IND vs WI | Shimron Hetmyer fails to make the cut once again

BPL 2022 | Faf du Plessis leads Comilla Victorians to a hat-trick of wins

South African stalwart and a renowned journeyman across T20 leagues in the world, Faf du Plessis was at his best as he led Comilla Victorians to their third win in a row in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2022. The South African hit a 55 ball 83 to help his side post an above-par total of 183 against home sid Chattogram Challengers. Faf’s efforts were aided by fellow batters Cameron Delport and Liton Das who also scored precious 51 and 47 respectively. Defending that total, the Victorians bowlers were up to the mark, especially Nahidul Islam who picked up three key wickets of Kennar Lewis, Sabbir Rehman and former skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Other bowlers including Mustafizur Rahman, Tanvir Islam and MD Shohidul Islam also picked two wickets each to make sure that no breathing space was given to the Challengers’ batters as the entire team was bowled out for 131 in only the 18th over. Chattogram’s English import Will Jacks top-scored with 69 off 42 balls while other batters were not even able to get into double digits. Apart from Jacks and Mehidy (10), bowler Mrittunjoy Chowdhury was the only player to get into a double-digit score with the bat. He scored 13 off 12 balls. Victorians, who have played only three games in the tournament so far, have won all of them and are currently sitting at the top of the table with six points. Challengers, who have played six games, the most by any team so far, also have six points are placed at the second position.

They can’t keep a good man down: Watch Kieron Pollard hit out at critics in style

West Indies limited-overs captain Kieron Pollard has been in the eyes of the critics ever since the poor showing by the then defending champions in the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, instead of getting bogged down by it, he hit out at them in a very unique style. After winning the five-match T20I series against World Cup semi-finalists and one of the top limited-overs sides England, Pollard sang the iconic lines from a classic song by Sizzla to start his post-match interview. Just as the presenter asked how he was feeling, cutting him in between, Pollard sang, “They can't keep a good man down, always keep a smile when they want me to frown.” Captain Pollard and coach Phil Simmons have been criticised over the dropping of Odean Smith from the third T20I of the series. Supposed leaks were floated in the Caribbean media circles as well claiming that there was unrest inside the West Indian dressing room and fast bowler Odean Smith was victimised. West Indies coach and board have come out heavily against the allegations ever since and have quashed all claims made in the media. West Indies won the fifth and final game of the series by 17 runs thanks to a record-breaking last over by Jason Holder who picked four wickets in four balls to bowl out the entire England team. The series was tied at 2-2 prior to the final game.

It’s very difficult to find backup for Andre Russell: Brendon McCullum

Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Brendon McCullum has backed the retention of Andre Russell amidst the star all-rounders tryst with multiple injuries. The former New Zealand captain and IPL centurion with KKR, McCullum argued that on his day, Russell is two world class players in one, and it is not easy to find a like for like replacement for him. Sunil Narine and Russell have been proven campaigners for KKR for several years now and have already won two championships with them. KKR came close to winning last season under Eoin Morgan after an incredible second half turnaround but were defeated convincingly in the final game. Apart from Russell and Narine, KKR have retained Varun Chakravarthy and Venkatesh Iyer, spending Rs 42 crores in total. It was expected that KKR would be retaining their opener Shubman Gill, after elevating him to the leadership group in the last two seasons, but that was not to be as the Indian Test opener chose to join Ahmedabad ahead of the mega auction. Speaking on the same, McCullum said that it was disappointing to lose Gill, but he accepted it as part of life.

Storm brewing in Caribbean against Kieron Pollard, warns CWI chief

Cricket West Indies chief Ricky Skerritt has claimed that there are several in the cricketing circles who want captain Kieron Pollard and coach Phil Simmons to be sacked. Speaking to a local TV station, Skerritt was pulled into the conversation when asked if there would be a change in leadership. Skerritt argued that at the moment he does not see any need for the duo to be removed. “I have no reason to believe there will be any change in coach and captain any time soon. But remember the captaincy is evaluated as is the coach. If the system says that these guys are not the right people, we will deal with it.” A Cricbuzz report suggested that there were reports of an alleged rift in the West Indies team, however, the CWI chief nullified those claims stating that the allegations are mischievous. West Indies will travel to India for a six match white ball series, where they will take on the subcontinental powerhouse ahead of the Indian Premier League for three ODIs and three T20Is.