The Indian Premier League final saw Kolkata Knight Riders emerge victorious, as their bowlers demolished the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a mere 113 runs. Venkatesh Iyer's unbeaten 52 off 26 balls secured KKR's third title, while SRH's explosive batting strategy proved to be their downfall. In addition to the win, KKR also swept up several individual awards, including Ultimate Fantasy Player of the Season.
Indian Premier League: Kolkata Knight Riders Reign Supreme
The Indian Premier League (IPL), a renowned Twenty20 cricket tournament, concluded its 15th season with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerging as champions. The victory marked KKR's third IPL title, adding to their triumphs in 2012 and 2014.
The Triumphant Finale
The IPL final, held in Dubai on October 15, 2021, witnessed a thrilling encounter between KKR and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). SRH, known for their explosive batting lineup, were left stunned by KKR's disciplined bowling attack. KKR's bowlers, led by Lockie Ferguson, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine, restricted SRH to a paltry 113 runs.
KKR's chase was anchored by Venkatesh Iyer, who played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 52 runs off just 26 balls. Iyer's blistering innings ensured KKR's victory with more than four overs to spare.
KKR's Dominance
KKR's triumph in IPL 2021 was not only a collective effort but also showcased the brilliance of individual players. Venkatesh Iyer, the emerging all-rounder, received the Ultimate Fantasy Player of the Season award. Andre Russell, another impactful player, won the Most Valuable Player of the Final award.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is the all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL? Answer: Virat Kohli
2. Who has won the most IPL titles as a captain? Answer: MS Dhoni
3. Which team has won the most IPL championships? Answer: Mumbai Indians
4. Who won the IPL 2022 championship? Answer: Gujarat Titans
5. Who won the IPL 2023 championship? Answer: Kolkata Knight Riders
Indian speedster Mohammed Shami is facing backlash on social media for sipping on an energy drink during the Champions Trophy semifinal match while Muslims are fasting for the holy month of Ramzan. However, Shami also received praise for prioritizing his country's victory over religious practices. He also opened up about the pressure of leading the Indian pace attack after a long injury layoff.
In the second Champions Trophy semifinal, New Zealand's opening duo of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson made history by scoring centuries each against South Africa. Their partnership of 164 runs set the stage for New Zealand to finish with a massive total of 362 for 6, the highest in Champions Trophy history. Despite a strong start from South African bowler Lungi Ngidi, who picked up three wickets, the later batters for New Zealand provided the final fireworks. This marks the end of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, with the final now set to take place in Dubai between India and the winners of this match.
In a highly anticipated Champions League matchup between Liverpool and PSG, it was Alisson Becker who stole the show. The Liverpool goalkeeper put on a stellar performance, making nine saves and keeping a clean sheet to lead his team to a 1-0 victory in Paris. With Harvey Elliott scoring the game-winning goal, Alisson's incredible performance was praised by his teammates and coaches, solidifying his place as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Despite facing 27 shots from a dominant PSG team, Alisson's heroics prove that he is a vital asset to Liverpool's success in the competition.
In the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final, New Zealand has won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa. The winner of this game will face India in the final in Dubai. After losing to India in their previous match, New Zealand has retained the same playing eleven, while South Africa's captain Bavuma returns after illness and Markram retains his place after recovering from injury. Both teams are determined to win and secure their spot in the final.
Since his trade to the New York Rangers, J.T. Miller has found his groove and formed a strong partnership with fellow forward Mika Zibanejad. The pair's chemistry on the ice is evident as they have been consistently putting up points in the last 11 games. Their performance is a testament to the team's unity and determination to succeed, even with recent changes and departures. This article also highlights Wayne Gretzky's wife Janet responding to criticism and offering support for the players during a recent controversy.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner acknowledges the challenges of constant travel but reassures that his team is ready for their semi-final match against South Africa in the Champions Trophy. After winning their first two games in Pakistan and losing in Dubai, the team now faces another flight back to Pakistan for their crucial match in Lahore. The tournament's hybrid model and the controversy surrounding India's advantage has also been a topic of debate.
In a thrilling semifinal match of the 2025 Champions Trophy, New Zealand posted the highest-ever total in the tournament's history, scoring 362 runs thanks to centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Despite a valiant effort from South Africa's bowlers, quickfire innings from Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell took the Kiwis to a massive total. After losing an early wicket, South Africa will need a miracle to chase down the target of 363 runs. Tune in for live updates and full scorecard.
In a thrilling semi-final match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson put on an impressive performance, each scoring a century, as they led their team to a huge total of 362/6 against South Africa. Despite a valiant effort from South Africa's batting line-up, they were unable to chase down the target as New Zealand secured their spot in the final. This is only the second time in ODI history that such a large total was achieved in the second innings, with both instances involving South Africa.
New Zealand's Kane Williamson puts on a phenomenal performance in the Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa, scoring a "terrific" century. UK viewers can follow live updates on the match which is only available to them. Former footballer Chris Sutton believes that Arsenal's dominant form makes them capable of winning the Champions League while basketball player Luka Doncic is in awe of LeBron James' 50,000 point milestone and commentary notes the intensity of local rivalries compared to their Dales equivalent.
After leading Australia to two World Cup wins and 32 victories in 64 matches, stand-in captain Steve Smith has decided to retire from ODI cricket. Smith stated that he didn't see himself playing in the 2027 ODI World Cup and with Test cricket being his priority, it was the right time for him to make way for others. Despite a rough patch as captain in ICC events, Smith led Australia to memorable victories against England and West Indies.