Cricket

The SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced off in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Thursday, marked by a controversial stumping decision that sparked debate.In the 15th over, SRH batter Travis Head was involved in a close call. Avesh Khan bowled a full delivery outside off, and Head shuffled across to chase the ball. As he lost balance, RR wicketkeeper Sanju Samson threw the ball towards the stumps. Replays showed an ambiguous moment, but TV umpire Rohan Pandit ruled Head not out.The decision drew criticism from RR Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara, who engaged in an animated discussion after the call. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan also expressed his disapproval, calling it a "horrible decision."Despite the controversy, SRH went on to post a competitive total of 201 for three. Head, who was dropped by Riyan Parag in the first over, made the most of his reprieve with a 44-ball 58. Nitish Reddy also contributed with an explosive 76 not out off 42 balls.The duo shared a 96-run stand for the third wicket, while Heinrich Klassen added a quickfire 42 not out off 19 balls to take SRH past the 200-run mark.RR's bowling attack struggled to contain the SRH batters, with Yuzvendra Chahal conceding 62 runs in his four overs. Avesh Khan picked up two wickets, while Sandeep Sharma and R Ashwin claimed one each.In the end, SRH's strong batting performance proved too much for RR, who fell short in their chase. The controversial stumping decision remained a talking point, highlighting the importance of accurate umpiring in high-stakes matches.

The tragic loss of Josh Baker, the promising Worcestershire left-arm spinner, has sent shockwaves through the English cricket community. At the tender age of 20, Baker's life was cut short, leaving an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and teammates.Baker's cricketing journey began at New Road, where he rose through the age-group ranks before signing his first professional contract with Worcestershire in 2021. In his brief but impactful career, he showcased his exceptional talent, claiming 43 wickets in 22 first-class matches and 27 wickets in 25 white-ball appearances.Beyond his bowling prowess, Baker was also a burgeoning allrounder. He demonstrated his batting abilities with two half-centuries, including a career-best 75 against Gloucestershire in 2023. His most memorable moment came in Worcestershire's final match of the 2023 season against Yorkshire. With the club on the brink of promotion, Baker scored the crucial run that secured the second batting point and sent the visitors into raptures.Baker's popularity extended beyond his on-field performances. He was known for his infectious enthusiasm, warmth, and professionalism. His teammates and coaches alike praised his unwavering spirit and dedication to the game.In a poignant tribute, Worcestershire's chief executive, Ashley Giles, said, "Josh was much more than a teammate; he was an integral part of our cricket family. We will all miss him terribly. All our love and prayers go out to Josh's family and friends."Ben Stokes, England's Test captain, also expressed his condolences, recalling a memorable encounter with Baker in 2022. Despite being hit for 34 runs in an over by Stokes, Baker received a message from the England skipper on WhatsApp, encouraging him to not let the experience define his season.The Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) echoed the sentiments of the cricket community, expressing their heartbreak and offering support to Baker's family and teammates.As the Worcestershire cricket family mourns this immense loss, plans to pay tribute to Baker will be made in consultation with his family. The club has requested privacy during this sensitive time.Josh Baker's legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew him. His talent, spirit, and unwavering determination will forever be etched in the annals of English cricket.

Suryakumar Yadav's Hilarious Narine Impression Sparks Laughter in IPLIn a lighthearted moment amidst the intense competition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians batsman Suryakumar Yadav brought a smile to the face of Kolkata Knight Riders' star spinner Sunil Narine.During a recent match between the two teams, Yadav showcased his playful side by imitating Narine's signature celebration after scoring a century. The video, shared on Mumbai Indians' social media, captured the moment as Yadav mimicked Narine's stoic expression and raised his bat in triumph.Narine, known for his serious demeanor on the field, couldn't help but burst into laughter at Yadav's antics. The video quickly went viral, delighting fans and showcasing the camaraderie between the two players.The incident occurred during a crucial match between KKR and Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. KKR, led by Shreyas Iyer, currently hold second place in the IPL standings with six wins from nine games. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have struggled this season and are unlikely to qualify for the playoffs despite having five games remaining.Despite the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, the moment between Yadav and Narine provided a welcome respite from the intense competition. It highlighted the lighter side of the IPL and the camaraderie that exists among players, even from rival teams.

Australia's chairman of selectors, George Bailey, has defended the exclusion of explosive batter Jake Fraser-McGurk from the T20 World Cup squad, citing the strong performances of the current top-three batsmen. Bailey acknowledged Fraser-McGurk's impressive recent performances in the IPL, but emphasized that David Warner, Travis Head, and skipper Mitchell Marsh have been consistent contributors.Fraser-McGurk, 22, has caught attention with his scintillating batting for the Delhi Capitals, scoring 259 runs in six matches, including a blistering 84 off just 27 balls. However, Bailey explained that the team's current top-order has been performing well, leaving no room for Fraser-McGurk in the squad."The way we're functioning at the top of the order with the three guys we've had, they've been really strong," Bailey said.Despite the omission, Bailey praised Fraser-McGurk's potential and eagerness to improve. "The performance he's putting up are certainly eye-catching. He's really eager to learn and keep growing his game," Bailey said. "He's certainly not someone who thinks he's got it all made and is the complete package. So I think that's really exciting going forward."Bailey also addressed the injuries to Marsh and Warner, who are both nursing hamstring and bone bruising issues, respectively. He expressed uncertainty about Warner's return timeline, stating that it would take some time to heal.Bailey suggested that Matt Short, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha are likely to be considered as reserve players.Meanwhile, Marsh expressed confidence in the team's depth and preparation for the World Cup. "We have got all bases covered within our team. Heady (Travis Head) and David Warner have been fantastic for us, not only for a long period of time but over the last 18 months, building towards this World Cup," Marsh said. "We are comfortable that we have got the right 15, to hopefully, take us deep into the World Cup."

Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee has criticized the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) management and medical staff for mishandling Mayank Yadav's injury. Lee believes that the young pacer was rushed back into action too soon after suffering abdominal soreness, leading to a recurrence of the injury.Mayank, who had impressed with his express pace and two Man-of-the-Match awards in his first three IPL games, developed abdominal soreness during LSG's match against Gujarat Titans on April 7. He returned to action in LSG's win against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday but walked off the field without completing his fourth over after experiencing pain in the same area.Lee, who took 310 wickets in 76 Tests for Australia, believes that Mayank's initial injury would have required four to six weeks to heal, much more than the time period he spent on the sidelines."A side strain or whatever they're calling it, normally takes at least four to six weeks to even come right," Lee said. "We don't know the depths of how big a strain it was but for somebody who is pushing the limits of his body by bowling 150 kmph, that's not good management at all."Lee sympathized with Mayank, saying that he should have received the right advice. "The only person who has to pay this price is this poor young guy Mayank, who is just electric," Lee said. "Everyone in the IPL has loved seeing what he's brought... You wish he got the right advice, so he doesn't have to go through and absorb this."Mayank's injury is a major setback for LSG, who are currently in the top four of the IPL standings. It could also impact his chances of selection for India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.Former India batter Suresh Raina believes that Mayank can learn from his experience and return stronger. "It was a fantastic gesture from Jasprit Bumrah to talk to the youngster," Raina said. "He has so much experience. When (Mayank) meets him, he will learn so much from Bumrah's words about looking after an injury."

In the third T20I encounter against Bangladesh, India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to field first after winning the toss in Sylhet on an overcast day. India holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series and aims to secure the victory.India fielded an unchanged lineup from the rain-affected second game, with Yastika Bhatia, who missed the previous match due to a niggle, remaining out of the XI. Bangladesh made a single alteration, introducing Shorifa Khatun in place of Sultana Khatun.In the second game, Bangladesh displayed improved batting intent, with Murshida Khatun scoring 46. However, she lacked support from her teammates, resulting in Bangladesh being dismissed for 117.The possibility of a thunderstorm looms late in the evening.India:1. Shafali Verma2. Smriti Mandhana3. D Hemalatha4. Harmanpreet Kaur (capt)5. Richa Ghosh (wk)6. Deepti Sharma7. S Sajana8. Pooja Vastrakar9. Renuka Singh10. Shreyanka Patil11. Radha YadavBangladesh:1. Dilara Akter2. Murshida Khatun3. Sobhana Mostary4. Nigar Sultana (capt, wk)5. Ritu Moni6. Fahima Khatun7. Rabeya Khan8. Nahida Akter9. Shorifa Khatun10. Marufa Akter11. Fariha Trishna

Pakistan's cricket selectors have made significant changes to the squad for the upcoming T20 series against Ireland and England. Leg-spinner Usama Mir has been dropped, while fast bowler Haris Rauf has been recalled.The selectors, Muhammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq, and Wahab Riaz, explained that the World Cup squad will be selected based on performances in these matches. They also justified the recall of pacer Hasan Ali, stating that he is a backup for Rauf.Rauf has been out of action since February due to an injury sustained during the Pakistan Super League. Razzaq explained that Mir has been dropped because Pakistan already has Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed in the squad.Yousuf defended the recent 2-2 result in the T20 series against New Zealand, emphasizing that it was the first time Pakistan had fully implemented a rotation policy. He also acknowledged that some players need to improve their shot-making.Wahab Riaz stressed the importance of removing insecurity and fear of failure from the players' minds. He also stated that the playing eleven will be selected by the captain, with no interference from the selectors.The selectors defended Babar Azam's captaincy, highlighting his improvement in leadership during the New Zealand series. They expressed confidence in his ability to become a better captain.

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has come to the defense of Indian batter Virat Kohli, criticizing "data-driven pundits" who have been criticizing Kohli's strike rate in the Indian Premier League (IPL).De Villiers, who played alongside Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), praised Kohli as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. He said that Kohli's role in the RCB team is to play a certain way, and that he has been "incredible" in that role."Virat Kohli, catching criticism about his strike rate. It's been going on for way too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I'm frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to ever play the game of cricket. He's incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB, and I've pretty much had enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticizing this man. When you don't really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played, how many IPL hundreds have you scored?," De Villiers said on his official YouTube channel.Kohli has been in good form in the IPL this season, scoring 500 runs at a strike rate of 147.49 in 10 matches. He has hit 46 fours and 20 sixes.In RCB's previous match against Gujarat Titans, Kohli scored a quick-fire 70* to help his team to victory. He also achieved a landmark feat during the match, becoming the second player to score 24 half-centuries while chasing a target in the IPL.De Villiers' comments come after Kohli has been criticized by some for his relatively low strike rate in the IPL. However, De Villiers believes that Kohli's strike rate is not a fair measure of his contribution to the team."I think it's important to look at the context of the game. What is the team's strategy? What is the player's role in the team? And what is the player's strengths and weaknesses?," De Villiers said."In Virat's case, he is a player who is very good at playing the anchor role. He can come in and stabilize the innings, and he can also accelerate when needed. He is also a very good fielder and a great leader. So, I think it's important to look at all of these factors when evaluating a player's performance," De Villiers added.

SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to face off in a highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) match. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the tournament so far, with SRH struggling to find consistency while RR has emerged as a title contender.SRH, currently ranked fifth on the points table, has won four of their nine matches. Their recent loss to Chennai Super Kings by 78 runs exposed their batting frailties. Aiden Markram, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were the top fantasy point-getters for SRH in that match.On the other hand, RR has been in impressive form, winning six of their nine matches. They are currently at the top of the table with 16 points. In their last match against Lucknow Super Giants, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and Sandeep Sharma were the standout performers in terms of fantasy points.The match will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, which is known for its batting-friendly pitch. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 174 runs. The temperature is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius, with low humidity and moderate winds.In terms of head-to-head records, RR has a slight edge over SRH, having won 10 of the 18 matches played between the two teams. However, SRH has won the last two encounters.For SRH, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Joseph Buttler are the top captaincy and vice-captaincy picks for fantasy teams. Other players to watch out for include Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.RR, on the other hand, has a strong fantasy XI team with Jos Buttler, Sandeep Sharma, Abhishek Sharma, Riyan Parag, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Yashasvi Jaiswal as potential high-point scorers.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses. SRH will be looking to bounce back from their recent loss and strengthen their playoff hopes, while RR will aim to consolidate their position at the top of the table.