Sports

WPL 2025: Sciver-Brunt Powers MI to Convincing Five-Wicket Victory Over GG

Published

1 year ago

February 19, 2025

The former champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), secured their first win of the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) by defeating Gujarat Giants (GG) by five wickets. MI successfully chased down a target of 121 runs with 23 balls remaining at Kotambi Stadium on Tuesday.

MI’s innings got off to a steady start, with Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia facing a well-disciplined bowling attack from GG. Matthews found an early boundary against Ashleigh Gardner but struggled to adapt to the spin of Tanuja Kanwer. Although Deandra Dottin came into the attack, she had a hard time finding her line.

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Matthews eventually gained some momentum, stepping out to Kanwer to hit a full toss over square leg for four runs. Unfortunately, she was dismissed shortly after, caught by Harleen Deol while attempting another leg-side shot, finishing her innings at 17 off 19 balls.

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Nat Sciver-Brunt entered the game with instant impact, scoring a boundary on her first ball. She continued to showcase her skills, driving Dottin through point for another four runs. Meanwhile, Yastika Bhatia attempted to stabilize the innings but was out for 8 off 10 balls after miscuing a shot off Priya Mishra, caught by Laura Wolvaardt at mid-off.

With the score at 51/3, MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur came to the crease and started off well, guiding the ball past point for a boundary. However, her innings was cut short when she fell lbw to Kashvee Gautam for just 4 runs off 2 balls, giving GG a glimmer of hope. Sciver-Brunt, unfazed by the loss of wickets, kept the scoreboard moving, taking advantage of loose deliveries with a sweep for four against Priya Mishra and flicking Dottin’s slower ball for another boundary.

Amelia Kerr complemented her well, hitting Mishra for a six and a four on back-to-back deliveries. Sciver-Brunt reached her half-century in style, reverse-sweeping Gardner for four runs, followed by another boundary past short fine-leg.

Just as MI seemed to be in control, Kerr was dismissed lbw by Kashvee Gautam after scoring 19 off 20 balls while attempting a scoop. Sajeevan Sajana arrived at the crease ahead of G. Kamalini and wasted no time, smashing a high full toss for four. Following a brilliant innings of 57 off 39 balls, Sciver-Brunt played a delivery onto her stumps off Priya, marking the end of her match-winning performance. Kamalini made an immediate impact, cutting her first ball for four. Sajana then sealed the victory in style, lofting a one-handed shot over covers for four, as Mumbai Indians chased down the target in just 16.1 overs.

Earlier, MI delivered a clinical bowling display that restricted the Gujarat Giants to just 120 runs. Led by all-rounder Hayley Matthews, who took three wickets for 16 runs, MI’s bowlers maintained tight lines and made early breakthroughs, keeping GG on the back foot throughout their innings.

Alongside Matthews’ impressive three-wicket haul, Amelia Kerr and Nat Sciver-Brunt played crucial roles in GG’s collapse. Kerr secured two wickets for 22 runs, while Sciver-Brunt claimed two wickets for 26 runs. For GG, Harleen Deol stood out with a lone effort, scoring 32 runs off 31 balls. This emphatic five-wicket victory allowed Mumbai Indians to open their account in the 2025 WPL, featuring a strong all-around performance highlighted by Sciver-Brunt’s exceptional batting.

Brief scores:

Gujarat Giants 120 all out in 20 overs (Harleen Deol 32, Kashvee Gautam 20; Hayley Matthews 3-16, Amelia Kerr 2-22) lost to Mumbai Indians 122/5 in 16.1 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 57, Amelia Kerr 19; Kashvee Gautam 2-15, Priya Mishra 2-40) by five wickets.

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Sports

Tim David Faces Criticism for Obscene Celebration against Mumbai Indians

Published

1 week 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

3 weeks 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.

Sports

King Kohli Creates Two Records in One Match

Published

3 weeks ago

April 25, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Virat Kohli made history in a match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against Gujarat Titans. He achieved two big records in a single game.

Kohli became the first player in Indian Premier League history to hit 800 boundaries. He now has 807 fours. Shikhar Dhawan is second with 768, followed by David Warner and Rohit Sharma.

He also became the third player to hit 300 sixes in IPL. He reached this mark with his first six in the match. Chris Gayle leads with 357 sixes, while Rohit Sharma has 310.