RESULTS from the Grand Slam, Wimbledon Men's Doubles matches held on Wednesday (July 4, 2019).
First Round Results
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The two teams have met 28 times in IPL history so far
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IPL 2025: KKR vs SRH - High-stakes Eden Gardens clash promises fireworks
Apr 02, 2025
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Thursday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This match marks a crucial point in the season for both sides, as they look to bounce back after a slow start.
KKR and SRH, last season’s finalists, have managed just one victory each from their first three matches this season. With both teams desperate to gain momentum, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest.
KKR’s batting struggles
Defending champions KKR have not been at their best with the bat this season. Their campaign started with a batting collapse against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where they lost wickets in quick succession despite a promising start. In their second outing, they successfully chased Rajasthan Royals’ total of 151/9, showcasing some resilience. However, their third match against Mumbai Indians was a forgettable affair, as they were bundled out for just 116.
KKR’s inconsistency with the bat remains a major concern. Their middle-order batters have struggled to deliver, making it imperative for key players like Quinton de Kock, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rinku Singh to step up. If they fail to stabilise the innings, KKR could find themselves in trouble once again.
SRH’s performance so far
SRH have had a more dynamic start to the season in terms of their batting. Their campaign began with a record-breaking 286/6, the highest-ever team total in IPL history, against Rajasthan Royals. However, since then, their performance has dipped, with scores of 190/9 and 163 in subsequent matches leading to consecutive defeats.
Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen have been their standout performers, playing crucial knocks. Additionally, young Nitish Reddy has contributed valuable cameos. SRH’s batting appears more potent compared to KKR, giving them a potential edge in this contest. Led by Pat Cummins, the team will be looking to exploit KKR’s vulnerabilities with both bat and ball.
Head-to-head record and home advantage
KKR enjoy a favourable head-to-head record against SRH. The two teams have met 28 times in IPL history, with KKR winning 18 encounters compared to SRH’s nine. One match ended in a tie.
At Eden Gardens, KKR have been dominant, winning seven out of their ten encounters against SRH. Given their strong record at home, KKR will hope to use familiar conditions to their advantage.
Key player stats
- Travis Head is SRH’s leading run-scorer this season, having amassed 136 runs in three matches at an average of 45.33 and a strike rate of 191.54.
- Ajinkya Rahane, KKR’s skipper, has scored 85 runs at 28.33 in IPL 2025 so far. He also has a history of performing well against SRH, having scored 478 runs against them in his IPL career.
- Varun Chakravarthy, KKR’s spinner, has taken three wickets this season at an economy rate of 6.54.
- Sunil Narine, despite being a key bowler for KKR, has struggled against SRH, managing only 14 wickets at a high average of 44.85.
Pitch report: What to expect at Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens is known for its batting-friendly pitches, and Thursday’s encounter is expected to be no different. The surface has favoured high-scoring matches, with batters enjoying the conditions. However, early in the innings, pacers could find some assistance with swing, while spinners are likely to play a role later in the match.
Given the nature of the pitch, the team winning the toss is expected to opt to bowl first, as chasing teams have had success at this venue.
Who do you think will win the KKR vs SRH match?
Kolkata Knight Riders
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Predicted playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Ajinkya Rahane (c)
- Rinku Singh
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Sunil Narine
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Spencer Johnson
- Harshit Rana
- Varun Chakravarthy
Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):
- Travis Head
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
- Aniket Verma
- Abhinav Manohar
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Zeeshan Ansari
- Harshal Patel
- Mohammed Shami
What to look for
Both teams have had a shaky start to IPL 2025, making this contest difficult to predict. However, SRH’s superior batting depth could give them an advantage over KKR, whose middle order has struggled. If SRH’s in-form batters, particularly Head and Klaasen, fire again, KKR might find it difficult to contain them.
On the other hand, KKR’s familiarity with Eden Gardens and their strong bowling attack, featuring Narine and Chakravarthy, could prove decisive. If their batters manage to find some form, they could tilt the match in their favour.
Given SRH’s recent batting prowess and KKR’s inconsistencies, SRH might have a slight edge in this encounter. However, KKR’s dominance at Eden Gardens and their historical record against SRH suggest they could turn things around. It promises to be a tightly contested match, with the team handling pressure better likely to emerge victorious.
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Lionel Messi in action against Venezuela in Kolkata in 2011
Messi set to return to India after 14 years for exhibition match in Kerala
Apr 02, 2025
LIONEL MESSI and the Argentina national team will visit Kerala in south India for an exhibition match in October.
It will mark Messi’s return to the country 14 years after his first visit.
In November last year, Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman announced that Argentina would play two friendly matches in the city of Kochi.
Last Wednesday (26), HSBC India confirmed that it had become the official partner of the Argentine team, aiming to collaborate and promote football in India. The bank announced that the exhibition match will take place in October.
“Under this partnership, the Argentina national football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit India for an international exhibition match in October 2025,” HSBC India said.
Messi’s first appearance in India was in September 2011, when Argentina played a World Cup qualifying match against Venezuela in Kolkata. Argentina won the match 1-0 at the Salt Lake stadium.
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Prabhsimran Singh scored 69 off 34 balls.
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Punjab secure second IPL win with Prabhsimran’s quickfire 69
Apr 02, 2025
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)
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Out of the 5 encounters between the two teams, RCB has won 3, while GT has secured 2 victories so far
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IPL 2025 - RCB vs GT: Bengaluru prepares for a high-voltage encounter
Apr 01, 2025
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’s form and strength
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.
GT’s comeback and key players
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.
Head-to-head record: RCB’s slight advantage
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.
Pitch and weather conditions
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?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Gujarat Titans
Key players to watch
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.
What to look for
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.
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Fans can expect a nail-biting finish
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IPL 2025 - LSG vs PBKS: Lucknow to host Punjab in first home game of the season
Apr 01, 2025
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.
Pitch conditions: A bowler’s paradise
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.
A Head-to-head record to watch
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?
Lucknow Super Giants
Punjab Super Kings
Key player battles
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.
Team performance
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.
A close contest
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.
Match details:
- Teams: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS), Match 13
- Date & time: Tuesday, April 1, 2025, 7:30 PM (IST)
- Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
- Live broadcast & streaming: Sports18/Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
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