The much-anticipated match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was delayed by rain, resulting in a shortened game of 16 overs. With Kolkata needing a win to secure a spot in the playoffs, the pressure was on as their openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt got dismissed early. However, Venkatesh Iyer's valiant efforts with a 21-ball 42 helped KKR post a competitive total of 157/7. The match is poised to bring some explosive action as Mumbai Indians look to finish their campaign on a high.
Sunil Narine: A Stalwart in Kolkata Knight Riders' Success
Sunil Narine, the enigmatic Trinidadian all-rounder, has been an integral part of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise since his debut in 2012. With his beguiling mystery spin and powerful batting, he has played a pivotal role in the team's two IPL triumphs (2012 and 2014).
Background:
Narine was born in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago, on May 26, 1988. He made his international debut for the West Indies in 2011 and quickly gained recognition for his unorthodox action and variations in pace.
Early KKR Success:
Narine joined KKR ahead of the 2012 IPL season and immediately made an impact. His crafty spin proved difficult for batsmen to read, and his effective use of the crease was crucial to the team's success. In the final against Chennai Super Kings, he picked up three wickets and conceded just 15 runs in his four overs, helping KKR lift their first IPL trophy.
Continued Importance:
Over the years, Narine has remained a vital cog in the KKR machinery. His consistent wicket-taking ability has been complemented by his hard-hitting batting in the lower order. He has also captained the team on several occasions, demonstrating his leadership qualities.
Rain-Delayed Match Against Mumbai Indians:
On May 9, 2023, KKR faced Mumbai Indians in a rain-affected match in Kolkata. Narine was part of the playing XI but was dismissed for a duck in the first over. The game was ultimately reduced to 16 overs due to the weather, resulting in a shortened game with an exciting finish.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. Why was the match between KKR and Mumbai Indians delayed?
A: The match was delayed due to heavy rain in Kolkata, forcing the ground to be covered and the game to be postponed.
2. How many wickets did Sunil Narine take in the match?
A: Narine was dismissed for a duck in the match and did not have the opportunity to bowl.
3. What was the impact of Narine's dismissal on KKR's innings?
A: Narine's early dismissal put pressure on KKR's top order, but Venkatesh Iyer's blistering innings helped the team post a competitive total.
4. What are Narine's strengths as a bowler?
A: Narine is known for his mystery spin, which makes it difficult for batsmen to read his deliveries. He varies his pace and uses the crease effectively to create confusion and generate wickets.
5. What has been Narine's overall impact on KKR's success?
A: Narine has been a key player for KKR since joining the team in 2012. His spin bowling and hard-hitting batting have been instrumental in KKR's two IPL triumphs and have cemented his status as one of the most successful all-rounders in T20 cricket.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed profound sorrow and solidarity with the family of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash along with his brother. Jota, a fan favourite known for his tireless work ethic and crucial goals, had played an instrumental role in Liverpool's Premier League title run. As tributes pour in from across the footballing world, Slot and Liverpool have vowed to keep Jota's memory alive.
The football world was left in shock and mourning after the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, in a car crash while on holiday in Spain. The 28-year-old forward, who also played for Portugal and various club teams, was remembered by his former teammates and colleagues, including Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, and fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo. The football community offers their condolences to the Jota family and hopes for peace for their loved ones in this difficult time.
In a devastating blow to the sporting world, Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain. Jota, who was only 28 years old, and Silva, who was 25, were involved in the accident while trying to overtake another car on a highway near the Portuguese border. The news of Jota's death has not only sent shockwaves through the football community, but also touched the hearts of athletes from other sports, such as 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal who expressed his condolences for the young player and his family.
After a thrilling match at Wimbledon, Marin Cilic emerged victorious over Jack Draper, booking his spot in the third round. The former US Open champion showed off his impressive serving skills, firing 16 aces against the Briton. In his on-court interview, Cilic expressed his emotions and credited his team for their support throughout his long and dedicated career. With this win, he also made history by becoming the third-oldest player to defeat a top-five opponent at Wimbledon, surpassing big names like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
World champion Magnus Carlsen has raised doubts about reigning champion Gukesh's performance in shorter time control formats, ahead of their first face-off since the infamous table smashing incident in Norway Chess. However, Gukesh has started strong in the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia, leading the 10-player field along with Carlsen himself. The event will see players compete in rapid and blitz formats, where Gukesh has struggled in the past. With tough competition in the field, including Gukesh's compatriot Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen will have to prove himself against Gukesh in rapid and blitz games.
Harry Brook, the white-ball captain of England, has revealed his reasons for opting out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his desire to participate in the tournament in the future. Despite being bought by Delhi Capitals for a whopping INR 6.25 crore, Brook chose to prioritize his duties to the national team, violating BCCI's new rule. However, he remains hopeful of playing in the IPL after his two-year suspension. In the ongoing series against India, Brook impressed with 99 runs in the first test and also praised Indian player Rishabh Pant.
Shubman Gill, the captain of Team India, made an impressive performance on day 2 of the ongoing Test against England at Edgbaston, becoming the Indian captain with the highest test score by scoring 269 runs. India's new number four batsman proved to be a major problem for England's bowling attack. Meanwhile, Indian pacer Akash Deep made a comeback after giving 11 runs in the first over, picking up two wickets in two balls in the third over of England's innings, putting pressure on the opposition's top order.
In the second Test match between India and England, Indian skipper Shubman Gill dominated the field with an incredible 269 off 387 deliveries, setting the record for the highest individual score by an Indian player against England. His performance helped India reach a massive total of 587 all out. Later, India's pace attack dismantled England's top order, with Akash Deep taking two wickets in two consecutive deliveries. Gill's outstanding performance not only made him the first Asian skipper to score a double century on English soil, but also raised his average to 40 in just three innings in England.
After defeating world champion Magnus Carlsen in classical chess a few weeks back, Indian teenager Gukesh has now done it again in rapid chess at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 in Zagreb. Carlsen, playing with white pieces and in a supposedly weaker format for Gukesh, resigned in the 49th move with a muted reaction. Gukesh, on the other hand, has been on a streak of victories against some of the strongest players in the tournament, proving his skills and causing former world champion Garry Kasparov to question Carlsen's domination.
In the second Test against England, Indian skipper Shubman Gill made history by becoming the first Asian captain to score a double century in England. His epic innings of 200 runs helped India reach a commanding position of 564/7 at tea on Day 2. Despite a flat track, England was unable to stop Gill's onslaught, as he formed a formidable partnership with Washington Sundar. Gill's remarkable achievement is a noteworthy moment in his first series as Test skipper, proving himself as a match-winner for India.