Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Gujarat Lions, 34th Match

Series: Indian Premier League, 2016 Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad Date & Time: May 06,  08:00 PM  LOCAL 

Warner not scared of law of averages

  Indian Premier League — 2016

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner says he is not scared of the law of averages which normally catches up with even the best of cricketers.

Speaking on the eve of the match against Gujarat Lions in the IPL here, a smiling Warner, who has been leading from the front with five fifties in seven games, said he was lucky to be in good form, glad that he was giving off his best by challenging himself mentally and that was helping the team’s cause.

“I don’t think the others are depending on my batting. I am definitely pleased with the way Kane (Williamson) batted the other night against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Even Shikhar played an important knock,” Warner said.

“Essentially, we are trying to drill in the importance of big partnerships after losing a wicket. This is the key to success in this format,” the SRH captain said.

“It is important to be smart cricketers and not repeat mistakes. I must say, in my team almost everyone is rising to the occasion as we enter the decisive phase of the League. We are not dependent on what others are doing. We are keen on winning our games by playing to our strength,” Warner said. “I am not an aggressive captain. But, if I were to say a few words like I did in the first few games, I don’t mind putting the views forward. But, luckily, most of the players are doing the right things,” Warner said.

Commenting on the game against Lions, Warner said: “They would look at it like any other game. In this format, one over can change the game completely.

“Yuvraj has started training and is confident of playing. We will take a call tomorrow after another session,” Warner said on the star cricketer, who missed out the games till now because of a groin injury sustained during the recent T20 World Championship.

“It is not just about one bowler or another. Each one is complementing the other pretty well.

“Yes, (Mustafizur) Rahman, with his excellent bowling, is certainly taking the pressure off the other bowlers in the death overs,” the Australian star opener said to a query on the Bangladesh fast bowler.

 

Rahane guides Pune to victory as Daredevils’ gamble backfires

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Ajinkya Rahane anchored the Rising Pune Supergiants innings with a well-composed half-century. Indian Premier League — 2016

Delhi’s gamble to rest players plays into Supergiant’s hands

Seeking victory in desperation, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men could not have asked for a better result. If Delhi’s think-thank chose to rest Zaheer Khan, Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris and still expected to win, Rising Pune Supergiants was not complaining.

A victory for Pune appeared the most likely outcome once it was known at the toss that the host made four changes owing to a ‘bunch of niggles.’ Its pace attack looked thin and presented far too many spin options for make-shift skipper J. P. Duminy.

As it turned out, Delhi posted 162 for seven without ever looking like posting an imposing total. In reply, Pune covered the distance with seven wickets and five deliveries to spare.

Man of the Match Ajinkya Rahane put the finishing touches to remain unbeaten with 63. He was indeed the guiding light as he was part of three partnerships that kept Delhi at bay.

With debutant opener Usman Khawaja, Rahane raised 59 runs in 8.2 overs to lay a sound foundation. After Khawaja was stumped, Saurabh Tiwary joined a steady Rahane and their 45 run-stand further dented Delhi’s hopes.

Thereafter, Dhoni’s presence ensured that even the asking rate of just under 13 runs an over was never going to be threatening.

Dhoni’s two towering sixes brought the crowd to its feet before Billings took another tumbling catch to end the skipper’s entertaining knock.

Delhi’s investment in spin in this match did not bring the desired returns, though Imran Tahir proved most effective after Jayant Yadav kept the initial run-rate in check. The two pace options, Mohammed Shami and Carlos Brathwaite were expensive in varying degrees and Delhi never really looked like getting the wickets to stop Pune’s run-chase.

When Delhi batted, the combination appeared more fragile than usual. It lasted the quota of overs with Karun Nair, Sam Billings and Brathwaite scoring briskly but lacked longevity at the crease.

Duminy top-scored with a 32-ball 34 after Nair was fluent during his 23-ball 32 studded with five boundaries.

The momentum was carried forward by Sam Bilings, who hoisted two sixes in his quick 24. Brathwaite, as is his wont, hit three sixes during his eight-ball stay before Pawan Negi finally made his presence felt with a six and a four in his unbeaten 19.

But the inability to prevent partnerships on this day proved Delhi’s undoing.

 

DD 162/7 (20.0 Ovs)

RPS 166/3 (19.1 Ovs)

Rising Pune Supergiants won by 7 wkts

PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Ajinkya Rahane

Delhi Daredevils vs Rising Pune Supergiants, 33rd Match

Series: Indian Premier League, 2016 Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi Date & Time: May 05,  08:00 PM  LOCAL 

 Daredevils up against Dhoni’s brigade

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Local stars like Saurabh Tiwary and Irfan Pathan will carry the weight of Rising Pune Supergiants hit by injuries to key players

 Indian Premier League — 2016

The hosts’ 5-2 win-loss record is the best this season, desperate Pune’s 2-6 the worst

At present, Delhi Daredevils’s win-loss record of 5-2 is the best so far in this year’s Indian Premier League. Rising Pune Supergiants’ 2-6 is the worst.

Going by form and fitness of the players involved in these teams, Delhi should be considered firm favourite to win on Thursday.

But can Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s unsettled combination get its act together against a performing side? Well, it appears improbable but not impossible.

The only team to lose six times this season, Pune started its campaign as one of the balanced teams. But injuries to Kevin Pietersen, Faf du Plessis, Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith have truly left Dhoni too much to deal with on the fitness front.

So far, former skipper of the Australian T20 squad George Bailey and compatriot Usman Khwaja have reinforced the squad. But that should only solve part of the problem faced by Dhoni.

After the four leading overseas recruits found themselves on the casualty list and returned home, the team lacks strength in its batting. Notwithstanding the presence of Ajinkya Rahane and Dhoni, the team no longer has performers to intimidate the opposition.

On the brighter side, the bowling looks a shade better. Though each of the six defeats for RPS followed after it batted first, the bowlers were not as much responsible for the defeat. It was more a case of the batsmen not going beyond par scores. Even after promising starts, the team has not been able to set up imposing targets.

Delhi, on the other hand, has gradually risen to the second spot on the points table.

What should boost the confidence of the team is the fact that it has avenged the defeats to defending champion Mumbai Indians and table-topper Gujarat Lions in great style. In addition, much against the trend this season, Delhi successfully defended totals against Mumbai and Kolkata.

As compared to other teams, a starless Delhi has so far performed far beyond expectations.

It needs three more victories, from seven matches, to seal a place in the playoffs.

On Thursday, Pune can be expected to come hard at Delhi. The visiting team cannot afford to be too defensive since two more defeats will end its aspirations of reaching the playoffs.

Dhoni’s calm demeanour could well be in sharp contrast to the youthful exuberance of the Delhi brigade, under the experienced Zaheer Khan.

At the halfway stage of the campaign, Zaheer finds himself in a much happier state than he was at the start.

Now it will be interesting to see how the team deals with the tag of ‘favourite’ against Dhoni’s men.

Memorable night for Knight Riders

  

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PATCH: Andre Russell’s controlled spell not only saw him stymie the Kings XI chase, but also pick up the Purple Cap.

 Indian Premier League — 2016

Gambhir and Uthappa come good yet again; Russell chips in with four wickets

Kolkata Knight Riders could not have asked for a sweeter homecoming.

Its accomplished openers, Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa, struck superb half-centuries to contribute to the thrilling seven-run win over Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Eden Gardens here on Wednesday. Knight Riders’ sixth victory propelled it to the top of the table.

Asked to bat, Knight Riders first banked on a responsible 101-run partnership between Gambhir (54) and Uthappa (70) to post a challenging 164 for three and then rode on Andre Russell’s four-wicket haul to overshadow Glenn Maxwell’s clinical onslaught for Kings.

The Gambhir-Uthappa stand was one of control and execution.

The former, in particular, was impressive, finding the gaps at will against the Kings XI pacers. Uthappa, on the other hand, began in uncharacteristic fashion, but played the support role well.

On a roll

When Kings skipper M. Vijay chose to bowl his spinners on the slow track, the Knight Riders openers adapted to the situation, playing the ball on its merit.

The two, who were involved in a 50-plus stand for the fifth time in this edition, became the only pair to do so in two seasons of the IPL.

Gambhir and Uthappa went on to achieve their first century stand this year.

The Knight Riders skipper, who hammered six fours apart from a spectacular pulled six off Swapnil Singh, was run out in the 14th over, caught short by Maxwell’s throw at the non-striker’s end.

Uthappa, who was dropped immediately after scoring his third half-century, took a while to showcase his firepower, but eventually hit six fours and two sixes. A terrible mix-up with Yusuf Pathan resulted in Uthappa’s dismissal in the 17th over.

For Kings, young pacer Sandeep bowled with unerring accuracy to restrict the host batsmen in the death overs. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel, too, made an impact with his subtle variety.

Bad start

In reply, Kings made a poor start, losing three wickets for just 13. However, sleeping giant Maxwell refused to be cowed down by the situation, taking the attack to the Knight Riders bowlers and reviving his team’s hopes.

The Aussie, who had shown glimpses of form against Mumbai Indians last week, picked Brad Hogg for special treatment. Maxwell clubbed six fours and four mighty sixes in his 42-ball 68. Just when he looked for more, he was adjudged lbw off Piyush Chawla who bowled a tidy spell.

Wriddhiman Saha (24), who was involved in the rescue act along with Maxwell before departing in the ninth over, tried his best; so did Axar and Gurkeerat, but they could not stop Knight Riders from scripting a memorable win.

 

KKR 164/3 (20.0 Ovs)

KXIP 157/9 (20.0 Ovs)

Kolkata Knight Riders won by 7 runs

PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Andre Russell

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab, 32nd Match

Series: Indian Premier League, 2016 Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata Date & Time: May 04,  08:00 PM  LOCAL

 Marauding Knight Riders back to joust on home turf

 

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• Dangerman: Kings Xi Punjab will be well served if someone like Glenn Maxwell, plays to his potential.

 Indian Premier League — 2016

Kings XI Punjab would like to build on its recent success against Gujarat Lions

After travelling for nearly three weeks to play six away matches in a row due to the West Bengal polls, Gautam Gambhir and his men returned home to the Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Slotted second on the table with 10 points, two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will have the rare luxury of playing five of its remaining six engagements in front of its passionate supporters. It would resume its home leg against bottom-placed Kings XI Punjab on Wednesday.

This season, KKR has enjoyed its balance and depth. Gambhir, who has been leading from the front with a string of fine performances, seems to be in complete command.

Apart from Gambhir, KKR has relied on Robin Uthappa and Suryakumar Yadav to put up the runs on the board. Yusuf Pathan rising to the challenge against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Manish Pandey, who missed a few matches due to chicken pox, getting fit should be a relief to the side.

Variety in bowling

KKR’s strong point is its variety in bowling. Umesh Yadav and Morne Morkel have served well in the pace department, while the experienced trio of Piyush Chawla, Brad Hogg and Sunil Narine have bolstered the spin section. Not to forget the utility all-rounder in Andre Russell, who has made some crucial contributions picking up nine wickets and scoring 133 runs so far. The host, which was a guest in Mohali two weeks ago, will enjoy the psychological advantage of taming KXIP in its backyard. Nevertheless, KXIP looks determined to improve its performance.

Murali Vijay, the team’s top run-getter, taking over as captain has augured well for the side, which defeated Gujarat Lions to arrest its series of losses.

KXIP might miss the services of an injured Shaun Marsh but would make up for it if batsmen like Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and Wriddhiman Saha realise their potential. Manan Vohra, who has produced some good knocks, should provide some hope.

KXIP bowlers exhibited their firepower against the Lions. Pacer Mohit Sharma, who has achieved three-wicket hauls thrice, and left-arm spinner Axar Patel, who captured four against the Lions, are in good touch, while new ball bowler Sandeep Sharma has been consistent. KXIP would wish its Australian pace ace Mitchell Johnson would make his presence felt.

The underdog will be keen to collect another win and may pose some serious challenges for KKR, which is playing its fourth match in seven days.

Pant, bowlers help Daredevils crush Lions

Delhi Daredevils 150 for 2 (Pant 69, de Kock 46) beat Gujarat Lions 149 for 7 (Karthik 53, Jadeja 36*, Nadeem 2-23) by eight wickets 
Rishab Pant and Quinton de Kock put on 115 for the first wicket in the chase of 150 for the win and the duo effectively put the game beyond Gujarat Lions.

In another clinical display, Delhi Daredevils' bowlers restricted table-toppers Gujarat Lions to 149, setting up a convincing eight-wicket win in Rajkot's last game of the season. In the chase, Rishabh Pant and Quinton de Kock blazed a 115-run partnership off 81 balls - the side's joint-fourth highest opening stand - to help Daredevils breeze to the second spot on the points table. Despite successive losses, Lions retained their place at the top. It was the 24th win by a chasing side in 31 games this season.
After opting to bowl, Daredevils' bowlers set up an advantage in the first four overs. It looked like Shahbaz Nadeem had trapped Brendon McCullum in front in the first over, but umpire Chris Gaffaney indicated that the batsman had got an inside edge. After facing three of the first 16 balls, McCullum charged at a Zaheer Khan slower ball. Like most of Zaheer's offcutters this season, it beat McCullum's wild swing and clipped the off stump.
Two balls later, Dwayne Smith chipped a long-hop from Nadeem to long-on. In the same over, Aaron Finch, who replaced an injured Dwayne Bravo, got a leading edge off his attempted sweep to short fine leg. Lions' three overseas batsmen were dismissed and already the middle order was limited to playing for singles and twos into Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium's large pockets. The score at the end of six overs read 35 for 3, Lions' lowest Powerplay returns of the season.
Apart from a well-timed uppercut for six, Suresh Raina struggled to find his timing. Dinesh Karthik, though, accrued his runs through well-placed sweeps and flicks in the vast outfield. Just when it looked like Lions had consolidated after the early jolt, Raina was stumped after misjudging a googly from Amit Mishra.
Thereafter, Ravindra Jadeja and Karthik resorted to the same modus operandi as the previous few overs. The pair, however, set up a solid platform for the end overs. Lions found at least one boundary in every over after the 13th, except the penultimate one.
The last five overs yielded 50 with hard-run twos contributing to the Lions score. Yet, the extent of the damage in the first four overs was so severe that Lions could only muster a sub-par 149.
De Kock and Pant, promoted to the opening slot, effectively finished the game by plundering nine boundaries in a 61-run Powerplay. Pant was particularly dominant with scythed cuts off the seamers' wide offerings. When the ball was straight, Pant used his strong bottom hand to whip fours through the arc at midwicket.
After matching Pant in the Powerplay, de Kock laid anchor and milked the bowling for singles. Pant, though, did not slow down. He used his feet to smear and swipe towards the long-on region as he struck his first limited-overs fifty, off 25 balls.
Both Pant and de Kock were dismissed after across-the-line heaves, but Sanju Samson and JP Duminy, who returned after regaining fitness, took Daredevils home with 16 balls remaining.

 

GL 149/7 (20.0 Ovs)

DD 150/2 (17.2 Ovs)

Delhi Daredevils won by 8 wkts

PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Rishabh Pant

A list of players ruled out of IPL due to injury

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Rising Pune Supergiants players celebrate a wicket during a match.

 Indian Premier League — 2016

Rising Pune Supergiants was the worst-hit in losing four overseas players from this IPL.

Injury woes continue to haunt the IPL franchises. Rising Pune Supergiants was the worst-hit in losing four overseas players from this IPL.

The list of injured players till now

	Kevin Pietersen (Rising Pune Supergiants)	This England player who had started off well in this IPL, had to withdraw due to calf injury. The in-form Australian Usman Khawaja has been called as an replacement.
	Faf du Plessis (Rising Pune Supergiants)	This South African player who had given Rising Pune Supergiants a good start had to pull out due to finger injury. George Bailey has been called for as an replacement.
	Steve Smith (Rising Pune Supergiants)	The extremely gifted Australian, who had scored his first T20 hundred, had pulled out due to wrist injury.
	Mitchell Marsh (Rising Pune Supergiants)	Desperate for a turnaround Rising Pune Supergiants had lost one more key member of the squad for the rest of the IPL due to side strain.
	Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab)	This Kings XI Punjab batting mainstay had a back injury and pulled out of the IPL
	Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians)	Malinga who missed the World T20 championship due to knee injury and is out of action in IPL-9.
	Samuel Badree (Royal Challengers Bangalore)	The talented West Indian bowler, who bowls economically in the power play overs, is ruled out of the IPL due to shoulder injury.
	John Hastings (Kolkata Knight Riders)	This Australian all-rounder John Hastings has been ruled out of the rest of the IPL with an ankle injury, raising concerns about his fitness for the upcoming tour of the West Indies.