Cricket

Los Angeles Knight Riders and Seattle Orcas Clash in Major League Cricket MatchIn a highly anticipated Major League Cricket match, the Los Angeles Knight Riders faced off against the Seattle Orcas in Dallas. The Orcas won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to capitalize on the tricky pitch conditions.The Knight Riders' innings got off to a shaky start as Jason Roy and Sunil Narine struggled to find their rhythm. However, Roy eventually broke the shackles with a boundary off Cameron Gannon, followed by a top shot for another four.Despite the early setbacks, the Knight Riders managed to post a respectable total of 165 runs, thanks to contributions from Roy (35), David Miller (28), and Shakib Al Hasan (25).In response, the Orcas' chase got off to a promising start as Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton put on a 50-run partnership. However, the Knight Riders' bowlers fought back, with Andre Russell and Saif Badar taking key wickets.The Orcas' middle order failed to capitalize on the platform set by the openers, and they eventually fell short of the target, scoring 152 runs. Russell was the pick of the bowlers for the Knight Riders, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs.Key Details:* Seattle Orcas won the toss and elected to field first.* Los Angeles Knight Riders posted a total of 165 runs.* Seattle Orcas fell short of the target, scoring 152 runs.* Andre Russell was the pick of the bowlers for the Knight Riders, taking 3 wickets.

The fifth match of the 2024 Major League Cricket season between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings at Church Street Park in Morrisville on Tuesday was called off due to rain. Washington, in pursuit of a challenging 204-run target, had reached 62 for 0 in just 4 overs with Travis Head and Steve Smith looking formidable at the crease before the downpour paused their innings.Travis Head had scored 32 runs off 12 balls, and Steve Smith was close behind with 26 runs off 12 balls when the rain interruption occurred. Despite nearly an hour-long wait for the weather to clear, match officials eventually called off the game, resulting in both teams sharing a point each from the rain-affected match.This encounter was notable as it marked the first time any team had surpassed 200 runs this season and also the first occurrence of the 200-run total at Church Street Park.Earlier, Texas Super Kings, led by skipper Faf du Plessis, set a formidable total of 203 for 5 in their 20 overs. Du Plessis scored a brilliant century off 58 balls, leading his team from the front. Devon Conway provided crucial support, amassing 39 runs off 26 balls, and together they built a 109-run partnership for the opening wicket.Du Plessis was relentless against any loose deliveries, consistently punishing the Washington bowlers throughout his innings. Marcus Stoinis, despite nursing an injured right hand, contributed a vital 29 runs off 18 balls.The Washington Freedom's bowling and fielding were subpar, with several dropped catches and missed opportunities that allowed the Texas Super Kings to amass their substantial total.While the rain ultimately denied what could have been an exciting finish, both teams will aim to build on their performances as the Major League Cricket season progresses.

Unmukt Chand, the former India U-19 World Cup-winning captain, has expressed his disappointment over being left out of the USA's squad for the recently concluded T20 World Cup. Chand, who retired from Indian cricket in 2021, shifted base to the USA in search of better cricketing opportunities. After playing in the inaugural edition of the Major League Cricket (MLC) and other franchise tournaments, he became eligible to represent the USA.Chand had openly expressed his desire to play against India in the T20 World Cup, but his hopes were dashed when he was not selected for the squad. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Chand revealed that he was shocked and devastated by the omission."That wasn't an ideal situation to be in. Because personally for me, this was what I had dreamed for the last three years. Obviously, it was a big shock. And it took me time to sort of come to terms with it. It's never easy as a player, having lost all those things back home in India, to having this one goal, which had kept me going for the last three years not happening. So it is difficult. I won't say which just happened. But it was difficult. I was not my best self for some time," Chand said.Chand admitted that he struggled to cope with the disappointment and went through a period of inner turmoil. "That was a very internal battle and it's a sucker basically. It keeps sucking you inside and inside. That feeling would linger on for a day and then go away and then come back again. The reality would hit me in different phases. Once you keep going through that automatically you keep getting better. There comes a time when you're like it didn't happen, that's it. I'm not even thinking about it," he added.Despite the setback, Chand remains determined to prove his worth. He started the second season of the MLC with a swashbuckling half-century for his franchise, Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR). Ironically, LAKR is owned by the Knight Riders group, the same franchise that Chand played for in the IPL when his career took a downturn after being clean bowled by Brett Lee in the opening ball of IPL 2013.Chand's omission from the USA's T20 World Cup squad has raised questions about the selection process and the opportunities available to Indian-origin players in the USA. However, Chand remains optimistic about his future and is focused on performing well for LAKR in the MLC.

MI New York Faces Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket MatchMorrisville, North Carolina - Defending champions MI New York will face off against Washington Freedom in the third match of the 2024 Major League Cricket season at the Church Street Park in Morrisville.MI New York secured their first win of the season in their previous match, while Washington Freedom is looking to bounce back from a loss in their opening game.The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams boasting talented rosters. MI New York will rely on the experience of captain Kieron Pollard and the explosive batting of Ishan Kishan. Washington Freedom, on the other hand, will look to their young stars, including Dewald Brevis and Rovman Powell.The match will be played on a wicket that is expected to favor the batsmen. The weather forecast is clear, with temperatures in the mid-70s.Fans can expect a high-scoring encounter with plenty of sixes and fours. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ and the Major League Cricket website.

Los Angeles Knight Riders' Derone Davis Stuns with Spectacular Fielding DisplayIn a thrilling Major League Cricket match against Texas Super Kings in Dallas, Los Angeles Knight Riders' Derone Davis showcased an extraordinary fielding effort that left spectators in awe.During the 14th over of Super Kings' chase, batter Joshua Tromp edged a delivery from Ali Khan towards the third man region. Davis, positioned at third man, initially struggled to control the situation. However, with time running out, he dove for the ball, despite it slipping from his grasp.With remarkable agility, Davis secured the rebound with his right hand, completing a stunning catch that appeared effortless and precise. The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing the exceptional skill and athleticism on display.Davis's fielding heroics played a crucial role in Los Angeles Knight Riders' eventual 12-run victory. Ali Khan also delivered a stellar performance, claiming four wickets to restrict Texas Super Kings to 150 for 8 in their 20 overs.Unmukt Chand, captain of India's victorious Under-19 World Cup team in 2012, led the way for Texas Super Kings with a blistering 68 runs off 45 balls. However, Khan's exceptional bowling and Davis's fielding brilliance proved too much to overcome.Los Angeles Knight Riders' victory was a testament to their all-around strength, with both their batting and bowling units performing admirably. Davis's fielding display, in particular, highlighted the importance of fielding prowess in modern cricket.

Texas Super Kings Opt to Field in Major League Cricket OpenerThe inaugural match of Major League Cricket 2024 kicked off with a thrilling toss between Texas Super Kings and Los Angeles Knight Riders. Texas Super Kings emerged victorious, electing to field first.Probable Playing XIs:* Texas Super Kings: Faf Du Plessis, Devon Conway, Milind Kumar, Aiden Markram, Marcus Stoinis, Joshua Tromp, Dwayne Bravo, Cameron Stevenson, Naveen Ul Haq, Mohammad Mohsin, Raj Nannan* Los Angeles Knight Riders: Jason Roy, Sunil Narine, Unmukt Chand, Nitish Kumar, David Miller, Andre Russel, Adithya Ganesh/Saif Badar, Corne Dry, Ali Khan, Spencer Johnson, Waqar SalamkheilStoinis Eager to Support Du PlessisMarcus Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder, expressed his excitement for the season and his desire to support captain Faf Du Plessis. "I just want to support Faf this season, help him out and the youngsters," Stoinis said. "There is no better time for cricket in USA."Toss Delayed Due to Wet OutfieldThe toss was initially delayed due to a wet outfield, but the match is now underway. Stay tuned for live updates and commentary on this highly anticipated clash.

Washington Freedom, owned by Sanjay Govil, is gearing up for the second season of Major League Cricket (MLC) with renewed optimism. Led by captain Steve Smith and coach Ricky Ponting, the team boasts a formidable roster featuring international stars like Travis Head, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Maxwell, and Saurabh Netravalkar.Govil expressed confidence in the team's ability to succeed, citing their competitive lineup and the growing popularity of cricket in the US. He highlighted the recent CBS news report indicating that over 35 million Americans watch cricket, making it the fifth largest cricket media market for the ICC.The success of the T20 World Cup in the US, particularly the India-Pakistan match in New York, has significantly increased awareness and generated excitement for the sport. Govil believes that the US has a huge appetite for sports and that cricket is well-positioned to gain a significant following.He emphasized the importance of passion in driving the growth of cricket in the US, noting that every owner in the MLC is willing to invest in the sport. He also highlighted the interest from advertisers, with Verizon being a major sponsor for Washington Freedom.Govil expressed gratitude for the ICC's decision to grant MLC List-A status, which provides additional motivation for players to perform at their best. He also praised Saurabh Netravalkar, a rising star in US cricket who has impressed with his bowling skills and humble demeanor.With cricket set to be part of the Olympics in LA 2028, Govil anticipates a surge in investment and infrastructure development for the sport in the US. He believes that the US has the potential to excel in cricket and that the Olympics will provide a major impetus for its growth.

The United States Cricket team's remarkable journey to the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 has ignited a surge of support for the national side among Americans. The Major League Cricket (MLC), a US-based T20 league, has lauded the team's achievement, highlighting the contributions of its players who are also members of MLC teams.Team USA's impressive run began with a resounding victory over Canada in their opening match. They then emerged victorious in a thrilling super-over encounter against Pakistan, securing their position as runners-up in Group A of the main event. Their fortune continued when their match against Ireland was canceled due to weather conditions.The team's success has been attributed to the presence of several MLC players, including Ali Khan, Nitish Kumar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Nosthush Kenjige, Monank Patel, Shayan Jahangir, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Milind Kumar, Andries Gous, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Yasir Mohammad.Vijay Srinivasan, CEO of Cognizant Major League Cricket, expressed his elation at the team's advancement to the next round. "This is a historic moment for the sport, especially for our players from Major League Cricket who are representing the USA," he said. "We hope this inspires boys and girls around the country to pick up a bat and ball this summer."Srinivasan also emphasized the significance of Team USA's qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, which will provide MLC with a platform for continued growth.The MLC, which features six teams—the Los Angeles Knight Riders, MI New York, San Francisco Unicorns, Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings, and Washington Freedom—boasts some of the world's top domestic and international players. These players are eager to represent their nations in the World Cup.The inaugural 2023 MLC season was a resounding success, with sold-out matches attracting millions of viewers worldwide. This momentum is expected to continue with the upcoming T20 World Cup and the MLC's second season, which kicks off on July 5.

The United States is embracing cricket, a top American diplomat said Wednesday as the country hosted T-20 World Cup matches for the first time, including the highly anticipated India-Pakistan and India-US matches in New York.Richard Verma, the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, expressed his enthusiasm at a reception hosted by the Department of State. "In cricket terms, I am truly bowled over. It is really a tremendous honor and privilege for the United States to be hosting the men's T20 World Cup for the very first time," he said.Verma acknowledged the growing popularity of cricket in the US, noting that the country is starting to embrace the sport. He highlighted the establishment of Major League Cricket and the increasing number of cricket leagues and players in the country.The reception, titled "From Bouncers to Boundaries: An Evening to Celebrate the Men's T20 World Cup and Cricket in the USA," was the largest dedicated event for cricket organized by the US government. Verma emphasized the global reach of cricket and the significance of the US hosting the World Cup."The 20 participating national teams highlight not only the skill of the world's best cricketers, but also the expansiveness of cricket's global reach," he said. "Having the US host the Cricket World Cup would have seemed unimaginable just 10 or 15 years ago."Sanjay Govil, owner of the Washington Freedom, a US Major League Cricket (MLC) team, spoke about the success of the national cricket team. "We beat Pakistan, we beat Canada, and we had a very close match against India today," he said.Geoff Allardice, CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC), praised the efforts of the US in promoting cricket. "We've been having the T20 World Cup in Dallas, New York, and Florida. It's been a difficult challenge to get particularly the temporary venue up in New York, but it's all been worth it," he said.Allardice believes that the World Cup will have a lasting impact on cricket in the US. "When we reflect on the matches there and the impact it's had on cricket in the USA and raising the awareness of cricket here, it'll be looked back on as a pivotal moment for the sport in this country," he said.India defeated the US by seven wickets to enter the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup in New York on Wednesday. The tournament has generated significant interest in the US, with major news outlets covering the matches and over 200,000 cricket players registered in the country.