Related items

• IPL: Kohli and Patidar star to snap RCB's losing streak

  Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended a six-match losing streak in the Indian Premier League by claiming a convincing 35-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad.

  Bengaluru still sit bottom of the standings, but have reason to cheer after Virat Kohli's 51 and Rajat Patidar's 20-ball 50 got the job done in style on Thursday.

  Cameron Green chipped in with a useful 37 as RCB reached 206-7 from their 20 overs, and the Australian then took 2-12 with the ball as the Sunrisers failed to get going.

  Shahbaz Ahmed top scored for Sunrisers with 40 not-out, but it was not enough as they only mustered 171-8 in response.

  Data Debrief

  Thursday's match marked Jaydev Unadkat's 100th in the IPL, and though he finished on the losing side, he did take a memorable three-for to celebrate the occasion.

  It was Unadkat who dismissed Kohli, Patidar and Mahipal Lomror, finishing with figures of 3-30.

• Roston Chase to be captain West Indies 'A' squad named for historic Nepal tour

  Cricket West Indies (CWI) Men’s Selection Panel has unveiled the 15-member squad for the West Indies Men’s A Team set to tour Nepal from April 25th to May 15th, 2024.

  Led by the experienced Roston Chase as Captain and supported by Alick Athanaze as Vice-Captain, the West Indies Men’s A Team will engage in a series of five (5) Twenty20 matches against the Nepal Senior Men’s Team. This tour holds significant importance as it serves as another phase in preparation leading up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The series also marks a historic occasion as it is West Indies' first-ever tour to Nepal.

  Roston Chase will take on the responsibility of captain for the first time at this level. Commenting on Chase’s selection as Captain, Dr. The Most Honorable Desmond Haynes, CWI’s Lead Selector, emphasized Chase’s consistent display of diligence and leadership skills. Dr. Haynes remarked, “Chase has exhibited over the past few years an impressive work ethic and proven leadership qualities” He further noted, “No doubt since Chase made his T20I debut in October 2021, for the West Indies against Bangladesh he has continued to make considerable strides.”

  Brandon King sustained an injury during the West Indies Championship and is rehabilitating. Meanwhile, Evin Lewis advised that he was unavailable for selection.

  Dr. Haynes further emphasized the significance of this squad stating “I am confident this Nepal tour marks a crucial step forward in our preparatory phase for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. It presents an invaluable opportunity to get our players who are not in the IPL back on the park playing competitive T20 cricket as well as provides the chance for us to expose a few emerging prospects.”

  In preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, White Ball Head Coach, Daren Sammy said “From a coaching perspective, the Nepal tour couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. It offers us a chance to refine our World Cup squad, defining roles and personnel more clearly. Additionally, with nine players in the IPL, we can truly gauge and push the limits of our T20 team’s depth.”

  The tour’s opening T20 fixture will bowl off at Tribhuvan University on April 27th, 2024.

  FULL SQUAD:

  Roston Chase (Captain)
  Alick Athanaze (Vice-Captain)
  Fabian Allen
  Kadeem Alleyne
  Joshua Bishop
  Keacy Carty
  Johnson Charles
  Mark Deyal
  Andre Fletcher
  Matthew Forde
  Obed McCoy
  Gudakesh Motie
  Keemo Paul
  Oshane Thomas
  Hayden Walsh

  The coaching and support staff accompanying the squad are as follows:

  Head Coach: Floyd Reifer

  Assistant Coach: Rayon Griffith

  Physiotherapist: Neil Barry

  Strength & Conditioning Coach: Shayne Cooper

  Team Manager & Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram

   

  The deadline for submission of the West Indies World Cup squad is May 1, 2024. Prior to the World Cup, the West Indies team will host South Africa for a 3-match T20 series from May 22 - 26, 2024.

   

• Andre Russell leads Kolkata Knight Riders to dramatic one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru

  In a nail-biting encounter in the Indian Premier League on Sunday, Kolkata Knight Riders secured a thrilling one-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, thanks in large part to a standout performance by Andre Russell.

  Batting first, Kolkata Knight Riders posted a formidable total of 222 for 6 in their 20 overs. Shreyas Iyer starred with the bat, scoring a brisk 50, while opener Phil Salt provided a flying start with his explosive 48. The middle order contributed crucial runs, setting up a challenging target for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

  Chasing 223 for victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru got off to a solid start with Will Jacks (55) and Rajat Patidar (52) leading the charge. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Bengaluru remained in contention throughout the innings.

  The match took a dramatic turn in the final over bowled by Mitchell Starc. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru needing 20 runs to win, Starc was under immense pressure. Will Jacks launched a fierce assault, smashing three consecutive sixes to bring the equation down to three runs needed off two balls.

  Starc, unfazed by the onslaught, kept his composure and executed a crucial wicket-taking delivery to dismiss Karn Sharma. Starc dived low to his right to complete a stunning catch off his own bowling, swinging the momentum back in Kolkata's favor.

  In the ultimate twist of fate, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru needing three runs off the final delivery to secure victory, Ramandeep Singh hit the ball to deep point. A misfield raised hopes of a potential match-tying boundary, but Phil Salt displayed exceptional athleticism and awareness behind the stumps. Salt collected the ball and executed a lightning-quick run-out of Lockie Ferguson, denying Bengaluru the opportunity to force a Super Over.

  Andre Russell emerged as the hero of the match for Kolkata Knight Riders. Russell not only contributed a vital 27 runs with the bat but also turned the tide in Kolkata's favor with his outstanding bowling performance. Russell claimed three crucial wickets, including the prized scalps of Jacks and Patidar as well that of the dangerous closer Dinesh Karthik for 25 in the penultimate over, which ultimately proved decisive.

  "I always back my bowling. Getting the ball in a crucial time, I know I have to come good. Happy for the two points,” Russell remarked after the match.

  “When I was batting earlier, change-ups were difficult to hit. As a bowler, that is what I tried - length ball, slower cutters, it was gripping on the surface. I was happy to get the two set batters out and that's what changed the game. When I look at the bowling equation, Harshith had one, Starcy had one, I had two. So my aim was to bowl an important over and give Starcy as much to defend. I was looking to bowl six deliveries at DK and mixing up with the short ones and slower ones. Worked well tonight."

  The thrilling contest between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru showcased the captivating nature of T20 cricket, with every moment charged with excitement and tension. Kolkata emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins, underscoring the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak in the IPL.