A solid century from left-handed opening batsman, Kieran Powell, anchored a solid opening day for the Leeward Island’s Hurricanes who posted 308 – 7 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the West Indies Championships.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Leewards suffered an early setback after losing Montcin Hodge in the second over of the match. Hodge was caught by Bryan Charles off the bowling of Jadon Seales. Powell, however, immediately set about repairing the damage after forming a 64-run partnership with Kacey Carty.
Carty’s dismissal left the Hurricanes at 66 for 2 but Powell feature in another pair of crucial partnerships. First with Devon Thomas, who made 12 before being bowled by Akeal Hosein, then Amir Jangoo with the two putting on a 100-run partnership to bring the score to 198 for 4 when Jangoo was sent back to the pavilion by Jason Mohammed soon after making his half-century. Powell’s brilliant resistance was brought to an end when he was trapped lbw by Yannic Cariah, having totalled 139 or 211 deliveries.
Terrance Ward added a patient 26 from 101 balls before being caught by Gabriel off Seales, while Cornwall could only add 5 to the tally before himself being dismissed by Gabriel.
Jeremiah Louis (16) and Hayden Walsh (8) ended the day as the not-out batsmen for the Hurricanes. Seales was the pick of the bowlers for T&T after ending with a best of 2 for 35.
IPL: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, champions again as KKR storm to title after dispatching SRH in style
Kolkata Knight Riders ended their 10-year wait for the Indian Premier League title after a dominant eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.
KKR had already dispatched of the Sunrisers with an eight-wicket victory in the first qualifier on Tuesday, and pulled off another superb performance to clinch the IPL for a third time.
Mitchell Starc stifled SRH from the start, taking Abhishek Sharma for two runs off five balls before Rahmanullah Gurbaz caught Travis Head for a duck.
In a stellar bowling display, Starc eventually finished with 2-14, while Andre Russell chipped in with a 3-19 late on.
The Sunrisers failed to gain any momentum on a low-scoring day, with Pat Cummins the top scorer with 24 off 19, as SRH finished with a measly 113 all out in the 19th over.
Despite Sunil Narine's early exit, SRH failed to give themselves any hope as Venkatesh Iyer came on to plunder 52 not out from 26 balls, including three boundaries, adding to Gurbaz's 39.
Shreyas Iyer then came on to help KKR over the line with six runs, seeing the win out for his team with 57 balls remaining.
Data Debrief: KKR bowlers come out on top
Russell has taken 18 wickets in the IPL this year, the most he has taken in any edition, going past 17 from 2022.
The Sunrisers registered the lowest-ever run total in an IPL final (batting first or second), beating the previous record of 125.
SRH lost 29 wickets during the powerplay overs in the IPL in 2024, the most by any team in this phase this season; it is also the second most wickets they have lost during the powerplay in a single IPL season (31 in 2013).
Obed McCoy replaces injured Jason Holder in West Indies T20 World Cup squad
In a crucial update ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that left-arm fast bowler Obed McCoy will replace Jason Holder in the squad. Holder has been ruled out due to an injury sustained during the County Championship 2024, necessitating a recovery period that prevents his participation in the tournament set to commence on June 1.
The absence of Holder, a seasoned and influential player, is significant. However, CWI remains optimistic about the team's prospects with the inclusion of McCoy. Dr. The Most Hon. Desmond Haynes, Lead Selector of CWI, commented on the development, stating, "Jason is an experienced player in our set-up. His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on and off the field. We look forward to having a fully fit Jason with us again soon."
McCoy’s inclusion is a testament to his impressive form over the past year. Known for his left-arm pace and skillful variations, particularly at the back end of the innings, McCoy was the leading wicket-taker on the West Indies team’s recent tour to Nepal. CWI extends its best wishes to Jason Holder for a speedy recovery and eagerly anticipates his return to the field.
Haynes expressed confidence in McCoy’s abilities, stating, "While it is unfortunate to lose a player of Jason's calibre, we are confident in the abilities of Obed McCoy. Obed has shown remarkable skill and promise in his performances, and this opportunity will allow him to further showcase his talent on the international stage. We believe he will bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the squad."
With this development the updated West Indies squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is as follows:
Rovman Powell (Captain), Alzarri Joseph (Vice Captain), Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Obed McCoy, Gudakesh Motie, Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd.
Additionally, five reserve players have been named, ready to step in if needed: Kyle Mayers, Matthew Forde, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh, Andre Fletcher.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Daren Sammy highlighted the depth and quality of the reserve players.
"We are fortunate to have such depth and quality in our ranks. Our reserve players are all A-class talents who have proven their abilities in various formats of the game, but certainly T20. Each one of them is fully capable of slotting into the team seamlessly should the situation arise."
West Indies is placed in Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will play their first match on June 2 in Guyana against Papua New Guinea. The team remains focused and ready to compete at the highest level, aiming for a strong performance in the tournament.
Van der Dussen warns South Africa only have 'one more chance' before World Cup
A disappointed Rassie van der Dussen warned South Africa only have "one more chance" to prepare for the T20 World Cup after suffering series defeat to West Indies on Saturday.
Brandon King's side secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series after West Indies managed a 16-run victory in Kingston.
Quinton de Kock smashed a 17-ball 41 as South Africa blasted 81 from their first five overs, yet ultimately fell short when chasing a target of 208.
With the upcoming World Cup in the Windies and United States, South Africa captain Van der Dussen acknowledged his frustrations.
"We let them get too much again," he said after the convincing defeat. "The spinners bowled really well; [Nqabayomzi] Peter, on debut, [was] brilliant.
"Looking at the way [Romario] Shepherd bowled today, he was disciplined... It was really disappointing.
"We have one more chance, and looking to bounce back [on Sunday]."
Roston Chase crashed a remarkable 67 not out off just 38 deliveries to guide the Windies to an imposing total of 207-7 in the first innings.
"Waited for the opportunity... Accustomed playing this role in the Caribbean Premier League," Chase said of his performance.
"[Daren] Sammy spoke to me. The plan was to take it to 14 overs. Then we realised that the wicket was better than yesterday."
Gudakesh Motie then did the damage with the ball, removing Van der Dussen on 30, as well as Andile Phehlukwayo (three) and Wiaan Mulder (nine) for his impressive 3-22.
"It's an amazing feeling [to win the series]," captain King added. "Chase is very valuable. Very happy with his performance.
"They had a good start. Finished well for us. Play really good cricket – that's what we are focusing [on]."
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