IPL

Narine and Raghuvanshi shine as KKR crush DC

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Narine and Raghuvanshi shine as KKR crush DC

Rapid-fire half-centuries by Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs were overshadowed as Kolkata Knight Riders demolished Delhi Capitals by 106 runs in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. Powered by explosive innings from Sunil Narine (85 off 39 balls) and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (54 off 27 balls), supported by a late onslaught from Andre Russell (41 off 19 balls) and Rinku Singh (26 off 8 balls), KKR amassed a staggering 272/7 – the second-highest total in IPL history. DC’s chase faltered early, managing only 166 runs in response.

Is it another Sunil Narine explosion?

Absolutely.

The pinch-hitter, who seemed to have lost some of his magic touch against short deliveries in recent seasons, has returned this season in top form. Building on his previous performance, he dominated the DC bowlers. After a quiet start, where he was contained by Khaleel Ahmed and Ishant Sharma, managing only 8 runs off his first nine deliveries, he unleashed his fury in the fourth over. Narine launched a length delivery over long-off and then pulled a short delivery over deep square leg. His assault continued, pummeling Ishant’s deliveries for 26 runs in that over.

Narine continued his onslaught against Rashik Salam in the final over of the powerplay, smashing three boundaries and a six as KKR reached 88/1 before the field restrictions were lifted. In just 21 balls, he reached his half-century, with the last 43 runs coming off only 12 deliveries.No bowler was spared in Narine’s rampage. He punished Axar for 19 runs and attacked every delivery sent his way.

Although he didn’t always find the middle of the bat, his power and a bit of luck ensured the ball landed in safe areas. Narine’s innings came to an end in the 13th over when his attempted shot off Mitchell Marsh caught the edge and went to the wicketkeeper. By then, KKR’s score had soared to 164.

 

What was happening at the other end?

His opening partner, Phil Salt, who aggressively took on the bowlers in the first three overs, fell shortly after. However, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, in his debut IPL innings, made his mark in grand style. He started by pulling Anrich Nortje for a boundary and then punched a short delivery through the point region for another four.

Raghuvanshi showcased an array of innovative shots, including the reverse scoop and reverse sweep, with great effect. Ending the ninth over with a six and a four, he continued to dominate, smashing Salam for two sixes in the 11th over. He formed a crucial 104-run partnership in 48 balls for the second wicket with Narine, but fell soon after, ramping Nortje to Ishant stationed at fine third man.

The onslaught at the death?

Delhi Capitals’ troubles didn’t end with the dismissal of the second wicket. Andre Russell and Rinku Singh continued to pulverize the bowlers as expected. The duo added 67 runs in just 27 balls, hitting six sixes and five boundaries. The attempt to avoid their hitting zones resulted in numerous wides, adding to KKR’s total. At the end of the penultimate over, KKR needed only 14 runs to surpass the highest total in the tournament’s history. However, a fine over by Ishant began with a yorker that sent Russell’s stumps flying, followed by the dismissal of Ramandeep with a slower ball.

Despite the carnage, Shreyas Iyer struggled initially but managed to hit a couple of sixes during his brief stay at the crease dominated by Russell.

How did DC respond in their chase?

Mitchell Starc and Vaibhav Arora ensured there was no repeat of Mumbai Indians-like challenge, picking up two wickets each in the powerplay, leaving DC at 33/4.Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs launched a counter-attack to help DC reach a respectable total. Pant smashed a couple of sixes off Russell, while Stubbs took on Varun Chakravarthy, hitting him for two sixes.

Although Stubbs was dropped by Shreyas at deep mid-wicket, Pant’s brutal assault on Venkatesh Iyer in the 12th over added 28 runs to DC’s total.However, Chakravarthy dismissed Pant and Axar off successive deliveries in the next over, triggering another collapse. Stubbs took on Narine but fell soon after bringing up his half-century.

Apart from the 93-run stand between Pant and Stubbs, DC’s batting lineup offered little resistance as they were bundled out in 17.2 overs.

Kolkata Knight Riders scored 272 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs, with Sunil Narine contributing 85 runs and Angkrish Raghuvanshi adding 54 runs. Delhi Capitals managed to score 166 runs, losing all their wickets in 17.2 overs. Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs scored 55 and 54 runs respectively for Delhi Capitals.

Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals by a margin of 106 runs.

Parag and Chahal secure second consecutive win for RR

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Parag and Chahal secure second consecutive win for RR

In a thrilling encounter, Rajasthan Royals outlasted a determined Delhi Capitals, securing their second consecutive victory in IPL 2024. Riyan Parag’s brilliant batting performance, coupled with a collective bowling effort, propelled Rajasthan Royals to victory, leaving Delhi Capitals with another disappointing result.

Rajasthan’s Initial Struggle

The pitch conditions at the Sawai Man Singh stadium posed challenges for the batsmen early on. Rajasthan Royals faced early setbacks as they lost key wickets, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson, within the Powerplay overs. At 36/3, their innings seemed to be in trouble.

Ashwin’s Impact Revives Royals

Rajasthan Royals took a strategic gamble by sending R Ashwin at No. 5 to inject momentum into their innings. Ashwin’s aggressive batting, alongside Riyan Parag’s steady contribution, helped Rajasthan Royals stabilize their innings with a crucial partnership of 54 runs.

Parag’s Explosive Finish

As the innings progressed, Riyan Parag showcased his batting prowess with a flurry of attacking shots. He capitalized on loose deliveries, particularly targeting Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar, to accelerate the run rate. Parag’s unbeaten 84, including a sensational 25-run over against Anrich Nortje, propelled Rajasthan Royals to a competitive total.

Delhi Capitals’ Up-and-Down Chase

Delhi Capitals started their chase positively with Mitchell Marsh’s aggressive strokeplay. However, quick wickets of Marsh and Ricky Bhui put them under pressure early on. David Warner and Rishabh Pant steadied the innings with a patient partnership, but their dismissals brought more challenges for Delhi Capitals.

Stubbs’ Late Heroics

Tristan Stubbs provided a late surge for Delhi Capitals with his boundary-filled innings. Despite Ashwin’s early dismissal, Stubbs took charge and launched a counterattack against Rajasthan’s bowlers. However, Avesh Khan’s disciplined final over restricted Delhi Capitals from reaching the target.

Match Summary:

Rajasthan Royals: 185/5 (Riyan Parag 84*)

Delhi Capitals: 173/5 (David Warner 49, Tristan Stubbs 44*; Yuzvendra Chahal 2/19)

Result: Rajasthan Royals won by 12 runs

Also Read: Kohli and Karthik Lead RCB’s Stylish Victory over Punjab

Kohli and Karthik Lead RCB’s Stylish Victory over Punjab

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Kohli and Karthik Lead RCB's Stylish Victory over Punjab
Kohli’s Milestone Fifty Guides RCB to Victory

In a thrilling encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched a hard-fought four-wicket win against Punjab Kings. Virat Kohli’s impressive 100th T20 half-century laid the foundation for RCB’s successful chase after restricting Punjab Kings to 176/8 in their 20 overs. Dinesh Karthik’s composed finish ensured RCB crossed the finish line with four balls to spare.

RCB’s Strong Start in Powerplay

Despite some aggressive strokes from Punjab Kings’ batters, RCB contained the scoring rate during the Powerplay overs. Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj made early breakthroughs, limiting Punjab to 40/1 at the end of six overs.

Maxwell’s Impact and Joseph’s Comeback

Glenn Maxwell’s all-round performance, coupled with Alzarri Joseph’s effective bowling, kept Punjab in check. Maxwell dismissed key batsmen, including Shikhar Dhawan, while Joseph made a successful comeback after conceding runs in the initial overs.

Late Flourish from Punjab Batsmen

Jitesh Sharma and Shashank Singh played crucial cameos to propel Punjab Kings’ total to 176/8. Despite tight overs from RCB bowlers in the death, Punjab managed a competitive score, largely due to Singh’s blistering innings in the final over.

Kohli Capitalizes on Early Reprieve

A dropped catch off Virat Kohli’s bat proved costly for Punjab Kings as Kohli capitalized on the opportunity. Kohli’s aggressive batting, including elegant drives and powerful shots, guided RCB’s chase. His milestone 100th T20 fifty came off just 31 balls, setting the stage for RCB’s victory.

Karthik and Lomror’s Crucial Contributions

Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror played crucial roles in steering RCB towards victory. Their composed batting in the middle and late overs ensured RCB maintained control of the chase. Karthik’s calculated finish, including a premeditated scoop for a six, sealed the win for RCB.

Match Summary:

Punjab Kings: 176/8 in 20 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 46; Mohammed Siraj 2-26, Glenn Maxwell 2-29)

RCB: 178/6 in 19.2 overs (Kohli 77, Karthik 28*; Brar 2-13, Rabada 2-23)

Result: Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 4 wickets

Also Read: Gujarat Titans stay calm to secure thrilling victory

Royals kick off with a winning start thanks to Samson and the bowlers.

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Royals kick off with a winning start thanks to Samson and the bowlers.

Sanju Samson has performed admirably in the initial matches for Rajasthan Royals since 2020. He scored 74, 119, 55, and 55 in those games. Keeping up that good form, he scored 82 runs from 52 balls in the latest match against Lucknow Super Giants. He hit three fours and six sixes, helping Royals win by 20 runs in Jaipur on Sunday (March 24). Samson’s great batting, along with 43 runs from Riyan Parag, led Royals to a total of 193/4. They decided to bat first on a challenging pitch.” In the chase, KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran also scored well for Super Giants, but Royals took important wickets at the right times, making it hard for Super Giants to win.

Encouraging start, but openers dismissed

Facing a dry pitch with limited bounce, Yashasvi Jaiswal found it tough against Mohsin Khan in the first over. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler managed to score a couple of boundaries off Naveen-ul-Haq. However, Buttler’s innings ended in the same over as he edged a drive, leading to a good catch by KL Rahul behind the stumps. Jaiswal then found his rhythm, hitting several boundaries, while Sanju Samson also joined the scoring spree as Mohsin Khan proved expensive. Both Samson and Jaiswal hit sixes in the fifth over, but Mohsin managed to dismiss Jaiswal soon after. Riyan Parag had a stroke of luck, getting a leading edge that Krunal Pandya couldn’t reach due to Samson’s presence at the non-striker’s end.

Samson and Parag build momentum in the middle overs

After a decent start of 54 runs in the powerplay, Rajasthan Royals faced a slowdown as the field spread out. However, Parag and Samson seized the opportunity when Yash Thakur’s pace came into play, hitting three sixes in the ninth over. They continued their attack on Ravi Bishnoi, scoring two more sixes in the 11th over, pushing Royals past 100 runs. Despite a couple of missed chances, including a top edge from Parag, they maintained their partnership, reaching 93 runs before Parag was caught off Naveen’s delivery.

Lucknow Super Giants put up a fight but Rajasthan Royals finish strong

Ayush Badoni’s economical 16th over was followed by another good over from Bishnoi, who took a key wicket, dismissing Shimron Hetmyer. However, Dhruv Jurel survived a close call and managed to clear the ropes in the same over. Samson concluded the 18th over with a powerful six off Thakur. Despite a tight over from Naveen in the 19th, Jurel and Samson ensured a strong finish for Royals, adding a four and a six respectively off Mohsin’s final over.

Left-armers make early breakthroughs

Trent Boult continued his consistent performance by taking early wickets for Rajasthan Royals. He dismissed Quinton de Kock and Devdutt Padikkal in successive deliveries in the opening over. Royals strategically used only three overseas batters in the innings, allowing them to introduce the impact player, Nandre Burger, who promptly dismissed Ayush Badoni. Despite this setback, Lucknow Super Giants recovered well as Deepak Hooda and KL Rahul steadied the innings with crucial boundaries.

Rahul and Pooran lead Lucknow Super Giants’ fightback

Although Hooda fell to Yuzvendra Chahal, KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran kept Lucknow Super Giants in contention with aggressive batting. Rahul’s onslaught in the 11th over, where he struck a six and two fours off Burger, helped Super Giants gain momentum. Pooran joined the assault in the 13th over, smashing two sixes and a four off the New Zealand left-armer. However, tight overs from R Ashwin and Sandeep Sharma shifted the momentum back to Rajasthan Royals, leaving Super Giants needing 60 runs off the last five overs.

Rajasthan Royals secure victory despite Pooran’s efforts

Despite Pooran’s valiant effort, hitting a six off Chahal in the 16th over and reaching a fifty in the next over, Lucknow Super Giants fell short. Rahul departed after scoring a vital 58 runs, followed by Marcus Stoinis, who was caught at deep mid-wicket by Ashwin. Avesh Khan’s disciplined bowling in the final over denied Pooran any opportunity to launch a late surge, ensuring victory for Rajasthan Royals.

Match Summary: Rajasthan Royals showed dominance with the bat, posting a formidable total of 193/4 in their allotted 20 overs, with Sanju Samson leading the charge with an unbeaten 82 runs, supported by Riyan Parag’s 43. In response, Lucknow Super Giants fought hard but fell short, managing 173/6 in their 20 overs, with Nicholas Pooran’s resilient unbeaten 64 and KL Rahul’s 58. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t overcome the strong performance of Rajasthan Royals, who clinched victory by 20 runs.

Also Read: Gujarat Titans stay calm to secure thrilling victory

PBKS’ journey to success begins with Curran’s half-century.

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PBKS' journey to success begins with Curran's half-century.

In the IPL 2024 season opener, Sam Curran led Punjab Kings to victory with an impressive half-century against Delhi Capitals at the newly built stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Despite a competitive total of 174/9 set by Delhi Capitals, with Abishek Porel’s quickfire 32 off 10 balls boosting their score after a shaky start at 147/8, Curran’s outstanding performance turned the tide. His 63 off 47 balls anchored the Kings’ chase, forming a crucial 67-run partnership with Liam Livingstone. Their efforts guided Punjab Kings to a thrilling four-wicket win, clinching victory with four deliveries remaining.

Encouraging Beginnings Despite Early Dismissals

In the exhilarating commencement of the chase, the batsmen, Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow, wasted no time in making their mark, as evidenced by four boundaries unleashed in the opening over by Khaleel Ahmed. With two fours each, Dhawan and Bairstow seemed determined to set the pace for the Capitals’ pursuit of victory. Despite Dhawan’s initial flourish, the momentary promise was dimmed when the seasoned campaigner, Ishant Sharma, intervened. In a decisive move, Ishant outwitted Dhawan, who fell victim to his attempt to strike across the line, leaving the Capitals momentarily stunned. However, the Kings’ dynamic substitute, Prabhsimran Singh, swiftly stepped up to the challenge, replicating the feat with two well-timed boundaries of his own in the same over. Yet, fate intervened as Ishant’s deft touch deflected a ball onto the stumps, catching Bairstow short of his crease, and halting his momentum at the non-striker’s end.

Prabhsimran and Curran wrapped up the initial phase of the game well as the Kings reached 60/2. They continued to make steady advances even against spin, without facing much difficulty from Axar or Kuldeep. However, Kuldeep managed to dismiss Prabhsimran with a deceptive delivery, causing him to fall while attempting to hit over the long on boundary. At the halfway mark, the Kings’ score stood at 87/3, just one run ahead of the Capitals and also having lost one wicket more.

PBKS Maintain Momentum During the Chase

Jitesh Sharma narrowly escaped a stumping dismissal in the 11th over, thanks to a close call from the umpire while Sumit Kumar was bowling. However, luck was not on his side in the following over, as Rishabh Pant’s swift wicketkeeping skills led to Sharma’s stumping off Kuldeep’s delivery. Despite Kuldeep’s efforts, he couldn’t secure another wicket in his fourth over, with a missed opportunity when Tristan Stubbs couldn’t hold onto a catch at long on. Kuldeep’s bowling performance was commendable, ending with figures of 2-20. However, the Capitals faced a setback when Ishant Sharma sustained an injury after bowling just two overs. To compensate, Mitchell Marsh was given the ball for his third over, but he struggled as Sam Curran hit him for two fours and Liam Livingstone smacked a six, resulting in Marsh conceding 18 runs.

DC’s Effort Falls Short in the End

Curran scored fifty runs in the 16th over, a notable achievement. The Kings handled Axar well, who ended with figures of 0 wickets for 25 runs. Requiring 39 runs from 24 balls, they were in a good position, given the opposition’s weak pace attack. Progressing to 28 runs off 18 balls, Livingstone struck two fours off Khaleel. The 18th over saw Marsh conceding 18 runs, including sixes by Curran and Livingstone. Despite pressure, Khaleel dismissed Curran and Shashank Singh in successive deliveries. He missed a chance to dismiss Harpreet Brar, but Warner dropped the catch. With only six runs needed from Sumit’s final over, victory seemed certain. Livingstone secured the win with a six, sealing the Kings’ victory.

DC’s Opening Batsmen Provide Strong Start

On a pitch made of dark soil where bowlers found it hard to make an impact, there was little room for mistakes. This challenge was quickly understood by Punjab Kings. Mitchell Marsh seized the opportunity, capitalizing on deliveries directed at his pads by Sam Curran, scoring boundaries. Additionally, the allowance for two short deliveries per over didn’t pose much difficulty for the Kings. Both David Warner and Marsh easily dispatched them for sixes. Despite Marsh’s dismissal by Arshdeep Singh, Warner continued his aggressive play, even executing a scoop shot off a Rabada delivery for a six. As the powerplay ended, the Capitals stood at 54/1. Shai Hope took the initiative against spin, specifically targeting Rahul Chahar. Although Warner eventually fell to a slow delivery from Harshal Patel, the Capitals maintained their momentum, reaching 86/2 by the halfway mark of their innings.

PBKS Keep Taking Wickets Regularly

Warner’s departure in the eighth over brought Rishabh Pant to the crease, marking his return to active cricket after a 450-day absence due to a near-fatal accident in December 2022. Pant had some work to do after Hope fell to a slower delivery from Rabada. Pant also got lucky when Harshal failed to collect the ball properly after Pant played a pull shot. However, this missed opportunity didn’t cost much as Harshal managed to dismiss the Capitals’ skipper with a short-pitched delivery that lacked pace. In the 14th over, the Kings successfully used the Decision Review System (DRS) to send Ricky Bhui back to the pavilion, leaving the Capitals struggling at 111/5.

Abishek Porel’s significant contribution

The responsibility fell on Tristan Stubbs and Axar Patel to lead the Capitals to a good score. However, Stubbs was out after facing only eight deliveries while attempting a risky shot off Rahul Chahar. Then, a precise throw from substitute fielder Tanay Thyagarajan caught Axar short of the crease as he attempted a quick second run. This setback left the Capitals at 138/7 in the 18th over. With the situation demanding a strong finish, Porel stepped up. He showcased an impressive performance, hitting a boundary off Harshal in the 18th over. In the final over, he smashed two sixes and two fours off the same bowler, guiding the Capitals to a total past 170. However, the Capitals faced challenges due to their limited bowling options, which ultimately influenced the outcome of the match.

 

Match Summary: Delhi Capitals scored 174 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in 20 overs, with Shai Hope contributing 33 runs and Abishek Porel remaining unbeaten at 32. Arshdeep Singh took 2 wickets for 28 runs. However, Punjab Kings chased down the target, scoring 177 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in just 19.2 overs. Sam Curran top-scored with 63 runs, while Liam Livingstone remained unbeaten on 38. Kuldeep Yadav took 2 wickets for 20 runs. Punjab Kings won the game by 4 wickets.

 

What’s next?

The Capitals will have a four-day break before their match against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on March 28. Meanwhile, the Kings will have a quicker turnaround, playing against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 25.

Also Read: Parag and Chahal secure second consecutive win for RR