All posts by h716a5.icu

Openers put on 133 in 13.5 overs as Yorkshire Diamonds slump to third defeat in four

ECB Reporters Network15-Aug-2019Western Storm’s relentless march towards next month’s Kia Super League Finals Day continued with a fifth straight win as openers Smriti Mandhana and Rachel Priest demolished a 152 target to beat Yorkshire Diamonds by nine wickets at York’s Clifton Park.The table-topping Storm initially stymied the Diamonds progress having elected to bowl, with five run-outs coming in the last 16 balls in a total of 151 for 9.Hollie Armitage top-scored with a career best 59 off 56 balls from number three before Sophie Luff threw in from the legside boundary to bring out a quartet of run-outs.Armitage’s innings was then dwarfed in comparison by Indian left-hander Mandhana and New Zealand’s Priest, who shared 133 inside 14 overs.Mandhana hit 70 off 47 balls and wicketkeeper Priest, who also had a hand in all five run-outs, made 72 not out off 43.It means at the halfway stage in their campaign, the Storm already seem destined for a place at Finals Day at Hove on September 1 having secured a bonus-point victory with 5.1 overs remaining.Armitage, strong on the sweep, shared a third-wicket stand of 60 inside eight overs with Indian Jemimah Rodrigues, advancing the Diamonds from 47 for 2 in the seventh over.The diminutive Rodrigues (28) played one particularly memorable lofted cover drive for four off the offspin of compatriot Deepti Sharma.Storm new-ball duo Claire Nicholas and Freya Davies struck, with Alyssa Healy caught at square leg on the pull off Nicholas’ offspin for 12.Lauren Winfield was stumped by Priest for 18 off seamer Sonia Odedra, with the ball trickling back towards the wicketkeeper off pad.Davies later bowled Armitage in the 20th over amidst the run out carnage, but England’s Anya Shrubsole was clearly the pick of the bowlers with 1 for 16 from four overs: she had Rodrigues caught at mid-off by Mandhana.Three of the five run-outs came in the 19th over – bowled by Shrubsole – as Yorkshire crucially stumbled. All five runs outs occurred in search of a second run going to wicketkeeper Priest.Last year, Mandhana was the KSL’s leading run-scorer with 421 from nine innings, including two fifties and a hundred. Here, she displayed similar dominance on the way to a 29-ball fifty, achieved in the eighth over when the Storm were 86 without loss.74 runs came off the powerplay, while opening partner Priest scored only eight of the first 58.Mandhana was particularly strong over cover and to long-off and, in the fifth over, hoisted legspinner Katie Levick for her only six.Priest played her part as the partnership approached 100, hitting seamer Alice Davidson-Richards for three successive boundaries to end the sixth.In 2017, the Kiwi had hit an unbeaten century in a 10-wicket win at this venue. Happy to camp on the back foot and hit powerfully to leg, she reached her fifty off 33 balls in the 10th over with the score at 102 without loss. She finished the game with two sixes in three balls off Linsey Smith’s left-arm spin.The Diamonds, for whom Davidson-Richards had Mandhana caught at long-on, have now lost three from four games.

Jude Bellingham showed just what Champions League success means to him in an emotional interview following Real Madrid's win over Borussia Dortmund.

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Bellingham fought back tears after UCL triumphMadrid beat Dortmund 2-0 at WembleySpanish giants claim 15th European crownWHAT HAPPENED?

At just 20 years of age, Bellingham became a European champion following Madrid's triumph over Dortmund. Goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior – the Brazilian's strike assisted by Bellingham – helped Carlo Ancelotti's side defeat a plucky German outfit in London.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The win caps an outstanding debut season for Bellingham following his move to Spain last summer. The 20-year-old finds himself in Ballon d'Or contention after inspiring Los Blancos to another Spanish title – claiming La Liga Player of the Season honours in the process – and a record-extending 15th European Cup.

WHAT BELLINGHAM SAID

Speaking to after the game, Bellingham said: "I've always dreamed of playing in these games. You go through life and there are so many people who say you can't do things and days like today just remind you why…

"It gets a bit hard at times and you wonder if it's worth it. Nights like tonight make it all worth it.

"I was alright until I saw my mum and dad's face. The amount of nights where they could have been at home by seven o'clock but they're doing trips at 11 and 12 at night to take me to football. And my little brother there who I'm trying to be a role model for.

"Yeah, I can't put it into words, it's the best night of my life."

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

Bellingham and his team-mates can't celebrate for too long, with the European Championship in Germany right around the corner. The England midfielder has it pretty good right now. The Ballon d'Or might be en route and you imagine this won't be the last time he lifts the Champions League trophy, either.

Lasith Malinga was as good as he ever was playing the final ODI of a 15-year career

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Jul-20190.5 Malinga to Tamim Iqbal, OUT, welcome to the last chapter! Wow! Malinga has shown up with a classic. Dipping, nasty yorker comes in very very late from a middle stump line. Tamim’s reflexive stride across has him locked, and then it’s too late to take it out. It’s under his bat and it smashes leg stump. Bangladesh’s stand-in captain can barely stand up as this craftsman sneaks it past him2.1 Malinga to Soumya Sarkar, no run, lbw appeal is reviewed. Another big inswinging yorker. Was that going down? Sarkar was rapped on the boot and then pad. Outside the line of leg stump, seemingly. And then on the bat. Not a great review, that is not hitting the stumps2.3 Malinga to Soumya Sarkar, no run, bouncer at the throat, does well to keep the bat down and get out of the wayALSO READ: Stats – Lasith Malinga, a colossus of ODI cricket2.5 Malinga to Mohammad Mithun, no run, outside edge as he squares him up. Length ball shaping away from middle. A nervous prod from the batsman, but he’s played with soft enough hands to be safe in the slip cordon2.6 Malinga to Mohammad Mithun, no run, inside edge onto pad. A low full toss swung away outside off. He looks to defend with a closed faceESPNcricinfo Ltd4.1 Malinga to Soumya Sarkar, 1 run, inside edge as Sarkar has an ungainly swish at this slower full toss. No clue with that as it floated outside off4.5 Malinga to Mohammad Mithun, 1 run, short of fine leg. Short ball on the chest, hooks aerially to that fielder’s left, but safely enough in the end4.6 Malinga to Soumya Sarkar, no run, just keeps it out! Inswinging yorker at leg stump. Sarkar’s lack of feet movement means he has room to bring the bat down on this. Just in time.6.3 Malinga to Mohammad Mithun, no run, beats the outside edge. Swung away from a length outside off, hanging bat8.1 Malinga to Soumya Sarkar, no run, past the inside edge. Inswinging yorker wide outside off. He looks to open the face and chop this to third man8.3 Malinga to Soumya Sarkar, OUT, see ya! Persistence will do it! He is not hiding his cards tonight. Three yorkers in a row – but what are you going to do about it? Sarkar tries the only plausible method – the good old full face of the bat to try and defend it. But this goes through and hits leg stump anyway, possibly off the inside edge on the way8.4 Malinga to Mahmudullah, no run, past the outside edge. Late outswinger from a length in the corridor, a nervous poke from Mahmudullah8.5 Malinga to Mahmudullah, no run, squared up but just enough bat to survive. Length ball, outswinger from a middle stump line and he pushes with hard hands and no feet8.6 Malinga to Mahmudullah, no run, jammed into the turf as he gets the bottom of the bat on this outswinging yorker outside off. Mendis leaps to catch it on the bounce41.4 Malinga to Mustafizur Rahman, OUT, goes in style! Lasith Malinga seals the win in another chase. Seals it with a dipping slower ball. Mustafizur backs away and manages to connect again, but he’s hit it high and to the right of Thisara at mid-off who does it for everyone in the stadium after some serious balancingIt was always meant to be this way, wasn’t it? Lasith Malinga ended his ODI career with a wicket off his final ball.

Manchester United are reportedly in the lead to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise with Chelsea also showing interest.

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Man Utd and Chelsea want OliseRed Devils move seems more likelyOlise has a release clause of £60m(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Following a rather disappointing season, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to revamp the dressing room and he is looking to make Olise the statement signing this summer. As per , the Red Devils are currently in the lead to sign the winger with the sales of Antony and Mason Greenwood looking very likely.

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Olise would only be interested in joining United or Chelsea and with the likes of Athletic Club's Nico Williams higher up on Chelsea's list, it seems that Old Trafford could be the most likely destination for the winger.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Olise's current contract with Crystal Palace includes a release clause of £60 million ($76m) and the club are not expected to negotiate with any club for the sale. They believe that Olise is worth his release clause and if any club wants to sign him this summer, they will have to match that figure.

WHAT NEXT FOR OLISE?

The direction both United and Chelsea head in this summer with regard to their managerial vacancy could be the deciding factor for the winger's future. The Manchester club look set to sack Erik ten Hag in the near future, while Chelsea are already on the hunt for a new manager.

Batsman to miss Afghanistan and Sri Lanka fixtures, while Eoin Morgan continues to be monitored after back spasm

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2019Jason Roy will miss England’s next two World Cup matches, against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, and will be assessed on an ongoing basis in the lead-up to their clash against Australia at Lord’s next week, after it was confirmed that he had suffered a hamstring tear during the eight-wicket win over West Indies at Hampshire Bowl on Friday.Roy may yet be joined on the sidelines for the Afghanistan game by England’s captain, Eoin Morgan, who also left the field on Friday with a back spasm. Although Morgan’s condition has since improved, the ECB medical team will monitor him over the next 24 hours before a decision is taken ahead of the toss at Old Trafford on Tuesday.The double setback is a blow to England after their most convincing victory of the World Cup to date. Roy sustained his injury while sprinting after a ball in the covers during West Indies’ innings, and underwent an MRI scan on Saturday in London, in which the tear to his left hamstring was confirmed.It is the second time this season that Roy’s progress has been disrupted by injury – he missed much of Surrey’s Royal London campaign in April and early May after suffering a back spasm while batting against Essex.Since his return to action, however, he has been England’s outstanding performer with the bat, picking up the Player of the Series award against Pakistan after making two fifties and a hundred in three outings, before setting up victory over Bangladesh in Cardiff last week with a formidable innings of 153 from 121 balls.In Roy’s absence, as well as that of Alex Hales – his long-term understudy who was axed from England’s World Cup plans prior to the tournament due to two failed drugs tests – James Vince is set to slot in alongside Jonny Bairstow at the top of England’s batting order.Given that England beat Afghanistan convincingly in a World Cup warm-up at The Oval last month, the management may well be tempted to give Morgan more time to regain full fitness as well, after he was forced to address the media standing up at Hampshire Bowl, due to his discomfort, on Friday.In Morgan’s absence, the captaincy would pass to Jos Buttler, while Moeen Ali – who missed out against West Indies – might be the likeliest replacement in the XI.At this stage – with five group-stage fixtures still to be played ahead of the semi-finals and final – it is highly unlikely that England would be considering any replacements to their original squad, given that neither Roy nor Morgan would be permitted to return at a later date once their injuries had healed.Joe Denly, who was replaced in the 15-man squad on the eve of the campaign, is one of the players on standby in the event of a long-term injury.

Adam Armstrong's goal secured Southampton an immediate return to the Premier League with a 1-0 Championship play-off final win over Leeds United.

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Southampton beat Leeds 1-0 in play-off finalSaints make instant return to Premier LeagueArmstrong scores game's only goal at WembleyTELL ME MORE

Leeds, who ended up in the play-offs after losing four of their final six Championship games, began the brighter but fell behind in the 24th minute when Armstrong coolly slotted past Illan Meslier after Southampton capitalised on some woeful defending at the back. Leeds' French goalkeeper made a vital stop to deny Armstrong again as Saints deservedly went into the break one goal to the good. Daniel Farke's men were on the front foot after the interval but could not fashion any noteworthy chances against a well-organised Southampton side. Substitute Dan James rattled a strike against the bar late on and brought a good save out of Alex McCarthy but for all Leeds' huff and puff, they lacked quality in the Saints box and in the end Russell Martin's players earned their triumph at Wembley.

AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP

While West Ham loanee Flynn Downes ran the show in midfield, goals win matches and Adam Armstrong's well-taken strike – his 24th of the season – secured Southampton the victory. The forward was sharp in attack and Leeds always looked shaky when the 27-year-old was on the ball in the final third.

GettyTHE BIG LOSER

While he has had an excellent season for Leeds, Ethan Ampadu inexplicably stepped out of defence to try and close down Will Smallbone, leaving Armstrong unmarked, and the diminutive striker slotted home with aplomb. That defensive mistake ultimately settled the contest. Leeds, who briefly topped the Championship table before finishing behind Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the automatic promotion spots, have now lost all six play-off campaigns they have been in.

GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?

Southampton finished bottom of the Premier League in 2022-23 – while Leeds finished in 19th – but will now prepare for life in the English top-flight once again, whereas Farke's team will have to play in the Championship next term.

New Zealand’s demolition of Sri Lanka in Cardiff was a powerful display by a team that always seems to figure at the pointy end of World Cups

The Report by Daniel Brettig01-Jun-2019
As it happenedYes it was a good toss to win. Yes it was a green pitch. Yes it was a beautiful morning on which to bowl. All that said, New Zealand’s demolition of Sri Lanka in Cardiff was a powerful display by a team that always seems to figure at the pointy end of World Cups, demonstrating too that the climes of an early English summer (albeit in Wales this day) will only add to the their prospects of progressing to the final four.Equally, Sri Lanka’s meekness – apart from a doughty innings by their captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who was the 12th cricketer and second Sri Lankan to carry his bat in an ODI – underlined the somewhat listless state of their cricket presently. A few months after the horrific Easter terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, the island nation would have hoped for some good news; instead Karunaratne’s men looked overwhelmed by their opponents, the conditions and the occasion.This was also the third match in a row at the World Cup to finish well ahead of schedule with a yawning gap between the sides. On that evidence, notions of a 10-team format reducing the number of “mismatches” and increasing “competitiveness” are already looking shaky.Watch on Hotstar (India only): All the wickets the New Zealand bowlers tookOpportunity often brings discovery, a point underlined by how Matt Henry responded to keeping his place ahead of a not-yet-fully-fit Tim Southee. Taking the new ball, Henry struck with his second ball to put Sri Lanka off balance from the start, and his command of line and length set a strong example for others to follow – something recognised by the match award.Lockie Ferguson’s undoubted pace also turned heads, scything through the Sri Lankan middle order to ensure that Colin Munro and Martin Guptill had only a modest chase to gobble up. Gobble they did, sprinting home with a whopping 203 balls remaining.Matt Henry appeals for the wicket of Lahiru Thirimanne•PA Images via Getty ImagesThere was a time, after Henry’s initial breakthrough, where Sri Lanka looked capable of more. As Karunaratne dropped anchor, Kusal Perera flayed a quartet of boundaries through the cover and gully regions with the axeman’s relish of a latter-day Sanath Jayasuriya.At 46 for 1 after eight overs they were well and truly in the game, but Perera’s eagerness to get to grips with the New Zealand pacemen got the better of him when consolidation may have been wiser, skying Henry to open up an end. When Henry got his areas exactly right for Kusal Mendis’ first ball, squared up and edging to a diving Guptill at second slip, the game was more or less up.Some may argue that Karunaratne might have tried to exert more of an influence, but he largely played the kind of sensible innings that needed only to have been mirrored at the other end to allow the Sri Lankans to wriggle their way to a tally beyond 200. As it was, only the Pereras, Thisara and Kusal, made it as far as double figures, while a trio of ducks were registered.ALSO READ: Fernando: Cricket can’t undo the horror, but it can be a balmFerguson’s sheer speed to beat Dhananjaya de Silva was one of the more arresting moments of the remainder, and when New Zealand were briefly denied the final Sri Lankan wicket due to hesitance to rule that Mitchell Santner had cleanly caught Karunaratne, the fast bowler responded by rattling Lasith Malinga’s stumps the very next ball.There were a couple of edgy moments at the start of New Zealand’s pursuit, but they were brief. Sunshine and warmth had helped calm the surface and Malinga slipped obligingly into the driving and hooking zones of Guptill and Munro. While a packed Cardiff crowd were able to fill the ground with plenty of time to see the majority of the match, they were left only with memories of New Zealand dominance and Sri Lankan struggle. Some closer games, please.

The incident took place between the two innings, moments after Llong was in the spotlight for giving an incorrect no-ball call off Umesh Yadav’s bowling

ESPNcricinfo staff07-May-2019Nigel Llong, a member of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires, damaged a door to the umpire’s room at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s final home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 4. Llong has since paid for the damages and the matter has been reported to the BCCI’s Committee of Administrators.It is understood that Llong kicked the door after the first innings of the match, which included a final-over no-ball he had called off Umesh Yadav’s bowling, although replays suggested that the delivery was legal. After the delivery, Llong had a discussion with Virat Kohli and Umesh when the giant screens at the ground showed that the bowler had not overstepped.Llong did not change his decision despite protests from both bowler and captain. The incorrect decision effectively added five runs to Sunrisers’ total, with the extra final delivery of the innings being hit for four. The error, however, did not hurt Royal Challengers as they won the match with four balls to spare.Llong then returned to the umpires’ room, where the door-kicking incident took place. Although the door was dented and cracked, the glass panel at the top did not break. The nature of the offence, however, forced Karnataka State Cricket Association to report the matter to the Committee of Administrators after consultation with match referee V Narayan Kutty.”It was an unfortunate incident,” KSCA secretary R Sudhakar Rao told ESPNcricinfo. “He [Llong] gave a wrong no-ball decision in the match, and Virat went and spoke to him, and Umesh also spoke to him. So he might have been upset, and frustrated. He came back and kicked the door to the umpires’ room after the first innings. So there was a crack and a dent in the door. The glass didn’t break, fortunately.”After the game, I found out, and I met the match referee. I spoke to him, and we had a discussion, and I have reported the matter to the CoA. It’s a BCCI event, so it is for them to make the decision, if any.”Llong, 50, was asked to pay for the damages, which he did after the match.”He paid us Rs 5000 for the damages,” Rao said. “He was civil about it, but he had caused damage, so we had to charge him for it. He didn’t complain about it.”Llong has umpired in 56 Test matches, 123 ODIs and 32 T20Is over the years, and is understood to have been pencilled in as one of the on-field umpires for the IPL 2019 final, to be played in Hyderabad on May 12.

A clinical attacking display gave Mauricio Pochettino's side a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Seagulls and edged them closer to Europe

Chelsea may ultimately be the most confusing team in the Premier League this season, but Wednesday evening's 2-1 victory over Brighton was a showing of confidence and composure for the most part – and a glimpse of what Mauricio Pochettino's squad looks like at near-full strength.

Cole Palmer continued his ridiculously impressive debut campaign for the Blues, opening the scoring in the first half with a lovely flicked header. The assist, provided by ex-Brighton man Marc Cucurella, was just as good, as the Spaniard had one of his best performances of the season.

Substitute Christopher Nkunku didn't take long to truly announce his return from injury. The France international netted the eventual winner, sweeping home a controlled finish after a pinpoint cross from fellow countryman Malo Gusto.

In the 86th minute, though, chaos descended. Chelsea captain Reece James was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Joao Pedro after a lengthy VAR check. With 10 minutes of stoppage time added, Brighton went on an attacking tear – with Danny Welbeck finding the back of the net in the 97th minute.

Chelsea did hold on for another crucial win, though, despite the recklessness from James putting them in an uncomfortable and dangerous spot to close out the match. Due to their superior goal difference, the Blues are all-but guaranteed European football next season.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from American Express Stadium…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Djordje Petrovic (7/10):

Big save in first-half stoppage time, was immense in goal when called upon.

Malo Gusto (8/10):

Locked down a menacing Adingra with a really solid performance and capped it off with a truly sensational assist for Nkunku's goal.

Trevoh Chalobah (7/10):

Has really stepped it up of late for Chelsea, and put in another composed performance in defence.

Benoit Badiashile (7/10):

Marked Joao Pedro well, but had a few nervy moments. Regardless, another solid showing without a true hiccup.

Marc Cucurella (8/10):

Haunted his former club with this display; a brilliant assist for Palmer's opener and was defensively composed all evening.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Conor Gallagher (6/10):

Not his most influential game for Chelsea, but he played his role well. Wasn't allowed to get forward as much as he'd hope, but was solid with Caicedo.

Moises Caicedo (7/10):

Ran the midfield against his former club despite the boos raining down with some precision passing and good physical play.

Cole Palmer (8/10):

Chelsea's starboy continues to shine, this time with a cute header. Another top performance.

Getty ImagesAttack

Noni Madueke (5/10):

Continues to be lively in moments, but struggles with selfishness in the final third. Not his best day.

Nicolas Jackson (6/10):

Scored a header that was called back for a foul in first-half stoppage time and spurned a glorious opportunity to create a goal for Nkunku. Never stopped running, though.
Mykhalo Mudryk (5/10):

Incredibly lively during his first-half cameo, but was taken off after taking a shoulder to the head. Baffling as to how VAR deemed the challenge "inconclusive" after the intent from Tariq Lamptey.

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Reece James (4/10):

Notched another 20 minutes under his belt, replacing Gusto, as he continues his return from injury. However, he was sent off for violent conduct with a straight red card with minutes to spare. Needless.

Christopher Nkunku (8/10):

A brilliant cameo off the bench, he was electric on the wing and capped it off with a winning goal.

Raheem Sterling (6/10):

Subbed on with 20 minutes to go and put in a shift defensively.

Thiago Silva (NA):

Subbed on after James' needless red.

Cesare Casadei (NA):

Brought on with two minutes to spare after Brighton bagged a late goal.

Lesley Ugochukwu (NA):

Same as Casadei.

Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):

Chelsea boss Pochettino got his XI right, and surely was pleased with the performance. He was unlucky to lose Mudryk early, but adjusted well tactically and got the rest of his subs right.

He stayed unbeaten on 97 to see Capitals cruised home in a potentially tricky chase; Pant chipped in with 46

The Report by Mohammad Isam12-Apr-2019Shikhar Dhawan was denied a maiden T20 century, but Delhi Capitals would gladly take the two points that took them to their fourth win of the season. That he missed out on the landmark was because Colin Ingram decided to launch Piyush Chawla over long-on with Capitals needing five off eight deliveries.Kolkata Knight Riders, who slumped to their second straight defeat, should’ve ended with a bigger score than their 178 for 7. Promoted to open in place of the missing Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill notched up his second IPL half-century, a 39-ball 65, to set it up for the box-office boy Andre Russell.The Jamaican posted his sixth 40-plus score, making 45 off 21, but a slowdown in between, partly because of Nitish Rana’s struggles against spin, played a hand in the final total. It was soon after this stifle that Capitals carefully used Kagiso Rabada, and unleashed him later against Russell, who had his revenge this time around. Yet, there was a lingering feeling that Capitals would’ve gladly taken a chase of 179.Then in the chase, Dhawan, who has been sluggish so far in the tournament, pottering around in the Powerplay to put immense pressure on the middle order, came out flying high and swatting short deliveries to the square boundaries. He was helped in no small measure by Rishabh Pant as they won by seven wickets.Gill’s setup for late flourishJoe Denly fell first ball to an Ishant Sharma peach, an inducker sneaking through the gap to flatten off stump. This had little effect on Gill, whose balance and poise left an indelible mark. He added 63 with vice-captain Robin Uthappa, during the course of which they played some classical shots.Uthappa, who slapped a Keemo Paul free-hit over long-on for the Capitals’ first six, made 28 before being caught magnificently by a leaping Pant off Rabada’s bouncer in the ninth over. Gill however kept up the pressure on the Capitals, reaching his first fifty of the season off 34 balls. He fell in the 16th over when he picked out short fine-leg off Paul.But Russell can’t take it deep
Russell had more than seven overs to give the Knight Riders a great finish. He waited for stability before teeing off. He launched Rabada for three off his four sixes – two of which were swatted disdainfully to the square leg boundary off quick bouncers. But Chris Morris removed him with ten balls to spare, and with Carlos Brathwaite failing to make the most of it, the Knight Riders had to settle for a middling total.Shaw shows the way
It may go unnoticed, but Prithvi Shaw’s two sixes off Lockie Ferguson in the second over had a multiplier effect on the chase. The first of those was smacked over the cover fence, while the second was more of a mishit off a top-edged pull. This start, however, got Dhawan going in the opening partnership that was terminated in the third over when Dinesh Karthik plucked an outstanding catch diving full length to his right.Chase guided by Dhawan
Shreyas Iyer fell in the sixth over to put more pressure on Dhawan, who also had a reprieve when he was given not out on a review, despite snicko showing a small spike. However, with the onfield decision being not out and there being considerable doubt, he was reprieved. From thwre on, Dhawan was a man possessed.At the other end, Pant pasted Kuldeep Yadav for a one-handed six over long-off, and then matched Dhawan with his sweeps and pulls. Just when he looked set to finish it off, over-aggression got the better of him as he skied a one-handed slog to Nitish Rana on 46. Dhawan, however, wasn’t going to be denied.