Cricket

IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad Snatch Last-Ball Victory Over Rajasthan RoyalsIn a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) pulled off a remarkable last-ball victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match.The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the momentum swinging back and forth throughout. RR needed just 2 runs off the final ball to chase down SRH's total of 201, setting the stage for a Super Over.However, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar had other plans. He had already bowled a brilliant opening over, dismissing Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson for ducks to leave RR reeling at 1 for 2.With the match on the line, Bhuvneshwar delivered a low full toss on leg stump to Rovman Powell, who had already smashed 10 runs off 4 balls from Kumar. Powell attempted to whip the ball away but was struck on the pads, with replays confirming that the ball was hitting the leg stump.The decision was reviewed, but there was no evidence of an edge on UltraEdge, and Ball Tracking showed three reds. Powell was adjudged leg before wicket, handing SRH a dramatic one-run victory.The win was crucial for SRH, who snapped their two-game losing streak and moved to the fourth spot in the standings with 12 points. RR, despite the loss, remained at the top of the table with 16 points.Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the star of the show for SRH, finishing with figures of 4-0-29-3. He was ably supported by Umran Malik, who took 2-39, and Washington Sundar, who chipped in with 1-32.For RR, Powell was the standout performer with his quickfire 10 off 4 balls. However, the team's top order failed to fire, with Buttler, Samson, and Devdutt Padikkal all dismissed cheaply.The victory keeps SRH's playoff hopes alive, while RR will be looking to bounce back in their next match.

Sunil Narine, the enigmatic West Indian spinner, has hinted at a potential return to international cricket for the T20 World Cup in 2024. Narine, who announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2023, has been coaxed by West Indies T20I captain Rovman Powell to reconsider his decision.After hitting a magnificent century for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Narine hinted at a possible change of heart. "It is what it is, but let's see what the future holds," Narine said when asked about his retirement decision.Powell has been persistent in his efforts to convince Narine to return, revealing that he has been "whispering in his ears" for the past 12 months. "I've asked [Kieron] Pollard, [Dwayne] Bravo, [Nicholas] Pooran. Hopefully, before they select the team, they can crack his code," Powell said.Powell himself played a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals' victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, hitting 26 off 13 balls at a crucial stage of the chase. He praised the team management for their communication and support, even when he was not playing.Powell also revealed that he has been lobbying for a batting promotion, likening his batting position to that of his role in the West Indies team. "I told them, 'hey, I bat at No. 4 or 5 for West Indies and if you think West Indies is a good T20 side, then you can push me up the order," he said.The emotions at the end of the match were described by Powell as a "roller-coaster ride" as Royals pulled off the highest successful chase in IPL history. He admitted that he had not planned to take on Narine but reacted to the situation and backed his strengths.