Sports

WPL 2025: Deepti Sharma Points Out UPW’s Middle-Order Struggles Amidst MI’s Dominance

Published

1 year ago

March 7, 2025

UP Warriorz captain Deepti Sharma acknowledged that the team’s ongoing struggles in the middle order continue to be a challenge, despite their strong performance at the top. After a six-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025, Deepti reflected on these challenges while also praising the batting efforts of young Georgia Voll.

Her remarks followed a dominant display by the Mumbai Indians, highlighted by Amelia Kerr’s remarkable five-wicket haul (5-38) and Hayley Matthews’ exceptional all-round performance (2-25 and 68 runs off 46 balls), which allowed the defending champions to comfortably chase down a target of 151 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

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“Our middle order isn’t performing as we’d like. The top order is doing well, and there are positives to focus on, such as Voll’s impressive batting. It was exciting to see her play. In the middle order, there are critical moments when you need to change the momentum of the game. We’re committed to giving our best in our final match. Personally, I aim to improve in my role,” Deepti commented after the match.

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Opting to bat first, the Warriorz secured their best start of the season, largely thanks to Voll’s explosive 55 runs off 33 balls. She and her opening partner added 74 runs for the first wicket, raising hopes for a substantial total. However, Mumbai’s bowlers quickly shifted the momentum with disciplined bowling. Amelia Kerr’s variations dismantled the middle order, leading to a collapse from a strong position as she claimed key wickets at crucial moments.

In a surprising move, the Mumbai Indians sent Amelia Kerr to open alongside Matthews. Kerr had a mixed innings, surviving an early scare off a no-ball but eventually scoring 10 (13) before falling to Chinelle Henry. This brought Nat Sciver-Brunt to the crease, who, alongside Matthews, took control of the chase.

Matthews showcased her exceptional form, easily punishing the bowlers with back-to-back boundaries off Sophie Ecclestone and playing exquisite strokes through the off-side. Sciver-Brunt played a supportive role, ensuring the run rate remained manageable. Matthews soon reached her half-century off just 35 balls, laying the foundation for an effortless chase. Grace Harris provided a breakthrough by dismissing Sciver-Brunt, who made a solid 37 off 23 balls, but by then, Mumbai was already on a roll.

Although Matthews eventually fell for 68 runs off 46 balls while attempting to take on Kranti Goud, her job was effectively done. Harmanpreet Kaur struggled during her innings, scoring just 4 runs off 9 balls, but Yastika Bhatia (10*) and Amanjot Kaur (12*) ensured no further hiccups occurred. With only two runs needed, Yastika hit the boundary to secure a six-wicket victory for the Mumbai Indians, completing the chase in 18.2 overs and reinforcing their dominance in WPL 2025.

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Sports

Bengaluru Police Issue Advisory Ahead of RCB’s IPL 2026 Final

Published

1 week ago

May 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

IPL 2026 :Bengaluru police have urged people to celebrate responsibly during and after the IPL 2026 final. RCB will play the final match on Sunday.

Police have banned public celebrations, bike rallies, road blockages, and stunt riding. Bursting crackers and setting up public LED screens without permission are also not allowed.

Authorities have asked people not to drink alcohol in public places or create disturbances. Citizens have also been warned against spreading rumours or posting offensive content on social media.

The advisory comes after a stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations last year, which claimed 11 lives. Police have appealed to fans to maintain peace and cooperate with officials to ensure public safety.

Sports

Tim David Faces Criticism for Obscene Celebration against Mumbai Indians

Published

4 weeks ago

May 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

IPL 2026 : In a dramatic IPL 2026 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Tim David has landed in controversy for allegedly making an obscene gesture after his team’s thrilling win against Mumbai Indians.

The incident took place during the 54th match of the Indian Premier League in Raipur. Batting first, Mumbai Indians scored 167 runs in 20 overs and set a competitive target for RCB.

While chasing the target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed 15 runs in the final over. The match went down to the last ball, where RCB required two runs for victory. Rasikh Dar helped the team secure a thrilling win in the final delivery.

Soon after the victory, Tim David, who was in the dugout, was seen allegedly showing his middle finger towards the Mumbai Indians camp during the celebrations. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media and triggered criticism from cricket fans.

Reports suggest that match officials could take disciplinary action against the Australian batter. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, obscene or offensive gestures are considered a serious offence.

Such behaviour usually falls under Level 1 or Level 2 breaches of the ICC rules. Players found guilty can face fines ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent of their match fees. Demerit points may also be added to their disciplinary record. Repeated offences can even lead to suspension from matches.

Similar incidents have happened in the past as well. In 2012, Virat Kohli was fined 50 percent of his match fee for showing the middle finger to spectators during a match in Sydney.

Cricket is widely known as a “gentleman’s game,” and players are expected to maintain discipline and respect on the field. Tim David’s celebration has now sparked debate among fans and experts about sportsmanship in modern cricket.

Sports

Pooran Super over Call Sparks Criticism

Published

1 month ago

April 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant faced criticism after a failed Super Over decision against Kolkata Knight Riders. LSG sent Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram to bat, with Pooran on strike against Sunil Narine.

Pooran was bowled on the first ball, leading to heavy criticism from fans. Many questioned the decision, especially because Narine had earlier troubled Pooran in a past Super Over.

LSG coach Justin Langer defended the move. He said the team trusted Pooran as he has faced Narine many times and has a strong record against him. He added that teams must back their best players even in difficult moments.

Langer also said Pooran is one of the best T20 players in recent years but is currently low on confidence. He assured that the team is working hard to help him regain form

Despite being at the bottom of the table, LSG remains hopeful. Langer said the team will use the break to improve and aim to win their remaining matches.