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PLAYER RATINGS: Pakistan survive scare against awesome Ireland

Charbel Coorey
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Hey ICC, how good is it to see teams like Ireland do well?

It’s time these nations get the opportunities they deserve, as well as getting rid of the 10-team World Cup after next year.

Anyway, we were treated to an excellent Test match, Ireland’s first ever in men’s cricket. Their effort in fighting back into the Test after following on, and then being right in with a chance of winning on the final day was excellent. Credit to Pakistan for holding their nerve, and picking up an important win, ahead of the England Tests.

So, who were the best performing players? Have a look at my player ratings out of 10 for each player, and you’re more than welcome to share your views, too!

Ireland Player Ratings:

Ed Joyce: There aren’t many players more deserving a Test debut than Ed Joyce, who must have been resigned to the fact he could never play a Test. His second innings effort of 43 gave Ireland a promising second innings star. Also took a superb second innings catch to dismiss Haris Sohail and give Ireland a sniff. 6

William Porterfield: Led Ireland very well throughout this Test, and also dug in well in the second innings to give Ireland a good start. Would have liked more runs, but a promising performance nonetheless. 4

Andy Balbirnie: Tough Test for Balbirnie, who bagged a pair, and dropped a crucial catch on the fifth day with Pakistan 60/3 chasing 160. 0

Niall O’Brien: One of Ireland’s key players ahead of the Test, but didn’t make much of an impact with the bat, scoring 0 and 18. Was good with the gloves behind the stumps, and nice and chirpy too. 3

Paul Stirling: Looked really good in the first innings before getting out to a shocking shot. Two double-digit scores, but would have liked more. 3

Kevin O’Brien: Deservedly Man of the Match. What a performance from KOB, playing another memorable innings for Ireland, hitting 118 in the second innings to give his team a chance of victory. This was in addition to 40 in the first innings, scoring nearly a third of his team’s total. 10

What a knock it was under pressure by Kevin O’Brien

Gary Wilson: Helped get Ireland past the 100 mark in the first innings with a solid 33* amid the carnage. 6

Stuart Thompson: Superb effort from Thompson in this Test, taking four wickets and hitting a second innings half century. He was so persistent with ball and bat, and it took an incredible ball from Shadab Khan to end his second innings effort. 8

Tyrone Kane: One of Ireland’s up and coming cricketers, who should not be too discouraged despite not taking a wicket. He looked better in his six second innings overs, after a fighting knock with the bat to keep Pakistan at bay. 3

Boyd Rankin: The only member of the team who played a Test before this one. Fought with the bat but was expensive with the ball. You would have been forgiven for wanting more from Boyd. 5

Tim Murtagh: The man with over 700 first class wickets, and what a Test debut he had. He was at the Pakistan batsmen all the time, nipping out wickets with beautiful swing and seam bowling. Six wickets for the Test, and ran in tirelessly for Ireland as they were right in with a chance of winning. 9

Pakistan Player Ratings:


Azhar Ali: The poor form from the tour matches continued for Azhar, with six runs across two innings in Dublin. This is a concern for Pakistan, as he is a key player for the England Tests. 1

Imam-ul-Haq: Superb effort in guiding Pakistan home in his debut Test. His unbeaten 74 in the second innings is very promising, considering it was made under pressure. 8

Haris Sohail: Start in the first innings – held the innings together for a little while after a tough start for Pakistan. Out to a loose shot second time around. More expected from a key player in England. 5

Asad Shafiq: Solid 62 in the first innings, but gave his wicket away. Then, a loose drive in the second innings to get bowled through the gate. Enough positives to take from this game, but in England, he needs to make better use of his good form. 6

Babar Azam: Has struggled in Test cricket to date, but that second innings fifty under pressure could be a big confidence boost. Was helped by a dropped catch when Pakistan were 60/3, but still played well. 6

Sarfraz Ahmed: Would have been a nervy day four and five for the Pakistan captain, but his team got home in the end. Not much for him to write home about with the bat, though. 3

Shadab Khan: Superb performance from the 19 year old. He has big shoes to fill with Yasir Shah out injured, and he delivered in this Test. A half century and four wickets represents a great return in seamer-friendly conditions. 9

Faheem Ashraf: A very impressive Test debut, highlighted by a fine 83 in the first innings. A wicket + economical bowling effort right throughout the second innings rounded a solid performance. 8

Mohammad Amir: Concerns about his chronic knee problem didn’t stop Amir from having a fine Test. 2/9 off 10 overs in the first innings was backed up with 3/63 off 29.2 overs in the second. What a superb performance from a superb bowler. 9

Mohammad Abbas: Match figures of 9/110 are the best by a Pakistan fast bowler in eight years. It was a superb show of control by Abbas, targeting the Irish with unrelenting accuracy. He is no doubt a key player for Pakistan in England. 10

Abbas was unlucky not to get Man of the Match



Rahat Ali: No wickets for a bowler who can’t quite seem to cut it at Test level. Whether he gets picked for the first Test in England remains to be seen. 3


Final say:

This was a memorable first Test from an Ireland perspective, pushing Pakistan on days four and five, when it even looked like they could lose by an innings. They can take a lot of heart and encouragement from this performance, and here’s to more opportunities at Test level for them. 

For Pakistan, in typical Pakistan-style, they showed some good things and some bad. They will need to iron out a few issues, including their top order, for when they take the field v England.

All in all, it was an exciting Test, and am thankful the bad weather stayed away after the first day.

IPL 49th Match Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals

Charbel Coorey
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Two points separate five teams battling for two playoff spots. The IPL 2018 group stage has been relevant and exciting right the way through, and it is anyone’s guess as to what will happen next!

KKR and RR both sit on six wins and six losses, but the journey both have taken to get here has been quite the contrast. KKR have had a win-loss pattern develop right throughout the tournament, whereas RR have stormed into contention following the promotion (by chance?) of Jos Buttler to opener, who has hit five straight half centuries.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ power was on show at Indore v KXIP, amassing 245/6, the fourth highest IPL score of all time. However, looking at KXIP’s performance v RCB last night, they are clearly a team on the decline, so it’s fair to say KKR will be tested more against an RR side that is on a three-match winning streak. Can KKR utilise spin effectively at Eden Gardens? Can they get Jos Buttler early? Can they overpower the RR attack? Three “yes” answers to these questions will have KKR fans yelling “yes” after the match.

Rajasthan Royals were in contention of finishing last just three matches ago, but led by Jos Buttler, they have turned their fortunes around. After KXIP’s capitulation last night, RR now sit fourth, and have the chance to go to third and one step closer to achieving what seemed an unlikely playoffs berth. They have been efficient with the ball in recent games, and taming the dangerous KKR line up is vital, along with a contribution by and support for Jos Buttler.


Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

Sunil Narine is such a vital weapon at the top of the order for KKR. When he gets going, KKR are often successful, and it was the case at Indore against KXIP. He set the platform for his team to build on, and build on they did, with four others reaching at least 20, including Dinesh Karthik’s superb 50 of just 23 balls. Another complete batting performance against RR will be the order of the day.
Also, the wicket of Jos Buttler is key. In his last five innings, Buttler has amassed 67, 51, 82, 95* and 94*, which includes three man of the match performances in a row. Imagine the panic in the RR change room if Buttler gets out early? His performance again will be important, as well as what support he gets.

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

Jos Buttler can’t be expected to fire every time, and if he doesn’t at Eden Gardens, who else will step up? Like KKR, a complete, collaborative batting performance, based on putting pressure on the bowling, is key for RR away from home.
Also, the RR bowlers will come under quite the test at Eden Gardens. KKR possess in-form, potentially very damaging batsmen from their top order through to the middle, and RR will need to bowl with control, with regular wickets. 
All associated with RR would have been very encouraged with their effort against MI, restricting them to 168/6 after an opening partnership of 87, which RR followed up with 4/32 to ruin the MI innings. The same focus and persistence is key here.

Predicted teams:

KKR were dominant at Indore, despite conceding 214/8 v KXIP. It remains to be seen whether Shivam Mavi has recovered fully from his finger injury. If he has, one of Piyush Chawla or Kuldeep Yadav could potentially miss out due to Prasidh Krishna’s decent outing v KXIP.

Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Sunil Narine, 2. Chris Lynn, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Javon Searles, 9. Prasidh Krishna/Shivam Mavi, 10. Piyush Chawla, 11. Kuldeep Yadav

I expect RR to go in with the same XI as their previous match.

Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. D’Arcy Short, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 4. Sanju Samson, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Stuart Binny, 7. Jofra Archer, 8. K Gowtham, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Dhawal Kulkarni

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 16, KKR 7, RR 9
  • KKR have won four out of five matches against RR at Eden Gardens.
  • The pitch could have some good pace and bounce, but KKR will still be banking on their spinners to do well. KKR’s spinners have taken 38 wickets in IPL 2018, the most of any team.
  • KKR have the highest economy rate of any team (9.41) and RR the lowest number of wickets taken (60).
  • KKR won the last match between the two sides (in IPL 2018) by 7 wickets.

Prediction:

Both teams’ NRR could do with some improvement, especially considering the likes of MI and RCB are in the positives.

Despite their shortcomings with the ball, both sides have good things going for them. At home though, I expect KKR to win and get their fifth win out of six meetings with RR at Eden Gardens. 

All to play for!

IPL 48th Match Preview: Kings XI Punjab v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Charbel Coorey
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0

Just nine games to go until the playoffs. The business end of the tournament is upon us – who will be hot and who will not?

Could Kings XI Punjab, a team early in the tournament considered a threat for the IPL 2018 title, miss the playoffs altogether? Their reliance on KL Rahul and Chris Gayle at the moment mirrors RCB’s reliance on AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. With just two wins in their last six games, KXIP can’t afford to totter anymore, as a number of teams are breathing down their necks aiming for a playoffs spot. Tonight’s game represents a vital one for them, in an attempt to arrest their slide.

Royal Challengers Bangalore kept their season alive with a win over now-eliminated DD, and I will provide no prizes for guessing who yet again guided them to victory, otherwise I’d be broke! AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli were superb in a pressure-filled situation, after RCB made an excellent start with the ball. However, their death bowling again left a little to be desired, and today, they need early wickets otherwise they could be facing a massive total.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

There are a couple of key factors that will determine whether KXIP have a successful evening. Despite KXIP scoring a huge total in the failed chasing against KKR, the opening pair of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul remains vital to their chances. Surprisingly, RCB have held their own pretty well in powerplay overs throughout IPL 2018, so the onus will be on these two to push RCB onto the back foot.
Also, the wickets of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli are like gold. RCB have shown that if these two fail, they don’t win games, so there is no doubt that this is a key avenue to victory for KXIP.

Key to a Royal Challengers Bangalore win

AB de Villiers has especially been superb in RCB wins this season, and so too Virat Kohli. These two need to fire if RCB are to stay alive in the playoffs race.
To paint a picture, AB de Villiers’ scores in RCB wins in IPL 2018 reads: 57 (40), 90* (39) and 72* (37). Throughout the whole of the season, he and Kohli have scored 45.60% of RCB’s runs. It’s easy to realise that they need to shoulder the load again, but others such as Moeen Ali and Colin de Grandhomme need to fire, too.
Also, if RCB can get the wickets of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle relatively cheaply, they can target the uncertain KXIP middle order, and potentially have an excellent middle and death overs period with the ball. It is all to play for now, and RCB need to nail it with their execution.

Possible teams

KXIP managed 214/8 against KKR, with contributions right throughout the order, but the result was a forlorn conclusion pretty early in their chase. Their middle order remains a concern, so I expect to see some changes in an attempt to arrest their slide. Also, onus will be on the bowlers after conceding 245/6 against KKR on the same ground, just two days ago.
Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Chris Gayle, 3. Karun Nair, 4. Aaron Finch, 5. David Miller, 6. Manoj Tiwary, 7. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 8. Axar Patel, 9. Mohit Sharma, 10. AJ Tye, 11. Ankit Rajpoot
After RCB’s successful trip to Delhi, expect them to stick with the same combination. Efficient bowling through all stages of the KXIP innings will be key, as well as greater contributions from players not named “Virat Kohli” or “AB de Villiers”.
Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: 1. Parthiv Patel (wk), 2. Moeen Ali, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Mandeep Singh, 6. Sarfraz Khan, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Mohammad Siraj, 10. Umesh Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 21, KXIP 12, RCB 9
  • The previous meeting between the two sides was in IPL 2018, where RCB won by four wickets, after bowling KXIP out for 155. Umesh Yadav was man of the match.
  • KXIP have had 12 partnerships of 50 or more this season. KL Rahul has been involved in 10 of them.
  • Seven out of eight IPL games at Indore have been won by the team chasing.
  • KXIP concede 7.88 an over in the powerplay, and RCB 8.00. These teams are two of the best in this period.

Prediction

This result on hinges significantly on the battle between Gayle/Rahul and Kohli/de Villiers, which makes it difficult to predict. At Indore, KXIP could be considered favourites win, but I believe RCB are a big chance of winning this game, which should make it a really exciting one. Can’t wait to see how it pans out.

IPL 47th Match Preview: Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals

Charbel Coorey
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0

Another day, another high stakes clash in IPL 2018. With the Sydney, Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka etc. like traffic logjam in the middle of the table, there are so many possibilities, and two of the teams fighting for a top four spot are in action tonight.

Mumbai Indians have done what they do best – storm into contention out of nowhere. This season, they looked gone, especially after getting bowled out for their equal lowest ever score of 87 against SRH. However, their top order has been superb in leading them to four wins in their last five games, and their bowlers have been SRH-like, not conceding a total of 180+ since April 14th.

Can they keep the momentum going?

Rajasthan Royals are alive in the tournament thanks to some unbelievable wins, with Jos Buttler most recently leading them to a fantastic win against 2nd placed CSK. As England flopped in limited overs cricket, headlined by their massive failure in the 2015 ODI World Cup, Jos Buttler was a player they wished to build their new team around, and they have benefited like RR have in IPL 2018.

Can he fire again, with support from others, to keep RR’s chances alive for another game?

All to play for.

Key to a Mumbai Indians win

MI’s blueprint for success in recent games has been on the back of excellent contributions from their top order and efficient, collaborative bowling performances. The numbers back it up.
MI have won four of their past five matches, and in those victories, each of their top four batsmen (on paper) have stepped up. Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma have combined for a total of 541 runs across these four matches, at an average of 41.62, and SR of 141.25. These are strong numbers in anyone’s book, and it’s no surprise that it’s helped turn their season around. They need to do the same tonight.
What’s also helped turn their season around is their superb bowling efforts. They have put dot-ball pressure on their opponents on a regular basis, and this, with their top order firing, has led to the familiar rise of MI in May.
MI have hit really great form, after thrashing KKR

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

CSK were on track for 200+ a couple of nights ago, and RR’s bowling, which has been disappointing on most occasions, held strong to restrict them to 176. They need a similar effort tonight, as the MI top order is in form. 
Another key is Jos Buttler. He has now scored four half centuries in a row, and has made the opening position his own. He is capable of getting on top of the efficient MI attack, and if he can get support from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Ben Stokes, RR have what it takes to set or chase a large total.
Off the back of two straight wins, RR need to be feeling confident. A win here will put them equal with KXIP and KKR, who sit 3rd and 4th respectively.
Jos Buttler has made the opening position his own

Predicted teams

Expect MI to stick with their winning combination.
Mumbai Indians XI: 1. Suryakumar Yadav, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Rohit Sharma (c), 4. Ishan Kishan (wk), 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. JP Duminy, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Ben Cutting, 9. Mitchell McClenaghan, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Mayank Markande

With RR on a decent run, expect them to also stick with their winning combination.
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Prashant Chopra, 6. Stuart Binny, 7. K Gowtham, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Ish Sodhi

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 17, MI 10, RR 7
  • MI will move into third position on the table if they win this match, thanks to their superior NRR compared to KXIP and KKR. RR will move to fifth, equal with KXIP and KKR, if they win.
  • RR have won just one out of five away from home this season.
  • Jos Buttler has contributed 46% of RR’s runs since moving to opener.
  • MI have won four of five matches v RR at the Wankhede.

Prediction:

Jos Buttler has been a huge key to RR’s chances, but if he fails, who else will step up? This is my concern with RR at the moment, and MI have a range of players who can step up if needed. Their efficiency with bat and ball in the last few games has been something to behold, and I expect them to continue their run to the playoffs with a win tonight. 
MI to go to third on the IPL 2018 table by the end of the night.

IPL 46th Match Preview: Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Charbel Coorey
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0

Top of the table clash, and what a battle it promises to be. What will the pitch be like? Do CSK prepare a slow pitch – the kind their bowlers are more suited to, or does that play right into SRH’s hands? Do they prepare a quicker pitch and put a much greater emphasis on executing their bowling plans much better than they did the other night?

There are some nice battles within the battle here, and it should be a great clash.

Chennai Super Kings tested the patience of their skipper and “Mr. Cool” MS Dhoni, who was clearly disappointed with the bowlers’ inability to follow instructions. “The bowlers were instructed what to bowl: back of a length. They could not execute. We were hit for a lot of boundaries of full balls. 176 was a par-plus score, the bowlers let us down.” It was a pretty scathing assessment of what went wrong, and now CSK have the chance to get things right against the already qualified SRH, with the likes of KXIP, KKR and MI still in with a chance of a top two finish.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are on a run of six straight wins, and the last one would have given their fans reason to smile from ear to ear. Rishabh Pant’s onslaught was out of the SRH curriculum for almost the entirety of IPL 2018, but to chase a 180+ score so easily (a score SRH hadn’t reached up until the last game) would have been so pleasing. Can they continue their momentum into the playoffs?

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

CSK’s batting is arguably the best of any team in the tournament, but the biggest threat to them winning the title is their own bowling attack. A struggling RR needed 55 off the last 30 balls against them a few nights ago, and David Willey and Dwayne Bravo, two proven T20 players, didn’t execute as best they’d like. Ahead of the playoffs, they need to get things right.
Also, can one of their batsmen pull off something similar to what Rishabh Pant did? It’s a big ask, but even a 30-ball cameo at a SR of 200 (or close to) can allow the others to keep the momentum going. With CSK, it’s possible as they have batting talent right throughout their order. 
How they deal with the superb SRH attack will be key.
MS Dhoni was not happy with his bowlers. Photo credit: BCCI

Key a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

If the SRH bowlers can keep the CSK batting line up relatively quiet, it will go a long way to victory.
The encouraging aspect for SRH in the last match is that even though Pant took them apart with 128* off 63 balls, they still conceded less than 200, and chased it superbly. Restricting CSK to a score of below 180 would be match winning in my opinion, as SRH’s top order has what it takes to take down CSK’s bowlers. 
SRH’s chances will stem from their intensity. Having already qualified for the playoffs, it’s easy to get into the mindset of relaxation, but momentum ahead of the playoffs is key.
Dhawan and Williamson put on an unbeaten 176 against DD

Possible teams

There is a bit of talk that Sam Billings could be recalled to provide additional batting cover against the impressive SRH attack, as well as bringing back Faf du Plessis to open, pushing Ambati Rayudu to number four. 
Chennai Super Kings XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Faf du Plessis, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Dwayne Bravo, 8. Harbhajan Singh, 9. Karn Sharma, 10. Shardul Thakur, 11. Lungi Ngidi
Wriddhiman Saha is said to not have recovered sufficiently from his shoulder injury, which means S Goswami will get another chance. SRH have spoken of their unwillingness to experiment ahead of the playoffs, which is the right call.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Shakib Al Hasan, 5. Manish Pandey, 6. Yusuf Pathan, 7. Shreevats Goswami (wk), 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Siddharth Kaul, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 7, CSK 5, SRH 2
  • In the previous meeting between the two sides this season, SRH nearly pulled off a miracle chasing thanks to Kane Williamson, Yusuf Pathan and Rashid Khan.
  • SRH’s winning streak of six is their longest ever in IPL.
  • Kane Williamson against spin bowling in IPL 2018: 164 balls faced, 202 runs, one dismissal.
  • Shane Watson needs 11 to reach 3,000 IPL runs.
  • CSK have won both matches against SRH in Pune, but have lost three of their past five matches in IPL 2018.

Prediction

All eyes will be on CSK to see how they bounce back from a disappointing loss to RR. Their bowling can’t be trusted at the moment, which is why I will go with SRH to make it seven straight wins.

IPL 45th Match Preview: Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Charbel Coorey
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0

Delhi plays host to a playoff of some sort… An elimination playoff.

Journalists and analysts are doing their best to say Delhi Daredevils are still in with a shot at the playoffs, but it will be the miracle of all miracles. In any case, they would be pleased the miracle path begins with a battle against fellow strugglers Royal Challengers Bangalore. DD tried hard against SRH, but lacked the class. Against RCB, they could be in for a happier night.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have a game in hand over their nearest rivals on the table, and a win tonight could put them just two points behind fourth at the end of the night, provided KXIP beat KKR. However, it’s easy for me and the RCB fans to say this, but the RCB team continue to underwhelm. Surprisingly, it’s been their batting that has been the big let down in recent games, with their bowling actually holding up OK. Can they put a complete performance together tonight?

Key to a Delhi Daredevils

Rishabh Pant took it to the best attack in the tournament in SRH, hitting an amazing unbeaten century, which included 70 off 24 balls against Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan. However, when a single player scores 128* off 63 balls, you should be making 200+. This wasn’t the case, as the next best score was just 24, so DD need their talented line up on paper to deliver a complete effort.
Also, DD’s bowlers lacked bite, and not only failed to defend 187, but failed to defend such a total even within 19 overs. You don’t have to be Einstein to know RCB rely heavily on their top order, so early wickets and boundary restriction will be key
Rishabh Pant – what an innings v SRH

Key to a Royal Challengers Bangalore win

Incredibly, RCB’s bowling has kept them in with a chance of winning recent games. It’s been their batting that’s been the big disappointing, mustering 127/9 and 141 in their last two games against CSK and SRH respectively.
The key factor in those two games were the low scores for AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. At least one of these two need to fire tonight, with some strong finishing from the likes of Colin de Grandhomme and co. to give them a chance. Their bowling has been encouraging recently, but the batting needs to complement it. 
I can’t believe I am saying this about RCB, but it’s the case!
Two key players for RCB, as always

Possible teams

Delhi Daredevils XI: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Rishabh Pant (wk), 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Vijay Shankar, 7. Liam Plunkett, 8. Amit Mishra, 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Shahbaz Nadeem
Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: 1. Manan Vohra, 2. Parthiv Patel (wk), 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Mandeep Singh, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Mohammed Siraj

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 20, DD 6, RCB 13, NR 1
  • Rishabh Pant has a good chance of continuing where he left off against SRH. He likes playing against RCB – his last three scores against them are 57, 45 and 85.
  • Virat Kohli averages 83.75 in IPL matches at Kolta, including four half centuries in five matches.
  • Gautam Gambhir was captaining the DD side the last time they played RCB.
  • RCB have won all five matches at the Feroz Shah Kolta Ground. 
Prediction


Tough one to predict, as both sides are underperforming. I have a feeling though that Virat Kohli will fire and lead RCB to a strong total that could be enough to beat DD. 
RCB to win in a tight clash.

IPL 44th Match Preview: Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders

Charbel Coorey
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0

A vital, high stakes battle on the edge of the top four. We are reaching the business end of IPL 2018, where room for error is shrinking with each delivery, and I can’t wait to see what this game holds for us.

Kings XI Punjab and their fans would have been disappointed with their last two outings against RR, with only KL Rahul showing any sort of resistance with the bat. The he made an unbeaten 95 and the remaining six batsmen just 41 in a failed chase of 158 highlights that they are far from the completed package. Their middle order is concerning, but there is no doubt that if they can get that part of their game right, they are a big threat to any team.

Kolkata Knight Riders might still be reeling from their 102-run loss at home to the now fourth-placed MI. Things were looking quite rosy for KKR in the early stages of the tournament, but they have fallen away a tad, and with their NRR taking a real hit, this is a game they simply cannot afford to lose. Everything went wrong for them three nights ago. Today, they need to execute everything brilliantly.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul have a big opportunity to fire today, against a KKR side that boasts the worst economy rate among pace bowlers (10.46) and second worst in the powerplay overs (9.20).
However, the middle order has been KXIP’s main concern in this tournament. If the openers don’t fire, then there are significant question marks on the middle order’s ability to get them to a good total, or see them home in a chase. Even if the openers do fire, can the middle order finish things off?
KXIP have lost three of their last four, and a lot can be put down to their middle and end overs run rate. In the powerplay, they boast the second best run rate. In the middle and end overs? Second worst. This has to be rectified to arrest their slide.
KL Rahul has been KXIP’s shining light in recent matches

Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

Can KKR find a way to dismiss KL Rahul and Chris Gayle cheaply?
In KXIP’s last two games, KL Rahul has hit 179 runs in two innings, both unbeaten. The remaining 13 batsmen across the two matches mustered just 107 between them, so a big opportunity presents KKR to get into the unsure KXIP middle order.
Also, KXIP’s powerplay run rate in their last five games has been just 7 per over. In their first five matches, it was 10.7. As a result, KXIP have won just two of their last five. If KKR can have a superb start with the ball, it will set up the game for them, especially considering they have the best powerplay run rate of any team (8.88).
Can Narine deliver for KKR against KXIP’s openers?

Possible teams

It remains to be seen whether KXIP stick with the middle that flopped badly against RR. It’s not as though they have great form on the bench either, with Yuvraj struggling in IPL 2018. They could stick with the same XI to give them another chance.
Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Chris Gayle, 3. Karun Nair, 4. Akshdeep Nath, 5. Manoj Tiwary/Yuvraj Singh, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 9. AJ Tye, 10. Mohit Sharma, 11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
KKR need a complete reversal of their performance against MI. Their top order needs to fire, and their bowling attack needs to restrict KXIP’s.
Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Sunil Narine, 2. Chris Lynn, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Tom Curran, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Shivam Mavi

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 22, KXIP 8, KKR 14
  • All seven matches at Indore have been won by the team chasing. This season, totals of 175 and 153 have been chased pretty comfortably.
  • Chris Gayle v KKR: 14 innings, 594 runs, Avg 54.00, SR 153.49, four MoM awards. However, Sunil Narine could stop him. In 119 deliveries in T20 cricket, Narine has dimissed Gayle five times, conceding just 94 runs (SR 78.99)
  • KXIP have won the last two meetings between the two teams.
  • KKR have taken just nine powerplay wickets this season, the lowest of all teams. That has to change, otherwise Chris Gayle and KL Rahul could take the game away from them.

Prediction

Both sides need to arrest some poor form at the moment in a high stakes clash. At Indore, I will go with KXIP to get the win on the back of Gayle and Rahul, and go one step closer to sealing a playoffs spot.

IPL 43rd Match Preview: Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings

Charbel Coorey
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Two teams who made a return to the IPL after a two-year exile. That’s pretty much the only similarity between the two sides in IPL 2018.

Rajasthan Royals have had a season plagued by inconsistency, headlined by many of their big hitters not firing. The only consistency they have had in IPL 2018 is consistently posting sub-par totals, and with their net run rate the worst of all teams, they need to put in a perfect performance tonight to boost it. If their batting fails to fire again, they can just about kiss their playoff chances goodbye.

Chennai Super Kings are in pole position to finish in the top two. Their batting form in IPL 2018 has been impressive, and their fans would have been especially pleased to see their bowlers dismantle an RCB line up that included Brendon McCullum, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli last Saturday. If they can repeat their efforts with the ball, as well as show the kind of batting form that has headlined their campaign to date, they’ll just about seal a playoffs spot tonight.

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

I sound like a broken record when it comes to RR, but they need more runs from their big hitters.
In their last start win against KXIP, they mustered 158/8, which was only six more than what they put up against the same opposition just a few days earlier. Against a CSK side that possesses more danger right throughout the order than KXIP do, it’s vital RR’s batsmen get in the runs.
Jos Buttler has hit three straight half centuries to make the opening position his own, but his 82 against KXIP represented over half the team’s total, with the next best score just 22. If RR are to win this game, they need two or three significant contributions. I’m looking closely at Ben Stokes, who averages just 17 with the bat in IPL 2018, with a SR of 127. Time to step up as RR are on their last legs.

Jos Buttler is in great form

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

CSK hold four of the top 10 totals in IPL 2018, including a mammoth 204/5 v RR in Pune on April 20. 
RR’s bowlers have held their own pretty well in recent games, but CSK have what it takes to expose the inconsistency that remains in the RR attack. Ambati Rayudu holds the key, along with the likes of Shane Watson, Suresh Raina and IPL 2018 wonder finisher MS Dhoni. 
The plethora of batting talent has held CSK in very good stead throughout the tournament so far, and will be the key for them again here. If their batting clicks, I don’t know if RR have enough runs in them to match CSK.

Ambati Rayudu continues to impress

Possible teams

RR picked up an encouraging win v KXIP, even when KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 95. Expect them to stick with the same XI in their quest to put some pressure on the top four.
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Stuart Binny, 6. K Gowtham, 7. Mahipal Lomror, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Jaydev Unadkat, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Anureet Singh
CSK’s bowling clicked into gear against RCB, headlined by 3/18 by Ravindra Jadeja. Expect CSK to also stick with a familiar playing XI.
Chennai Super Kings XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Ambati Rayudu, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. Dhruv Shorey, 5. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. David Willey, 9. Harbhajan Singh, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Shardul Thakur

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 18, RR 6, CSK 12
  • When these two teams met earlier this season, Shane Watson smashed 106 and CSK won by 74 runs.
  • RR average 21.96 per wicket, which is the worst in IPL 2018. CSK average 36.90, which is the best.
  • MS Dhoni needs 63 runs to reach 6,000 T20 runs (5th Indian if he gets there). In his last six innings, he has scored 25*, 70*, 26, 51*, 43*, 31*
  • Ambati Rayudu is scoring at 9.64 during powerplay overs in IPL 2018, with an average of 172!
  • RR have won just one of their last five games v CSK.

Prediction:

RR just aren’t scoring enough runs at the moment, and even at the Sawai Masingh Stadium, where RR have a good record, I back CSK to win. I also predict Ambati Rayudu will get man of the match.

IPL 42nd Match Preview: Delhi Daredevils v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Charbel Coorey
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Last vs. first. But you wouldn’t believe it, looking at how close this game could be. That’s been the exciting aspect of IPL 2018 – the table doesn’t always determine what the result will be.

It’s now do or die for Delhi Daredevils, who must win well to improve their net run rate, and to sit two points behind fourth placed MI. They have to believe they can win tonight, after pushing SRH to an extent in their last meeting five days ago, where Prithvi Shaw showed just how good he is against the best attack in the tournament. DD need some bigger contributions from key players, and if they can just add an extra bit of polish to the performance we saw in Hyderabad, they can win this clash.

Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to amaze, led by Kane Williamson’s excellent captaincy. RCB were the latest victims of SRH’s incredible ability to defend low totals, and SRH would be confident of targeting a DD side that has underperformed. A win for SRH would seal their passage to the playoffs, and given how they have played with the injury and suspension distractions they have faced, they most certainly deserve it.

Key to a Delhi Daredevils win

DD were sitting pretty at 95/1 off 10 overs five nights ago, and lost their way to score just 68/4 in the next ten. 
The likes of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer have been damaging at times, and if the top four of those two, Prithvi Shaw and Glenn Maxwell/Jason Roy/Colin Munro can fire, you can back DD to set a big score, as well as chase a score that SRH set – an SRH side that has yet to score 180+ in the tournament.
Shaw is technically correct, but too much pressure shouldn’t be added onto his young shoulders

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

Those last 10 overs where they conceded 68/4 was the catalyst for victory against DD. Then, against RCB, Kane Williamson and his men masterminded another magnificent defence of a small total.
DD’s best chance is to overcome the strong SRH attack. Incredibly, the most wickets taken by an SRH bowler is 13 by both Siddarth Kaul and Rashid Khan, who sit in equal 6th place on the wicket taking charts. This highlights the distribution of wickets among SRH bowlers, and that there aren’t many weak links in their attack. If they click as a unit again, it will set up their victory.
SRH continue to impress

Possible teams

DD showed plenty of encouraging signs in Hyderabad five days ago, so it will be interesting to see if they go with the same line up. However, a concern for them will be the form of Glenn Maxwell (133 from nine innings), Colin Munro (63 from five innings) and Jason Roy (97 from three innings that includes a 91*).  It will be interesting to see which way they will go. I think it could be Colin Munro, to try and handle the SRH spinners who will mostly turn the ball into him.
Delhi Daredevils XI: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Rishabh Pant (wk), 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. Naman Ojha, 6. Daniel Christian, 7. Vijay Shankar, 8. Liam Plunkett, 9. Amit Mishra, 10. Avesh Khan, 11. Trent Boult
SRH look more settled – expect them to stick with the same XI that beat RCB.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Shakib Al Hasan, 6. Yusuf Pathan, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Siddarth Kaul, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 11, DD 4, SRH 7
  • Amit Mishra did very well vs SRH in the last game, which is no surprise. Shakib Al Hasan (54.5), Alex Hales (69.2), Yusuf Pathan (83.3), Manish Pandey (105.4) and Shikhar Dhawan (113.6) have struggled against legspin in IPL 2018.
  • Siddarth Kaul in death overs: econ. rate of 6.47
  • If Rishabh Pant scores at least 43, he will pass 1,000 IPL runs and will be the youngest ever to do so (20).
  • Against RCB, all five SRH bowlers took at least one wicket.

Prediction

I never thought a game featuring last and first would be tough to predict! That’s the case this time. 
I have a strong feeling DD will win to keep their season alive, with good contributions from the top four! Should be a good clash.

Preview: Only Test – Ireland v Pakistan.

Charbel Coorey
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0
Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

HISTORY! The 11th Test team will take the field tomorrow, and I can’t wait.

In a week where Australia thinks Bangladesh isn’t important enough, it’s nice to see a smaller cricketing nation get the attention they deserve. It’s also nice to see Test cricket back, amid all the IPL 2018 action, and what a beautiful occasion it promises to be.

It’s been a long 18 years, but we finally have an 11th Test team, and it’s very well deserved for the Irish. The weather forecast across the five days doesn’t look too promising, which is a shame, but it’s an occasion to be celebrated nonetheless.

It is fair to say Ireland deserved Test status five or six years ago, when many of their players were at their peak. They have always been punching above their weight over the years, and they have what it takes to give Pakistan a difficult time, weather permitting. Their squad boasts 1,125 games of first class experience, so if Pakistan walk onto the field expecting to roll over the Irish easily, they have another thing coming.

Pakistan usually play their cricket in the heat of the UAE, so cricket in Europe in May will be a big test, especially for their batsmen. They would have been pleased with their batting effort against Northamptonshire, after being rolled for 168 against Kent, but will be tested by an honest Ireland attack in bowling friendly conditions. With conditions the way they are in Dublin, also expect Pakistan’s bowling line up to extract plenty of movement, and give the Irish batsman a tough examination on their Test debut.

Pakistan are favourites, but this match has the makings of a competitive one.

Skipper William Porterfield has credited past Ireland players for reaching this stage.

Key to an Ireland win

No disrespect to Pakistan, but this would be amazing. 
The big question mark for Ireland is how their batsmen will cope against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack, in what promises to be overcast, cold conditions. The top six, expected to be William Porterfield,  Andy Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Paul Stirling, Niall O’Brien and Kevin O’Brien, have 38,672 first class runs between them, and will need to use their experience to the maximum in overcoming the moving ball.

If Ireland get sufficient runs on the board, it will open up the game for their bowlers, who are bound to challenge Pakistan’s batting, the weaker part of their game.

Key to a Pakistan win

Likely debutant Imam ul-Haq has warned against complacency, and right he is. After all, what do Pakistan have to be complacent about?

After claiming the no.1 spot in the rankings after drawing 2-2 in England in 2016, Pakistan have since dropped all the way to 7th, including a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Sri Lanka in their last Test assignment in October last year. Their attempt to climb the rankings begins in Dublin, and their bowling holds the key.

Mohammad Amir bowled 42 overs over the two tour matches, managing just the solitary wicket, including none in 27 overs against Northamptonshire. The other seamers, including Mohammad Abbas, Rahat Ali and Hasan Ali had a more successful time across the two matches, but Amir remains a huge threat to Ireland, and will hoping catches will be taken off his bowling.

In addition, the form of Shadab Khan, taking 10 wickets against Northamptonshire, and Asad Shafiq (186*) and Haris Sohail (two 50s across two games) will be encouraging. One player who an eye will be kept on is Azhar Ali, who had a lean build up to this Test, but he is one who can anchor the Pakistan innings against what will be an honest Irish attack. Like Ireland, the key for Pakistan is to get runs on the board, and give their bowlers great freedom to express themselves.

Asad Shafiq – key player for Pakistan

Predicted teams

I previously said that Ireland would have loved Test status five or six years ago, as many of their “golden generation” players are well in their 30s. Nonetheless, they’ll be pumped for the occasion. Expect Boyd Rankin and strong Middlesex performer for many years Tim Murtagh to be the two main seamers, with Tyrone Kane, Stuart Thompson or Craig Young making up the third seam option.
Possible Ireland XI: 1. William Porterfield (c), 2. Andy Balbirnie, 3. Ed Joyce, 4. Paul Stirling, 5. Niall O’Brien, 6. Kevin O’Brien, 7. Gary Wilson (wk), 8. Andy McBrine, 9. Tyrone Kane/Stuart Thompson/Craig Young, 10. Tim Murtagh, 11. Boyd Rankin
Former Pakistan captain and chief selector Rashid Latif has spoken out about how Pakistan could struggle against Ireland, and especially England. I agree with him that Fawad Alam should have been picked, on the back of solid domestic performances, and would have been a player who could hold things together in the middle order for Pakistan. Instead, they will go with a number of openers in their XI.
Possible Pakistan XI: 1. Imam-ul Haq, 2. Azhar Ali, 3. Haris Sohail, 4. Asad Shafiq, 5. Babar Azam, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Mohammad Abbas, 11. Hasan Ali/Rahat Ali

Stats and Facts:

  • If Ireland win, they will become just the second nation to win their first Test, after Australia beat England in the first ever Test in 1877.
  • Pakistan have won just two of their past 11 Test matches, and were bowled out for 168 v Kent last week.
  • If Boyd Rankin plays, Ireland won’t have 11 debutants. He played a Test for England vs Australia in 2014.
  • Pakistan know about being on the end of an Ireland upset. They lost to them at the 2007 ODI World Cup.
  • Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail and Babar Azam combined for 323 runs against Northamptonshire.

Prediction

I am really hoping the weather holds throughout the game so we see enough action to get a result. Rain is forecast for most of the match, which is worrying, and is why I will predict a draw.
However, if the weather holds, and there is a result, expect Pakistan to have enough to beat an Ireland team that is sure to make their fans proud of their performance. Rain, please stay away.
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