship.Paramjit has also shed light on Dhoni's gesture of giving him a signed bat. "I'm feeling very proud! MS has always been there with us, that's our friendship. He's given me his signed bat," Paramjit said in a video uploaded by Sports Tak.Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in August 2020, has remained active as a player in the IPL. He led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to a record-equaling fifth title last season, defeating Gujarat Titans in a thrilling final.While Dhoni has not officially announced his plans for the future, Paramjit's comments suggest that he is likely to continue playing for at least one more season. This will come as welcome news to CSK fans and cricket enthusiasts alike, who are eager to witness the legendary wicketkeeper-batter in action for a few more years.

Tamil Nadu's R Sai Kishore has etched his name in the annals of Ranji Trophy history by becoming only the third bowler from his state to claim 50 wickets in a single season. The left-arm spinner achieved this remarkable feat during the semifinal clash against Mumbai at the BKC Ground on Sunday.Sai Kishore's exceptional performance came on the back of a sterling five-wicket haul that dismantled the Mumbai middle-order on Day Two of the semifinal encounter. Despite Tamil Nadu enduring a batting collapse on the opening day, Sai Kishore's inspired bowling performance turned the tide in his team's favor.The 27-year-old spinner's pivotal role in the match was evident from the outset, as he swiftly made inroads into the Mumbai batting lineup. Trapping opener Bhupen Lalwani leg-before, Sai Kishore set the tone for his dominant display with the ball. His relentless pressure continued in the opening session, culminating in the dismissal of night-watchman Mohit Avasthi.The defining moment of Sai Kishore's spell arrived when he accounted for the prized wicket of Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane, inducing an outside-edge that was pouched by the slip fielder. Sai Kishore capped off his virtuoso performance by claiming successive scalps in the 48th over, dismissing the well-set Musheer Khan and then dismantling Shams Mulani's stumps with a vicious delivery that spun sharply.Sai Kishore's sensational form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season has been nothing short of remarkable. With at least four wickets in each of his last four innings, including a stellar nine-wicket haul in the quarterfinal against Saurashtra, the left-arm spinner has emerged as a potent force in Tamil Nadu's bowling arsenal.By joining the esteemed company of legendary spinners S Venkataraghavan and Aashish Kapoor, Sai Kishore has solidified his status as one of the premier bowlers in domestic cricket. His 10th First-Class five-for across 39 matches underscores his consistency and impact on the field.With six four-wicket hauls and three five-fors in the ongoing Ranji season, Sai Kishore's stellar performances exemplify his unwavering commitment to excellence and his invaluable contributions to Tamil Nadu's quest for glory in the prestigious tournament.

India has ascended to the pinnacle of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, as per the latest update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday. This elevation follows Australia's triumph over New Zealand in the Wellington Test.India's dominance is reflected in their impressive points percentage of 64.58, propelling them to the top spot. New Zealand, the previous table-toppers, now occupy the second position with a points percentage of 60.00. Australia has slipped to third place, boasting a points percentage of 59.09.India's commanding position in the ongoing five-Test home series against England, where they hold an unassailable 3-1 lead, provides them with an opportunity to further cement their status at the summit of the WTC table. A victory in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, commencing on March 7, would solidify their dominance.The WTC, inaugurated in 2019, is a two-year tournament that pits the world's top Test-playing nations against each other in a league format. The top two teams at the conclusion of the league stage will qualify for the final, scheduled to be held in June 2023 at The Oval in London.India's rise to the top of the WTC standings is a testament to their consistent performances in Test cricket. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team has achieved notable victories both at home and abroad. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has been a key factor in their success.As the WTC progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with all teams vying for a place in the final. India's position at the top of the table provides them with a significant advantage, but they will need to maintain their momentum and continue to perform at a high level to secure their place in the championship match.

Will Pucovski's concussion woes continue as he is forced to retire hurt in Sheffield Shield matchWill Pucovski's injury-plagued career took another unfortunate turn on Friday when he was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the helmet by a Riley Meredith bouncer in Victoria's Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in Hobart.Pucovski, who has a history of concussions, was struck by the short ball from the second delivery he faced and immediately went down on his knees in the crease. The Cricket Australia doctor and Victoria physio were quickly into the middle, and after some time to compose himself, Pucovski was able to walk off the field unaided for further assessment.Campbell Kellaway was brought into the XI as the concussion substitute. The match is in the fourth innings with Victoria chasing 442."Pucovski, who walked from the field, is being monitored by medical staff," a Cricket Victoria statement said. "More information will be provided at a later stage."Pucovski has suffered multiple concussions throughout his career and last month returned from another spell on the sidelines where he made a century against New South Wales at the SCG.He has also had time away from the game for his mental health and earlier this year spoke about how he has learned that there is a link between that and his concussions."The mental health has been a much bigger issue for me than even the concussions," he told the Vic State Cricket podcast. "I don't fear for my long-term health, it's more the mental health side that's been the tougher part.""One day I'll be ready to tell my whole story and it will probably make a lot more sense," he added. "I've explained what I've been through to my inner circle of people and actually all the responses I've got have been like 'Jesus, I would never have guessed that in a million years, that doesn't even make sense to me'.""It hasn't made sense to me for years, either, but I've been on this pathway to understand it all."Pucovski played one Test for Australia in early 2021, against India at the SCG.

Australia's dominance over New Zealand continued as they secured a resounding 172-run victory in the first Test at Wellington's Basin Reserve. Nathan Lyon's exceptional bowling performance, coupled with Cameron Green's match-defining innings, proved too much for the Black Caps.Lyon, Australia's premier spinner, wreaked havoc on the New Zealand batting lineup, claiming six wickets for 65 runs in the second innings. His victims included Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips, as he completed his 24th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.New Zealand began the day with a daunting target of 369, but Lyon's early strikes put them on the back foot. Daryl Mitchell and Scott Kuggeleijn offered some resistance, but Cameron Green's dismissal of Kuggeleijn for 26 extinguished their hopes.Despite a blow to the helmet from Green, Mitchell continued to fight, scoring 38. However, he ran out of partners as Lyon and the Australian attack quickly wrapped up the New Zealand tail.Australia captain Pat Cummins praised Lyon's performance, stating, "Thankfully it spun which, with Nathan in our side, is always a pretty good thing."This loss leaves New Zealand with only one victory in their last 24 Tests against Australia. They will now prepare for the second and final match of the series in Christchurch, starting on Friday.New Zealand skipper Tim Southee acknowledged the need for improvement, saying, "Like every game, we'll reflect and look at ways that we can be better in the next one."While Lyon's performance was exceptional, it was Cameron Green's brilliant innings that truly made the difference. His partnership of 116 runs with Josh Hazlewood for the tenth wicket set the foundation for Australia's victory.Cummins praised Green, saying, "He was amazing, he was really the difference in the end." Green's unbeaten knock of 170 put pressure on the bowlers and helped Australia post a total of 383 in their first innings, giving them a significant lead.Although New Zealand fought back on day three with Glenn Phillips taking 5-45, Lyon's experience and skill proved too much for the Black Caps on a challenging pitch.It was Hazlewood who delivered the final blow, dismissing Mitchell with a well-directed delivery that was easily caught and bowled. This sealed Australia's emphatic victory.

Tamil Nadu's Poor First Session Puts Mumbai in Control of Ranji Trophy ClashIn a crucial Ranji Trophy encounter, Tamil Nadu's decision to bat first on a green-tinged pitch at the Brabourne Stadium backfired spectacularly, leaving them in a precarious position. Mumbai's pacers exploited the conditions to their advantage, bowling out the visitors for a paltry 146 in just 90 minutes.Tamil Nadu skipper R. Sai Kishore's decision to bat first raised eyebrows, with Indian pacer Jaydev Unadkat questioning the logic on social media. Former cricketer Vijay Dhaiya, who conducted the toss, described it as a "brave call," but Sai Kishore defended his decision, stating that he was unsure of the wicket's behavior.Mumbai's pacers, led by Tushar Deshpande, made the most of the overcast conditions and the pitch's assistance for pace bowlers. Deshpande expressed surprise at Tamil Nadu's decision, acknowledging the favorable conditions for seamers in the first session.Tamil Nadu's bowling attack, which included the inclusion of pacer Kuldeep Sen, failed to capitalize on the crucial toss win. Instead, Ajinkya Rahane's Mumbai team now has the advantage of batting in the best conditions, putting them in a strong position to take control of the match.

Mumbai Indians' bowlers put up a clinical performance to restrict Royal Challengers Bangalore to a modest 131/8 in the Women's Premier League match on Saturday.After being asked to bat first, Bangalore lost three wickets in the powerplay and struggled to gain momentum. Ellyse Perry (44* off 38) and Georgia Wareham (27) provided some stability with a 52-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but the Mumbai bowlers kept the pressure on.Natalie Sciver-Brunt and Pooja Vastrakar picked up two wickets each, while Issy Wong and Saika Ishaque took one apiece. The surface appeared slow, making it difficult for the batters to score freely.In the chase, Mumbai openers Yastika Bhatia and Hayley Matthews got off to a solid start, putting on 29 runs for the first wicket. Bhatia was particularly impressive, hitting two boundaries and a six in her 18-ball 23.However, Bangalore fought back with the wickets of Bhatia and Matthews in quick succession. Sophie Devine then dismissed Richa Ghosh for a duck, leaving Mumbai at 35/3.Natalie Sciver-Brunt (15) and Amelia Kerr (14*) steadied the ship with a 29-run partnership, but the required run rate continued to climb.In the end, Mumbai fell short by 11 runs, with Perry and Wareham remaining unbeaten at the crease.

The absence of Virat Kohli has cast a long shadow over the India-England Test series, with legendary England pacer James Anderson expressing his disappointment at missing out on a chance to face the Indian batting maestro.Kohli opted out of the series citing personal reasons, having recently welcomed his second child with wife Anushka Sharma. Anderson, who has engaged in several memorable on-field battles with Kohli, lamented the star batter's absence."Yeah, you always want to play against the best players. And it's been a shame that he's not been a part of the series. We have had some great battles over the years," Anderson said on JioCinema.Anderson acknowledged that Kohli's absence may have been a relief for England fans, but he emphasized the importance of facing the world's best players."I guess English fans will be thankful he's not playing because he's such a quality player. But from our point of view you want to test yourself, you want to come up against the best and he's been someone who I've found really challenging to bowl at over the years and it's a shame he's not been playing," Anderson added.India have already secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, with the fifth and final Test set to be played in Edgbaston. India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will return for the final Test, while batter KL Rahul will miss out again due to a quad injury.Despite Kohli's absence, the series has been marked by intense competition and high-quality cricket. England will be looking to salvage some pride in the final Test, while India will aim to complete a memorable series victory.