Super Kings steal victory

April 14, 2013

Super_KingsChennai, Apr 14: Royal Challengers Bangalore relived their worst nightmare as Chennai Super Kings pulled off yet another stunning victory from the jaws of defeat under the most dramatic circumstances at the MA Chidambaram stadium here on a pleasant Saturday night.

Playing in front of a packed stadium, Chennai were struggling to scale down RCB’s 165 at several stages of the match but in the end a combined effort from their batsmen helped them notch their second win on the trot, this time off the final ball.

After Suresh Raina (30), Subramaniam Badrinath (34) and skipper MS Dhoni (33) had contributed in good measure, CSK required 16 runs to win off the final over. Ravindra Jadeja (38, 20b, 3x4, 1x6) edged a four and smacked a six off Rudra Pratap Singh in the first two balls to take the equation to six to win from four balls.

The left-arm pacer did well to bring it down to two to win off the final ball and when Jadeja edged the ball straight down the throat of Ravi Rampaul at third man it seemed like RCB had won.

But what RCB players hadn’t noticed amidst all the commotion was that umpire Anil Chowdhary had signalled a no-ball, handing CSK a four-wicket win.

Slow start

Earlier, Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal opened for RCB, and the West Indian left-hander started off slowly, seeing off the first five balls, and his four off the final delivery off Dirk Nannes, easing some nerves.

The burly left-hander looked to take on Chris Morris in the second over and the South African, spotting Gayle move to his left, bowled wide and the edge carried to Dhoni’s outstretched hands.

At six for one, Kohli walked in and forged a solid partnership with Mayank. The duo managed to keep the run-rate going by finding a boundary in almost every over and added 51 runs for the second wicket before the Mayank (24, 21b, 2x4, 1x6) fell to a brilliant ploy from Ashwin and Dhoni.

Fiery batting

Upon sighting Mayank step down the track, Ashwin fired a ball down the leg-side. Premeditating the line of the delivery, Dhoni slid to his left, collected the ball and whipped off the bails in a flash as Mayank looked on in disbelief.

But the arrival of AB?de Villiers (64, 32b, 8x4, 1x6) only added further momentum to RCB?innings, and Kohli was once again in his elements as they carted Super Kings bowlers to all areas of the park.

They added 82 in 49 balls to take RCB to a point (133/3 in 16.4 overs) from where they could accelerate further but the loss of Kohli in the 17th over to Morris dented their hopes. De Villiers, however, stood up to the test and was the primary reason behind RCB, reaching a good total even as the South African failed to find a solid partner towards the end.

Chasing a competitive total, Chennai got off to the worst start possible. For a mere ten runs – which took them four overs to get -- the hosts lost their opening pair of Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay to a clinical R Vinay Kumar and Ravi Rampaul respectively.

Following which, there was a period of stability in Raina and Badrinath as the duo joined hands and carried CSK to 64 for two in 10 overs – the same score RCB had achieved at that stage in their innings. Even as RCB’s bowlers and their fielders continued to shine under lights, CSK had too much firepower on the day as history repeated itself at the Chepauk.

score board

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE: Chris Gayle c Dhoni b Morris 4 (10b, 1x4), Mayank Agarwal st Dhoni b Ashwin 24 (21b, 2x4, 1x6), Virat Kohli c Dhoni b Morris 58 (47b, 2x4, 2x6), AB de Villiers c Bravo b Nannes 64 (32b, 8x4, 1x6), Daniel Christian c Raina b Morris 2 (2b), Ravi Rampaul c Dhoni b Bravo 0 (4b), Arun Karthik (not out) 5 (5b); Extras (LB-1, W-6, NB-1) 8; Total (for 6 wkts, 20 overs) 165.

Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Gayle), 2-51 (Mayank), 3-133 (Kohli), 4-135 (Christian), 5-138 (Rampaul), 6-165 (de Villiers).

Bowling: Dirk Nannes 4-0-31-1 (w-1, nb-1), Chris Morris 4-0-40-3, Mohit Sharma 2-0-13-0, R Ashwin 4-0-28-1 (w-1), Ravindra Jadeja 2-0-20-0, Dwayne Bravo 4-0-32-1 (w-4).

CHENNAI SUPER KINGS: Michael Hussey c Mayank b Vinay 6 (16b), Murali Vijay c Arun b Rampaul 2 (5b), Suresh Raina c Kartik b Mohammad 30 (22b, 5x4), S Badrinath c Mayank b Mohammad 34 (29b, 4x4), MS Dhoni c Arun b Rampaul 33 (23b, 1x4, 2x6), Ravindra Jadeja (not out) 38 (20b, 3x4, 1x6), Dwyane Bravo lbw Rampaul 8 (3b, 1x6), Chris Morris (not out) 7 (4b); Extras (LB-1, W-4, NB-3) 8; Total (for 6 wkts, 19.5 overs) 166.

Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Vijay), 2-10 (Hussey), 3-66 (Raina), 4-78 (Badrinath), 5-137 (Dhoni), 6-146 (Bravo).

Bowling: Ravi Rampaul 4-0-31-3, Rudra Pratap Singh 3.5-0-41-0 (nb-2), R Vinay Kumar 4-0-36-1 (w-2), Christian 2-0-13-0 (nb-1), Kartik 3-0-29-0, Mohammad 3-0-15-2 (w-2).

Home ground advantage gives RR upper hand against KXIP

rajasthan_royals

Jaipur, Apr 14: There is something about the Pink City that brings out the best in Rajasthan Royal s. Even in the worst of times, they have invariably raised their game here.

This year too, they have started with a bang at home, beating defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. The result of their last match may not have gone their way, but Royals are always a different unit at home. They will be the clear favourites against Kings XI Punjab, who are coming after a no-show against Chennai Super Kings, on Sunday.

The Royals have struck all the right notes this season and with the next two encounters at home - they play Mumbai Indians on Wednesday, they have every chance to put some valuable points on board. Shane Watson and Shaun Tait did not play in the losing cause against Pune. But even without these two key players, Royals looked comfortable on the field. And that is where the Royals' strength lies.

They have strengthened their squad with the addition of the likes of James Faulkner, Fidel Edwards, and some domestic talents in Harmeet Singh and Rahul Shukla. Whether it is Kevon Cooper, Siddharth Trivedi, or newcomer Shukla, all have contributed to the cause. KKR had a taste of the effective Royals' bowling when they failed to get past a score of 144.

Captain Rahul Dravid has led with firm assurance. At 40, he is the top scorer for the Royals so far. Dravid will want others to bat around him. Ajinkya Rahane, Brad Hodge and Stuart Binny have done that job but he will expect more consistency from them.

For Kings XI Punjab, batting remains a big concern. They did win their opening match against Pune Warrriors, but it was because of their bowlers. They have the variety in bowling and seasoned campaigners in Ryan Harris, Azhar Mahmood and Praveen Kumar.

The batting, though, is heavily dependent on Adam Gilchrist and David Hussey. Youngsters Mandeep Singh and Manan Vohra will need to play out of their skins if they hope to put up a fight against an opponent which loves to draw its strength from the home soil.

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News Network
May 6,2020

New Delhi, May 6: He has flattered to deceive on umpteen occasions but highly-rated wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson says he has learnt to accept his failures in pursuit of the calm demeanour that former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni possesses.

The 25-year-old from Kerala has always been talked about by the likes of Rahul Dravid and Gautam Gambhir but it hasn't translated into international success with only four T20 Internationals in his kitty in the last five years.

"I have learnt to understand and focus more on my strengths and (be more) accepting (of) the failures. I try to contribute to the team's cause and try to take the team over the line. I am learning to focus and control my emotions while batting like MS Dhoni," Samson said during a podcast organised by Rajasthan Royals.

He recently made a comeback in India's T20 side and it was a worthy experience for him.

"It was great to be a part of the Indian team again. To be a part of one of the best teams in the world, surrounded by players like Virat bhai and Rohit bhai, it was a fantastic experience," Samson said.

In one of the games in New Zealand, Samson was sent to bat in the Super Over, something which made him feel wanted in the Indian set-up.

"It was a great feeling to be trusted by the players such as Virat bhai and Rohit bhai to go out there and bat in the crucial moments. It's a great feeling when the team and the players consider you to be a match winner."

On a lighter note, Samson revealed that he refers to Steve Smith as "chachu" (uncle) after Brad Hodge once started calling him by that name.

"I share a very good relationship with 'Chachu' Steve Smith. He is one of the best brains in world cricket and we all enjoy a lot playing under him."

Asked what's the back story of the nickname, Samson said: "It started with Brad Hodge, he used to call Smith 'Chachu', then when Hodgy left, I started calling Smith 'Chachu'. In return Smith also started calling me 'Chachu'. We both really enjoy and continue calling each other that."

While Dhoni is his idol, he also loves watching Jos Buttler in Royals and makes notes on how the star Englishman prepares for games.

"I observe Jos especially given he too is a wicketkeeper-batsman. He's always working on his skills and his game and never sits idle.

"He's either working on his keeping, batting in the nets or running around the park. I love to observe and know how he thinks and prepares as a keeper before a game.

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Agencies
February 23,2020

Madrid, Feb 23: Lionel Messi scored four goals and Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in the La Liga as Real Madrid suffered a surprise defeat by Levante last night, a week before the Clasico.

Madrid's nightmare afternoon was made worse by another injury to Eden Hazard, who was forced off in the second half of their 1-0 defeat in Valencia and is now doubtful to face Manchester City on Wednesday in the Champions League.

"It doesn't look good," said Real coach Zinedine Zidane afterwards.

Messi, meanwhile, ridiculed talk of a goal drought by scoring four against Eibar after four games without one, while emergency signing Martin Braithwaite made two assists off the bench, teeing up Messi and then Arthur Melo in injury-time.

Their 5-0 rout, coupled with Madrid's defeat, means Barca move back to the summit of La Liga, two points ahead of Zidane's side ahead of next Saturday's showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It amounts to a considerable shift in momentum, with Barcelona away at Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.

Madrid host City a day later and the plan had been for Hazard to regain form and fitness in what was only his second start since returning from three months out with a broken right foot.

But the Belgian sat in the dug-out with an ice pack around the same foot after going off and Zidane suggested it was a repeat injury after the match. "It can be weak where you've had an injury," he said.

For Madrid, playing catch-up again next weekend will be a particularly heavy psychological blow, especially given the series of off-field problems engulfing Barcelona in recent weeks.

Yet on the pitch, Messi showed no sign of distraction as the 32-year-old completed the second fastest of his now 36 league hat-tricks, after less than 40 minutes at Camp Nou.

"There's nothing left to do but stand up and applaud," Eibar wrote on Twitter afterwards.

"I won't wash my kit after hugging Messi," said Braithwaite.

Braithwaite's arrival from Leganes drew criticism after Barcelona capitalised on a curious La Liga rule that allows clubs to sign outside of the transfer window if they have lost a player to serious injury.

Brilliant Messi

Messi quickly got to work, scoring a brilliant first goal in the 14th minute after collecting the ball centrally, around 30 yards out. He had three Eibar defenders in front of him but found a way through, nutmegging Anaitz Arbilla before chipping delicately into the corner.

The second came in the 37th minute as Sergio Busquets found Arturo Vidal, who feathered a flick into Messi's path. Messi surged forward, past his stumbling opponents, and fired in.

His third, three minutes later, was the simplest of the trio and arrived only after he tried to play in Antoine Griezmann. His generosity was rewarded as a sloppy Griezmann touch meant the ball cannoned back to Messi, who apologetically poked in.

Coach Quique Setien was able to take Griezmann off with 18 minutes left and introduce Braithwaite for his debut. Braithwaite's first contribution was a skewed cross but things improved immeasurably from there, as two passes across goal gave Messi his fourth and Arthur his first.

Madrid were never in control of a chaotic contest against Levante but might have taken the lead if Hazard had done better with a long ball over the top from Marcelo, which he failed to control and then scuffed into the hands of Aitor Fernandez.

He limped off and Madrid lost their way, finally punished with 11 minutes left by a straight ball through to Morales. Luka Modric, exposed on the right side of Madrid's defence, was unable to recover and Morales caught Courtois by surprise by firing early past the goalkeeper and into the top corner.

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Agencies
August 6,2020

New Delhi, Aug 6: The BCCI on Thursday suspended the IPL title sponsorship deal with Chinese mobile phone company Vivo for the event's upcoming edition amid heightened tensions in Sino-India diplomatic ties.

The BCCI sent out a one-line statement, without giving details, saying that Vivo would not be associated with the IPL this year. "The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd have decided to suspend their partnership for Indian Premier League in 2020," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Vivo released its own statement saying that the two entities "have mutually decided to pause their partnership for the 2020 season".

Vivo won the IPL title sponsorship rights for five years from 2018 to 2022 for a reported sum of Rs 2,190 crore, approximately Rs 440 crore per annum.

The two parties are now working out a plan in which Vivo might come back for a fresh three-year period starting 2021 on revised terms.

However, a top BCCI official offered a different view. "Here we are talking about diplomatic tensions and you expect that after November, when IPL ends and before the next IPL starts in April 2021, there would be no anti-China sentiment? Are we serious?" a veteran BCCI official said on conditions of anonymity.

The anti-China sentiment in the country peaked after the violent face-off between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh. India lost 20 soldiers in the clash, while China also acknowledged unspecified casualties.

The stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) caused outrage across India with several calls for boycotts of Chinese companies and products.

The BCCI is now likely to float a tender for new IPL title sponsors as mandated by its constitution. The glitzy T20 league starts on Sept. 19 in the UAE, forced out of India due to the rising COVID-19 cases.

The new development is in stark contrast to what came out of Sunday's IPL's Governing Council meeting, where it was decided that Vivo, along with all the other sponsors, will remain on board.

This was after the BCCI had announced in June that all sponsorship deals pertaining to IPL will be reviewed in the aftermath of the clash in the Galwan Valley.

However, after Sunday's meeting, there was a huge backlash on social media about the BCCI holding on to Vivo.

Both parties then began thrashing out an amicable separation plan, at least for this season.

However, the end of this deal could spell losses for the franchises as they get a substantial share from the sponsorship pool. Half of the annual Vivo sponsorship money is distributed equally among eight franchises, which comes to Rs 27.5 crore.

"As of now, it will be very difficult for the BCCI to match the sponsorship amount at such short notice. Therefore, both BCCI and the franchises should be prepared to lose out on some money -- BCCI more but each franchise from Vivo's exit will potentially lose 15 crore," the official said.

"This year will be difficult for everyone but the show must go on," the official said.

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