Quinton de Kock laid the platform with a commanding fifty and his pacers then terrorised Kolkata Knight Riders to record a crushing 75-run victory for Lucknow Super Giants which put them on top of the table with an IPL play-off berth being a formality now.

For last year's runners-up KKR, eight points from 11 games with a deflating negative run-rate now puts them closer to the exit door with lacklustre performance and unimaginative captaincy combining for what has turned out to be a disastrous season so far.

Invited to bat, De Kock slammed a 29-ball-50 but Lucknow almost frittered away a solid start before some lusty hitting in a 30-run penultimate over off Shivam Mavi took them to 176 for 7.

The LSG bowlers then raised to the occasion to bundle out KKR for 101 in 14.3 overs, despite the heroics of Andre Russell (45 off 19 balls) to gather two crucial points and take their overall total to 16 points in the IPL standing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-led-mumbai-indians-become-1st-team-to-be-knocked-out-of-ipl-2022-after-rr-beat-pbks-477196" hreflang="en">MI become 1st team to be knocked out of IPL 2022 after RR beat PBKS</a>

KKR remained at the 8th spot after suffering their 7th loss in 11 games.

Defending 177, LSG left KKR tottering at 25 for four with four bowlers picking up their first wickets.

While Mohsin produced a wicket-maiden to get rid of Baba Indrajith, Chameera sent back Shreyas Iyer after rattling him with a short and quick delivery.

It has now been an all too familiar script for KKR skipper whose discomfort while facing quick bouncers is well-documented and national coach Rahul Dravid would only be worried with this glaring technical deficiency.

Aaron Finch too perished as his miscued pull was poached by de Kock as KKR slipped to 23 for 3 in the first six overs.

Nitish Rana was then cleaned up by Avesh Khan with a yorker as KKR looked down the barrels.

Russell then used his brute force to hit Holder all across the park. One was whacked at midwicket for a maximum, the second one was slapped to deep, while a flat-batted pull earned him another six and the last one was a four over short third.

After amassing 25 off the Holder over, Russell produced another maximum off Ravi Bishnoi as KKR reached 64 for 4 in 10 overs.

He and Sunil Narine (22 off 12) produced a small partnership but once Russell was out to Avesh Khan in the 13th over, it became a downward slide for KKR as they folded in 14.3 overs.

Avesh and Holder returned with three wickets each.

Earlier, De Kock, who was involved in a terrible mix up with skipper KL Rahul, who got a 'Diamond Duck' (out for 0 without facing a ball), redeemed himself with an innings studded with four boundaries and three maximums.

He added 71 with Deepak Hooda (41 off 27 balls) to give LSG a good start after being invited to bat. 
Hooda made up for the loss of Rahul's with his back to-back boundaries over extra cover off Shivam

Mavi (1/50 in 4 overs), while De Kock too joined in with a special treatment to Tim Southee, clobbering him for two fours and a six in the 3rd over.

Left-arm spinner Anukul Roy and pacer Harshit Rana were next in line as De Kock smashed the former for a four before lunching into the latter for a four and two sixes to take LSG to their best score in the powerplays this season, a 66 for one.

De Kock, however, couldn't stay much longer as he was holed out in deep only two balls after completing his fifty.

Hooda, who hit four boundariers and two sixes in his entertaining 27-ball knock tat took LSG past 100-run mark before falling to a Andre Russell delivery with his miscued pull ending in safe hands of skipper Shreyas Iyer.

Krunal Pandya then tried to keep the run-rate high and slammed two fours before ending at the hands of Aaron Finch at deep point.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-yuzvendra-chahal-becomes-second-bowler-after-lasith-malinga-to-achieve-massive-feat-477165" hreflang="en">IPL 2022: Chahal becomes second bowler after Malinga to achieve massive feat</a>

The decision to promote Ayush Badoni (15 not out off 18) didn't bear result as the young Delhi batter was under pressue after a quiet over and couldn't find his rhythm with runs drying up between 12th to 16th over.

However, Marcus Stoinis (28 off 14 balls) changed things when he clobbered Mavi for three successive sixes before holing out. However, new man Jason Holder (13 off 4 balls) slammed the next two balls for two more maximums as the 19th over yielded 30 runs for LSG.

In the bowling front, KKR missed the experience of Umesh Yadav, who missed out due to a muscle pull, with Hooda and de Kock going hammer and tongs early on.

However, Andrew Russell (2/22) was rewarded for bowling back of length, while Sunil Narine (20/1) and Tim Southee (1/28) also kept things tight but the rest of bowlers bled plenty in their stipulated overs.

Quinton de Kock laid the platform with a commanding fifty and his pacers then terrorised Kolkata Knight Riders to record a crushing 75-run victory for Lucknow Super Giants which put them on top of the table with an IPL play-off berth being a formality now.

Quinton de Kock laid the platform with a commanding fifty and his pacers then terrorised Kolkata Knight Riders to record a crushing 75-run victory for Lucknow Super Giants which put them on top of the table with an IPL play-off berth being a formality now. For last year's runners-up KKR, eight points from 11 games with a deflating negative run-rate now puts them closer to the exit door with lacklustre performance and unimaginative captaincy combining for what has turned out to be a disastrous season so far. Invited to bat, De Kock slammed a 29-ball-50 but Lucknow almost frittered away a solid start before some lusty hitting in a 30-run penultimate over off Shivam Mavi took them to 176 for 7. The LSG bowlers then raised to the occasion to bundle out KKR for 101 in 14.3 overs, despite the heroics of Andre Russell (45 off 19 balls) to gather two crucial points and take their overall total to 16 points in the IPL standing. Also read | MI become 1st team to be knocked out of IPL 2022 after RR beat PBKS KKR remained at the 8th spot after suffering their 7th loss in 11 games. Defending 177, LSG left KKR tottering at 25 for four with four bowlers picking up their first wickets. While Mohsin produced a wicket-maiden to get rid of Baba Indrajith, Chameera sent back Shreyas Iyer after rattling him with a short and quick delivery. It has now been an all too familiar script for KKR skipper whose discomfort while facing quick bouncers is well-documented and national coach Rahul Dravid would only be worried with this glaring technical deficiency. Aaron Finch too perished as his miscued pull was poached by de Kock as KKR slipped to 23 for 3 in the first six overs. Nitish Rana was then cleaned up by Avesh Khan with a yorker as KKR looked down the barrels. Russell then used his brute force to hit Holder all across the park. One was whacked at midwicket for a maximum, the second one was slapped to deep, while a flat-batted pull earned him another six and the last one was a four over short third. After amassing 25 off the Holder over, Russell produced another maximum off Ravi Bishnoi as KKR reached 64 for 4 in 10 overs. He and Sunil Narine (22 off 12) produced a small partnership but once Russell was out to Avesh Khan in the 13th over, it became a downward slide for KKR as they folded in 14.3 overs. Avesh and Holder returned with three wickets each. Earlier, De Kock, who was involved in a terrible mix up with skipper KL Rahul, who got a 'Diamond Duck' (out for 0 without facing a ball), redeemed himself with an innings studded with four boundaries and three maximums. He added 71 with Deepak Hooda (41 off 27 balls) to give LSG a good start after being invited to bat. Hooda made up for the loss of Rahul's with his back to-back boundaries over extra cover off Shivam Mavi (1/50 in 4 overs), while De Kock too joined in with a special treatment to Tim Southee, clobbering him for two fours and a six in the 3rd over. Left-arm spinner Anukul Roy and pacer Harshit Rana were next in line as De Kock smashed the former for a four before lunching into the latter for a four and two sixes to take LSG to their best score in the powerplays this season, a 66 for one. De Kock, however, couldn't stay much longer as he was holed out in deep only two balls after completing his fifty. Hooda, who hit four boundariers and two sixes in his entertaining 27-ball knock tat took LSG past 100-run mark before falling to a Andre Russell delivery with his miscued pull ending in safe hands of skipper Shreyas Iyer. Krunal Pandya then tried to keep the run-rate high and slammed two fours before ending at the hands of Aaron Finch at deep point. Also read | IPL 2022: Chahal becomes second bowler after Malinga to achieve massive feat The decision to promote Ayush Badoni (15 not out off 18) didn't bear result as the young Delhi batter was under pressue after a quiet over and couldn't find his rhythm with runs drying up between 12th to 16th over. However, Marcus Stoinis (28 off 14 balls) changed things when he clobbered Mavi for three successive sixes before holing out. However, new man Jason Holder (13 off 4 balls) slammed the next two balls for two more maximums as the 19th over yielded 30 runs for LSG. In the bowling front, KKR missed the experience of Umesh Yadav, who missed out due to a muscle pull, with Hooda and de Kock going hammer and tongs early on. However, Andrew Russell (2/22) was rewarded for bowling back of length, while Sunil Narine (20/1) and Tim Southee (1/28) also kept things tight but the rest of bowlers bled plenty in their stipulated overs.

IPL 2022: Lucknow Super Giants inch towards playoffs with win over Kolkata Knight Riders

Manchester City reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 5-0 drubbing of Newcastle United that allowed the reigning champions to open up a three-point lead over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Raheem Sterling scored twice for the hosts with Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden also on target as they shrugged off the bitter disappointment of their Champions League semi-final defeat by Real Madrid.

Sterling eased any early jitters with a header and Laporte`s tap-in gave City full control before the interval.

Rodri headed City`s third from a corner after the break and Foden swept in his side`s fourth before Sterling struck again in stoppage time as City took emphatic advantage of Liverpool`s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur the previous day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chelseas-top-five-most-expensive-signings-under-roman-abramovich-477433" hreflang="en">Chelsea's top five most expensive signings under Roman Abramovich</a>

Newcastle`s Chris Wood spurned a great chance to give his side an early lead but the visitors were no match for City who took an important step towards a fourth title in five seasons.

City have 86 points to Liverpool`s 83 with both sides having three games remaining and City now have a superior goal difference. Pep Guardiola`s side need seven points from their last three games to be guaranteed the title.

Liverpool face Aston Villa on Tuesday with City up against Wolverhampton Wanderers a day later.

"The defeat to Real Madrid was so, so big but football is like this. You have to switch on the focus for the Premier League because it is even more difficult," Rodri said.

"We did brilliant today and we have to keep going. We expect nothing from Liverpool and we have to keep going. We have three finals and have to finish the season like we deserve."

City needed a response after their last-gasp heartbreak in Madrid and Newcastle proved ideal opposition in the sunshine.

Things might have got edgy if Wood had found the net with an early header from Allan Saint-Maximin`s inviting cross but he sent a tame effort straight at City goalkeeper Ederson.

City took the lead in the 19th minute when Ilkay Gundogan clipped a superb ball to the back post for Joao Cancelo to head back across goal for Sterling to nod in.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-leeds-united-slip-into-relegation-zone-after-defeat-at-arsenal-477447" hreflang="en">Premier League: Leeds United slip into relegation zone after defeat at Arsenal</a>

Wood had an effort ruled out for offside soon after and City moved further ahead after 38 minutes when Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka spilled the ball and Laporte converted.

Rodri lost his marker to head in Kevin De Bruyne`s corner after 61 minutes and Foden got in on the act when Oleksandr Zinchenko`s shot arrived at his feet and he diverted it in.

City saved the best to last with a flowing move allowing an unmarked Sterling to fire home.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has now lost all 10 of his Premier League meetings against Guardiola.

Manchester City reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 5-0 drubbing of Newcastle United that allowed the reigning champions to open up a three-point lead over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Manchester City reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 5-0 drubbing of Newcastle United that allowed the reigning champions to open up a three-point lead over Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Raheem Sterling scored twice for the hosts with Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden also on target as they shrugged off the bitter disappointment of their Champions League semi-final defeat by Real Madrid. Sterling eased any early jitters with a header and Laporte`s tap-in gave City full control before the interval. Rodri headed City`s third from a corner after the break and Foden swept in his side`s fourth before Sterling struck again in stoppage time as City took emphatic advantage of Liverpool`s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur the previous day. Also read | Chelsea's top five most expensive signings under Roman Abramovich Newcastle`s Chris Wood spurned a great chance to give his side an early lead but the visitors were no match for City who took an important step towards a fourth title in five seasons. City have 86 points to Liverpool`s 83 with both sides having three games remaining and City now have a superior goal difference. Pep Guardiola`s side need seven points from their last three games to be guaranteed the title. Liverpool face Aston Villa on Tuesday with City up against Wolverhampton Wanderers a day later. "The defeat to Real Madrid was so, so big but football is like this. You have to switch on the focus for the Premier League because it is even more difficult," Rodri said. "We did brilliant today and we have to keep going. We expect nothing from Liverpool and we have to keep going. We have three finals and have to finish the season like we deserve." City needed a response after their last-gasp heartbreak in Madrid and Newcastle proved ideal opposition in the sunshine. Things might have got edgy if Wood had found the net with an early header from Allan Saint-Maximin`s inviting cross but he sent a tame effort straight at City goalkeeper Ederson. City took the lead in the 19th minute when Ilkay Gundogan clipped a superb ball to the back post for Joao Cancelo to head back across goal for Sterling to nod in. Also read | Premier League: Leeds United slip into relegation zone after defeat at Arsenal Wood had an effort ruled out for offside soon after and City moved further ahead after 38 minutes when Newcastle goalkeeper Martin Dubravka spilled the ball and Laporte converted. Rodri lost his marker to head in Kevin De Bruyne`s corner after 61 minutes and Foden got in on the act when Oleksandr Zinchenko`s shot arrived at his feet and he diverted it in. City saved the best to last with a flowing move allowing an unmarked Sterling to fire home. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has now lost all 10 of his Premier League meetings against Guardiola.

Premier League: Manchester City trounce Newcastle United to open up three-point lead

Devon Conway's blazing blade and Moeen Ali's effective off-breaks beautifully complemented each other as Chennai Super Kings outclassed Delhi Capitals in every department of the game, winning their IPL match by a comprehensive 91-run margin.

Put in to bat, Conway completed a hat-trick of half-centuries with a superb 87 off 49 balls to set up a winning score of 208 for 6 in 20 overs.

The scoreboard pressure was always mounting on Capitals as they finally managed 117 in 17.4 overs with Moeen (3/13 in 4 overs) taking wickets of Mitchell Marsh (25 off 20 balls) and skipper Rishabh Pant (21 off 11 balls) in quick succession to finish the contest.

Mukesh Choudhary (2/22 in 4 overs), Simarjeet Singh (2/27 in 4 overs) and Dwayne Bravo (2/24 in 2.3 overs) then completed the formalities as CSK are now up to eight points from 11 games and can earn a maximum of 14 points if they win their remaining three games, which unfortunately doesn't look like being enough for play-off qualification.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-wanindu-hasaranga-set-up-rcbs-massive-victory-over-srh-477410">IPL 2022: Faf Du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga set up RCB's massive win over SRH</a>

Delhi Capitals remain on fifth position with 10 points and will now need to win all three remaining games and also expect a few other results to favour them if they harbour any hopes of qualification.

What has been a major issue with DC's 2022 performance is lack of consistency. There are days when they are brilliant and then on other days less than ordinary with inept performances.

KS Bharat (8 off 5 balls) was playing his first game and can be excused but the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant have hardly done anything of note during the season and even 209 isn't a chaseable total eight out of 10 times, there wasn't a semblance of fight.

Pant was dismissed while trying to play against the turn while Marsh was holed out in the deep. By the time Rovman Powell was gone, the match was as good as over.

In fact, the track that looked as flat as a highway suddenly became difficult for strokeplay in the second half.

But when Conway was batting, it seemed like a walk in the park for CSK.

He hit seven fours and five sixes and also added 110 for the opening wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad (41 off 33 balls) to lay the foundation for a big score.

Conway added another 59 runs for the second wicket with Shivam Dube (32 off 19 balls) before MS Dhoni (21 no off 8 balls) added insult to DC's injuries at the fag end.

The South Africa-born New Zealander has been one of the key players for an ageing CSK side in transition and has responded nicely to captain Dhoni's call of being a like-for-like replacement of Faf du Plessis.

What makes Conway a standout performer among most overseas recruits is his mastery over spinners which is an absolute must to be a consistent success in IPL.

Whether CSK make it to play-off this time or not, Conway in all likelihood will be serving the franchise for the next five years at least.

Along with Gaikwad, Conway showed how aesthetically pleasing stroke-play can destroy the confidence of rival bowlers.

There weren't any lap-scoops, switch hits, reverse flicks but shots within the 'V' with immaculate use of feet wile negotiating the spinners. It did help that DY Patil Stadium track resembled a highway due to its flat nature.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-devon-conway-joins-ruturaj-gaikwad-and-faf-du-plessis-in-elite-list-with-fifty-for-csk-against-dc-477444" hreflang="en">Devon Conway joins Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis in elite list with fifty for CSK against DC</a>

Kuldeep Yadav's (3-0-43-0) length was completely in disarray as Conway repeatedly came down the ground to loft the deliveries with disdain.

If the delivery was flighted, Conway would come down the track and hit it down the ground or wide of long-on. If the bowler kept it flat, he would thump it through the covers and if it was fast an full, he would play the conventional sweep shot over deep square leg. The shot that stood out was a cover drive which was more like a slap with minimal back-lift.

Conway's third consecutive fifty came off 27 balls as poor Kuldeep had no clue as to what had hit him.

His deliveries were like cannon fodder as he was hit for four fours and two sixes in his first spell.

Conway repeated his 'dancing down the track' act in Kuldeep's second spell with another lofted six as DC bowlers were left short of answers on the day.

Devon Conway's blazing blade and Moeen Ali's effective off-breaks beautifully complemented each other as Chennai Super Kings outclassed Delhi Capitals in every department of the game, winning their IPL match by a comprehensive 91-run margin.

Devon Conway's blazing blade and Moeen Ali's effective off-breaks beautifully complemented each other as Chennai Super Kings outclassed Delhi Capitals in every department of the game, winning their IPL match by a comprehensive 91-run margin. Put in to bat, Conway completed a hat-trick of half-centuries with a superb 87 off 49 balls to set up a winning score of 208 for 6 in 20 overs. The scoreboard pressure was always mounting on Capitals as they finally managed 117 in 17.4 overs with Moeen (3/13 in 4 overs) taking wickets of Mitchell Marsh (25 off 20 balls) and skipper Rishabh Pant (21 off 11 balls) in quick succession to finish the contest. Mukesh Choudhary (2/22 in 4 overs), Simarjeet Singh (2/27 in 4 overs) and Dwayne Bravo (2/24 in 2.3 overs) then completed the formalities as CSK are now up to eight points from 11 games and can earn a maximum of 14 points if they win their remaining three games, which unfortunately doesn't look like being enough for play-off qualification. Also read | IPL 2022: Faf Du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga set up RCB's massive win over SRH Delhi Capitals remain on fifth position with 10 points and will now need to win all three remaining games and also expect a few other results to favour them if they harbour any hopes of qualification. What has been a major issue with DC's 2022 performance is lack of consistency. There are days when they are brilliant and then on other days less than ordinary with inept performances. KS Bharat (8 off 5 balls) was playing his first game and can be excused but the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant have hardly done anything of note during the season and even 209 isn't a chaseable total eight out of 10 times, there wasn't a semblance of fight. Pant was dismissed while trying to play against the turn while Marsh was holed out in the deep. By the time Rovman Powell was gone, the match was as good as over. In fact, the track that looked as flat as a highway suddenly became difficult for strokeplay in the second half. But when Conway was batting, it seemed like a walk in the park for CSK. He hit seven fours and five sixes and also added 110 for the opening wicket with Ruturaj Gaikwad (41 off 33 balls) to lay the foundation for a big score. Conway added another 59 runs for the second wicket with Shivam Dube (32 off 19 balls) before MS Dhoni (21 no off 8 balls) added insult to DC's injuries at the fag end. The South Africa-born New Zealander has been one of the key players for an ageing CSK side in transition and has responded nicely to captain Dhoni's call of being a like-for-like replacement of Faf du Plessis. What makes Conway a standout performer among most overseas recruits is his mastery over spinners which is an absolute must to be a consistent success in IPL. Whether CSK make it to play-off this time or not, Conway in all likelihood will be serving the franchise for the next five years at least. Along with Gaikwad, Conway showed how aesthetically pleasing stroke-play can destroy the confidence of rival bowlers. There weren't any lap-scoops, switch hits, reverse flicks but shots within the 'V' with immaculate use of feet wile negotiating the spinners. It did help that DY Patil Stadium track resembled a highway due to its flat nature. Also read | Devon Conway joins Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis in elite list with fifty for CSK against DC Kuldeep Yadav's (3-0-43-0) length was completely in disarray as Conway repeatedly came down the ground to loft the deliveries with disdain. If the delivery was flighted, Conway would come down the track and hit it down the ground or wide of long-on. If the bowler kept it flat, he would thump it through the covers and if it was fast an full, he would play the conventional sweep shot over deep square leg. The shot that stood out was a cover drive which was more like a slap with minimal back-lift. Conway's third consecutive fifty came off 27 balls as poor Kuldeep had no clue as to what had hit him. His deliveries were like cannon fodder as he was hit for four fours and two sixes in his first spell. Conway repeated his 'dancing down the track' act in Kuldeep's second spell with another lofted six as DC bowlers were left short of answers on the day.

IPL 2022: Devon Conway, Moeen Ali shine in big CSK victory over Delhi Capitals

Former Indian cricket team opener Wasim Jaffer believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad can have an ‘outside chance’ of featuring in the squad for the T20 World Cup. Jaffer was not impressed with his performances in the ongoing IPL 2022 and said that the youngster is a ‘really big talent’.

In a recent interaction, Jaffer picked four options for the opening spot ahead of the T20 World Cup and he picked KL Rahul and skipper Rohit Sharma as automatic picks. Apart from Gaikwad, Jaffer also thought that Prithvi Shaw will be an addition for the India squad ahead of the mega tournament.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-faf-du-plessis-wanindu-hasaranga-set-up-rcbs-massive-victory-over-srh-477410">IPL 2022: Faf Du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga set up RCB's massive win over SRH</a>

“If we are to talk about the openers then I feel the batters who are definite for this position are KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. I think these will surely be there in the World Cup. Apart from that, I feel Prithvi Shaw should be in the World Cup T20 squad and there could be an outside chance for Ruturaj Gaikwad even though his IPL form has not been up to the mark but, I feel we need to persist with Ruturaj Gaikwad because he is a really big talent," he told Crictracker.

Apart from these two options, veteran Shikhar Dhawan and Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan have also made a strong case for themselves for the T20 World Cup inclusion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/not-ishan-kishan-or-dinesh-karthik-virender-sehwag-names-surprise-wicketkeeper-pick-for-t20-world-cup-477423" hreflang="en">Not Ishan Kishan or Dinesh Karthik! Virender Sehwag names surprise wicketkeeper pick for T20 World Cup</a>

In IPL 2022, Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul is leading the charts when it comes to Indian openers with 451 runs with Punjab Kings’ Dhawan following closely with 381 runs.

Former Indian cricket team opener Wasim Jaffer believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad can have an ‘outside chance’ of featuring in the squad for the T20 World Cup. Jaffer was not impressed with his performances in the ongoing IPL 2022 and said that the youngster is a ‘really big talent’.

Former Indian cricket team opener Wasim Jaffer believes that Ruturaj Gaikwad can have an ‘outside chance’ of featuring in the squad for the T20 World Cup. Jaffer was not impressed with his performances in the ongoing IPL 2022 and said that the youngster is a ‘really big talent’. In a recent interaction, Jaffer picked four options for the opening spot ahead of the T20 World Cup and he picked KL Rahul and skipper Rohit Sharma as automatic picks. Apart from Gaikwad, Jaffer also thought that Prithvi Shaw will be an addition for the India squad ahead of the mega tournament. Also read | IPL 2022: Faf Du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga set up RCB's massive win over SRH “If we are to talk about the openers then I feel the batters who are definite for this position are KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. I think these will surely be there in the World Cup. Apart from that, I feel Prithvi Shaw should be in the World Cup T20 squad and there could be an outside chance for Ruturaj Gaikwad even though his IPL form has not been up to the mark but, I feel we need to persist with Ruturaj Gaikwad because he is a really big talent," he told Crictracker. Apart from these two options, veteran Shikhar Dhawan and Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan have also made a strong case for themselves for the T20 World Cup inclusion. Also read | Not Ishan Kishan or Dinesh Karthik! Virender Sehwag names surprise wicketkeeper pick for T20 World Cup In IPL 2022, Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul is leading the charts when it comes to Indian openers with 451 runs with Punjab Kings’ Dhawan following closely with 381 runs.

'There could be an outside chance': Former India cricketer picks four openers for T20 World Cup

Leeds United suffered a huge setback in their battle for Premier League survival as a 2-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday plunged them into the relegation zone and the hosts took another step towards securing a top-four finish.

An early quickfire double from former Leeds loanee Eddie Nketiah put Arsenal in firm control before the visitors were reduced to 10 midway through the first half when Luke Ayling was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.

Leeds did not have an attempt at goal until Diego Llorente`s header beat goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 66th minute but Arsenal weathered a nervy finish to close out their fourth successive victory and solidify their hold on fourth place.

Arsenal, on 66 points with three games remaining, opened up a four-point gap on north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in fifth ahead of Thursday`s derby and moved to within a point of third-placed Chelsea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chelseas-top-five-most-expensive-signings-under-roman-abramovich-477433" hreflang="en">Chelsea's top five most expensive signings under Roman Abramovich</a>

A second straight defeat for Leeds left them in 18th place with 34 points, behind Burnley on goal difference, after Everton`s 2-1 victory at Leicester City lifted the Merseyside club out of the bottom three.

"We are in the relegation zone but we have to fight for our lives," Leeds manager Jesse Marsch said.

"Our backs are against the wall... We have to regroup and figure out what we can do.

"When I came here two months ago, I knew this was not going to be easy. The group has stayed strong.

Our second-half performance highlights the character of the people we have here."

Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead after five minutes when visiting goalkeeper Illan Meslier dwelled on a routine back pass, allowing the forward to nip in and poke the ball home from inside the six-yard box.

Five minutes later, Martinelli wriggled past three Leeds defenders and played a neat cut-back to the unmarked Nketiah for the 22-year-old to tap in for his ninth goal of the season in all competitions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-the-great-khali-to-jinder-mahal-to-veer-mahaan-indian-origin-wrestlers-who-made-it-big-in-wwe-477415" hreflang="en">From Great Khali to Veer Mahaan: Indian-origin wrestlers excelling in WWE</a>

Arsenal were hunting for a third, with Meslier saving efforts from Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, before Leeds captain Ayling was booked for a reckless challenge on Martinelli and saw his yellow card upgraded to red following a VAR review.

Leeds struck with their first effort of the game when Llorente`s header sparked them into life as they looked to salvage a point, and in a tense finish Ramsdale saved from Rodrigo in stoppage time.

Arsenal hung on for victory before the short trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where a win would end their five-year wait for Champions League football.

"We have earned the right to play that game in that context," manager Mikel Arteta said. "We are going to prepare for the game as best as we can."

Leeds United suffered a huge setback in their battle for Premier League survival as a 2-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday plunged them into the relegation zone and the hosts took another step towards securing a top-four finish.

Leeds United suffered a huge setback in their battle for Premier League survival as a 2-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday plunged them into the relegation zone and the hosts took another step towards securing a top-four finish. An early quickfire double from former Leeds loanee Eddie Nketiah put Arsenal in firm control before the visitors were reduced to 10 midway through the first half when Luke Ayling was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Gabriel Martinelli. Leeds did not have an attempt at goal until Diego Llorente`s header beat goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the 66th minute but Arsenal weathered a nervy finish to close out their fourth successive victory and solidify their hold on fourth place. Arsenal, on 66 points with three games remaining, opened up a four-point gap on north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in fifth ahead of Thursday`s derby and moved to within a point of third-placed Chelsea. Also read | Chelsea's top five most expensive signings under Roman Abramovich A second straight defeat for Leeds left them in 18th place with 34 points, behind Burnley on goal difference, after Everton`s 2-1 victory at Leicester City lifted the Merseyside club out of the bottom three. "We are in the relegation zone but we have to fight for our lives," Leeds manager Jesse Marsch said. "Our backs are against the wall... We have to regroup and figure out what we can do. "When I came here two months ago, I knew this was not going to be easy. The group has stayed strong. Our second-half performance highlights the character of the people we have here." Nketiah fired Arsenal ahead after five minutes when visiting goalkeeper Illan Meslier dwelled on a routine back pass, allowing the forward to nip in and poke the ball home from inside the six-yard box. Five minutes later, Martinelli wriggled past three Leeds defenders and played a neat cut-back to the unmarked Nketiah for the 22-year-old to tap in for his ninth goal of the season in all competitions. Also read | From Great Khali to Veer Mahaan: Indian-origin wrestlers excelling in WWE Arsenal were hunting for a third, with Meslier saving efforts from Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, before Leeds captain Ayling was booked for a reckless challenge on Martinelli and saw his yellow card upgraded to red following a VAR review. Leeds struck with their first effort of the game when Llorente`s header sparked them into life as they looked to salvage a point, and in a tense finish Ramsdale saved from Rodrigo in stoppage time. Arsenal hung on for victory before the short trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where a win would end their five-year wait for Champions League football. "We have earned the right to play that game in that context," manager Mikel Arteta said. "We are going to prepare for the game as best as we can."

Premier League: Leeds United slip into relegation zone after defeat at Arsenal

Devon Conway has been enjoying a good run of form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and the Chennai Super Kings opener continued to impress as he scored a half century against Delhi Capitals on Sunday. This was the third consecutive fifty for the New Zealand international.

Conway ended his innings on 87 off 49 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries and five sixes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-supposed-to-be-the-captain-yuvraj-singh-claims-he-lost-india-captaincy-to-ms-dhoni-due-to-chappell-row-477350" hreflang="en">Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident</a>

Thanks to this half century, Conway became the third cricketer ever to score three back-to-back fifties for CSK after Faf du Plessis and opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gaikwad achieved the feat in 2020 while the current Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper du Plessis achieved it in 2021.

Conway, who was picked in the mega auction for INR 10 million, did not perform well towards the start of the tournament. But, in the last two matches, he has scored an unbeaten 85 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and he followed it up with a 56 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-22-runs-in-4-balls-dinesh-karthik-plays-a-blinder-for-rcb-against-srh-watch-477376" hreflang="en">22 runs in 4 balls! Dinesh Karthik plays a blinder for RCB against SRH - WATCH</a>

Conway is on the verge of another massive record if he can score a half century in the next game against Mumbai Indians. If the New Zealand opener can score four back-to-back fifties in IPL 2022, he will become the second batsman ever after Faf du Plessis to achieve that massive feat.

Conway and Gaikwad stitched together their second 100+ opening stand of the tournament to provide CSK with a brilliant start and MS Dhoni played a quickfire 8-ball-21 to take the defending champions to 208/6 in 20 overs.

Devon Conway has been enjoying a good run of form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and the Chennai Super Kings opener continued to impress as he scored a half century against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Devon Conway has been enjoying a good run of form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and the Chennai Super Kings opener continued to impress as he scored a half century against Delhi Capitals on Sunday. This was the third consecutive fifty for the New Zealand international. Conway ended his innings on 87 off 49 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries and five sixes. Also read | Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident Thanks to this half century, Conway became the third cricketer ever to score three back-to-back fifties for CSK after Faf du Plessis and opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gaikwad achieved the feat in 2020 while the current Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper du Plessis achieved it in 2021. Conway, who was picked in the mega auction for INR 10 million, did not perform well towards the start of the tournament. But, in the last two matches, he has scored an unbeaten 85 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and he followed it up with a 56 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Also read | 22 runs in 4 balls! Dinesh Karthik plays a blinder for RCB against SRH - WATCH Conway is on the verge of another massive record if he can score a half century in the next game against Mumbai Indians. If the New Zealand opener can score four back-to-back fifties in IPL 2022, he will become the second batsman ever after Faf du Plessis to achieve that massive feat. Conway and Gaikwad stitched together their second 100+ opening stand of the tournament to provide CSK with a brilliant start and MS Dhoni played a quickfire 8-ball-21 to take the defending champions to 208/6 in 20 overs.

IPL 2022: Devon Conway joins Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis in elite list with fifty for CSK against DC

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes that Punjab Kings cricketer Jitesh Sharma can be a good pick as the back-up wicketkeeper in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The 28-year-old has been quite impressive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and Sehwag said that he can be a good choice along with Rishabh Pant in the World Cup.'

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-supposed-to-be-the-captain-yuvraj-singh-claims-he-lost-india-captaincy-to-ms-dhoni-due-to-chappell-row-477350" hreflang="en">Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident</a>

"He has impressed quite a bit... So should we also include him in the Australia-bound T20 World Cup squad?" Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

"I am just asking because whoever scores runs, we keep them in the category of potential players for the World Cup. But no doubt, he has impressed me a lot. If I had to select the team, I would take him to Australia as a second wicketkeeper-batter for the T20 World Cup," he added.

Jitesh has scored 162 runs in seven innings till now at an impressive strike rate of 167.0. Sehwag praised his performances and even compared his stroke play to VVS Laxman.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cheteshwar-pujara-scores-fourth-successive-ton-in-county-cricket-wins-his-battle-against-shaheen-afridi-477365" hreflang="en">Pujara scores 4th successive ton in county cricket, wins battle against Afridi</a>

"Ishan Kishan is a wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant is a wicketkeeper-batter, (Wriddhiman) Saha is a wicketkeeper-batter, but out of all of them, if there is someone who has impressed me the most, it is Jitesh Sharma.”

"He reminded me of VVS Laxman with the six he hit off Yuzvendra Chahal... Laxman used to hit Shane Warne with an open stance over mid-wicket. He has impressed me quite a bit," he concluded.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes that Punjab Kings cricketer Jitesh Sharma can be a good pick as the back-up wicketkeeper in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes that Punjab Kings cricketer Jitesh Sharma can be a good pick as the back-up wicketkeeper in the India squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 28-year-old has been quite impressive in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and Sehwag said that he can be a good choice along with Rishabh Pant in the World Cup.' Also read | Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident "He has impressed quite a bit... So should we also include him in the Australia-bound T20 World Cup squad?" Sehwag said on Cricbuzz. "I am just asking because whoever scores runs, we keep them in the category of potential players for the World Cup. But no doubt, he has impressed me a lot. If I had to select the team, I would take him to Australia as a second wicketkeeper-batter for the T20 World Cup," he added. Jitesh has scored 162 runs in seven innings till now at an impressive strike rate of 167.0. Sehwag praised his performances and even compared his stroke play to VVS Laxman. Also read | Pujara scores 4th successive ton in county cricket, wins battle against Afridi "Ishan Kishan is a wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant is a wicketkeeper-batter, (Wriddhiman) Saha is a wicketkeeper-batter, but out of all of them, if there is someone who has impressed me the most, it is Jitesh Sharma.” "He reminded me of VVS Laxman with the six he hit off Yuzvendra Chahal... Laxman used to hit Shane Warne with an open stance over mid-wicket. He has impressed me quite a bit," he concluded.

Not Ishan Kishan or Dinesh Karthik! Virender Sehwag names surprise wicketkeeper pick for T20 World Cup

From The Great Khali to Jinder Mahal to Veer Mahaan: Indian-origin wrestlers who made it big in WWE

Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked up a five-wicket haul after skipper Faf du Plessis' impactful half-century as Royal Challengers recorded a 67-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad to boost their play-off hopes in the IPL here on Sunday.

Opting to bat on a slow surface, du Plessis led from the front with a 50-ball 73 not out, while Dinesh Karthik (eight-ball 30 not out) provided the late flourish as RCB overcame an anxious start to post 192/3.

In response, Sunrisers Hyderabad were skittled out for 125 to crash to their fourth loss on the trot as Hasaranga stymied their chase with figures of 4-1-18-5.

The win also avenged their shocking nine-wicket loss to Hyderabad in the first leg at the Brabourne where Bangalore had collapsed to 68 allout.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-supposed-to-be-the-captain-yuvraj-singh-claims-he-lost-india-captaincy-to-ms-dhoni-due-to-chappell-row-477350">Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident</a>

Making amend for a sloppy outing on the field, Hasaranga cleverly used his wrong ones and derailed their chase in the middle overs with wickets of the hardhitting Nicholas Pooran and Jagadeesha Suchith in successive overs.

The Lankan then ended his spell in style with a double-wicket maiden, dismissing Shashank Singh and Umran Malik in successive deliveries to virtually seal it for Bangalore.

With this, he became the second bowler after Yuzvendra Chahal to get past the 20-wicket mark in the IPL. Hasaranga is now one wicket shy of current Purple Cap holder Chahal's tally of 22.

Hyderabad No 3 Rahul Tripathi made a fine 58 to keep them in the hunt but Josh Hazlewood (2/17) dismissed him and followed it up with the wicket of Kartik Tyagi next ball.

For Bangalore, it was their second win in a row, coming on the back of a hattrick of defeats as they firmed up their place inside top-four.

Likewise Bangalore, Hyderabad too had a jittery start and went on to lose two wickets in the first over in their tall chase of 193.

Like Kohli, Williamson also went for a golden duck in a rare instance -- only third in IPL -- that a wicket fell on the first ball of both the innings.

Earlier, Du Plessis slammed eight boundaries and two sixes en route to his third fifty this season and seized the initiative after he lost his opening partner Virat Kohli.

The South African veteran along with Rajat Patidar (48 in 38 balls; 4x4, 2x6) laid a solid foundation with a 105-run second wicket partnership off 73 balls.

But Hyderabad bowlers led by spinner Jagadeesha Suchith (2/30) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0/34) slowed things a bit in the middle overs before Dinesh Karthik gave a last-over flourish (25 runs) to prop up the total.

Making full use of a reprieve by Rahul Tripathi in the third ball of the final over, the Indian experienced wicketkeeper-batter went on to make a quickfire eight-ball 30 not out.

He smashed four sixes, three of them coming in succession followed by a boundary in the last over against Afghanistan debutant Fazalhaq Farooqi, en route to his entertaining cameo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-delhi-capitals-opener-prithvi-shaw-admitted-to-hospital-with-intense-fever-ahead-of-csk-clash-477390" hreflang="en">Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw admitted to hospital with intense fever</a>

Hyderabad had their solitary moment of glory, the very first ball of the game when Kohli (0) got out for a third golden duck this season, sixth overall in IPL. This was also his second golden duck against the same team season.

Enduring his worst-ever IPL -- 216 runs from 12 innings at 19.6 -- Kohli had one soft dismissal off a Suchith half volley drifting onto his pads, and the star batter managed to flick it straight to Williamson at short midwicket.

It was all about RCB thereafter as Du Plessis and the young Patidar seized the momentum with their counter-attacking approach.

Hyderabad young speed merchant Umran Malik bowled back of the length on what was a slow pitch and the batters had all the time on offer to take him to cleaners in his first over that yielded 20 runs.

Well-settled Patidar however missed his fifty by two runs becoming Suchith's second victim, miscuing one in the 13th over.

Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked up a five-wicket haul after skipper Faf du Plessis' impactful half-century as Royal Challengers recorded a 67-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad to boost their play-off hopes in the IPL here on Sunday.

Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked up a five-wicket haul after skipper Faf du Plessis' impactful half-century as Royal Challengers recorded a 67-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad to boost their play-off hopes in the IPL here on Sunday. Opting to bat on a slow surface, du Plessis led from the front with a 50-ball 73 not out, while Dinesh Karthik (eight-ball 30 not out) provided the late flourish as RCB overcame an anxious start to post 192/3. In response, Sunrisers Hyderabad were skittled out for 125 to crash to their fourth loss on the trot as Hasaranga stymied their chase with figures of 4-1-18-5. The win also avenged their shocking nine-wicket loss to Hyderabad in the first leg at the Brabourne where Bangalore had collapsed to 68 allout. Also read | Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident Making amend for a sloppy outing on the field, Hasaranga cleverly used his wrong ones and derailed their chase in the middle overs with wickets of the hardhitting Nicholas Pooran and Jagadeesha Suchith in successive overs. The Lankan then ended his spell in style with a double-wicket maiden, dismissing Shashank Singh and Umran Malik in successive deliveries to virtually seal it for Bangalore. With this, he became the second bowler after Yuzvendra Chahal to get past the 20-wicket mark in the IPL. Hasaranga is now one wicket shy of current Purple Cap holder Chahal's tally of 22. Hyderabad No 3 Rahul Tripathi made a fine 58 to keep them in the hunt but Josh Hazlewood (2/17) dismissed him and followed it up with the wicket of Kartik Tyagi next ball. For Bangalore, it was their second win in a row, coming on the back of a hattrick of defeats as they firmed up their place inside top-four. Likewise Bangalore, Hyderabad too had a jittery start and went on to lose two wickets in the first over in their tall chase of 193. Like Kohli, Williamson also went for a golden duck in a rare instance -- only third in IPL -- that a wicket fell on the first ball of both the innings. Earlier, Du Plessis slammed eight boundaries and two sixes en route to his third fifty this season and seized the initiative after he lost his opening partner Virat Kohli. The South African veteran along with Rajat Patidar (48 in 38 balls; 4x4, 2x6) laid a solid foundation with a 105-run second wicket partnership off 73 balls. But Hyderabad bowlers led by spinner Jagadeesha Suchith (2/30) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (0/34) slowed things a bit in the middle overs before Dinesh Karthik gave a last-over flourish (25 runs) to prop up the total. Making full use of a reprieve by Rahul Tripathi in the third ball of the final over, the Indian experienced wicketkeeper-batter went on to make a quickfire eight-ball 30 not out. He smashed four sixes, three of them coming in succession followed by a boundary in the last over against Afghanistan debutant Fazalhaq Farooqi, en route to his entertaining cameo. Also read | Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw admitted to hospital with intense fever Hyderabad had their solitary moment of glory, the very first ball of the game when Kohli (0) got out for a third golden duck this season, sixth overall in IPL. This was also his second golden duck against the same team season. Enduring his worst-ever IPL -- 216 runs from 12 innings at 19.6 -- Kohli had one soft dismissal off a Suchith half volley drifting onto his pads, and the star batter managed to flick it straight to Williamson at short midwicket. It was all about RCB thereafter as Du Plessis and the young Patidar seized the momentum with their counter-attacking approach. Hyderabad young speed merchant Umran Malik bowled back of the length on what was a slow pitch and the batters had all the time on offer to take him to cleaners in his first over that yielded 20 runs. Well-settled Patidar however missed his fifty by two runs becoming Suchith's second victim, miscuing one in the 13th over.

IPL 2022: Faf Du Plessis, Wanindu Hasaranga set up RCB's massive victory over SRH

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw will be missing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 encounter against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday after he was hospitalised with intense fever.

Shaw posted a picture of himself in the hospital on Instagram with the caption – "Admitted in hospital and recovering from fever. Thank you all for your good wishes. Will be back in action soon”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-22-runs-in-4-balls-dinesh-karthik-plays-a-blinder-for-rcb-against-srh-watch-477376" hreflang="en">IPL 2022: 22 runs in 4 balls! Dinesh Karthik plays a blinder for RCB against SRH - WATCH</a>

Shah did not take part in their previous IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and according to the ESPNCricinfo report, the intense fever was the reason why he was removed from the DC bio-bubble.

Mandeep Singh replaced Shaw in the playing XI for the match against SRH and although he did not score much, DC were able to register a comprehensive victory. David Warner was the top scorer for the side as he narrowly missed his century while Rovman Powell scored a brilliant fifty.

Khaleel Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers as DC got their campaign back on track.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-is-finding-new-ways-to-get-out-shoaib-akhtar-on-rcb-stars-struggles-in-ipl-2022-477369" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli is finding new ways to get out: Shoaib Akhtar on RCB star's struggles in IPL 2022</a>

Earlier in the day, the DC contingent was forced into isolation once again after a team member tested positive for COVID-19. During the daily testing, a net bowler tested positive and the team was kept in isolation as predominantly a precautionary measure, according to a report on Cricbuzz.

DC has suffered a lot due to COVID-19 cases this season with six members of the squad testing positive towards the start of the season including overseas talents like Mitchell Marsh and Tim Seifert. Physio Patrick Farhat also tested positive along with three other support staff.

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw will be missing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 encounter against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday after he was hospitalised with intense fever.

Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw will be missing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 encounter against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday after he was hospitalised with intense fever. Shaw posted a picture of himself in the hospital on Instagram with the caption – "Admitted in hospital and recovering from fever. Thank you all for your good wishes. Will be back in action soon”. Also read | IPL 2022: 22 runs in 4 balls! Dinesh Karthik plays a blinder for RCB against SRH - WATCH Shah did not take part in their previous IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and according to the ESPNCricinfo report, the intense fever was the reason why he was removed from the DC bio-bubble. Mandeep Singh replaced Shaw in the playing XI for the match against SRH and although he did not score much, DC were able to register a comprehensive victory. David Warner was the top scorer for the side as he narrowly missed his century while Rovman Powell scored a brilliant fifty. Khaleel Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers as DC got their campaign back on track. Also read | Virat Kohli is finding new ways to get out: Shoaib Akhtar on RCB star's struggles in IPL 2022 Earlier in the day, the DC contingent was forced into isolation once again after a team member tested positive for COVID-19. During the daily testing, a net bowler tested positive and the team was kept in isolation as predominantly a precautionary measure, according to a report on Cricbuzz. DC has suffered a lot due to COVID-19 cases this season with six members of the squad testing positive towards the start of the season including overseas talents like Mitchell Marsh and Tim Seifert. Physio Patrick Farhat also tested positive along with three other support staff.

IPL 2022: Delhi Capitals opener Prithvi Shaw admitted to hospital with intense fever ahead of CSK clash

Dinesh Karthik has cemented his position as the finisher for Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and the veteran wicketkeeper batsman was once again at his destructive best as he slammed 30 off just 8 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

Karthik did miss a couple of deliveries at the start of his innings and his trademark stroke play was in full display as he launched Kartik Tyagi for a mammoth six over mid-wicket on the final ball of the 19th over.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-supposed-to-be-the-captain-yuvraj-singh-claims-he-lost-india-captaincy-to-ms-dhoni-due-to-chappell-row-477350">Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident</a>

However, the best part of his quickfire innings came against Fazalhaq Farooqi.

The left-arm pacer from Afghanistan was taken to the cleaners in the final over of the RCB innings as Karthik ended up scoring 22 runs in the final four deliveries. On the third ball of the over, Karthik slammed it straight to Rahul Tripathi at mid-wicket but the ball bounced out of his hands and dropped right on the advertisement covers to hand Karthik the first six of the over.

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That's what a finisher does. Job well done by Dinesh Karthik 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvsRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvsRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/3An4TMOjey">pic.twitter.com/3An4TMOjey</a>
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The next ball was a fullish length delivery and Karthik rocked back into the crease to loft it into the stands for another boundary. The penultimate delivery was met with a very similar fate as Karthik looked in fine touch and once again, the ball was deposited straight into the mid-wicket boundary.

With immense pressure on his shoulders, Farooqi bowled the final ball of the over straight but Karthik had an answer for that too as he slammed the ball over the bowler’s head for a four.

RCB posted a total of 192/3 in 20 overs with Faf du Plessis top-scoring with 73.

Dinesh Karthik has cemented his position as the finisher for Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and the veteran wicketkeeper batsman was once again at his destructive best as he slammed 30 off just 8 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

Dinesh Karthik has cemented his position as the finisher for Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 and the veteran wicketkeeper batsman was once again at his destructive best as he slammed 30 off just 8 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday. Karthik did miss a couple of deliveries at the start of his innings and his trademark stroke play was in full display as he launched Kartik Tyagi for a mammoth six over mid-wicket on the final ball of the 19th over. Also read | Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident However, the best part of his quickfire innings came against Fazalhaq Farooqi. The left-arm pacer from Afghanistan was taken to the cleaners in the final over of the RCB innings as Karthik ended up scoring 22 runs in the final four deliveries. On the third ball of the over, Karthik slammed it straight to Rahul Tripathi at mid-wicket but the ball bounced out of his hands and dropped right on the advertisement covers to hand Karthik the first six of the over. That's what a finisher does. Job well done by Dinesh Karthik 💯#SRHvsRCB pic.twitter.com/3An4TMOjey — Vaishnavi Sawant (@VaishnaviS45) May 8, 2022 × The next ball was a fullish length delivery and Karthik rocked back into the crease to loft it into the stands for another boundary. The penultimate delivery was met with a very similar fate as Karthik looked in fine touch and once again, the ball was deposited straight into the mid-wicket boundary. With immense pressure on his shoulders, Farooqi bowled the final ball of the over straight but Karthik had an answer for that too as he slammed the ball over the bowler’s head for a four. RCB posted a total of 192/3 in 20 overs with Faf du Plessis top-scoring with 73.

IPL 2022: 22 runs in 4 balls! Dinesh Karthik plays a blinder for RCB against SRH - WATCH

Cheteshwar Pujara continued his imperious form with a fourth successive hundred for Sussex against a quality Middlesex attack that had Pakistan international Shaheen Shah Afridi in its ranks.

Pujara, who has already scored two double hundreds and a hundred, batted with an attacking intent, completing his three-figure mark in 133 balls with 13 boundaries and two sixes.

The first of his two sixes is the one he will remember as he slashed a short ball from Afridi over backward point for a six.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-supposed-to-be-the-captain-yuvraj-singh-claims-he-lost-india-captaincy-to-ms-dhoni-due-to-chappell-row-477350">Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident</a>

He also hit a boundary off Afridi and negotiated one of world's premier pacer with ease, completing 500 runs for the season in only four games.

At stumps on third day, Pujara was batting on 125 off 149 balls with 16 boundaries and two sixes and Sussex in their second innings have reached 236 for three in their second innings. Middlesex had scored 358 in their first essay in reply to Sussex' 392.

Pujara's hundred came off off-spinner Mark Stoneman, whom he drove for three runs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mothers-day-when-ms-dhoni-led-indian-team-paid-tribute-to-mothers-by-sporting-their-names-on-jerseys-477315" hreflang="en">Mother's Day: When MS Dhoni-led Indian team paid tribute to mothers by sporting their names on jerseys</a>

Pujara was very attacking throughout the innings and it only helped that the pitch at Sussex's county ground at Hove was a flat one and with bright sunshine, there wasn't much happening in the air or off the track.

Pujara added 138 for the third wicket with first innings centurion Tom Aslop (66 off 90 balls) and was severe on young medum pacer Blake Cullen.

Pujara's sequence of scores in county cricket stands as 6, 201no, 109, 12, 203, 16, 125 no with a total of 582* runs in four games.

Cheteshwar Pujara continued his imperious form with a fourth successive hundred for Sussex against a quality Middlesex attack that had Pakistan international Shaheen Shah Afridi in its ranks.

Cheteshwar Pujara continued his imperious form with a fourth successive hundred for Sussex against a quality Middlesex attack that had Pakistan international Shaheen Shah Afridi in its ranks. Pujara, who has already scored two double hundreds and a hundred, batted with an attacking intent, completing his three-figure mark in 133 balls with 13 boundaries and two sixes. The first of his two sixes is the one he will remember as he slashed a short ball from Afridi over backward point for a six. Also read | Yuvraj claims he lost India captaincy to Dhoni due to Chappell incident He also hit a boundary off Afridi and negotiated one of world's premier pacer with ease, completing 500 runs for the season in only four games. At stumps on third day, Pujara was batting on 125 off 149 balls with 16 boundaries and two sixes and Sussex in their second innings have reached 236 for three in their second innings. Middlesex had scored 358 in their first essay in reply to Sussex' 392. Pujara's hundred came off off-spinner Mark Stoneman, whom he drove for three runs. Also read | Mother's Day: When MS Dhoni-led Indian team paid tribute to mothers by sporting their names on jerseys Pujara was very attacking throughout the innings and it only helped that the pitch at Sussex's county ground at Hove was a flat one and with bright sunshine, there wasn't much happening in the air or off the track. Pujara added 138 for the third wicket with first innings centurion Tom Aslop (66 off 90 balls) and was severe on young medum pacer Blake Cullen. Pujara's sequence of scores in county cricket stands as 6, 201no, 109, 12, 203, 16, 125 no with a total of 582* runs in four games.

Cheteshwar Pujara scores fourth successive ton in county cricket, wins his battle against Shaheen Afridi

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sayan Ghosh

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