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Tag: Kolkata

  • IPL 2025: Eden Gardens pitch invader shares Virat Kohli’s reaction after emotional hug during KKR vs RCB clash

    IPL 2025: Eden Gardens pitch invader shares Virat Kohli’s reaction after emotional hug during KKR vs RCB clash

    The IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens witnessed an unusual and emotional moment when an 18-year-old fan, Rhituparno Pakhira, breached security to meet his idol, Virat Kohli. The incident, which briefly disrupted the match, has sparked conversations about fan devotion and security measures at sporting events.

    The fan’s bold move to meet Virat Kohli

    On March 22, during the 13th over of RCB’s innings, Pakhira scaled the fencing near the ‘G’ Block of Eden Gardens and ran onto the pitch. This occurred shortly after Kohli had scored his half-century, anchoring RCB’s chase against KKR. The fan managed to evade security personnel and reached Kohli, hugging him and falling at his feet in admiration. The match was halted for a few minutes as security escorted him off the field.

    Also WATCH: KKR vs RCB – Fan breaches security to touch Virat Kohli’s feet and hug him during IPL 2025 opener

    What Kohli said to the pitch invader?

    In a heartwarming gesture, Kohli picked up Pakhira, asked his name, and advised him to “run away fast” before security intervened. Kohli also requested guards to handle the situation gently, ensuring no harm came to the young fan. This composed response showcased Kohli’s understanding of his fans’ devotion.

    “The moment I touched his feet, Virat Kohli sir, asked my name and said, ‘Jaldi se bhaag jaa (run away fast). He even asked the security to not hit me,” said the fan as quoted by Times of India.

    Notably, Pakhira was arrested by Kolkata Police and taken to Maidan Police Station. He was charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 132 (assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant), 329(3) (criminal trespass), and 125 (reckless actions endangering personal safety). Additionally, he has been banned from entering Eden Gardens for the remainder of the IPL season.

    Also READ: Michael Clarke explains why RCB have struggled to win an IPL trophy

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  • IND vs ENG: Former England captain Michael Vaughan hails Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant performance in the first T20I

    IND vs ENG: Former England captain Michael Vaughan hails Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliant performance in the first T20I

    In the opening match of the five-match T20I series between India and England at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the hosts triumphed with a commanding seven-wicket victory. India now leads the series 1-0, thanks to a scintillating performance by their ace spinner, Varun Chakravarthy, who dismantled the English batting lineup with his clever variations and pinpoint accuracy.

    Chakravarthy’s spell was the cornerstone of India’s success. The right-arm leg spinner bowled a remarkable four-over spell, claiming three crucial wickets while conceding just 23 runs. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award and widespread praise from cricketing pundits, including former England captain Michael Vaughan.

    Micheal Vaughan lauds Varun Chakravarthy’s brilliance

    Impressed by Chakravarthy’s brilliance, Vaughan praised Indian spinner Chakravarthy, highlighting his skillful and deceptive craft. The former England batter described the Tamil Nadu bowler as a “lovely mystery spinner” who brings the ball back into right-handers, occasionally holds one up, and consistently targets the stumps. While not a big turner of the ball, his subtle variations make him challenging to face. Vaughan emphasized Chakravarthy’s consistency and intelligence, urging England to adopt a different approach to counter him.

    “Chakravarthy is a lovely mystery spinner – kind of brings the ball back into the right-handers. Every now and again, he will just hold one up. He’s not a huge spinner of the ball, but just does enough, which makes it very difficult – always brings the stumps into play. He is very consistent and also very smart. England have got to find a different method of trying to put him under pressure,” Vaughan said in an interview with Cricbuzz.

    Also READ: Twitter reactions: Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy shine as India crush England by 7 wickets in the Kolkata T20I

    Vaughan praises Chakravarthy’s craftsmanship

    Vaughan further expressed his admiration for Chakravarthy’s bowling, highlighting his understated, old-fashioned celebration style of simply walking away after taking a wicket. “I love watching him bowl because when he gets a wicket, he doesn’t celebrate. He just kind of walks away in an old-fashioned kind of celebration, ” former England skipper added.

    Also READ:  IND vs ENG 2025: Arshdeep Singh shatters Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling record in the first T20I

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  • IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Kolkata

    IND vs ENG, 1st T20I: Top 5 key battles to watch out for in Kolkata

    England’s highly anticipated white-ball tour of India will kick off with a five-match T20I series, starting on January 22 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This series marks the beginning of a crucial limited-overs campaign for both teams, as they gear up for a challenging cricketing calendar ahead.

    England’s white-ball tour of India begins with T20I game at Eden Gardens

    The tour will be England’s first under their new white-ball head coach, Brendon McCullum, who has taken charge of the limited-overs side after revolutionizing their Test cricket. Captain Jos Buttler will lead a formidable English lineup, which includes explosive batters, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack featuring Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid. India, on the other hand, will aim to assert their dominance at home with a strong squad led by Suryakumar Yadav.

    The Indian side boasts a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting young talents, making them a formidable opponent on familiar turf. Eden Gardens, with its electrifying atmosphere and rich cricketing history, provides the perfect stage for the series opener. The teams will look to adapt quickly to the conditions, with dew expected to play a significant role in determining strategies during the evening game.

    Top 5 key battles to watch out for in the Kolkata T20I

    1. Ben Duckett vs Arshdeep Singh

    The clash between Ben Duckett and Arshdeep Singh promises to be intriguing, given Duckett’s aggressive approach against the left-arm pacer’s swing and accuracy. Duckett excels in countering spin but has shown vulnerability against quality pace, particularly in the powerplay.

    Arshdeep, known for his pinpoint yorkers and ability to swing the ball, will look to exploit any weakness early. The conditions at Eden Gardens, often favoring swing in the first few overs, could play into Arshdeep’s hands. Duckett, however, will aim to unsettle the bowler by stepping out or playing lofted shots. This face-off could set the tone for England’s innings if Arshdeep can dismiss Duckett early. Conversely, if Duckett manages to dominate, it could leave the Indian attack searching for answers.

    2. Mohammed Shami vs Jos Buttler

    A battle of experience and skill, Mohammed Shami’s disciplined seam bowling against Buttler’s explosive power is a key matchup. Buttler’s ability to take on any bowler in the powerplay will be tested by Shami’s lethal outswingers. Shami, who thrives on building pressure with consistent lines, will aim to dismiss Buttler early to disrupt England’s plans. Buttler, returning from a calf injury, has looked to play more as a pure batter and may attempt to counter Shami’s swing with aggressive intent. If Shami can get Buttler’s wicket, it would be a massive advantage for India. Nevertheless, if Buttler settles, he could make life tough for India with his wide range of strokes.

    Also READ: IND vs ENG: England unveils playing XI for the first T20I against India; Harry Brook named vice-captain

    3. Suryakumar Yadav vs Jofra Archer

    Suryakumar’s 360-degree batting against Archer’s raw pace and bounce promises fireworks. Archer’s comeback adds depth to England’s attack, and he will look to trouble Suryakumar with short-pitched deliveries and yorkers. Suryakumar, known for his ability to manipulate the field, thrives on pace and will aim to counter Archer with innovative shots like the scoop and ramp. The contest could be pivotal in the middle overs, with Suryakumar’s ability to accelerate potentially taking the game away from England. Archer, nonetheless, has the knack for delivering breakthroughs under pressure and will be England’s go-to bowler to neutralize India’s most dynamic batter.

    4. Hardik Pandya vs Adil Rashid

    Hardik Pandya’s power-hitting against Rashid’s crafty leg-spin will be a fascinating middle-overs contest. Rashid has often been England’s trump card, using his variations to stifle batters and pick up crucial wickets. Hardik, who relishes taking on spinners, will look to disrupt Rashid’s rhythm by stepping out and targeting the boundary. Rashid, however, could exploit Hardik’s occasional tendency to misjudge flighted deliveries. This matchup could determine whether India builds momentum or England regains control in the middle overs. If Rashid manages to dismiss Hardik early, it would provide England with a significant edge, but if Hardik succeeds, India could post a formidable total.

    5. Liam Livingstone vs Kuldeep Yadav

    Liam Livingstone’s brute force and Kuldeep Yadav’s guile with wrist-spin make for a thrilling encounter. Livingstone, known for his ability to hit sixes at will, will look to attack Kuldeep and disrupt his rhythm. Kuldeep, on the other hand, will aim to exploit Livingstone’s vulnerability against well-disguised googlies and variations in pace. This battle in the middle and death overs could dictate the flow of England’s innings. Kuldeep’s ability to induce false shots will be crucial, while Livingstone’s counterattacking approach could put pressure on the bowler. If Kuldeep manages to outfox Livingstone, it would be a game-changing moment for India, but if Livingstone dominates, England could gain a significant advantage.

    Also READ: Not Jos Buttler! England’s Brendon McCullum confirms different wicketkeeper for the India T20Is

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  • ‘Educate your son, husband, brothers, father’ – Suryakumar Yadav’s plea amid Kolkata rape-murder case

    ‘Educate your son, husband, brothers, father’ – Suryakumar Yadav’s plea amid Kolkata rape-murder case

    Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: Suryakumar Yadav/ Instagram)

    While the entire nation has stood united in their pleas for justice to be served in the heinous rape-muder case of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata, hardly anyone from the cricketing fraternity has expressed their sentiments regarding the same. However, India’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav recently posted an Instagram story which had a strong message which must be ingrained in the minds of the society. 

    The latest update from the case is that the Calcutta High Court transferred the right to probe into the case from the Kolkata Police to the Central Bureau of Investigation on August 13, considering the grave magnitude of the case. The incident has sent a chill down the spine of the country and enraged the entire nation. 

    Former India skipper Sourav Ganguly is another person from the cricketing community who censured the act and urged for a strict punishment for the culprits.

    “I told that last Sunday, I don’t know how it was construed or was interpreted. I have said it earlier also, it’s a terrible thing. Now the CBI and police are investigating the matter. It’s very shameful what has happened. I hope that the CBI, who are investigating the matter, once they find the culprit, strict punishment should be given. The punishment should be such that no one dares to commit such a crime again in their life. Punishment has to be severe. That is important,” stated Ganguly, as quoted by News18.   

    Also read: Harbhajan Singh writes open letter to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over Kolkata rape-murder case

    Additionally, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh penned an open letter to the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamta Banerjee, demanding speedy justice. “This unspeakable act of violence, which shook the conscience of all of us, is not just a heinous crime against one individual but a grave assault on the dignity and safety of every woman in our society. It is a reflection of the deeply rooted issues within our society and a blatant reminder of the urgent need for systemic change and action by the authorities,” he wrote.

    “Their (doctors) protests are understood and I wholeheartedly support the medical community in their fight for their cause of justice. The medical community is already working in challenging conditions. With such incidents, how can we expect them to perform their duties with dedication when their own safety is so gravely compromised?” asked Harbhajan.

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  • IPL 2024, KKR vs MI: Probable Playing XI, Match Preview, Head to Head Record | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians

    IPL 2024, KKR vs MI: Probable Playing XI, Match Preview, Head to Head Record | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians

    The upcoming Match 60 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to unfold between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday (May 10). Despite MI being already out of contention for the Playoffs, both teams are entering the match on the back of victories in their previous games.

    KKR displayed an impressive performance in their last outing, securing a convincing win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a massive margin of 98 runs. Meanwhile, MI demonstrated their resilience in their recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), emerging victorious by seven wickets.

    KKR vs MI: Head to Head Records:

    • KKR and MI have faced each other 33 times since the inception of the IPL in 2008.
    • Their battles have been mostly one sided, Mumbai holds the lead with 23 victories, whereas Kolkata have won 10 matches.
    • In the last 5 matches, Kolkata have a clear edge with a record of 3 wins against 2 for Mumbai.
    • At the Eden Gardens, Mumbai are leading with seven wins in ten games.
    • Both teams have displayed competitive fervor in recent meetings, making their clashes highly anticipated by cricket fans.

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Overview:

    Throughout the 2024 season of the IPL, KKR have distinguished themselves as a formidable and aggressive team, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a spot in the final. Central to their success has been the dynamic performance of Sunil Narine, who has been instrumental in providing KKR with explosive starts at the top of the order. Narine’s stellar form is evidenced by his impressive tally of over 400 runs, achieved at a staggering strike rate close to 200, setting the stage for KKR’s dominance in the tournament.

    Complementing Narine’s fireworks at the crease, his opening partner  Phil Salt has also been in sensational form, accumulating a commendable 429 runs in 11 games. Salt’s consistent contributions with the bat have further bolstered KKR’s batting lineup, adding depth and firepower to their formidable batting arsenal.

    With a total of eleven games played so far in the season, KKR boasts an impressive record of eight wins and three losses, firmly establishing their position at the top of the points table with 16 points in their bag. Their remarkable performances have propelled them to the forefront of the competition, with one more victory potentially securing them a spot in the Qualifier stage of the tournament.

    KKR’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against MI:

    1. Phil Salt
    2. Sunil Narine
    3. Angkrish Raghuvanshi
    4. Venkatesh Iyer
    5. Shreyas Iyer
    6. Andre Russell
    7. Rinku Singh
    8. Vaibhav Arora
    9. Mitchell Starc
    10. Harshit Rana
    11. Varun Chakravarthy

    Squad Characteristics:

    Salt and Narine provide explosive starts at the top of the order, while Raghuvanshi and Venkatesh offer stability and firepower in the middle order. Shreyas’ experience and leadership skills add depth to the batting lineup, while Russell’s destructive hitting prowess is a major asset in the middle overs.

    In the bowling department, Starc leads the pace attack with his express pace and ability to take early wickets. Vaibhav and Harshit provide support with their seam bowling, while Chakravarthy’s mystery spin adds an extra dimension to the bowling lineup.

    Also READ: IPL 2024: Sunil Narine sheds light on the secret behind his muted celebrations

    Mumbai Indians (MI) Overview:

    In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, MI find themselves grappling with a forgettable campaign, marked by significant challenges and setbacks. With their recent elimination from the playoff race, MI now face the prospect of concluding the season on a disappointing note. One of the primary areas of concern for MI has been their batting lineup, particularly the top-order, which has encountered considerable struggles throughout the tournament.

    Key players such as Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya have endured prolonged periods of poor form, contributing to MI’s batting woes. Their inability to consistently fire with the bat has significantly impacted MI’s overall performance and undermined their chances of securing favorable results in matches.

    Currently positioned at the eighth place in the points table, MI have managed to secure only four wins out of the 12 games they have played so far. This lackluster performance has left MI languishing at the bottom half of the standings.

    MI’s probable playing XI for the IPL game against KKR:

    1. Ishan Kishan (wk)
    2. Rohit Sharma
    3. Suryakumar Yadav
    4. Tilak Varma
    5. Hardik Pandya (c)
    6. Tim David
    7. Nehal Wadhera
    8. Gerald Coetzee
    9. Piyush Chawla
    10. Jasprit Bumrah
    11. Nuwan Thushara

    A closer look:

    • Kishan takes the gloves behind the stumps, providing stability and firepower to the batting lineup. Rohit and Suryakumar form a formidable top-order alongside Kishan, capable of setting the tone with explosive starts.
    • Varma adds solidity to the middle order, complemented by the leadership and all-round skills of Hardik. David’s finishing abilities add depth to the batting lineup, while Wadhera offers additional stability in the middle order.
    • In the bowling department, Coetzee, Bumrah and Thushara lead the pace attack with their raw pace and ability to extract bounce. Chawla provides spin options, using his experience and variations to trouble opposition batters. Together, this well-balanced Mumbai squad possesses the firepower to challenge any opposition in the IPL.

    Also READ: IPL 2024: AB de Villiers critiques Hardik Pandya’s captaincy style at Mumbai Indians

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  • Twitter reactions: Jonny Bairstow’s breathtaking century powers PBKS to record run-chase against KKR | IPL 2024

    Twitter reactions: Jonny Bairstow’s breathtaking century powers PBKS to record run-chase against KKR | IPL 2024

    Jonny Bairstow showcased his batting prowess with a remarkable second Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 century during Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) astonishing record run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens on Friday (April 26). Punjab chased down a mammoth target with eight wickets in hand, largely fueled by Bairstow’s explosive innings. Partnering with Shashank Singh, who contributed a blistering 68 runs off just 28 balls, Bairstow found crucial support and played with immense confidence throughout the innings.

    Jonny Bairstow’s aggressive innings turns the tide in favour of PBKS

    Bairstow reached his century milestone in the 16th over, displaying exceptional timing and power in his strokeplay. It took him a mere 45 deliveries to achieve this feat, showcasing his aggressive intent right from the start. Despite facing pressure due to his previous low scores in the tournament, the explosive batter showed resilience and determination, reaching his fifty in just 23 balls. The strong foundation laid by the opening partnership of 93 runs in six overs, particularly with Prabhsimran Singh, set the tone for Bairstow’s explosive innings.

    Bairstow’s dominance was particularly evident against Andre Russell, whom he targeted ruthlessly, scoring heavily in his second over. His innings was highlighted by powerful hitting, including a colossal six that soared 105 meters.

    Also READ: IPL 2024: Herschelle Gibbs mocks Travis Head after the SRH batter fails against RCB

    Sunil Narine and Phil Salt aggressive batting for KKR

    Earlier, Sunil Narine and Phil Salt exhibited their aggressive batting prowess once again, taking full advantage of Punjab’s lapses in the field to dominate proceedings. Salt was the top-scorer with an impressive 75 runs, while Narine contributed a dynamic 71 to the team’s total. The quickfire cameos from Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer also made significant impacts on the scoreboard as the duo took KKR to 261/6. Despite their efforts, Rahul Chahar emerged as the most economical bowler for the opposition, conceding just 33 runs in his four overs and claiming one wicket. On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh stood out as Punjab’s standout bowler, securing two crucial wickets while conceding 45 runs in his quota of four overs.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also READ: Yuvraj Singh reveals why Abhishek Sharma is still ‘not ready’ for the T20 World Cup 2024



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  • Rain stifles Australia’s electric semi-final start

    Rain stifles Australia’s electric semi-final start

    Welcome to our live coverage of Australia’s World Cup semi-final clash with old foes South Africa from Kolkata.

    Australia started this World Cup with losses to India and South Africa, and after rattling off seven straight wins, have the chance to avenge one in the hopes of making the final.

    FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION LIVE AS IT HAPPENS

    9:35PM: ZAMPA TIME, GOOD CALL OR BAD CALL?

    Straight out of the break, Pat Cummins turns to his star spinner Adam Zampa.

    You almost wonder whether they wanted to keep going with Mitch Starc and put the foot to the throat.

    We know Zampa however has been able to both get wickets and keep the runs at a low rate.

    Straight away he’s been on the money, where earlier in the tournament he was taking a few overs to get in the groove.

    Cummins has however, decided to get Josh Hazlewood on after the restart, possibly to save Starc and himself for closer to an innings end if there is one?

    I’m sure Cummins like all Aussie cricket fans is hoping this does not get near the 50-over mark, so as to avoid any issue with some rain.

    And David Miller says time to get going, whacking Zampa for 6 over mid-on.

    South Africa have hit the half-century mark, the second-slowest fifty of the tournament so far.

    South Africa are 4/55 after 17 overs.

    9:15PM: RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY ETC, ETC

    You know the drizzle you walk to work from the train station in, then when you get into work you look dry, that’s what’s happening in Kolkata from all reports.

    Which a) is promising and b) really annoying, with the hot start the Aussies have made.

    The bright side of all of this, we can reflect on this exciting start from Australia, with Hazlewood and Starc bowling to almost their Test level, combined with some exceptional fielding.

    The covers look to be coming off with South African 4/44 off 14 overs.

    Play will restart at 9:25pm AEDT.

    8:50PM: AND HERE COMES THE FUN-STEALER

    Well, South Africa hit a couple of boundaries and Mother Nature says no that’s enough here comes the rain.

    The covers are on in Kolkata, however only a small shower is expected.

    However the rain has not been enough to quiten a ferocious crowd, who are almost epitomising the fielding we have seen from Australia to start this game.

    Could this put an end to the roll the Aussies were on and given the reeling batting side the break they needed?

    8:35PM: SOUTH AFRICA’S WORLD CUP SEMI MISERY ROLLS

    AND AGAIN! Hazlewood is relentless.

    Pat Cummins took a chance keeping his spearheads on and it has paid off enormously.

    Rassie van der Dussen has to go, caught at second slip by Steve Smith who half caught it and half-wedged it between his legs, but they all count.

    Can’t quite say South Africa are known for their exploits in semi-finals in a positive way, but boy oh boy this is another level.

    You often see sides losing wickets consistently while still keeping the runs flowing, but this almost feels like an Ashes game where it’s all in favour of the bowling side.

    Can they find an answer or will this be wrapped up quickly?

    The skipper Pat Cummins will come into the attack with South Africa already four down with a mere 34 runs on the board.

    8:20PM: KOLKATA PRESSURE COOKER

    It took 52 balls, but we have a boundary in this game thanks to Markram, but these first 10 overs have been a bowling and fielding clinic by Australia.

    Fielding was something of a worry to start this tournament, but the Aussies have really ramped it up as they started to compile wins.

    This has been vintage Hazlewood and Starc, tightening the screws on their opponents, with the occasional Starc loosener but it’s par for the course.

    The moisture in the surface has given the Aussies plenty more bounce compared to the last game at Kolkata.

    There’s been some movement off the seam too, particularly for Hazlewood.

    After 10 overs, South Africa have made only 18 runs!!

    And now Markram goes, what is happening here?!?!?!

    8:00PM: GOOD TOSS TO LOSE????

    Well with the possibility of rain you probably wanted to bat, however, this deck looks to have a bit of juice in it early on.

    Could be the earliest of assumptions once these balls soften a little but alas!

    Right now the Aussies are operating under total cloud coverage.

    Josh Hazlewood has been able to get some serious bounce off the wicket, flying through to Inglis at head-height on multiple occasions.

    The big Hoff has been operating at that 7m length consistently, a vintage touch.

    The covers being on for so long due to the potential rain may have just kept a ton of moisture in this pitch.

    It’s been tough sledding for South Africa early, managing just six runs off the first four overs, a mixture of tight bowling and some great fielding early on, particularly from David Warner and Glenn Maxwell on the off-side.

    And the danger man is gone !!!!!

    The consistency has gotten to Quinton de Kock, who went for one on a good length from Hazlewood, and trying to get on the front foot hits one straight into the air.

    Pat Cummins settles under it at mid-on and takes a great catch.

    What a start this is indeed.

    7:40PM: THE WORLD CUP MASTER STRIKES EARLY

    Mitch Starc has not had the tournament he would have liked, but he gets a dream start in the semi-final, knocking over the South African skipper with the sixth ball of the game.

    A vintage Starc delivery drifts across the right-hander, thick edge and safely into the hands of Josh Inglis.

    What a start to this one!

    Bavuma battled hamstring concerns all week, at least for batting purposes that won’t be an issue now.

    van der Dussen comes to the crease, who has played exceptionally across the tournament.

    No secret of course, but Quinton de Kock is the wicket all Aussie cricket fans will be chasing early on.

    The left-hander has been sensational at this tournament, whacking four centuries across the competition, including a 109 against Australia in Lucknow.

    7:15PM: MARNUS WINS SELECTION BATTLE IN HUGE SEMI-FINAL CALL

    Marnus Labuschagne has won the selection battle over Marcus Stoinis for the final spot in Australia’s XI for the World Cup semi-final.

    Australia has chosen to go for extra batting depth over an additional all-rounder.

    It is overcast but the rain has stayed away for now.

    Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell return at the expense of Stoinis and Sean Abbott.

    South Africa will bat first after winning the toss, with weather coming into some consideration of Temba Bavuma’s decision.

    South Africa has made one change, dropping Lungi Ngidi for Tabraiz Shamsi.

    Aussie skipper Pat Cummins said he would have batted if he had won the toss.

    Labuschagne is an incredible story. Missed out on the 18-man squad and about to play his 18th straight ODI since that squad was named.

    Unfortunately for Stoinis he just hasn’t contributed consistently enough with bat or ball to demand a spot in the XI. He has left himself vulnerable and it has cost him in the end.

    For all the talk of splitting formats, Australia’s XI for the World Cup semi-final features eight of those who played the fifth Test at The Oval in late July.

    Battle on two fronts: Australia’s plan for SA, rain revealed

    A developing cyclone in the Bay of Bengal has threatened to derail Australia’s tilt for a sixth World Cup crown, with rain forecast at stages on both Thursday, the day of the match, and the reserve day on Friday.

    Should tonight’s World Cup semi-final match be washed out, South Africa would advance as the higher-ranked side from the league phase – with the winner to take on India, after their demolition of New Zealand last night.

    But captain Pat Cummins said Australia would not premeditate the weather, playing the scenario as it comes.

    “One website tells you something, and another website tells you the opposite. It’s something you think about,” Cummins said.

    “We’ll turn up, expect to play a 50-over match, and if that shifts on us well (we’ll deal with it).”

    Meanwhile, Cummins says his players will draw on experience from previous title wins in the clash with South Africa, spurred on by Glenn Maxwell’s heroics having given them “an extra leg”.

    Five-time winners Australia went down to the Proteas in the league stage by 134 runs before they won seven straight matches to make the semi-final in Kolkata on Thursday.

    Australia, who lost an ODI series in South Africa in September, have beaten their rivals twice in World Cup semi-finals.

    “You start from scratch every time you play,” Cummins said.

    “They’re a team we’ve played quite a lot and know quite well.

    “I think what helps us is we’ve got a lot of guys that have been in this situation before that have won the one-day World Cup, T20 World Cup, various other tournaments in big moments.

    “So, I think that really helps. You can draw on that in the middle of the contest.”

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  • Javelin thrower Rohit Yadav out of World Championships, Asian Games

    Javelin thrower Rohit Yadav out of World Championships, Asian Games

    Rohit Yadav during the javelin throw competition in the 62nd National inter-State Athletics Championship at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
    | Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR

    Rohit Yadav, one of the leading male javelin throwers of the country, has gone through a surgery to treat a ligament tear in his right elbow and will miss the upcoming World athletics championships and the Asian Games.

    Rohit, who was operated upon by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala in Mumbai 11 days ago, has set a target of returning to competition in the middle of next year.

    “It was a complete ligament tear in my elbow (of my throwing arm). There was hardly any option. The other option was to take injections in the elbow to compete, but the doctor said there was no guarantee that I would be able to perform well because the elbow might not be stable,” Rohit told The Hindu on Friday.

    “Had I gone with the second option, it might have affected the Olympic year. Since there was pain in the elbow, how long could injections help! It would have wasted time. Rather, I will use the time to complete my rehab.

    “I can compete only next year. The doctor has said that I can resume training in six months. The new season will start in March, but I will try to start training in February and take part in competitions in May or June.

    “I will have two months, May and June, to qualify for the Olympics. I never thought such a thing would happen,” said Rohit, who aggravated the elbow issue at the inter-State meet in Bhubaneswar in June.

    Rohit, who got two of his best throws — 83.40m in May and 83.28 in June — and was the third-best Indian thrower behind Neeraj Chopra (88.67m) and D.P. Manu (84.33m) and 18th in the world this season until Kishore Jena achieved his personal best (84.38m) on Friday, was in the reckoning for the World championships as the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) thought of sending four male javelin throwers to the elite event. He had also qualified for the Asian championships and the Asian Games, but pulled out from this month’s continental championships due to the injury.

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