RESULTS from the Grand Slam, Wimbledon Men's Doubles matches held on Wednesday (July 4, 2019).
First Round Results
(Reuters)
RESULTS from the Grand Slam, Wimbledon Men's Doubles matches held on Wednesday (July 4, 2019).
First Round Results
(Reuters)
Wicketkeeper-batsman Prabhsimran Singh struck 69 off 34 balls as Punjab Kings defeated Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets on Tuesday, securing their second win of the IPL season.
Chasing a target of 172, Punjab reached the total with nearly four overs to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 52 off 30 balls.
"This is the start we required," Iyer said. "Boys actually played their roles well, they contributed to the best of their ability, and whatever we planned, they executed it to the fullest."
Playing their first home game of the season, Lucknow had a poor start, losing opener Mitchell Marsh for a golden duck in the first over to Arshdeep Singh.
Marsh's partner, Aiden Markram, struck three boundaries off Arshdeep in his next over but was dismissed for 28 off 18 balls by Lockie Ferguson, who was making his debut for Punjab.
Captain Rishabh Pant was dismissed for two runs off five balls, leaving Lucknow at 35-3 before the end of the powerplay.
Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni put on a 54-run stand for the fourth wicket before Pooran fell for 44 off 30 balls to spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the 12th over.
David Miller followed soon after, scoring 19 off 18 before being dismissed by Marco Jansen.
Badoni (41) and Abdul Samad (27) provided late runs, but both were dismissed by Arshdeep in the final over as Lucknow finished on 171-7.
Pant admitted the total was below par. "We were 20-25 runs short," he said. "That is part and parcel of the game -- our first home game, so still assessing the conditions."
Punjab lost opener Priyansh Arya early for eight off nine balls to spinner Digvesh Rathi in the third over. However, Prabhsimran and Iyer put together an 84-run partnership, with Prabhsimran doing most of the scoring.
Lucknow managed another breakthrough in the 11th over when Ravi Bishnoi took a catch at the boundary to dismiss Prabhsimran. But by then, Punjab were well on course for victory.
Nehal Wadhera (43*) then combined with Iyer to see Punjab through without further setbacks.
Rathi (2-30) was the only Lucknow bowler to take wickets.
(With inputs from AFP)
Out of the 5 encounters between the two teams, RCB has won 3, while GT has secured 2 victories so far
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to heat up as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) takes on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 14th match of the season at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 2nd. This exciting encounter brings together two teams in top form, with both having a win and a loss under their belt. However, RCB, with their unbeaten record so far in the tournament, enters the contest with more confidence.
RCB has been nothing short of dominant in their first two matches of the season. They have put on stellar performances, especially with their commanding victories over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In their last match against KKR, RCB chased down a target of 175 runs with ease, reaching the target in just 16.2 overs with seven wickets to spare. Their victory over CSK was even more impressive, as they handed the three-time champions their biggest home defeat in terms of runs. With two wins and a positive net run rate of +2.266, RCB’s well-balanced squad, including Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Josh Hazlewood, is primed for another thrilling victory.
RCB’s batting department has been led by Virat Kohli, who has been in fine form. His consistency at the top of the order will be crucial in the upcoming clash. With Rajat Patidar, who has been brilliant with the bat, and players like Liam Livingstone and Tim David adding depth to the middle order, RCB looks well-equipped to put up a solid total. In the bowling department, the ever-reliable Hazlewood has been in sensational form, claiming five wickets in just two matches at an astonishing average of 8.60.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans (GT) started the season with a loss to Punjab Kings (PBKS) but bounced back in style with a 36-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI). Despite losing their opening match, GT's confidence is back after the comprehensive win. With a win and a loss under their belt, and a positive net run rate of +0.625, GT will be eager to take on the high-flying RCB. Players like Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill will be critical in their quest to put up a competitive total. Sudharsan, in particular, has been in excellent form, scoring back-to-back half-centuries. His consistency at the top is crucial for GT's success.
GT's middle order, led by Jos Buttler and supported by players like Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, has enough firepower to challenge RCB’s bowlers. However, GT’s real strength lies in their bowling attack, spearheaded by the sensational Rashid Khan. Along with pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, and the support of spinners like R Sai Kishore, GT has the resources to restrict RCB’s explosive batting lineup. The key for GT will be to use their experience and depth in both departments to counter RCB’s well-rounded squad.
Historically, the matchups between RCB and GT have been close, with RCB having a slight edge. Out of the five encounters between the two teams, RCB has won three, while GT has secured two victories. In IPL 2024, RCB came out on top in both their encounters, which gives them the psychological advantage going into this match. However, GT’s resilience and strong squad make them a formidable opponent. The contest between these two sides is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their A-game to the table.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its flat and batting-friendly pitch, is expected to provide an excellent surface for run-scoring. The relatively small boundaries at the venue make it a high-scoring ground, and fans can expect plenty of sixes and boundaries. However, the pitch might also offer some assistance to spinners, and pacers could find some early swing. Dew is unlikely to play a major role at this stage of the tournament, but teams will still prefer to bowl first if they win the toss, as chasing targets is generally easier at this venue.
Who do you think will win the RCB vs GT match?
The star players to watch out for in this match include RCB’s Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood. Kohli has been in fine form with the bat, while Hazlewood has been a standout with the ball, taking five wickets at an impressive economy rate. For GT, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill are in good touch, and Rashid Khan’s ability to control the middle overs could be crucial in limiting RCB’s run rate.
With both teams coming off victories, this match promises to be an exciting contest. RCB’s dominant start to the season makes them favourites, but GT’s bounce-back win against MI shows they are not to be underestimated. As the match unfolds at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, fans can expect a high-octane battle between some of the world’s best cricketers. Whoever comes out on top in this encounter will further solidify their position in the top half of the IPL 2025 points table.
The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, and it will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and Jio Hotstar.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 continues to build momentum, and on April 1, fans can expect a thrilling encounter as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) host Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This exciting fixture marks LSG's first home game of the season, and with both teams coming off strong performances, the match promises to be an intense showdown.
LSG, led by the young and dynamic Rishabh Pant, have had a mixed start to the season, with one win and one loss. In contrast, PBKS, under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, will be looking to maintain their winning streak after their solid victory in their opening game. The stage is set for a thrilling battle, and all eyes will be on the key players who could turn the tide.
Ekana Cricket Stadium is known for its challenging pitch conditions, which tend to favour the bowlers, particularly spinners. The black soil surface makes it tough for batsmen to score freely, as the ball grips and comes onto the bat slowly. On the other hand, the red soil surface provides decent bounce for pacers, making it a more favourable surface for them, although the conditions are still relatively difficult for batting. With both teams possessing powerful line-ups, the surface could well be a deciding factor in this contest.
The match is set to start at 7:30 PM (IST), and fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports Network or stream it via JioHotstar.
Looking at the history between these two sides, Lucknow Super Giants have had the upper hand. Out of the four matches played between the two teams, LSG has emerged victorious on three occasions. PBKS claimed a single win, which came in the 2023 season by just two wickets in Lucknow. Interestingly, both sides have managed to win a game each at the Ekana Stadium, setting the stage for a balanced contest.
LSG will be hoping to extend their dominance, while PBKS will be looking to bounce back after their narrow defeat last season. With both teams in good form, this match could be a turning point in the tournament.
Who do you think will win the LSG vs PBKS match?
One of the most exciting aspects of this encounter will be the player battles on display. Several key players will be under the spotlight, with matchups that could be game-changers.
Rishabh Pant vs Yuzvendra Chahal: Rishabh Pant, IPL's most expensive player at ₹27 crore, has had a quiet start to the season, and will be keen to make an impact in this game. However, Yuzvendra Chahal, the leg-spinner for PBKS, has dismissed Pant three times in just 13 IPL innings. Pant has a solid strike-rate of 140.67 against Chahal, but the spinner will be looking to continue his dominance in this matchup.
Pant vs Glenn Maxwell: Glenn Maxwell, another key player for PBKS, has had some success against Pant in the past, having dismissed him twice in just 12 deliveries. Pant, however, will be eager to get the better of Maxwell and prove his worth after a slow start.
Nicholas Pooran vs Arshdeep Singh: Nicholas Pooran has been in blistering form for LSG, scoring 75 off 30 balls and 70 off 26 balls in their first two matches. But PBKS pacer Arshdeep Singh has managed to dismiss Pooran once in their three encounters. Pooran's aggressive batting will be tested by Arshdeep's left-arm seamers, and this battle will be crucial in determining LSG’s scoring potential.
Glenn Maxwell vs Shardul Thakur: Maxwell’s recent form has been a bit patchy, but his explosive batting ability remains a threat. Shardul Thakur, who impressed with a four-wicket haul against SRH, will be looking to get the better of Maxwell. With Maxwell having a modest strike-rate against Thakur, this battle will be key for PBKS if they are to keep LSG's batting in check.
Lucknow Super Giants have a heavy-hitting batting line-up, with players like Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Mitchell Marsh all capable of turning the game on its head. Pooran has been in red-hot form, and his blistering knocks will be critical to LSG’s success. Despite Pant’s slow start, LSG will be hoping for a breakthrough performance from their captain.
On the bowling front, Shardul Thakur has been in great form, taking key wickets for LSG, while Ravi Bishnoi's spin could also come into play on the slow Ekana pitch. Avesh Khan and Prince Yadav will also need to step up to restrict PBKS' powerful batsmen.
PBKS, on the other hand, have been buoyed by their captain Shreyas Iyer, who was in fine touch during their opening match with an unbeaten 97. Alongside him, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell are two experienced all-rounders capable of turning the game. However, PBKS' pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and supported by Marco Jansen, will be tested by the likes of Pooran and Pant.
Both teams have strong, well-rounded squads, but LSG’s superior head-to-head record against PBKS gives them a slight edge. That said, PBKS has enough firepower to challenge them. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with key battles between top players on both sides.
With both teams coming off wins, this match could go either way, and fans can expect a nail-biting finish. Will LSG continue their dominance, or will PBKS turn the tables this season? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – IPL 2025’s encounter between Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings is not to be missed.
Kumar’s 4-24 helped restrict Kolkata to 116, which Mumbai chased down comfortably with more than seven overs to spare. (Photo: Getty Images)
MUMBAI INDIANS secured their first win of the IPL season on Monday, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets, with debutant medium pacer Ashwani Kumar playing a key role.
Kumar’s 4-24 helped restrict Kolkata to 116, which Mumbai chased down comfortably with more than seven overs to spare.
The 23-year-old dismissed Kolkata captain Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell in an impressive spell.
"I didn't have anything for lunch, I just had a banana. There was a little pressure. I wasn't feeling hungry," said Kumar.
"But still, I played well, so it's good.
"(Captain) Hardik Pandya said that since it's your debut match, enjoy yourself. Just keep bowling the way you have been," he added.
Pandya credited Mumbai’s scouting team for unearthing Kumar.
"We thought Ashwani can come in on this pitch and bowl the way he bowled. It is all the scouts – they picked him," Pandya said.
"They have gone to all the places and picked these young kids. We played a practice game, he had that zip, that late swing, something off the wicket, a different action, and he was a leftie."
Ryan Rickelton led Mumbai's chase with 62 off 41 balls, hitting five sixes.
Playing their first home match of the year, Mumbai made an early impact as Trent Boult dismissed Sunil Narine in the first over.
Kolkata’s batting struggles
Narine’s opening partner, Quinton de Kock, was caught trying to loft Deepak Chahar. Rahane followed soon after, slicing a wide delivery from Kumar to deep backward point for 11 off seven balls.
Venkatesh Iyer struggled for three runs off nine balls, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s fluent 26 ended before he could build on it, leaving Kolkata at 45-5 in seven overs.
Manish Pandey (19 off 14) and Rinku Singh (17 off 14) provided brief resistance, but Kolkata never recovered.
Ramandeep Singh’s 22 off 12 helped push the total past 100 before the innings ended in the 17th over.
"Collective batting failure, it was a good wicket to bat on, and 180-190 would have been a good total on this pitch," said Kolkata skipper Ajinkya Rahane.
Mumbai’s chase
Mumbai started quickly but lost Rohit Sharma for 13 off 12 balls.
England allrounder Will Jacks, replacing Sharma, pulled his second ball for six, dashing any Kolkata comeback hopes.
Jacks (16 off 17) and Rickelton put on 45 runs, bringing Mumbai close to victory.
Suryakumar Yadav’s 27 off nine balls ensured they reached the target with ease.
(With inputs from AFP)
Starc, the Australian left-arm pacer, returned figures of 5-35 as Delhi bowled out Hyderabad for 163. (Photo: Getty Images)
MITCHELL STARC picked up his first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, while Nitish Rana’s quickfire 81 off 36 balls helped Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals secure wins in the IPL on Sunday.
Starc, the Australian left-arm pacer, returned figures of 5-35 as Delhi bowled out Hyderabad for 163. Delhi chased the target comfortably, winning by seven wickets with four overs to spare, marking their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
In Guwahati, Rajasthan posted 182-9, powered by Rana’s aggressive knock. They then restricted Chennai Super Kings to 176-6, sealing a six-run win — their first victory after two losses.
"Feels good," said Rajasthan’s stand-in captain Riyan Parag. "Took some time, it was two games but felt long. Felt we were 20 short but the bowlers stepped up and executed our collective plans."
Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 4-35, making crucial breakthroughs in Chennai’s innings.
Rana, batting left-handed, shared an 82-run partnership for the second wicket with Sanju Samson, laying the foundation for Rajasthan’s total. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad ended the stand by dismissing Samson, who played solely as a batsman due to injury.
Rana reached his half-century in 21 balls, hitting 10 fours and five sixes. He was named player of the match. Ravichandran Ashwin later had him stumped to end his innings.
Parag contributed 37 off 28 balls before being bowled by Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana.
Jofra Archer struck in the first over of Chennai’s reply, dismissing Rachin Ravindra for a duck. Hasaranga then controlled the innings with a wicket in each of his four overs, his final scalp being Chennai skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad for 63, which derailed the chase.
‘No ego’ among bowlers
Earlier in Delhi’s second home game in Visakhapatnam, Starc struck early, dismissing Ishan Kishan and Nitish Reddy in one over. He then removed fellow Australian Travis Head for 22, leaving Hyderabad struggling at 37-4 in 4.1 overs.
Aniket Verma, who top-scored with 74, and Heinrich Klaasen built a 77-run stand to stabilise the innings. Kuldeep Yadav picked up 3-22 before Starc wrapped up the Hyderabad innings.
"There's no ego in bowlers these days," said Starc, who was named player of the match. "As a bowler, you've got to think out of the box. You need to do things you wouldn't normally do. It was nice to contribute in the win today, we move forward from here."
Delhi’s chase was led by Faf Du Plessis, who smashed a 27-ball 50. He took on Mohammed Shami, hitting a six and three fours in a 15-run third over, setting the tone for the chase.
Under new captain Axar Patel, Delhi has restructured its squad in pursuit of its first IPL title, with England’s Kevin Pietersen brought in as mentor.
(With inputs from agencies)