The Punjab Kings were chasing a mammoth total of 262 runs set by the Kolkata Knight Riders, who posted a formidable 261/6 in their 20 overs. The home team’s innings was highlighted by a 138-run opening partnership between Phil Salt (75 off 37 balls) and Sunil Narine (71 off 32 balls), setting a daunting task for the Kings.
Jonny Bairstow Century Helps Punjab Register Highest Ever Run Chase In T20 Cricket.
However, the Kings were not to be deterred. Bairstow, who had been dropped from the side for the previous two matches, responded with a magnificent knock of 108 runs off just 48 balls, including eight fours and nine sixes. His aggressive batting set the tone for the rest of the innings, and his partnership with Prabhsimran Singh (54 off 20 balls) and Shashank Singh (68 not out off 28 balls) ensured that the Kings completed the chase with eight balls to spare.
Bairstow’s century was not only a display of power hitting but also a testament to his ability to pace his innings effectively. He reached his half-century off just 23 balls and accelerated to his century off the next 22 balls. His partnership with Rilee Rossouw (26 off 16 balls) for the second wicket added 85 runs off just 39 balls, further pushing the Kings towards their target.
Shashank Singh: A Knight In Shinning Armour
Despite losing Rossouw in the 13th over, Jonny Bairstow and Shashank Singh combined to add an unbeaten 84 runs off 37 balls, with the latter playing a crucial role in the final assault with his quickfire 68 not out off 28 balls. This partnership ensured that the Kings easily completed the chase, securing an eight-wicket victory in the process.
READ MORE: Punjab Kings’ Historic Chase Against Kolkata Knight Riders
The Punjab Kings’ victory was not only a testament to their batting prowess but also a record-breaking feat in the history of T20 cricket. They surpassed the previous highest successful run chase of 259 runs, set by South Africa Against West Indies in March of 2023.
]]>Lucknow Super Giants’ batting prowess was on full display as they faced off against Punjab Kings in a thrilling encounter. Quinton de Kock set the stage on fire with a solid knock of 54 runs before falling prey to Arshdeep Singh’s cunning delivery strategy. KL Rahul’s departure added pressure, but Lucknow’s resilience shone through as they posted a challenging total of 199 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran led Punjab’s bowling attack with commendable performances, claiming crucial wickets to keep the pressure on Lucknow. Despite some setbacks, Nicholas Pooran’s fiery innings and Krunal Pandya’s unbeaten contribution propelled Lucknow towards a competitive total.
Punjab Kings’ Response: Dhawan’s Heroics Not Enough
Punjab Kings began their chase with determination in response to Lucknow’s formidable total. Shikhar Dhawan’s explosive innings of 70 runs provided Punjab with a solid foundation, but Lucknow’s bowlers struck back at crucial intervals to keep the match in balance.
Mayank Yadav’s debut proved memorable as he claimed key wickets, including the dismissals of Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh. Despite some resistance from Punjab’s lower order, Lucknow’s bowlers maintained their composure, ultimately restricting Punjab Kings to 178 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs.
Mayank Yadav’s Heroics Secure Victory for Lucknow Super Giants
Mayank Yadav emerged as the hero for Lucknow, showcasing exceptional bowling skills to dismantle Punjab’s batting lineup. His ability to maintain pressure and pick up crucial wickets turned the tide in Lucknow’s favor, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory for the Super Giants.
READ MORE: Kolkata Knight Riders Thrash Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a One-Sided Affair
Lucknow’s all-round performance, combined with Punjab Kings’ valiant effort, made for a riveting contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final delivery. As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to build on this thrilling encounter and continue their quest for glory in the league.
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YouTube CC: @RJRaunacNoPo_
The IPL trophy for Royal Challengers Bengaluru is the most desirable item for RCB fans. It’s been over sixteen years since the IPL began, and three teams from the inaugural season still have yet to taste a win at the Finals. Although Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings have also never won the coveted trophy, it is the RCB that creates all the buzz about not winning the championship. Interestingly, RCB reached the Finals on 3 different occasions but could never cross the final line.
RCB Bounce Back after a Shaky Start
Royal Challengers Bengaluru bounced back to winning ways, all thanks to their poster boy, Virat Kohli. RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first. Punjab’s batting first didn’t have a good start, as they lost Jhony Bairstow early for a mere 8 runs. However, Captain Shikhar Dhawan and Prabsimran Singh balanced out the early loss and put up a partnership of 55 runs for the second wicket.
RCB bounced back with a quick series of wickets, putting Punjab Kings struggling in the middle overs at 98 for 4. However, Sam Curran took charge and took Punjab Kings to a respectable score of 150. Interestingly, the cameo came to an end, all thanks to Yash Dayal and Anuj Rawat dou. Curran edged straight into Rawat’s gloves.
As the first innings neared its end, Punjab Kings were able to post a fighting total of 176 for the loss of six wickets. Who would have thought a wrong buy at the auction would add 19 runs in the final over of the innings, courtesy of Shashank Singh?
Virat Kohli a Treat to watch
Batting second, RCB lost an early wicket, and Du Plessis returned with just three runs in his kitty. Du Plessis got caught at mid-wicket on the bowling of Rabada. Following in the footsteps of captain Camron Green, batting at number went back to the pavilions with 3 runs only. However, Kohli and Pattidar tried to stabilize the innings by building a steady partnership of 43 runs for the third wicket. In the meantime, Virat Kohli went past the 50 runs mark and approached a bigger individual milestone of 100 50s in T20 cricket.
While Virat Kohli held his wicket at one end, players rushed to the dressing room on the other side. Pattidar scored only 18 runs, and Glen Maxwell’s flop show also continued in the second game. The World Cup-winning hero was dismissed for three runs. Previous game hero Anuj Rawat could not perform well in the second game as he returned with eleven runs to his name. Interestingly, RCB was back in the struggle to find the rhythm, and to add salt to injury, Virat Kohli fell short at third man and gave his wicket to ex-rcbian Harshal Patel.
READ MORE: Mumbai Indians vs. Gujarat Titans: Intense Battle Ends with Gujarat Titans Victory
As things looked dicey, Dinesh Karthik came to the rescue of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Karthik displayed his vintage performance, scoring 28 runs off 10 balls, hitting 2 sixes and 3 fours. Evidently, this cameo from DK was enough to hand RCB their first win of the season. Moreover, Virat Kohli was declared as the Man of the Match for his scintillating knock of 77 runs of 49 balls, with two 6’s and eleven 4’s.
RCB will play KKR on 29 March at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. On the other hand, Punjab will face Lucknow Super Giants on 30 March at Ekana Sports City, Lucknow.
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After winning the toss, the Capitals opted to bat first. Their innings got off to a shaky start with the early dismissal of opener Shikhar Dhawan for 22 runs, courtesy of a brilliant delivery by Ishant Sharma. Despite losing wickets regularly, contributions from Mitchell Marsh, Shai Hope, and Rishabh Pant kept the scoreboard ticking.
However, the Capitals’ middle order failed to capitalize on the good start provided by the top order. A notable partnership between Marsh and Pant steadied the ship momentarily, but the Kings’ bowlers, led by Harshal Patel, staged a remarkable comeback. Patel’s crucial wickets of Warner and Pant tilted the momentum in the Kings’ favour.
Punjab Kings Bowling Dominance
The Kings’ bowling attack showcased immense discipline and skill, restricting the Capitals to a modest total of 174/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh were the bowlers who picked up crucial wickets at crucial junctures. Their ability to execute precise variations and exploit the conditions was pivotal in restricting the Capitals’ scoring rate.
Chasing a target of 175 runs, the Kings got off to a solid start, with opener David Warner looking in good touch. However, a sensational catch by Jitesh Sharma off Harshal Patel’s bowling dismissed Warner for 29 runs, providing the Capitals with a much-needed breakthrough.
Despite losing wickets regularly, the Kings’ middle order, led by Sam Curran’s valiant 63-run knock, kept them in the hunt. However, a flurry of wickets towards the end, including the crucial run-out of Jonny Bairstow, dented their chances of victory.
Capitals Seal Victory
In the end, the Capitals’ disciplined bowling and fielding efforts secured them a hard-fought victory. Ishant Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav were the standout bowlers, picking up crucial wickets at crucial game stages. With this win, the Capitals reaffirmed their position as a formidable force in the tournament, while the Kings were left to ponder over their missed opportunities.
READ MORE: TATA IPL Match Report Game 1 CSK Vs RCB
In conclusion, it was a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams, but it was the Capitals’ all-around performance that ultimately saw them emerge victorious. Next in the tournament, the Delhi Capitals will lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals in Sawai Mansingh Stadium on 28 March. Moreover, the Punjab Kings are heading South to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 25 March.
]]>The first season of IPL held in 2008 was won by the Rajasthan Royals. Since then, it has grown in stature and has become one of the most popular T20 leagues in the world.
Over the years, the IPL has seen some dominant teams emerge as champions. The Mumbai Indians have won the most titles, with five championships. Second in line is Chennai Super Kings, winning four titles, along with Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won 2 titles. However, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad have won one title each.
Teams in IPL
The Indian Premier League, or IPL, has been home to some of the most iconic franchises in cricket. Since its inception in 2008, the league has seen the rise and fall of many teams, each with its unique style of play and fan following. Here’s a look at all the teams that have been associated with the IPL over the years:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Founded in 2008, CSK is one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL, winning the title four times. Besides being led by the charismatic MS Dhoni, CSK has a large and passionate fan base. Moreover, it is a team famous for its consistent performance and strategic approach to the game.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): Formerly known as the Delhi Daredevils, the franchise rebranded itself as Delhi Capitals in 2019. Despite never winning the title, DC has been a competitive team over the years, with a strong squad of young and upcoming talent.
- Punjab Kings: Based in Mohali, KXIP has had a mixed record in the IPL. Their best finish came as runners-up in 2014. The team is currently led by Shikhar Dhawan; the team has a loyal fan base and is known for its aggressive style of play. Initially, the team was named Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, KKR is one of the most popular and successful teams in the IPL. However, the team did not have the best of seasons initially. Although, after the mega auction in 2011, KKR restructured their team around Gautam Gambhir. This move led to the re-birth resulting in two title victories in 2012-2014. KKR has a massive fan following across the country.
- Mumbai Indians (MI): The most successful team in the history of the IPL, MI is a five-time champion, including back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020. Led by Rohit Sharma, MI has a star-studded squad and is famous for its dominant performances and strong team spirit.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR): The first-ever champions of the IPL, RR has had a tumultuous history in the league. This is a team with young talents and experienced veterans. Shane Warne, Shane Watson and Rahul Dravid are a few prominent names that belong to the blue brigade. Currently, Sanju Samson is leading the squad, and the team looks in good form to qualify further in the 2023 season.
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Aggression and flamboyancy are synonyms for RCB gameplay. RCB has a large and passionate fan following. Despite never winning the title, the team has been home to some of the biggest names in world cricket, including Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. However, their best performances came in the years 2009, 2011 and 2016, reaching finals. RCB has the most loyal fan base. Currently, the team is struggling in mid-tables with hopes of qualifying for Playoffs.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Based in Hyderabad, SRH has been one of the most consistent teams in the IPL. Under the leadership of David Warner team won a title in 2016 and finished runners-up in 2018. The team has a strong squad of international talent. Despite this, the team is at the bottom of the points table under the leadership of Aiden Makram.
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): It is one of the two newest addition to the team’s tally in IPL; the franchise belongs to RPSG Group. In its debut season of 2022, they finished in the top four. The team is under the leadership of KL Rahul, who apparently is out of the 2023 season due to a thigh injury. In the 2023 remaining season, Krunal Pandya is the interim captain.
- Gujrat Titans (GT): GT debuting alongside LSG, is on a roll, including the seasons 2022 and 2023. Led by Hardik Pandya, GT is the defending champion for the 2023 season. Also, they are sitting comfortably on top of the points table and are looking in great form to reach another playoff.
Top performers in the league
IPL includes a number of talented performers in both departments. Virat Kohli is on top of the tally in the league with 7000 + runs. Shikhar Dhawan is 2nd in the list with 6500+ runs. Similarly, in the bowling department, the top spot is a tie between Yuzvendra Chahal and Dwayne Bravo with 183 wickets. However, Chahal will likely take over the top spot before the 2023 season concludes.
The IPL has a massive impact on the cricketing landscape, not just in India but worldwide. The league has helped unearth some of the world’s most talented players providing a platform for young players to showcase their skills. The IPL is a massive commercial success, with top players being paid vast sums of money to play in the league.
The controversy surrounding the “Cash Rich” tournament
Along with glitz and glamour comes a package of controversies. IPL is also a victim of match-fixing and corruption. With match-fixing scandals, several players and teams were banned from the league. The most high-profile case is the 2013 spot-fixing scandal, which resulted in the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals facing suspension from the league for two years.
However, the board has made a lot of changes in the governing council to maintain a fair play environment. It’ll be interesting to see how things turn out going forward.
Whether it’s the nail-biting finishes, the big-hitting action, or the intense rivalries, the IPL has something for everyone. It has been a thrilling ride so far, and there’s no doubt that the future of the league looks bright.
READ MORE: Simon Katich quits from SRH
With the competition set to continue for years to come, fans can look forward to many more exciting moments in the world of the Indian Premier League.
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The news comes just days before the mega auction which will be held in Bengaluru.
Veteran took to twitter to make the announcement. He thanked the franchise and head coach Anil Kumble for ensuring their trust in him.
Wasim took over as the batting coach in 2020 and has worked with big names in the cricketing word. He has worked with the likes of KL Rahul and T20 legend Chris Gayle.
Punjab Kings had a very disappointing last two season finishing sixth on both the occasions. They even let-go off their captain(now former) KL Rahul and are looking to rebuild their team.
Auction and Retention
The Punjab based franchise co-owned by bollywood star Preity Zinta are working on a complete change. They have retained Mayank Agarwal (INR 12Cr) and uncapped pacer Arshdeep Singh (INR 4Cr).
They’ll enter the mega auction with a total slot of 23 and a purse of INR 72 Cr to fill in the players. They can include a maximum of 8 overseas players
The 15th edition of cash rich franchise based cricket league will feature 10 teams who’ll battle out for the best in the business. Two new teams Lucknow Super Giants and Gujrat Titans are the latest addition to the IPL sphere.
The Auction will be held on 12th and 13th February in Bengaluru.
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