India and England will lock horns in the fifth and final Test of the series in Dharamshala from Thursday. India has won the series 3-1, handing England their first series loss under the leadership of Stokes and coach McCullum.

Both sides still have World Test Championship points to gain in Dharamsala, even though the series has been decided. India is on top of the World Test Championship standings while England is eighth on the points table.

Ahead of the game, Stokes said on Tuesday as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, “Well, it is like whenever we play. We want to win this week.”

For England, complacency is not an option as they are feeling the need to step up their game to the next level, after a series of missed opportunities that did not let them win the Ashes series against Australia at home despite a remarkable fightback and against India here, giving the Asian giants plenty of headaches during four matches. But England could not make it count during the pressure situations and lost the series despite the promise shown with both bat and ball.

“It is not a mental or a mentality thing. All you can do is work your hardest and try in the nets because that is where you get better,” said Stokes.

The skipper also praised the middle-order veteran Jonny Bairstow, who is all set to play his 100th Test match. The duo has had a long association since the age-group cricket. Bairstow also rated his 2022 Test summer, Stokes’ first as a captain, as a major highlight of his career.

But Stokes was unwilling to take credit for it and reflected on what it means to the batter and his family, saying, “I am not the one who is out there doing that. This is probably going to be more of an emotional thing for Jonny than it ever was for me. I do not need to go into details as to why about the whole family. He has got his mam, sister, partner, little baby boy and some friends here.”

“Playing for England means so much to Jonny and means so much to his family as well and to play over 100 ODIs, 100 Tests – a lot of cricket for England – it means a hell of a lot to him. He deserves everything that gets spoken about him in the build-up to the game and throughout the week as well,” said Stokes.

England is considering the idea of picking up a three-seamer attack for the first time on this tour. With James Anderson fully fit and two scalps away from 700 Test wickets, he will be playing. Mark Wood could be returning for his third match of the series. While Stokes labelled young Gus Atkinson as an “exciting talent”, Ollie Robinson is likely to retain his spot despite a bad outing at Ranchi, going wicketless in 13 overs of his first innings, and picking up a back issue as well. He did deliver with the bat though, scoring his maiden fifty. But his ineffectiveness with the ball and dropped catches cost England a lot during the game. He put down the catch of Dhruv Jurel, who went on to win the game for India almost single-handedly.

Stokes backed Ollie, whose Test record is still an impressive 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 in 20 Tests. He indicated that the 30-year-old is a vital part of England’s future set-up.

“You are more gutted for Ollie that something on day one, his back going, which affects the role he can play in the long run. He is more disappointed that he could not help the team out as much as he’d like,” he said.

“With Ollie, we look at the effort he put in as an individual leading up to and on this tour. His work ethic away from playing was very good, and he gave himself the best chance of being in a position to win that game for us.”

“The thing to look at is that he was out on the field, trying to influence the game even though he was not feeling 100 per cent. A lesser man would have put their hands up, walked away and not even tried,” concluded Stokes.

Stokes said that just because they have lost the series, does not mean that this game is going to be any different. Every opportunity to play for England is special, he added.

“We have been on so many India tours, you know what it is like when you get to an end of a long one – that sometimes you start thinking about the end of the game,” Stokes warned.

“I do not think that anyone is thinking like that because every opportunity we feel at the moment is special to play for England. Because we have lost the series, it does not mean that this game is different to what last week was or the week before.”

“We will think about the plane and getting home when we are at the airport. So I would not be thinking about that whatsoever until the game’s done,” he concluded. (ANI)

Also Read: India squad for remaining England Tests announced, Virat set to miss entire series

Jurel made his Test debut during the third Test at Rajkot, scoring a valuable 46 in 104 balls. India won that match by 434 runs. During the fourth Test in Ranchi as well, the 23-year-old keeper delivered a match-winning performance as well.

Speaking to JioCinema, Kumble said that Jurel showed temperament in his technique while defending and attacking both.

“Dhruv Jurel certainly has all the credentials to get to where MS (Dhoni) reached in his career. He’s not just shown the temperament of his technique to defence but even when he’s attacking. Even in that first innings, he was very assured, he went after and then hit those big sixes,” Kumble said.

Kumble said that Jurel’s glovework has been exceptional, especially against pacers and the only way is up for the young wicketkeeper.

“He has (Jurel) been exceptional, especially of the faster bowlers…He is only going to improve. This is only his second Test and I am sure as he starts playing more and more he’ll only get better. And it only augers well for India. And to have him in a squad is exceptional,” he elaborated.

Jurel’s contribution was important to the team’s win in the fourth Test. In the first inning, it was his knock of 90 runs and a 76-run partnership with Kuldeep Yadav that pulled India out of a troublesome situation and reduced England’s lead to just 46 runs. Later, his 39* in the second innings and partnership with Shubman Gill helped India overcome the pressure of quick wickets and pull off a tense run chase of 192 runs. He earned the ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts in only his second Test.

Jurel will be also in action during the fifth and final Test to be played at Dharamshala from March 7. (ANI)

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While speaking at the post-match presentation, Meghana said that she gained confidence from RCB’s previous match against UP Warriorz, where the batting all-rounder played a 53-run knock.

She revealed that the RCB skipper, Smriti Mandhana, and the team management backed her and asked Meghana to back her strengths.

“I took the confidence from the first game, utilised the powerplay, and it worked well for me. After Smriti got out, I wanted to rotate the strike and give more strikes to Perry. I got a message to calm down, and if there’s a ball to be hit, go for it, otherwise, rotate the strike. I have got a lot of support from Smriti and the team. They have told me to back my strengths. Has allowed me to play my natural game. Definitely yes. I’m a bit more relaxed going at 3. I was looking at Smriti because there’s so much crowd, we can’t hear, I was looking at her for guidance on the field,” Meghana said.

Recapping the match, Smriti Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana’s blitzkrieg helped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) seal a comfortable eight-wicket win over Gujarat Giants (GGT) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024.

Mandhana and Sophie Devine came on the crease for the Bengaluru-based franchise while chasing a 108-run target. The Mandhana-Devine pair made a 32-run partnership until Ashleigh Gardner dismissed the Kiwi batting allrounder in the fourth over of the game. Devine scored only six runs from six and smashed one four with a strike rate of 100.00.

Meghana played a 36-run knock from 28 balls with a strike rate of 128.57. She slammed five fours and one six in the second inning. Meanwhile, Perry hit four fours, powered RCB to 110/2 and sealed a second consecutive win in the T20 tournament.

Earlier in the first inning, GGT displayed a poor performance in the game and could give a target of only 108 runs, which was easily chased by Mandhana’s side. (ANI)

Also Read: BCCI Annual General Meeting approves Women’s IPL

Known for his swashbuckling style at the crease, Gibbs brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Red Carpet Delhi team at the IVPL, scheduled to take place from February 23 to March 3, 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun.

Joining Gibbs in the Red Carpet Delhi squad are former Afghanistan cricketer Asghar Afghan, Sri Lanka all-rounder Thisara Perera, and South African spinner Imran Tahir, all serving as icon players. Adding to the team’s depth is former IPL champion Manvinder Bisla.

Expressing his excitement on joining IVPL, Gibbs said: “I’m very excited to announce that I’ll be playing in the Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL). I’ll be representing the Red Carpet Delhi Team and can’t wait to get started and see you all then.”

Organized by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) and managed by 100 Sports, the IVPL is bringing together veterans such as Sehwag, Munaf Patel, Suresh Raina, Rajat Bhatia, Chris Gayle, Praveen Kumar, Yusuf Pathan, Gibbs, and many more.

Praveen Tyagi, the Acting President of BVCI and Chairman of IVPL said: “We are thrilled to have Herschelle Gibbs in the Indian Veteran Premier League. Fans are excited to see his explosive batting. We look forward to witnessing Gibbs and his fellow veterans showcase their talents on the grand stage of the IVPL.”

The participating teams include VVIP Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Legends, Red Carpet Delhi, Chhattisgarh Warriors, Telangana Tigers, and Mumbai Champions. Each team is a powerhouse of talent, as cricketing legends and regional stars come together to relive their passion for the game. Each team will have four to five iconic players from across the World.

Red Carpet Delhi squad: Herschelle Gibbs (C), Asghar Afghan, Thisara Perera, Imran Tahir, Abhimanyu Mithun, Rajeev Tyagi, Jitendra Kumar, Shajil B, Kapil Rana Vikram Dhanraj Batra, Baburao Yadav, Ashu Sharma Yujvender Singh, Amit Sharma, Aashis Sharma, Manvinder Bisla, Rakesh Tandel, Vikrant Yadav, Amit Tomar

Icon Players: Asghar Afghan, Thisara Perera, Imran Tahir, Abhimanyu Mithun

Reserve Player: Pankaj Tyagi, Deepak C.M Kerla, Manish Tyagi

It bookmarked an extraordinary period for Klaasen that began right here in the inaugural SA20 Season 1.

Klaasen lit up Centurion with a sparkling ton in Season 1, before heading off to the Indian Premier League where he repeated the act for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

But he was not done yet. Klaasen built up to the ICC 50-overs World Cup in India last year with an astonishing 174 off 83 balls against Australia in India before exploding in Mumbai with another rollicking 67-ball 109 against England.

Klaasen’s purple patch continued in SA20 Season 2 where he bludgeoned the opposition’s bowlers to all parts of the six venues around the country, as he finished with 447 runs at a strike-rate of 207.90.

The consistency of Klaasen’s striking, which yielded a record-breaking 37 sixes, has been incredible and he attributes his success to the hard work behind the scenes.

“The swing has been good the last couple of years. I think better decision-making and execution has helped me. It helps when you execute the right plan you have in mind. It took a lot of hard work to get to where I am at this moment but I am also in a good space mentally,” Klassen said.

Although Klaasen was unable to power DSG to their maiden Betway SA20 championship, the 32-year-old was pleased with the team’s overall performance.

“It’s nice to perform, but it’s only worth it when your team gets over the line, otherwise the performance means nothing to me. It is a little bit disappointing, but there’s more important things in life than winning trophies. It has been a good tournament, our guys played fantastically, but the better team won on the day,” he said.

“The boys have been fantastic, together with the coaches, and supporting staff, it’s a thankless job. We can’t ask for a better tournament in South Africa. The SA20 is up there with the world’s best.”

Sunrisers duo Ottniel Baartman and Marco Jansen were also honoured on Saturday evening for their heroic performances in helping the Eastern Cape team defend their title in Season 2.

Baartman was named Bowler of the Season after claiming 18 wickets at an average of 11.78, while Jansen collected the Rising Star of the Season for his 20 wickets and his 105 runs at a strike-rate of 177.96.

“We had a number of injuries in the team, including Sisanda Magala and Craig Overton. I knew I had to step it up. The team played very nicely, the way they set the tone with the new ball throughout the tournament was unbelievable,” Baartman said.

Equally Jansen paid tribute to his teammates – in true Sunrisers’ fashion – for helping him to achieve the personal recognition.

“I couldn’t have done it without the team as personal performances can only take you so far. Having those two (Dan Worrall and Baartman) with me is an awesome feeling. Just to know that if I’m not on it on any given occasion, they’ll carry me,” the 23-year-old said

“With the bat, I just go out and try and enjoy it. If it comes off, it comes off. It’s an awesome feeling.”

Full list of SA20 Award Winners:

• SA20 champions: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
• Runners-up: Durban’s Super Giants
• Spirit of Cricket Award: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
• Rising Star Award: Marco Jansen (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
• Batter of the Season: Heinrich Klaasen (Durban’s Super Giants)
• Bowler of the Season: Ottniel Baartman (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
• Player of the Season: Heinrich Klaasen (Durban’s Super Giants).(ANI)

The southpaw played a marvellous knock of 70 runs from just 36 balls which was laced with 12 fours and a six. Warner was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning performance in the first T20I of the three-match series. He is the only player to have fifty-plus scores in his 100th Test, ODI and T20I and also to win a ‘Player of the Match’ in all of them.

Experienced opener became Australia’s first player from the nation to make 100 appearances in all formats of cricket following his inclusion in Australia’s playing XI for the first T20I clash against West Indies on Friday. Besides Virat Kohli and New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, he is the only third player to have played 100 games across all three formats.

Warner has scored 2964 runs in the 100 matches he has played in the shortest format of the game so far at an average of 33.30 and a strike rate of 142.22 with one ton and 25 fifties in his career. Now he is the eighth-highest run-scorer in T20Is.

On the other hand, Buttler has scored 2927 runs in the 114 matches he has played in the T20Is at an average of 34.84 and a strike rate of 144.61 with one century and 22 half-centuries so far.

The top five players in this list are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from India, Babar Azam from Pakistan, Martin Guptill from New Zealand and Paul Sterling from Ireland.

Kohli is leading the run-tally as the right-hand batter has scored 4037 runs so far in the 117 matches he has played so far in his career at an outstanding average of 51.75 and at a strike rate of 138.15 with one hundred and 37 fifties against his name.

The Men in Blue skipper Rohit Sharma is second in the list. The Mumbai-born cricketer has scored 3974 runs so far in the 151 matches he has played so far in his career at an average of 31.75 and a strike rate of 139.97 with five centuries and 29 half-centuries.

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam comes on third number. The 29-year-old has scored 3698 runs in the 109 matches he has played so far in his career at a magnificent average of 41.55 and a strike rate of 129.12 with three hundreds and 33 fifties against his name.

New Zealand veteran batter Martin Guptill is fourth in the list. The right-hand batter has scored 3531 runs in the 122 games he has played for his country. He has scored runs at an average of 31.81 and a strike rate of 135.70 with two centuries and 20 half-centuries to his name.

On the fifth number comes the right-hand batter from Ireland, Paul Sterling. The 33-year-old cricketer has scored 3438 runs in the 13 matches he has played so far for his national side. He has scored these runs at an average of 28.18 and a strike rate of 135.72 with 23 fifties and a ton.

In the match on Friday, with help of Warner’s fifty and cameos from Josh Inglis (39 in 25 balls, with five fours and a six) and Tim David (37* in 17 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes, Australia made 213/7 in their 20 overs. Andre Russell (3/42) was the pick of the bowlers for WI.

In the chase, Brandon King (53 in 37 balls, seven fours and a six) and Johnson Charles (42 in 25 balls, with six fours and a six) started well with a 89-run opening stand. But wickets fell regularly and despite Jason Holder’s 34* in 15 balls, with three fours and two sixes, WI fell 11 runs short, finishing at 202/8 in their 20 overs. Adam Zampa (3/26) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. (ANI)

Also Read: ‘I think he will make some runs’: Ricky Ponting on David Warner

Virat had earlier missed the first two Tests. Now, his absence is extended to three more games. His last appearance came in the T20I series against Afghanistan earlier in January.

“Virat Kohli will remain unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons. The Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli’s decision,” said a statement from the board.

Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar are also a part of the series. The participation of batter KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is subject to their fitness, said BCCI.

“The participation of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team,” said BCCI’s statement.

Mohammed Shami, who had missed the first two Tests due to injury, continues to sit out. Pacer Akash Deep has also been included in the squad.

The third Test will commence on February 15 in Rajkot while the fourth Test kickstarts in Ranchi on February 23 The fifth and final Test of the series will be played in Dharamsala from March 7. The series is currently level 1-1. After a 28-run loss in the first Hyderabad Test, India won the second Test at Visakhapatnam by 106 runs.

Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep. (ANI)

Williamson scored centuries in both the innings of the Test match. The 33-year-old scored 118 runs in the first innings and 109 runs in the second. On the other hand, the 24-year-old player went on to score his maiden double ton (240) in the first innings of the fourth match of his Test career.

The all-rounder asserted that the victory against South Africa is very pleasing and we all are very humbled after doing the right things in the match.

“Any capacity to a team victory is extremely pleasing. Happy that we got the job done. I will rate this very highly. We are all humble and just do the right things. He has got 31 Test tons and I only have one. The beauty of this team is that as long as you are trying, you feel the belonging to the team. The coach and the management ensure that,” Ravindra said after the match.

Recapping the match, the first clash between the experienced side and the raw talent saw the experienced side pass with flying colours on Day 4.

After Kane Williamson’s twin centuries and Ravindra’s double ton gave New Zealand a commanding position before Day 4’s play, pacer Kyle Jamieson backed by spinner Mitchell Santner allowed the hosts to clinch a dominant victory.

With overcast conditions hovering over the beautiful Bay Oval, Jamieson set the tone of the final session by striking twice after lunch and removed David Bedingham (87) and Keegan Petersen (16).

South Africa in their quest to chase down 529, collapsed on 247 with Santner picking up the final wicket Dane Paterson.

Matt Henry and Tim Southee made most of the overcast conditions and reduced South Africa to 5/2 in the fourth over.

Skipper Southee moved the ball both ways to force his way through the defence of his counterpart Neil Brand (3).

After Raynard van Tonder’s (31 off 83 deliveries) and Zubayr Hamza’s (36 off 92 deliveries) sturdy knocks came to an end, Keegan Petersen and David Bedingham raised hopes of an unprecedented comeback.

Bedingham had a shaky start to his innings, but eventually, he decided to cut loose and introduce his T20 style of play in red ball cricket.

He demolished Matt Henry’s short ball plan and struck four consecutive boundaries in his over. His effortless T20 approach saw him raise his bats for his second Test ton.

However, Jamieson eventually got better of high-flying Bedingham which led to South Africa’s collapse at a score of 247. (ANI)

Also Read: Kohli becomes first player to win 50 international matches in each format

Saharan stepped onto the crease when India were reduced to 8/2 following sensational opening spells from Kwena Maphaka and Tristan Luus.

When India lost their fourth wicket, Saharan stitched up a crucial 171-run stand with Sachin Dhas to shift the tide in favour of India.

Throughout the knock, the Indian skipper only had one thing in mind, to stay till the end.

“There was nothing going on in my mind. I had the belief in myself. My only thought was that I would play till the end. I knew it was a matter of one partnership and the match would be ours. So I was just telling myself again and again that I had to take it deep,” Saharan said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Saharan in his captain’s knock of 81(124) struck only six boundaries. The right-handed batter who knows how to deal in boundaries was quizzed about the restraint after the game.

He revealed that he got it from his father, who also wanted to become a cricketer but couldn’t achieve it.

“He also used to play in the same manner, taking it deep. So I tried to do the same. I knew I could play the big shots at the end if required. I knew as long as I was at the crease, the game was ours,” Saharan said.

“When I walked in, the ball was seaming around. There was bounce as well. So I had to be conscious of that and could not play my shots freely. As the ball got older, it started coming onto the bat better. The odd ball was still bouncing but by then we were set and could handle it,” he added.

While Saharan scored 81, Sachin Dhas was exceptional on the other end, with his ability to willfully score boundaries. His 96 was laced with eleven boundaries and a maximum.

“When I was in the middle, I was telling Sachin – or actually everyone who came in – only one thing: ‘Just stay there till the end. I am here. If you are also here, we will surely get the runs. It will not happen that we are batting and we will not score the runs.’ Outside the boundary line, our coaching staff is so good they never let the mood drop,” Saharan said.

Their heroic effort with the bat guided India to a two-wicket victory and marked the ninth occasion when India made it to the final of a U-19 World Cup.

“It’s a great feeling winning the semi-final. Finally, there was a close game. In a way, it was good practice for us. I am happy that we have reached the final under my captaincy as well,” Saharan said.

India will face Pakistan or Australia in the final of the tournament on Sunday. (ANI)

Also Read: Clash against India is like David vs Goliath: Sammy

India clinched a 106-run win over England in the second Test match in Visakhapatnam.

While speaking after the end of the match, Stokes clarified that he was questioning the DRS’s call not because they lost the game, but because it was his “personal opinion”.

“But in a game full of ifs, buts and maybes, I am not going to say that’s the reason why we haven’t got the result we wanted. I’m just saying my personal opinion is that the technology has gone wrong on this occasion, and I think that’s fair to say,” Stokes said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The English skipper added that technology can never be 100 per cent right for which they have an “umpire’s call”.

“Technology in the game is obviously there. Everyone has an understanding of the reasons it can never be 100% which is why we have the umpire’s call. That’s why it’s in place. When it’s not 100% as everyone says, I don’t think it’s unfair for someone to say ‘I think the technology has got it wrong on this occasion’. And that is my personal opinion. I will say that,” he added.

Crawley’s wicket changed the picture of the second Test match after Kuldeep Yadav dismissed the English batter for 73 in 132 balls, with eight fours and a six in the first session on day four of the second Test match.

Recapping the second Test match, brilliant bowling spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin helped India overcome a fighting England as they levelled the five-match series 1-1.

England started the second session of day four at 194/6, with skipper Stokes joined by wicketkeeper-batter Ben Foakes.

A boundary by Foakes to Bumrah helped England reach the 200-run mark in 46.1 overs.

But disaster struck for England before they could have a big partnership. Some lazy running between the wickets got skipper Stokes out for just 11 runs. Shreyas Iyer’s remarkable effort saw him assist India in removing England’s crisis man, reducing them to 220/7.

Pacer Mukesh Kumar removed the debutant Shoaib Bashir for an eight-ball duck. England were 281/9, 118 runs away from a victory, but with just a wicket left. Everything now was dependent on Hartley, who was joined by James Anderson.

Bumrah got the final wicket, cleaning up Hartley for 36. England were bundled out for 292 and lost by 106 runs. (ANI)

Also Read: ‘I find it particularly frustrating’ – Ben Stokes on Shoaib Bashir’s visa delay

Vihari’s rich vein of form has contributed to Andhra Pradesh’s run in the Elite Group B. Andhra currently sits in second spot with three wins in five games.

The 30-year-old batter has helped his team, scoring 365 runs in seven innings, and sits behind only skipper Ricky Bhui’s tally of 550 runs for the team. His recent scores have allowed him to keep his average in domestic cricket above 50.

Vihari has found it hard to make a spot for himself in India’s playing XI but he is keen to leave his mark in domestic cricket and extend his 16 Test appearances.

“I do feel sad and disappointed that I am not in the Test team, but everyone goes through ups and downs, and my job now is to score runs in the Ranji Trophy. The season has gone all right, both for the team and for me. So the ambition is to score a lot of runs and try to return to the Test team,” Vihari told ESPNcricinfo after Andhra beat Bihar.

Vihari arguably produced one of the most celebrated knocks in 2021 in Indian Test history. His 23* of 161 deliveries in Sydney against Australia turned out to be a match-saving knock for the Indian team.

But since then he has been missing from the action and he indicated that it is likely that as of now he isn’t on the radar of selectors.

“No one has spoken to me recently, but Rahul Dravid did speak to me after my last Test, and he told me what I can improve on, but no, I haven’t been in touch with anyone since then,” Vihari said.

Vihari made his last Test appearance in 2022 at Edgbaston and scored 22 and 11. Now he is focused on improving and enjoying his game.

“But I only think about improving my game and enjoying it. If I don’t do that, there is no purpose left. When I go into the middle, I just want to do my best for the team and score runs. I am at a stage [in my career] where I have no expectations. I give my best each time I bat and then whatever happens will happen,” Vihari added.

Andhra Pradesh will now face Uttar Pradesh on February 9 at the PVG Raju ACA Sports Complex. (ANI)

Also Read: Dressing room feels calm when Vihari is batting: Kohli

Completing their sixth victory in eight matches, the MI Emirates asserted themselves with a first-innings score of 188/5 buoyed by an elegant knock of 65 runs from Kusal Perera and a late innings assault from Nicholas Pooran (39). Ambati Rayudu also produced impeccable value for this team with a hard-fought stint that earned 44 runs.

The Desert Vipers run-chase never found momentum, encumbered by the clinical bowling of the MI Emirates, they lost wickets at frequent intervals, including five in the powerplay. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the Emirates’ bowling attack with impressive figures of 4/31. His four overs scripted the dismissals of Colin Munro, Adam Hose, Azam Khan and Luke Wood to limit the Desert Vipers to 158/8 in 20 overs.

Invited to bat first, MI Emirates began with a lucrative powerplay despite the loss of two wickets. Kusal Perera made his intent crystal clear, scoring 31 off just 18 deliveries in the first six overs. While Muhammad Waseem and Andre Fletcher both departed with minimal impact, scalped by Mohd Amir and Nathan Sowter respectively, to leave the MI Emirates at 61/2 by the end of the powerplay.

As Ambati Rayudu joined Kusal Perera, the duo constructed a formidable stand of 75 runs. Serving as the aggressor in the partnership Perera brought up his half century in just 31 deliveries. In the 16th over, Perera was caught at deep mid-wicket off Wanindu Hasaranga’s delivery for 65 in 46 balls, with eight fours and a six. The same over saw Nicholas Pooran stamp his authority from the very first ball, striking Hasaranga for two consecutive sixes to begin his innings.

Meanwhile Rayudu endeavoured to break the shackles, but the big hits eluded him. He departed for 44 runs in 38 balls, with five fours and a six at the hands of Mohammed Amir in the 18th over.

Luke Wood, tasked with bowling the 19th over was bested by Nicholas Pooran, who hammered two sixes and two fours to complete a 22-run over. Pooran’s exploits were finally halted when a lethal yorker from Matheesha Pathirana broke his middle stump in the final over the innings that only conceded 3 runs. Pooran was out for 39 in 15 balls, with three fours and four sixes. The MI Emirates, however, managed a strong finish to conclude the innings at 188/5 in 20 overs.

In response the Desert Vipers had a tempestuous start, losing four wickets in the powerplay. Rohan Mustafa fell to spinner Akeal Hosein, as early as the first over while Alex Hales was dismissed by Trent Boult in the fourth over. The Desert Vipers conundrum compounded when Fazalhaq Farooqi was brought into action to dismiss Adam Hose and Colin Munro. All of these batters fell for single-digit scores.

The in-form Azam Khan looked dangerous as he blitzed his way to 19 runs in just 10 deliveries, including three fours and a six, but he also fell to Fazalhaq Farooqi in the sixth over, to leave the Desert Vipers languishing at 38/5 by the end of the powerplay.

The Desert Vipers continued to spiral out of control as Wanindu Hasaranga was the next man to depart, falling to Waqar Salamkheil for just nine runs in the seventh over. UAE’s Ali Naseer and Sherfane Rutherford worked to salvage a respectable outcome as the pair combined to put on 38 runs before Rutherford was dismissed by Odean Smith in the 12th over with the score at 82/7.

As Luke Wood joined Ali Naseer, the Desert Vipers needed a steep 107 runs in 48 deliveries. While the Viper ultimately fell short of the target by 30 runs, Ali Naseer (63* in 47 balls, with five fours and two sixes) put on an exceptional display reaching his half-century in 42 balls and Luke Wood chipped in with 30 runs before, he was Farooqi’s fourth scalp of the night in the 20th over. The Desert Vipers finished at 158/8.

Brief Scores: MI Emirates beat Desert Vipers by 30 runs.

MI Emirates: 188 for 5 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 65, Ambati Rayudu 44, Mohammed Amir 2/29); Desert Vipers: 158 for 8 in 20 overs (Ali Naseer 63*, Luke Wood 30 Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/31)

Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran. (ANI)

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Rajat Patidar received his maiden Test cap by former pacer Zaheer Khan in Visakhapatnam.

According to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mohammed Siraj has been released from the India squad for the second Test against England in Vizag.

“The decision was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and the amount of cricket he has played in recent times. He will be available for selection for the third Test in Rajkot. Avesh Khan has re-joined the team for the 2nd Test,” BCCI said in an official statement.

Heading into the second match, India lack experience in the spin department and also the hosts will be missing a mature batting line-up. Virat Kohli will miss the game due to personal reasons while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have been ruled out of the second Test due to injuries.

In the second Test, an under-pressure and under-resourced India will have to go outside the box to beat England’s courageous ‘Bazballers’. India are rarely tested at home, but after a shocking setback in Hyderabad, they have a lot to think about, and the absence of injured Jadeja and Rahul has made their work more difficult.

Meanwhile, after clinching a 28-run in the first Test, England have named three frontline spinners – Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, who lack a bit of experience. Jack Leach who holds the highest experience is on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

Speaking at the time of the toss India captain said, “We’ll bat first. Looks like a good pitch, the pitch will do its thing, we need to play good cricket. What happened in Hyderabad is history, we need to move on. We have spoken on things we need to do, now we need to execute on our plans. I thought we batted well in the first innings but didn’t have the same intent. Similarly, in the second innings with the bowl, there was a brilliant knock by Ollie Pope. Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but that’s why we have the guys sitting on the bench. Two unforced changes – Jadeja and KL missed out, and Siraj has been rested. We’ve got Mukesh, Kuldeep and Rajat Patidar making his debut.”

England captain Ben Stokes said, “Would have batted as well. It was a great last week, but we know India will come back hard. To come from behind like we did was very pleasing. We’ll take the confidence from that, but new week now. It is an amazing atmosphere to play in for the boys. To get such an opportunity at the start of their career will do wonders for their confidence.”

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav.

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir and James Anderson. (ANI)

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The Sunrisers were dominant from the outset after captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl.

Daniel Worrall has been excellent with the new ball for the Sunrisers throughout the campaign and once again showed his capabilities with 3/20 to dismiss the Super Kings for just 78, as per a press release from SA20.

Worrall ripped the heart out of the JSK top-order by removing both Faf du Plessis and Reeza Hendricks for ducks before picking up Kyle Simmonds in his second spell to complete a wonderful first night out at the Bullring.

JSK never managed to recover from the early setbacks with Marco Jansen (2/13) and Beyers Swanepoel (2/21) picking up a couple of wickets each before Patrick Kruger delivered the coup de grace with the remarkable figures of 3/8.

Wayne Madsen (32 in 23 balls, with five fours and a six) was the top run-scorer for JSK.

The Sunrisers cruised through their run chase with English pair Dawid Malan (40* in 32 balls, with five fours and a six) and Tom Abell (26* in 20 balls, with three fours and a six) sharing an unbroken 50-run partnership for the second wicket.

The only success for JSK was the wicket of Jordan Hermann, who was caught behind off Lizaad Williams for 11.

The Sunrisers now head down to Boland Park where they will go head-to-head with the Paarl Royals in a bid to secure second place that earns an automatic place in Qualifier 1 at Newlands next week.

Meanwhile, the Super Kings’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs are now hanging by a thread as they only have one more game remaining against the league leaders Durban’s Super Giants on Saturday at the Wanderers.

The Super Kings are currently on 13 points with Pretoria Capitals (10) and MI Cape Town (9) all still fighting it out for the last remaining playoff spot. (ANI)

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The defending champions India were undefeated in the group stage and finished first in the Group A points standings. New Zealand, on the other hand, lost one match against Pakistan and finished second in Group D.

India Under-19 is an unstoppable force, reigning supreme at the top of Group A with an incredible track record. Their path has been nothing short of spectacular, with stunning triumphs against Ireland, the United States, and Bangladesh.

India Under-19 will be well-versed in the pitch’s characteristics and intricacies after playing all three games here.

New Zealand U19 (Playing XI): James Nelson, Tom Jones, Snehith Reddy, Lachlan Stackpole, Oscar Jackson(c), Oliver Tewatiya, Zac Cumming, Alex Thompson(w), Ewald Schreuder, Ryan Tsourga and Mason Clarke.

India U19 (Playing XI): Adarsh Singh, Arshin Kulkarni, Musheer Khan, Uday Saharan(c), Priyanshu Moliya, Sachin Dhas, Aravelly Avanish(w), Murugan Abhishek, Naman Tiwari, Raj Limbani and Saumy Pandey. (ANI)

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