Showing posts with label Mumbai Indians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mumbai Indians. Show all posts
Monday, March 14, 2022

Who can Challenge Mumbai and Chennai in IPL 2022?


Posted by Q at Monday, March 14, 2022 No Comments
The IPL this year will be bigger and better than previous editions with the addition of two new franchises - The Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants.

But can any team really challenge the Mumbai Indians or the Chennai Super Kings?

In the 14 editions of the IPL, these two franchises have won the title a collective 9 times!

Mumbai is leading the race with 5 IPL wins, while Chennai are the reigning champions.

Will these two teams dominate the proceedings once again?

Both these champion teams have a great rivalry too, which will be reignited once again when the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off.

If you want a dig at an IPL prediction, you would definitely go with one of these two champion teams.

A team that can emerge as a strong contender in 2022, however, is Mumbai's traditional rivals the Delhi Capitals.

They beat Mumbai both times during the 2021 edition, and this year have a number of players among their ranks that can take away matches single handedly.

Starting with their captain Rishabh Pant to their foreign contingent of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Tim Seifert.

The new franchise, Lucknow Super Giants, also look like a very strong team who can pose a threat to the Mumbai and Chennai.

Lucknow have installed KL Rahul as their captain. KL Rahul has been one of the leading run scorers in the last two editions of the IPL.

Even though it is Lucknow's first ever IPL this year, they are a strong outfit.

Players like Evin Lewis, Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder, Marcus Stoinis, and Krunal Pandya are T20 stalwarts and can take the game away from anyone on their day.

The other new franchise, Gujarat Titans, can also be a surprise package.

They surprised everyone when they announced Hardik Pandya as their captain. Hardik Panday has never led any side in any format ever before, and this IPL 2022 will be his first stint leading a team.

Pandya is one of the most confident cricketers around and he will surely instill the same in his team. I believe. they will be a force to reckon with in this IPL.

IPL is undoubtedly one of the most exciting T20 leagues around and we can anticipate some thrilling contests when it kicks off at the end of this month.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , ,


Friday, February 28, 2020

IPL 2020 is upon us!


Posted by Q at Friday, February 28, 2020 Pitched (10)
The world's premier T20 competition, the IPL, will be starting its 13th season in a month's time.

When the 6-week extravaganza gets underway, all cricket around the world will come to a standstill and all eyes will be on the world's best players competing for the ultimate T20 crown.

Like last year, 8 teams will take part in IPL 2020, which starts on 27 March 2020 and goes on till the middle of May.

Six teams have won the previous 12 editions of the IPL with Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai Indians winning it 4 times. Chennai Super Kings, who missed out two seasons, have won the IPL three times; while Shahrukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders have won it twice.

The other three editions have been won by Rajasthan Royals, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

LEADING BATSMEN
T20 is a batsman's game and the IPL has seen some scintillating knocks over the past decade and a bit.

The first ever match played in IPL history, in 2008, witnessed a Brendan McCullum classic as he butchered the Royal Challengers Bangalore's attack amassing an unbeaten 158 that included 13 sixes and 10 fours.

That remained the highest score ever made in the IPL till Chris Gayle smashed his way to an unbeaten 175 in 2013. Gayle's knock comprised 17 sixes and 13 fours.


Chris Gayle is among the leading run scorers as well in the IPL, but it is no surprise as to who tops that list.

None other than the King himself, Virat Kohli!

Kohli is only one of two batsmen who have piled on over 5,000 runs in the IPL. The other being Suresh Raina.

There are only 8 other batsmen who have over 4,000 runs in the IPL.


There is another batting accolade that Chris Gayle has the honor of holding - the most number of sixes hit in the IPL.

Gayle is right there at the top with 326 sixes and he has a lead of over a 100 sixes over the next batsman on the list!

More than a 100 sixes than anyone else playing this T20 league!

What a legend this Chris Gayle is.


Gayle's name also makes the list when you look at batsmen who have scored the most runs in one season of IPL; however like the list of batsman with most runs in the history of the IPL, Kohli leads this list too.

He knocked a legendary 973 runs in IPL 2016!


Take a look at today match predictions and decide for yourself on who you will be placing your money on. Chris Gayle is a T20 superstar and a cricket legend. He is a key man to have in your team in T20 cricket. Any team that has Gayle in it will always be a favorite on the day.

Also take a look at this video for match predictions.


LEADING BOWLERS
It is a batsman's game no doubt but bowlers who can check the run flow are worth their weight in gold! Not many bowlers escape the onslaught of T20 batsmen, but there are a few who have been quite successful in this format.

Spinners are among the top wicket takers in the IPL, but there is one pacer who has out done all of them and that is Lasith Malinga.


Malinga has been a T20 superstar with the ball, not only for his IPL franchise for his country too. Mumbai Indians are fortunate to have him in the ranks and he has been a key component of their 4 IPL wins, the most by any team in the IPL.

I would say that the Mumbai Indians will start IPL 2020 as favorites. They are the defending champions and have won 4 of the past 7 IPL Trophies.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , ,


Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Five Key Talking Points Of The IPL 2018 Season So Far


Posted by Q at Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Pitched (3)

Little has gone to script in the new IPL season and fans have already been treated to a captivating blend of drama, intrigue and excitement. Pre-season favourites have flopped, new greats have emerged and a thrilling unpredictability abounds. Here are the five biggest talking points so far:

Superb Sunrisers
The Hyderabad Sunrisers’ pre-season preparations were plunged into disarray when skipper David Warner was banned for his role in the Australian ball-tampering scandal. It looked as though they would struggle to match last year’s performance, where they finished third in the standings and made it through to the playoffs, with some predicting a grim season. But the Sunrisers came flying out of the blocks and won their first three games in a row to soar to the top of the table. Kiwi batsman Kane Williamson has embraced the role of captain and his phenomenally talented bowling line-up has delivered in style. They have restricted the opposition to fewer than 150 runs in all three opening games, leading the team to a 100% start to the season. They now lead the way in the IPL markets and Williamson’s men certainly look like the team to beat this year.

Miserable Mumbai 
Last year’s champions could not have made a worse start to the defense of their crown as they lost all three opening games of the season to sit bottom of the ladder. The defeats were close, but two were in their own back yard and that will be worrying for everyone connected with the franchise. They are now the rank outsiders for glory this season, and it could end up as the worst defense of an IPL title we have seen.

There is still time for them to turn things around, and they have not played too badly, but to lose their first three games by a whisker suggests a lack of fortitude in the clutch, so they will need to improve in this department.

Rehman comes of age
Mujeeb Ur Rehman became the youngest IPL player in history when he made his debut for the Kings XI Punjab, and what a debut it turned out to be. The 17-year-old Afghan removed the number one T20 batsman, Colin Munro, on just his third ball, swiftly endearing himself to the fans. The fairy-tale start continued when he dismissed Rishabh Pant, and ended up with highly impressive figures of 2-28 in his quota of four overs. Kings XI have made a strong start to the campaign and captain Ravichandran Ashwin is likely to use the teenage Afghan sensation to devastating effect over the coming weeks.

Rahul bidding for the Orange cap
Lokesh Rahul was the most expensive player for Kings XI at the IPL auction and he quickly repaid some of that fee. He came to the crease with his team chasing 166 against the Delhi Daredevils in their opening game, and hit 50 off just 14 balls – an IPL record – to totally demoralize his opponents. He smashed every bowler he faced and hit 24 off Amit Mishra in one over. Rahul has been branded a Test cricketer before, but he has always insisted he can star in limited overs contests, and he has proved it this year. He is not a preferred opener for the Indian national team, but he is keen to wear the Orange cap and his clean ball striking should have given the selectors something to think about.

Kohli still the star attraction
Even when he is being outshone by the likes of Sanju Samson, Kohli is still the main man in the IPL. The fans worship him, fellow players are full of respect and his star quality shines brightly. West Indian all-rounder Dwayne Bravo likened him to the cricketing equivalent of Real Madrid soccer star Christiano Ronaldo this week. “For me as a cricket player to play against him and to watch him play when he represents India, even RCB, I admire the talent that he has, the passion he has for the game, for the sport when he plays. So hats off to him and he deserves all the achievement,” said Bravo. Royal Challengers Bangalore have made an inauspicious start to the season, losing two of their first three games, but there is still time to turn things around and they are the second favourites behind the Sunrisers to lift the trophy at the end of the season.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,


Tuesday, April 10, 2018

IPL: Stop the Run Chase!


Posted by Q at Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Pitched (2)
As the most popular T20 league, the IPL, takes over everyone's lives for the next 6 weeks or so, there is an IPL game in town that will take over everyone's social media lives.

With the IPL frenzy ongoing, Expedia India have launched an IPL based game called 'Stop the Run Chase!'.


The objective of the game is exactly as the name suggests - one needs to stop the runs from flowing and keep the points total down to win.

Interestingly, no team has been able to stop the run chase in the IPL yet with Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Rajasthan Royals all failing to defend their totals.

However in Expedia's IPL game you can defend! All you have to do is tap on the 120 balls that are hit to different parts of India and defend your score.

It is quite an interesting and unique game that will keep IPL fans engaged on social media as they play to better their friends.

The balls coming your way are being hit towards different parts of India - specifically the 8 cities that are represented in the IPL. And your role is to stop the balls and keep the score low.

To obtain top position, you need keep the points total to under 120. And if your points total is above 360 you are at the bottom of the pile.


The different ranks are associated with the IPL teams based on their rankings in the previous edition of the IPL.

Can you beat the defending IPL Champions, the Mumbai Indians?

Play Expedia India's 'Stop the Run Chase' and find out if you can keep the total below 120 to be ranked top!

If you thought the IPL was exciting, you haven't experienced this IPL.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , ,


Monday, April 9, 2018

IPL's leading performers


Posted by Q at Monday, April 09, 2018 Pitched (3)
The 11th season of the IPL is upon us and Cricinfo have come out with some Smart Stats that they are going to use to measure and analyze performances of batsmen and bowlers during this elite T20 league competition.

This all sounds quite interesting as it will shed some new light on how the players perform in T20 in different conditions.

But as this all unfolds in front of us, here's a look at the some basic stats from the past decade of IPL.

IPL Champions
The defending champions are Mumbai Indians who have also won the IPL title more times than any other team - thrice.


Following them, with two title wins each, are Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, who return to the IPL after serving the two year ban.

The other three seasons have witnessed Rajasthan Royals, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad win the IPL.

Who will win IPL 2018? Various quarters suggest that this will be the most competitive IPL till date and no one team is being marked as favorite.

We will be talking about this in IPL 2020 as well when the league enters its third decade.

The IPL today is the largest T20 league in the world and its title probably the most coveted T20 title that 8 teams will be vying for starting today!

IPL's Top Batsmen
Five batsmen have scored more than 4,000 runs in IPL with Suresh Raina at the top of the list with 4,540 runs at an average of 34.1 and a strike rate of 139.1.

The others with more than 4,000 runs are Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and David Warner.

Among all batsmen who have scored over 1,000 runs, only Chris Gayle and David Warner average above 40, with Chris Gayle's 41.2 being the highest average.

Chris Gayle also holds the record for most number of centuries (5), most sixes (265), and highest individual score of 175* in the IPL.

Gayle also holds the record for the fastest ever 100 scored in the IPL when he smashed one of just 30 deliveries, which is also the fastest 100 scored in all T20 cricket.

Gayle is a T20 phenomenon and for a decade he has been performing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, however this season he will turn out for Kings XI Punjab.


The highest strike rate in the IPL for all batsmen with more than 1,000 runs is Glenn Maxwell's (164.4) followed by Virender Sehwag's 155.4.

The fastest 50 record is held by Yusuf Pathan and Sunil Narine, both of whom reached their 50 in just 15 deliveries.

Gayle's fastest 50 is off 17 deliveries, which is the third fastest in IPL history.

IPL's Top Bowlers
Lasith Malinga is the leading wicket taker in IPL with 154 wickets at an average of 19.01 and a strike rate of 16.6.

Malinga is miles ahead of other bowlers with a clear lead of 20 wickets over Amit Mishra who is second on the list with 134 wickets. He is followed by Harbajhan Singh (127), Piyush Chawla (126), and Dwayne Bravo (122).

Malinga's average is the best average among all bowlers with at least 40 wickets in the IPL. While Sunil Narine holds the record for the best economy rate (6.32) among all bowlers who have bowled at least 100 overs in the IPL.


The best bowling figures in the IPL belong to Sohail Tanvir whose 6-14 in the first season for the Rajasthan Royals remains the record even 10 years after.

Adam Zampa is the only other bowler to pick up a 6 wicket haul in the IPL with his 6-19 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.


These batsmen and bowlers will be in action once again as season 11 of the IPL gets underway. It will be interesting to follow them and all the other talented cricketers that this league displays, especially with the new Smart Stats.

Let the games begin!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,


Thursday, June 15, 2017

Biggest Moments in the 2017 IPL


Posted by Q at Thursday, June 15, 2017 Pitched (1)
The Mumbai Indians have become the 1st team to come first in the Indian Premier League 3 times this year, after they beat the Rising Pune Supergiant in what was a classic final. The showdown took place at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on Sunday the 11th of June 2017.
This year’s IPL extended over 56 days, and although the Mumbai Indians’ win was narrow, with just 1 run, it was complete, and secured them the title. This win has seen the 3rd victory for Rohit Sharma’s team, and there were a number of special moments along the way.

The Last Over Exploits of Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson was the bowler in charge of the thrilling last over which helped the Mumbai Indians take the title for the IPL 2017, and the NZ betting sites offering markets for this game saw enormous amounts of money changing hands when the final results were revealed.

Rising Pune Supergiant were running after 130 in this game, and required 11 off of the last over –Johnson was put in charge of this task. Things got off to a bad start when he was hit for a 4 on the first ball, and thanks to the equation now reading 7 off 5, he took 2 key wickets, the first off Manoj Tiwary and the 2nd off of Steve Smith, the latter smashing a 50. With 7 now needed off 3, 

Washington Sundar managed to steal a bye. In the second last ball, Johnson went on to fire a pinpoint yorker, and the only thing the batsman could do was squeeze out a couple. When he tried for a 3rd he suffered a run-out, and Johnson thus became the author of one of the Indians’ most memorable wins.

The IPL Hat-Trick Day of April 14th
The bowler for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Samuel Badree, was the player to pick up the 1st hat-trick for this year’s IPL, and he did so on the 14th of April 2017.

This day, in fact, marked a unique feat: there were 2 games, and both of these featured a hat-trick.

The 1st was between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Mumbai Indians, belonging to Samuel Badree, and, immediately after, during the game which took place between the Gujarat Lions and the Rising Pune Supergiant in Rajkot, Andrew Tye, an Australian pacer, not only responded, but went 1 better, when he totalled not only a hat-trick, but also the 1st 5-wicket haul for the competition.

The RCB Fall from Grace
Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Virat Kohli, was the team to be bowled out for the lowest total in the IPL’s history, at 49. Up until this point, RCB had managed to hold on to the record for the IPL’s highest-ever score, thanks to the 263/5 they managed in the IPL 2013 matchup against the Sahara Pune Warriors on the 23rd of April that year.

There are sure to be plenty more big moments in IPL and fans are waiting to see what’s next in the offing.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , ,


Sunday, April 30, 2017

Top 5 Highest Power Play Scores in IPL


Posted by Q at Sunday, April 30, 2017 Pitched (1)
In this article we are going to have a look at the 5 best Power Play scores of the Indian Premier League in history.

5: IPL 2009: 5.84 for 1, Deccan Chargers vs. Delhi Daredevils
The fact that this Power Play came during the semi-final of the Indian Premier League of 2009 makes it even more stupendous. The Deccan Chargers, chasing their target of 154, and led by the inscrutable Adam Gilchrist, blazed their way to 84 for 1 inside the first 6 overs.

Gilchrist played one of the very best knocks the IPL had ever seen, with fierce cuts, violent pulls, and ferocious drives. His excellent play allowed him to lead his team to this score when the Power Play came to an end, and the Chargers won the match with more than 2 overs to go.

4: IPL 2014: 4.86 for 1, Kings XI Punjab vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad
In a wild chase of 206 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad team, Kings XI Punjab need a good start in this Indian Premier League game in 2014. Manan Vohra and Wriddhiman Saha provided the onslaught, and they tore into Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dale Steyn with seeming ease.

On a surface far more suited to the Hyderabad team, these 2 batsmen managed to hit the bowlers to each of the park’s corners, and they notched up 86 – 1 in the Power Play. Thanks to this incredible start, Punjab managed to chase the target down in only 18.4 overs, and sports betting sites around the world paid out huge sums to lucky punters.

3: IPL 2011: 87 for 2, Kochi Tuskers Kerala vs. Rajasthan Royals
In the final league match of the 2011 Indian Premier League for team Kochi Tuskers Kerala, it was made more than memorable by how totally they managed to decimate the Rajasthan royals.

They initially bundled the Royals out for a mere 97, and then Brendon McCullum and Parthiv Patel took their team to an extraordinary 87 – 2 by the time the Power Play came to an end. Their fearless play helped them clinch the game in only 7.2 overs.

2: IPL 2015: 2.90 for 0, Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians
The Chennai Super Kings had been chasing a fearsome target of 184 in their game against the Mumbai Indians, but openers Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum simply went berserk. Their powerful cuts, commanding pulls, and dominant smashes allowed them to take the Chennai Super Kings to 90 with no loss at all by the end of the Power Play overs. This significant start allowed the Chennai Super Kings to play the rest of the game relatively freely, eventually overhauling their target in a mere 16.4 overs.

1: IPL 2014: 100 for 2, Chennai Super Kings vs. Kings XI Punjab
Suresh Raina, the batsman for the Chennai Super Kings, almost handed the IPL its highest-ever Power Play score without any help at all. This high-octane clash saw them pitted against the Kings XI Punjab in the 2nd qualifying playoff of the IPL in 2014, with the Super Kings chasing an incredible 227 to win. Raina’s incredible counter-assault took fans’ breath away and took them to first place.


Playing his well-known cuts, drives, and heaves, Raina blazed to a sensational 87 off only 25 balls, and helped his team reach the incredible 100 – 2 score at the end of Power Play, the highest ever score to be made. 

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

IPL Top 5 Catches, Knocks Of Matches and Batting Records


Posted by Q at Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Pitched (1)
We’ve created a list that captures the most incredible player feats, and the most memorable knocks of matches since the IPL’s 2008 inception and there are some great sporting moments for you to relive. We’ve also include the top 5 IPL batting records, but as the season progresses, there may be players who knock these out the park and set new ones.

Top 5 Catches in The History of IPL

5. Ricky Ponting- (Mumbai Indians) vs. Delhi Daredevils
In April 2013 40 year old Ricky Ponting proved he was as agile as ever, plucking a one handed catch out the sky after seemingly coming from nowhere. The former Australian skipper pulled off one of the best efforts on the IPL field at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, with his catch going down in history.

4. AB de Villiers- Delhi Daredevils vs. Royal Challengers
In 2010 AB de Villiers pulled off a spectacular catch at the boundary ropes during the final stages of a game. de Villiers stunned fans with a one handed catch just inside the rope, and although the Daredevils were winning comfortably, his incredible catch once again highlighted his great fielding skills.

3. Faf du Plessis- Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians
In April 2015 Faf du Plessis pulled off a catch that could only be described as a miracle. He nabbed an impossible-seeming catch after the ball was hit sky high, leaping backwards to grab the ball mid bounce and falling down, all while still clutching the ball.

2. Tim Southee/Karun Nair -Rajasthan Royals vs. Kings XI Punjab
Tim Southee went down in the record books in 2015 for his incredible relay catch with Karun Nair. The pairing has been described as one of ‘the best fielding efforts ever’ and when Southee managed to flick the ball back from just inside the ropes, Nair expertly grabbed it before it hit the ground, leaving the crowd awestruck.

1. Chris Lynn Kolkata -Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore
When Bangalore needed a six to win off 3 balls, Chris Lynn stepped in and made a catch that’s deservedly at the number on position on the list. He slipped, then managed to leap back up, catch the ball, and as he again tumbled, he arched his back to avoid going over the rope. His team not only won the game, he also deservedly claimed the award for Man of the Match.

Top 5 Batting Records

5. Chris Gayle
Most sixes (243 sixes in 88 innings)

4. Yusuf Pathan
Fastest 50

3. Gautam Gambhir
Most 50’s in IPL history (31)

2. Chris Gayle
Fastest Century in IPL

1. Virat Kohli
4110 runs in 131 matches

Top 5 Memorable Knocks Of Matches

5. Quinton de Kock - 108 vs. RCB
When it comes to memorable batting performances the Daredevil’s Quinton de Kock has earned his spot on this list. In only his 3rd game he gave IPL 9 its maiden century, with 108 not out. Cricket betting sites went into overdrive after his innings, and bets are still being taken as to whether he can repeat his incredible strike rate.

4. Gautam Gambhir 90 vs. SRH
Gautam Gambhir quickly but cautiously made his 28th IPL 50 off 41 balls in this match, and thereafter he upped his game, earning his spot on the list for hitting six 4’s and a 6 off his final 19 balls, scoring 40 runs an over at a strike rate of 200.

3. AB de Villiers 72 vs. Gujarat Lions, Qualifier 1
de Villiers’ unbeaten 129 runs is the current highest score in the IPL, but his 79 runs against Gujarat in the first Qualifier is what really stands out, as this batsman became a one man rescue act. He saved the game and racked up a match winning 91 runs for the 6th wicket, putting his team in the lead.

2. Virat Kohli 113 vs. KXIP
With 4 centuries and 973 runs, Kohli has made his name in the IPL. But the performance that stands out is his 113 runs against the KXIP in a match played almost entirely in the rain!

1. David Warner 93 vs. Gujarat Lions, Qualifier 2
Warner has racked up 848 runs in 17 games and has 9 half centuries to his name. However his number one spot on the list is due to his unbeaten 93 runs in the second Qualifier against Gujarat Lions. He became the 4th batsman ever to aggregate 700+ runs in one season and secured SRH a spot in their 1st ever IPL final.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , ,


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Jos Buttler to continue rise in IPL


Posted by Q at Wednesday, April 06, 2016 Pitched (2)

Jos Buttler enhanced his ever-growing reputation in limited-overs cricket with a series of fine displays for England during the ICC World Twenty20.

The wicketkeeper-batsman entered the tournament under the weight of expectation as the Three Lions’ power player in the middle order following his strong displays against South Africa over the winter.

Buttler struggled in the early stages of the competition with low scores against the West Indies and South Africa along with a paltry six runs against minnows Afghanistan. However, when England needed a performance, the 25-year-old rose to the occasion with an impressive 66 not out against Sri Lanka, which proved to be decisive in securing a 10-run victory over Angelo Mathews’ men to keep his side in the tournament.

Buttler was in imperious form against New Zealand, firing three sixes in quick succession to get the Three Lions over the line and into the World Cup final.

 His power was on full display again in Kolkata against the West Indies in the final as he dispatched the bowling of Sulieman Benn over the boundary three times in England's counterattack. However, he made 36 before he was caught going for one big shot too many off the bowling of Carlos Brathwaite, ending his innings when he was just beginning to hit his stride at the crease, while he was powerless to watch as Brathwaite powered the Windies to victory.

Despite England's defeat, Buttler's 191 runs earned him a place in the ICC team of the tournament for his exploits in the middle.


Buttler made a strong impression on the crowds in India with the noise level elevating every time he entered the pitch, bat in hand, which will stand him in good stead when he begins his career with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.

 The franchise bought the services of the wicketkeeper for £385,000 after the England and Wales Cricket Board allowed him to play for the duration of the competition, as a result of him losing his Test place to Jonny Bairstow.

 Mumbai will be aiming to follow up their efforts from their triumphant 2015 campaign, when the club secured their second title, with another success. Their Indian Premier League cricket odds to win the crown stand at 5/1.

Adding Buttler will add power to their batting lineup, with stars such as Keiron Pollard, Lendl Simmons and skipper Rohit Sharma already amongst their ranks.

The 25-year-old will be desperate to make a lasting impact as one of only three English players plying their trade at the tournament along with Kevin Pietersen and Sam Billings.

 Buttler demonstrated that he has all the shots in his repertoire to be one of the dominant players in the IPL after notching 12 sixes in the World T20, the second highest in the competition.


He will also get the chance to further develop his skills against high-quality spin bowling on the turning tracks of the Sub-continent, which can only benefit England and his county side Lancashire in the future.

 The challenge will be great for the 25-year-old as England players have struggled to hit the heights of their foreign counterparts, but if any player can buck the trend it will be Buttler.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , ,


Monday, February 4, 2013

Maxwell the Millionnaire !


Posted by Q at Monday, February 04, 2013 No Comments


Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , ,


Thursday, May 21, 2009

Manish Pandey!


Posted by Q at Thursday, May 21, 2009 Pitched (18)
He's from Karnataka.

He's played a handful first class games and dozen Twenty20 matches.

He played for the Mumbai Indians last year.

He turned out for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this year.

It was only his 3rd match in the IPL this year.

It was only his 2nd innings in the IPL.

He smashed only the 2nd century in the IPL this season.

His 114* is the highest score in IPL 2009.

He was up against 2 of the the leading wicket takers.

He is Manish Pandey.

And he is only 19!

And above all, after McCullum, Hussey, Gilchrist, Symonds, Jayasuriya, Marsh, and AB; Manish Pandey becomes the FIRST EVER INDIAN to score a century in the IPL! (Thanks Adverbin).

Some Achievement that.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , ,


Saturday, May 16, 2009

I am more Konfused than Kolkata!


Posted by Q at Saturday, May 16, 2009 Pitched (16)
I don't want to see grumpy old Yuvraj Singh anywhere near the IPL semi finals, but I like the sight of Priety Zinta waving a flag and jumping around.

I feel very sorry for Brendon McCullum and Saurav Ganguly, but I don't want the Kolkata Knight Riders to win another match in the tournament.

I want to see Royal Challengers Bangalore in the semi finals, but I cannot stand the sight of Jacques Kallis batting and Rahul Dravid trying so hard.

I want Dhoni to win, win, and win, but I hate the sight of Chennai's uniform and for some reason I just don't like the team.

I don't want to see the Mumbai Indians in the semi finals, but I hate to see Sachin Tendulkar lose match after match.

I don't think the Rajasthan Royals deserve to win the IPL this year, but I want Shane Warne to do it all over again.

I want the Delhi Daredevils to win it this year, but I don't want to see the Deccan Chargers lose it.

I want the Deccan Chargers to become the IPL champions this year, but I want Virender Sehwag to lift the IPL trophy!

Am I alone in this estranged boat?

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , ,


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Robin Jackman Out Does Rameez Raja


Posted by Q at Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Pitched (2)
Yesterday I said that another commentator would have to drink quite a bit to out do Rameez Raja's slip ups regarding Andrew Symonds.

Rameez almost out did himself in today's first IPL match when he called Danny Morrison by the name of Indian actor who goes by the same first name as Morrison's.

To be fair, that was more funny than anything else, especially how he said it.

But Robin Jackman, it seems, is functioning on levels way beyond Rameez Raja today.

His first slip up came when the highlights of Sunny Sohal's blazing innings were being shown.

Jackman in his excitement said, "he hit them over leg, and vice versa!"

English is also my 2nd language, but I think that literally means, "he hit them over leg, and the leg hit them over him!"

Wow! I never thought a leg could hit the ball over a batsman!

The 2nd slip up came when Sachin dropped a chance of Harbhajan at 1st slip.

Jackman at that point said, "it was to his left but it should have been taken".

Only that it wasn't. It was to Jackman's left, and our left who are wathing it on TV, but it was to Sachin's right!

I wonder if these commentators have another bet going on besides the bedding Sandy Baddy Babe one.

They out do each other everyday!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,


Monday, May 4, 2009

How Bloody Close is this IPL!?


Posted by Q at Monday, May 04, 2009 Pitched (14)
29 of the 56 group matches have been played.

We're into the 2nd half of the tournament.

Yet no one can place a safe bet on who the semi-finalists will be.

It is so damn close that a mere 2 points separate the team at the top of the table (Chennai Super Kings) and the team that is sitting at number 7 (Rajasthan Royals).

Only 2!

So who are going to be the final 4?

Deccan Chargers looked like they will breeze into the semis with 4 wins on the trot; but since then they have lost 3 consecutive matches and suddenly find themselves placed 4th.

Chennai Super Kings had an awful start to their campaign winning 1 of their first 5 matches with 1 washed out; but now all of a sudden they are on a 3 match winning spree and find themselves at the top of the table!

Royal Challengers Bangalore kicked off their IPL just where they left their 2008 campaign by losing everything. Within a week, they had played 4 and lost 4. Then some magic kicked in and now they are on a 4 match winning streak.

Delhi Daredevils began as the favorites and played like ones too, till they came across the defending champions and a rampaging CSK.

The defending champs, Rajasthan Royals have had a mixed campaign. Lose one, win one, lose one, win one, lose one, win one. Atleast that has kept them in the chase.

The Mumbai Indians campaign has just been like the Royals; the only difference being that they win one before they lose the next.

Its only apt then that the Mumbai vs Rajasthan match was washed out and both the teams shared a point each.

Kings XI Punjab has also had a mixed bag starting by losing 2, then winning their next 3 before losing another and winning another.

Boy has it been a roller coaster ride.

Any bets on the semis then?

The only bet I can place is that the Kolkata Knight Riders will not be anywhere near the semis.

That's the best part about the IPL - it keeps the teams in the hunt till the very end.

Was the same last year.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,


Thursday, April 30, 2009

Sachin in Familiar Territory


Posted by Q at Thursday, April 30, 2009 Pitched (4)
Today was yet another proof of the fact that the Mumbai Indians are like the India of the 90s.

I called it first right here.

Later it was picked up by Cricinfo.

Now it is being displayed by Sachin and the gang.

Good going Mumbai!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , ,


Sunday, April 26, 2009

It is India of the 90s!


Posted by Q at Sunday, April 26, 2009 No Comments
Remember this?

It was a post I did exactly a week ago about which team will win the IPL.

When talking about the Mumbai Indians, I wrote:
___________________________________________________________________

Mumbai Indians will be neither here nor there.

They'll be more here though with Sachin doing bulk of the scoring.

I think this team will be a lot like India of the 1990s - Sachin scores, we score. Sachin falls, we fall.

Sachin may take them far, but not all the way. Some things never change.
___________________________________________________________________

And today, I see this by Karna S on Cricinfo.

What chances that he read Well Pitched?

Or is it just something that dawned on me before Mumbai even played a match in the IPL, but Karna picked it up after the few games that Mumbai has played?

The latter I think.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , ,


Monday, February 2, 2009

Ambani or Mallya - Who'll Get KP?


Posted by Q at Monday, February 02, 2009 No Comments
This season's cricketers' auction for the IPL gets underway in 4 days and it promises to be as exciting as last year's auction.

The players' base prices were revealed today and with KP's base at US$ 1.35 million, the highest paid IPL cricketer is going to be a different one this season.

With all 8 franchises expected to fight for KP, MS Dhoni's US$ 1.5 million will be left far behind once the dust settles over KP's IPL salary.

But who is going to get KP is the big question. Here I take a look at the chances the 8 franchises have over winning a bid for KP's services.

Deccan Chargers
With Gilchrist, Gibbs, Symonds, and Afridi collectively not firing the first time round, I doubt this team needs additional firepower or an additional ego amongst its ranks. The powers that be though could feel that adding KP to an already powerful batting line up could change their fortunes in the 2nd season. I doubt it though. I think the Chargers will keep the money at home and not spend big on KP.

Bangalore Royal Challengers
With the likes of Dravid, Jaffar, Kallis, and Chanderpaul in its ranks, this team is in desperate need of some big hitters. Pietersen could just be the tonic the Royal Challengers need to give them a boost before the start of their 2nd IPL campaign. But Kallis, Boucher, Steyn, and KP in the same team? Who would have thought. I expect them to bid hard for KP.

Rajasthan Royals
If one though Warne and Graeme Smith in the same team wasn't enough, Warne, Smith, and KP has all the makings of a bollywood masala flick. Imagine Smith and KP in the middle trying to win a game for the same team. Talk about irony, talk about the IPL. I've heard that Warne is looking to get his mate KP on board, however bidding big for KP will go against the Royals' previous strategy where they avoided spending big on stars and built a team. On the flip side, that means they have more money lying around than other franchises. You could expect them to be part of the bidding war on KP.

Kolkata Knight Riders
With Gayle, McCullum, Ponting, Hodge, and David Hussey already in the batting ranks, it doesn't look likely that SRK will be looking for KP's services. Ganguly doesn't seem too interested either. Expect the Knight Riders to give KP a miss at the auctions.

Chennai SuperKings
How KP would like to play for a team called the SuperKings. Justifies his ego to the hilt. Though with Hayden and Hussey in the line up, it doesn't look like Chennai are looking to add to their batting prowess. Plus, Dhoni has already hinted at wanting Flintoff in the team so going for two players over a million is something that won't be possible. Doesn't look like KP will get to play for the SuperKings.

Delhi Daredevils
The Daredevils have already spoken about their batting plans revolving around Sehwag, Gambhir, Tiwary, and Warner. Add to this Dilshan and AB De Villiers and the Daredevils batting doesn't need a KP. Plus they have been banking on a lot of Australian firepower and may have already exceeded their foreign player quota. They seems to be out of the race as well.

Kings XI Punjab
Will Yuvraj captain someone who called him a pie chucker? Sure would be interesting to see. Yuvi and KP in the middle would a sight! However, the Kings XI also seem to have a well settled batting line up with Marsh, Pomersbach, Hopes, Jayawardene, and King Sanga in the fold. Not to forget the skipper Yuvraj Singh. Preity Zinta might want KP on her side, but they will be better off with a Flintoff or another pacer to cover for Brett Lee rather than a batsman.

Mumbai Indians
Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen. He fits in well I think. The Mumbai team lacked the batting depth last season and the addition of KP to their ranks looks likely, especially since they will be without Pollock this time round. I would expect Mumbai to bid hard for KP. They need him, probably as much as the Royal Challengers.

Exect a 3 way bidding war between the Royal Challengers, Rajasthan Royals, and the Mumbai Indians with the Challengers and Indians taking it to the end. I would expect KP to turn up for one of the two richest businessmen in India - Mallya or Ambani.

One would promise him the women and the other the private jet.

Which one would KP get? I think he would want the latter, but we'll find out soon enough.

And I expect him to get close to US$ 2 million.

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , ,


Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Australia vs West Indies from an IPL Perspective


Posted by Q at Wednesday, June 25, 2008 No Comments
Students of the Allen Standord University for Cricket Bloggers were given an assignment last night, which was to report on the 1st ODI between Australia and the West Indies from an IPL perspective.

This is what the best graded assignment looked like:

Kolkata Knight Riders team mates Ricky Ponting and Chris Gayle walked out to the middle for the toss. Gayle won the toss and sent Australia in, a decision that soon backfired.

Just before the start of play Shahrukh Khan, owner of the Knight Riders, was seen discussing with his captain, Saurav Ganguly, about how he felt captaining 2 international captains in the IPL.

Shaun Marsh, the Kings XI opener and leading run scorer of the IPL, made his much awaited debut in Australian colors.

He opened the innings with Shane Watson, who was the IPL player of the tournament and one of the backbones of the Rajasthan Royals' successful IPL campaign.

In the absence of Matthew Hayden, who is missing the Windies tour due to an injury sustained during his stint with the Chennai Super Kings, Marsh and Watson provided Australia with a cracking start posting a run a ball 75 run opening partnership.

Watson fell in the 13th over, after scoring 31 of 27 balls, as he was trapped in front to an incoming delivery by Dwayne Bravo, the Mumbai Indians allrounder who flew in at the start of this series in Mukesh Ambani's private jet.

Marsh though continued from where he left of in the IPL scoring a 97 ball 81 on debut that had Kings XI owner Preity Zinta jumping for joy in front of her 60" Plasma screen in her Mumbai residence.

Marsh later confirmed that he had recieved hugs and kisses via SMS from Ms. Zinta and when we spoke to her she mentioned that when she saw Marsh's majestic straight drive in the 1st over and exquisite cover drive in the 3rd, she knew she was in for something special.

Marsh was unlucky to miss out on a debut 100, which would have been a first for an Australian ODI debutant, as he was caught by the Knight Riders' Gayle off Darren Sammy, who hasn't yet attracted an IPL franchise.

Ricky Ponting, who had joined Marsh at the fall of Watson's wicket, continued from where he had left the Knight Riders - with single figure scores and wretched form as he dragged Taylor on to his stumps.

His deputy, Micheal Clarke, who had given the IPL a miss so that he could spend quality family time, also failed with the bat, as Sammy had him caught behind the wicket.

At 140-4 after 30 overs with the top 4 back in the pavilion, Micheal Hussey of the Chennai Super Kings, and Brad Haddin, who has replaced the Deccan Chargers' Adam Gilchrist as Australia's #1 wicket keeper, cashed in with a 5th wicket partnership of 91 at over run a ball.

Haddin holed out to long off in the 45th over after a well made 50 off 52, while Hussey soon followed in similar fashion off Gayle for 44.
SRK was later seen pleased with Gayle's bowling and pondered how different the Knight Riders IPL campaign would have been had Gayle not been injured.
The last few overs of Australia's innings saw Preity Zinta with a lot of mixed emotions.

Initially she was joyed to see Sarwan bowl a googly cum flipper that got the wicket of Cameron White, who had had a miserable time with the Bangalore Royal Challengers.

In the same over Preity's joy for Sarwan changed to a mixed bag as Brett Lee smashed his Kings XI team mate for 6.

The joy and mixed joy soon turned into a frown as Kings XI opener James Hopes failed to accelerate at the end and fell to Mumbai Indians' Dwayne Bravo dragging the ball on to his stumps.
Australia's innings ended on 273-8 setting the West Indies an imposing target.

The West Indies' innings began in disastrous fashion with Marshall, Gayle, and Sarwan back in the pavilion within the first 10 overs.

Kings XI pacer Brett Lee bowled a hostile opening spell that rewarded him with the wickets of Marshall, caught behind by Haddin, and his Kings XI team mate Sarwan, caught at 2nd slip by the Super Kings' Micheal Hussey.

Preity Zinta was seen in a confused state yet again.

The other wicket to fall was that of the Knight Riders' Gayle who was trapped in front by Nathan Bracken, whose injury made him miss the Bangalore Royal Challengers failure in the IPL.

The West Indies innings couldn't get going as they folded for 189 in under 40 overs with Bracken picking up 4-31 in 6 overs.

Mumbai Indians' Bravo top scored with 33, while some resistance was shown by Ramdin (31) and Sammy (33) before they were bowled by IPL player of the tournament Watson and Bracken respectively.

Brett Lee's 2-37 saw him get some congratulatory SMSes from Preity Zinta, while Sarwan was sent a comisseration SMS. Hopes was told to do better in the next game, and Marsh received more hugs via SMS as he got the man of the match award.

The Kings XI from Punjab dominated the 1st ODI between Australia and the West Indies, while the Kolkata Knight Riders, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Mumbai Indians all had some representation.

Australia leads the 5-match series 1-0, with the next match on Friday at St. George's.
(Note: all comments regarding Shahrukh Khan and Preity Zinta are a figment of the author's imagination)

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , , , ,


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Finally Delhi, but Feel Sorry for Mumbai


Posted by Q at Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Pitched (9)
You just have to feel sorry for the Mumbai Indians.

They were the first team to win 6 matches on the trot in the Indian Premier League.

That too after losing the first 4 and looking like the worst team in the IPL. Worse than the Royal Challengers and the Chargers.

After that 6 match winning streak they lost 3 on the trot. Their last 3.

But thats not what you feel sorry for. Its how they lost the 3 is what you feel sorry for.

6 Days Ago

They played Kings XI Punjab.

Chasing 189 they looked well set to get there needing 34 of the last 4 overs with 7 wickets in hand and Sachin at the crease.

Over the next 4 overs they lost a few wickets and ended up needing 19 of the last over. Tough but they managed to take it down to 2 of the last ball.

The batsman got run out and MI lost by 1 run of the final ball.

3 Days Ago

They played Delhi Daredevils.

Defending 176, they had them down at 130-5 after 15 overs.

Karthik took the game away from them, however they still needed 8 of the last over, and then 2 of the last 2 before the ball went for a boundary.

MI lost by 5 wickets of the penultimate ball.

1 Day Ago

They played Rajasthan Royals.

Defending 146, they had them down and out at 103-5 after 17 overs.

A couple of overs later they were left defending 15 of the last over. It should have been easy. A few stolen singles, misfields, and a six later it came down to 3 of the last ball.

All they needed to do was keep the batsman down to 1. What does the bowler do? He bowls a wide!

MI defending 2 of 1. The batsman hits to the bowler. Bowler misfields. Batsmen run 1 and turn back for 2nd. Long off throws the ball in. Fielder on stumps misses. Batsman through for 2.

MI lose by 5 wickets of final ball.

You really have to feel sorry for them.

What they have done now is made their last match against the Royal Challengers a must win one.

Not only that but for MI to go through, the Super Kings have to lose today otherwise Sachin and his men in blue will head back home.

What they have also done is that they have ensured a Final Four spot for the Delhi Daredevils.

Finally, a team that I supported at some stage is there!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , ,


Sunday, May 25, 2008

The RACE Continues as Sachin & Warne Come Face-2-Face...


Posted by Q at Sunday, May 25, 2008 No Comments
About 10 days ago all spots of the Final Four of the Indian Premier League were wide open and 6 teams were in the RACE.
4 days ago, Rajasthan Royals were the only team to have confirmed their place in the Final Four, while 3 other spots remained open and 5 teams were in the loop.
2 days ago, Kings XI Punjab joined the Royals in the Final Four.
The other 2 spots are still open and 3 teams are going to fight it out over the next 3 days to gain a place in the Final Four.
Well actually 2 are going to fight it out as the Delhi Daredevils anxiously wait for the results of those matches to find out their fate.
The Daredevils have played all their 14 matches and stand on 15 points.
For them to go through either one of the Super Kings or the Mumbai Indians have to lose 1 match.
The Super Kings are on 14 points with 1 match left against the Deccan Chargers.
The Indians, standing on 12 points, have it tougher with a match against league toppers Rajasthan Royals and bottom of the table Royal Challengers Bangalore.
If the Super Kings and the Indians win their remaining matches, they will join the Royals and the Kings in the Final Four.
The Super Kings and Daredevils will go through if the Indians lose both their matches.
The Indians and Daredevils will go through if the Super Kings lose and Indians win atleast 1 match and maintain their run rate above the Super Kings'.
Even now, anything can happen.
That's the IPL!
The next 3 days will decide the winners of the RACE and it all begins with the Mumbai Indians taking on Rajhastan Royals tomorrow.
Its a big match for the Indians. They need to win.
They're up against the top side of the league.
Even at the fag end of the league stages, the IPL promises yet another battle that the viewers have not had the privelege to watch for a long time.
It will be Sachin Tendulkar taking on Shane Warne.
Warne has a very poor international record on Indian soil. His record against Sachin is even worse whether its in India, Australia, or Sharjah.
In the IPL though, Warne is one of the highest wicket takers and he has been at his best.
Sachin made a late entry but hit top gear in the last couple of matches.
Both will walk out for the toss tomorrow. Both will walk out to outplay the other.
Who will come out on top? Will Sachin be able to lift his team and push for a place in the Final Four? Or will Warne's Royal Juggernaut keep rolling on?
It all goes down tomorrow at 230pm GMT!

Make your pitch on this post...

Share this post...


Labels: , , , , , , ,


Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)