IPL 2011: CSK vs KTK

Yesterday, a match was played between Chennai Super Kings and Kochi Tuskers Kerala at Nehru Stadium, Kochi. The match was delayed due to rain and later it was restricted to 17 overs. KTK won the toss and they chose to field first.

Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay opened the batting innings for CSK. Hussey did not play for long time as he departed after scoring only 8 runs. Suresh Raina came in and batted well to score a half-century. There were some good contribution from the middle order batsmen as well. In 17 overs, CSK put up a total score of 131 runs and lost 4 wickets (CSK - 131/4, 17 over). Vinay Kumar was economical bowler but did not pick up a any wickets.

KTK needed 134 runs to win by D/L method. Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardena started the batting for KTK. The run rate at the start was pretty good. After the departure of the openers, Parthiv Patel, Brad Hodge, Ravindra Jadeja played magnificently and the eased the pressure off. In just 15 overs, they managed to score a total of 135 runs with the loss of 3 wickets (KTK - 135/3, 15 over). Ravichandran Ashwin picked up 2 wickets.

Kochi Tuskers Kerala won the match by 7 wickets. Man of the match was Brendon McCullum for giving a magnificent start which eased off the pressure to other batsmen.

This is KTK's second vistory in the IPL. Earlier they stunned Mumbai Indians by winning against them and now CSK. Chennai Super Kings got their second blow and in the earlier one, Paul Valthaty destroyed CSK's bowling attack by chasing one of the biggest total of the tournament.

ODI cricket: Bangladesh vs New Zealand

Today, Bangladesh made an remarkable history by winning an ODI cricket match against New Zealand team. New Zealand team is one of the top teams in the world and they are playing extremely well from last few years. Bangladesh played New Zealand at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka. Bangladesh team won the toss and they decided to field first.

Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder opened the batting innings for the New Zealand team. In the very first over, Brendon McCullum returned back to pavilion without scoring any run. New Zealand lost its first wicket with 0 run on board. Once New Zealand lost its second wicket, it started to loose wickets in regular fashion. Ross Taylor and Kyle Mills put up a good partnership that helped the team to end up with a decent total. By 42.5 overs, it lost all 10 wickets and ended up scoring only 173 runs (173/10). Ross Taylor was unbeaten with a score of 62 runs in 72 deliveries that included 3 fours and 4 sixes. Suhrawadi Shuvo was the highlight for Bangladesh team as he picked up 3 crucial wickets with an economy rate of only 1.4 runs per over.

Bangladesh needed 174 runs to win the match with 50 overs to go and 10 wickets on hand. This is the chance for them to win a match as they have been loosing matches from past couple of years. Imrul Kayes and Shahriar Nafees started the batting innings for the team. They both gave a clean start and played well to put up a partnership of 127 runs. This partnership helped the team a lot boosting confidence in the batting line up and reducing the pressure. Bangladesh by 40 overs successfully chased the target and won the match by 7 wickets. In 40 overs, they made a total of 177 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. (177/3). Imrul Kayes scored 50 runs and Shahriar Nafees scored 73 runs.  

Man of the match award went to Suhrawadi Shuvo for his beautiful bowling figure that helped the team to win the match.

CSK gains some boost as Michael Hussey will join the team

Australian players Michael Hussey and Doug Bollinger will be joining Chennai Super Kings on 1st April. As soon as the second test match gets over which is being played against New Zealand, these two will be joining CSK.

Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni will definitely be happy as these duo will be joining the team. so far, Chennai Super Kings have lost four matches out of 5 matches played in this IPL season 3. Even some biggies like Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor etc., will also be playing in this IPL as soon as the second test match which is being played between New Zealand & Australia is complete. Definitely expectations will more on these players arrival to their respective IPL teams.

McCullum & Vettori help NewZeland to take lead of 67 runs

New Zealand's key player Brendon McCullum scored unbeaten 94 and skipper Daniel Vettori scored 77 runs which has helped New Zealand to take a lead of 67 runs against Australia at end of fourth day play in Wellington's Basin Reserve. Due to rain the match was stopped when New Zealand were on 369 loosing 6 wickets. Only one day is left for the 1st test match to get over, New Zealand has to survive for at least 2 sessions tomorrow which will help them a lot to draw the match.

Brendon McCullum & Daniel Vettori broke the record of Stephen Fleming & Chris Cairns 6th wicket partnership of 110 runs which had been setup 10 years ago in the same stadium.

KKR's opener Chris Gayle will be joining his team on Thursday

Kolkata Knight Rider's opener Chris Gayle will joining his side on Thursday in Ahmedabad. KKR will be playing against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday. Still Brendon McCullum who is another opener for their team is also in expectation to join once the New Zealand & Australia matches are over.

Gayle has already reached Mumbai yesterday, today he will be coming to Ahmedabad & join his team. KKR will be playing their 4th match against the Royals this Saturday.

Now, even gayle will be joining his team, KKR's team performance will be even higher than the present one according to me :-).