Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season's final match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Guwahati was marred by rain, leading to a delayed toss. RR, needing a victory to secure a top-two finish and two chances to reach the final, faced a setback due to the weather conditions.SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) had earlier defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the first game on Sunday, provisionally occupying the second spot in the points table. SRH holds 17 points from 14 matches, while RR has 16 points from 13 outings. In the event of a washout, both RR and KKR would receive a point each.While KKR has already secured the top spot, a draw would not suffice for RR's aspirations of finishing second. RR has also endured a four-game losing streak. SRH's 17 points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.41 put them ahead of RR's 16 points and +0.27 NRR. A washout would result in RR settling for the third spot.In such a scenario, RR would face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator on Wednesday, while KKR and SRH would battle for a place in the final in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. In the reverse fixture between RR and KKR, RR emerged victorious by two wickets. The two teams have faced each other 29 times in the IPL, with each team winning 14 matches and one game being abandoned.The top two teams in the points table will compete in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final in Chennai on Sunday. The teams placed third and fourth will play the Eliminator, with the winner facing the losing team of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 in Chennai on Friday. The final will take place at Chepauk on Sunday.

Middlesex and Leicestershire's Vitality County Championship encounter ended in a tame draw due to persistent rain on the final day. The hosts, Middlesex, held a 101-run lead with two wickets remaining heading into the fourth day. However, the inclement weather that had marred the opening day returned with a vengeance, drenching the outfield and preventing any play.Umpires Paul Baldwin and Robert White patiently waited for the ground to recover, calling an early tea at 3:10 pm after an inspection at 2:35 pm. However, further downpours forced them to abandon the match at 3:25 pm.Middlesex earned 15 points from the draw, while Leicestershire collected 12. Both teams now have 68 points, six behind leaders Sussex. However, Middlesex holds the advantage in the standings due to a superior win-loss record.The draw was a disappointing end to a match that had promised much. Middlesex had posted a formidable 407 for 8 declared, thanks to centuries from Sam Robson (162) and Pieter du Plooy (131). Leicestershire responded with 306, with Peter Handscomb scoring a valiant 109.Middlesex's bowlers, led by Ethan Bamber's 4-68, had put the hosts in a strong position heading into the final day. However, the weather intervened, denying them the opportunity to secure a victory.

Pakistan Cricket Fans Endure Rain Delay Under Plastic Sheets at Pindi StadiumIn a disappointing turn of events, Pakistan cricket fans were forced to seek shelter under large plastic sheets at the Pindi Cricket Stadium as heavy rainfall delayed the start of the first T20 international against New Zealand on Thursday.With no roof covering the stands, the fans were left exposed to the downpour, prompting them to take cover under the makeshift protection. Videos and images of the scene quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism towards the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its apparent neglect of spectator comfort.The rain-soaked seats, primarily made of cloth material, further dampened the experience for the fans. The situation was particularly embarrassing for the PCB, as Pakistan is set to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year.Before the rain interruption, New Zealand skipper Michael Bracewell won the toss and elected to bat first. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir made his long-awaited return to international cricket after a four-year absence. The 32-year-old had retired in 2020 but reversed his decision last month.Pakistan also handed T20I debuts to Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and Muhammad Irfan Khan, aiming to assess their bench strength ahead of the World Cup in June. New Zealand, on the other hand, fielded a depleted squad due to the Indian Premier League, with Tim Robinson making his T20I debut.The rain delay has cast a shadow over the highly anticipated match, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the PCB's preparedness for major events.