Cricket

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots' struggles in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have been compounded by the withdrawal of Sherfane Rutherford for personal reasons. The 26-year-old all-rounder had played just four games for the Patriots, scoring 35 runs at a strike rate of 194.44.Rutherford's absence has left a significant void in the Patriots' batting lineup, with Dominic Drakes, primarily a bowling all-rounder, batting at No. 7 against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons. The Patriots are currently rooted to the bottom of the CPL 2024 points table with a solitary win in six matches.Despite a four-wicket haul from Sri Lanka wristspinner Wanindu Hasaranga, the Patriots failed to defend 153 on a tacky surface against the Falcons. The loss extended their losing streak at Basseterre to 11 completed games since winning the CPL 2021 title at home."We disappointed them [the St Kitts and Nevis crowd]," said Patriots' captain Andre Fletcher. "It's hard and I would like to apologize as the leader as well, saying sorry for not giving them a win on home soil."The Patriots' woes have been compounded by injuries to Kyle Mayers, who left the field with a suspected hamstring injury, and Rilee Rossouw, who returned to action after recovering from a calf injury. Prior to the start of the season, the Patriots had lost Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza to injury and were depleted by the unavailability of Hasaranga and Tabraiz Shamsi at different points.Meanwhile, Pakistan and Falcons opener Fakhar Zaman has left the CPL to participate in the Champions One-day Cup, Pakistan's newer version of the domestic 50-over competition. Fakhar's Falcons team-mates Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, however, have made themselves available for the domestic tournament and will instead continue to play in the CPL.In Fakhar's absence, Brandon King made his debut for the Falcons and slotted in at the top after recovering from a side injury. King marked his return with 29 off 16 balls, which set up the Falcons' successful chase of 154.

West Indies' T20 World Cup campaign has suffered a major setback with the loss of opening batter Brandon King to a side strain. King sustained the injury during the team's Super Eight loss to England on June 19 and has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.King's absence is a significant blow to the West Indies, as he has been their leading run-scorer in T20Is since the start of 2023. He has amassed 651 runs in 23 innings, including four fifties. King was also the highest run-scorer in the team's 3-0 T20I series sweep over South Africa heading into the tournament.In King's place, left-hand opening batter Kyle Mayers has been called up to the squad. Mayers has played 37 T20Is and was considered unfortunate to miss the initial cut for the World Cup. He has had a decent 2024, scoring 367 runs in 11 T20 games at a strike rate of 155.50. Mayers is expected to join the squad on Saturday.King's injury occurred during the third over of West Indies' chase against England. He smashed a 101-metre six off Reece Topley but injured himself while attempting to charge down the track to hit Sam Curran through cover. King received treatment from the medical staff but was unable to continue and retired hurt on 23.West Indies went on to lose the match by eight wickets, and King did not field in the run-chase. He traveled to Barbados for the team's Super Eight fixture against USA on Friday, awaiting the results of his MRI scans. However, the scans revealed the extent of his injury, ruling him out of the tournament.The West Indies have won four out of four games in the group stage but started the Super Eight with a loss to England. After their USA fixture on Friday, they will play South Africa on Sunday in North Sound, Antigua.

Fortune Barishal emerged victorious in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2023, claiming their maiden title with a resounding six-wicket triumph over Comilla Victorians. The match, played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, witnessed a dominant performance from Barishal's bowlers and a clinical chase led by captain Tamim Iqbal and Kyle Mayers.Comilla, the four-time BPL champions, were restricted to a modest 154 for 6 after winning the toss and electing to bat. James Fuller played a pivotal role with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets in the powerplay. Taijul Islam and Obed McCoy also impressed with their economical spells, keeping the Comilla batters in check.In reply, Barishal's openers, Tamim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, provided a solid foundation with a 76-run partnership. Tamim, in particular, entertained the crowd with his aggressive strokeplay, becoming the tournament's highest scorer in the process.Kyle Mayers took over the mantle after Tamim's departure, striking five fours and two sixes to guide Barishal closer to victory. Andre Russell's late cameo of 27 runs off 14 balls proved futile as Barishal reached their target with ease in the 19th over.Comilla's fielding errors in the latter stages of the chase proved costly, allowing Barishal to capitalize on their opportunities. Mahmudullah and David Miller sealed the victory for Barishal, ensuring their first-ever BPL title.